Zander Becomes a Deacon

 This month always drags on forever. Our whole house has been sick since the middle of December and we have run the gamut of illnesses, but we still enjoyed our Christmas break and I think everyone is finally over being sick...I seem to be the only one who is still struggling to get rid of whatever virus I have. 

Anyway, the highlight of this month is that Zander got ordained a deacon! Stephen was able to give Zander the priesthood on Sunday January 5, 2025. Unfortunately no one was able to attend except the two of them. I was so sick that day I couldn't get out of bed and I had other kids throwing up as well. But I am very proud of Zander and excited that he has reached this milestone in his life. He was so excited to pass the sacrament the following Sunday and very nervous, but he did a great job and just loves being a deacon. He feels old and important (as he should) and he has become more confident in who he is. 

Zander had an extra meeting with the bishopric and we had no idea what else he needed to do for the new year, but I went with him to his meeting. Turns out he was asked to be the 2nd councilor for the deacons quorum. They don't normally ask brand new deacons to be in the presidency, but they all felt very strongly that Zander should be, and he gladly accepted. 

Zander also got to attend the temple for his first time doing baptisms at the Ogden temple. He was very nervous about that too, but we talked him through it and he had a great time. They went out for ice cream afterwards and made it back home after 10:00 that night. I have heard from all the leaders that they all love Zander and think he is such a great kid. They aren't wrong. We love him and think he's pretty great too.

This was after doing baptisms with his best friend Keaton. Funny thing is Zander left his red duffle bag at the ice cream shop with nothing in it but his whitey tighties, lol. I can just imagine the shop owner getting a chuckle out of finding a bag with a pair of underwear in it.