Tonight Lucas and I went to the 8 is Great program at church. In case you haven't heard of it, it's a special night to simultaneously commemorate and educate all the kids who will be turning 8 and thus getting baptized in the coming year.I really wish they didn't have to hold these events at 7:30 p.m., because my baby has to be in bed at that time. And I mean HAS to, especially on a Sunday night, when the church schedule has completely whacked out her nap schedule (1/2 hour today). But I digress...
Marc stayed home with Eva and Max decided to take advantage of an opportunity to lounge at home. (It actually ended up being good that Marc stayed home because he had a bad headache and went to bed before 8:00!)
It was a very simple program, we sang some baptism songs, the Primary president talked about the Faith in God award, the bishop talked about 8 things they could do now to prepare for baptism, one of the Cub Scout leaders got them all pumped to start in on scouting. They served glazed donuts twisted to look like the number 8 for refreshments. (What would an LDS function be without refreshments?) By the way, I was proud of myself for passing on the donuts.
What I'm trying to say is that it was a short program, nothing fancy, but it hurt my heart a little to see the almost 8-year-olds all dressed up, at church on a Sunday night, listening attentively about what they have to look forward to this year. They were all taking it very seriously, as they should, and it was just a slightly painful sight.
My little Lucas was wearing a navy sportscoat and his hair was behaving rather nicely, no tufts sticking up as they are wont to do. (Please tell me I'm not the only mom who loves her kids a little bit more when they're looking particularly cute... I don't need the guilt.)
So happy that my second child will be turning 8 this year -- what a milestone!
12 comments:
My second child will be turning 8 this year, too. It doesn't seem like that long ago that I was at 8 is Great night with my oldest, but it has been almost 3 years.
Brynn got to go to this last night as well. I had to stay home with a sick child. She is so excited. We have a long way to wait with her not being baptized until September, but what a cool thing. I am so excited
Wow, I can't believe Lucas is turning 8 this year! I shouldn't be surprised, but for some reason he always seems so little to me. At least you've got until August to have him stay little.
That is a great program I haven't ever heard of it before. I do love my little kids even more when they look especially cute, you're not the only one :)
That's nice that you could share that special time with just Lucas.
I don't need the guilt that you've already had your 8 is great and mine hasn't made it on the calendar yet! thanks! glad it was a nice and simple night! Soren turns 8 this year too- where does the time go?
I went to one of those a few years back. I think it is a great idea and gets them excited for baptism. We will have another one baptized one year from this month. That's really hard for me to believe.
p.s. I totally agree with the late night thing.
My oldest is turning 8 this year too! I'm not sure if our ward does this 8 is great program. It sounds like a good idea. I actually teach CTR 8 now, and am really excited for the opportunity to be their teacher!
I haven't heard of this either but it is a great idea. Something for them to look forward to. Kat is just over 6 and I know it is going by fast, to me that is scary!
Oh my heart would have hurt for sure. I get teary eyed in a second when I see things like that.
I am in charge of 8 is great for our stake. We only have 41 kids getting baptized this year so we do it on a stake level instead of ward. We do it at 9:00 am right before stake conference. Ours is next week and I love the idea of the 8 shaped donuts.
Man, this completely chokes me up. The thought of the little guy in a suit with cute hair... oh my. I watched my son head proudly to sunbeams yesterday, and I was happy/sad for him. Not more snacks or toys, buddy. The chair you so proudly sit in may seem a touch confining in a few weeks. So much more expected of them each year, though in some ways we need others to push them more than we ever would. The thought of the almost-8's raptly attentive to those presenting the highlights of their upcoming year - oh, how could you stand it.
OK, how sappy am I. You have the right attitude - what a milestone, indeed. And really, it gets BETTER every year, though it is hard for the mommies to wave goodbye, too. I'll settle for bittersweet, heavy on the sweet.
I feel panicked about my second/last child turning 8! Our 8 is great program is Sunday night (coming up) and Jessica is in a little group singing at it.
I remember thinking how serious and attentive her group was a couple of years ago, it will be interesting to see how James handles it.
My 2nd child turned 8, 6 months ago.
I have 2. A girl, a boy. It was a very special time(of course!)
We did lots of FHE on baptism leading up to the day. I love the church program idea. That would be very memorable. -ciao
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