Eight

8 years ago...

a beautiful baby boy was placed in my arms...

and I cried, because he was my son, and I was a mother.

Then before the umbilical cord was cut,
he peed all over me
and the cranky nurse said over and over "somebody do something!"

It was one of the best moments of my life.

Darin and I were in the celestial room at the Los Angeles temple when I suggested we name our first son after a city from his mission in New Jersey. Darin immediately said "Trent!", and from then on, we knew he would be Trent James Salmon.

A much younger Trent, over 5 years ago!

Trent and I right before his party.

Trent is a smart, thoughtful boy. He wakes up with things to talk about, and will follow me around the house all day, talking. He is known for having an endless list of things to tell me at the end of the night, and often as I am closing the door he will say "Oh Mom, one more thing!" Trent has always been a busy boy but he is a good listener and very responsible. I can always count on him. I know Trent was chosen in the pre-existence to be the big brother and the oldest in our family. He is so wonderful! I thank Heavenly Father every day for sending me such a loving, obedient and helpful son.

Trent has a love for the scriptures and for God and loves to share his testimony at church. I am so pleased with the example he is to his brother and sisters. We are all anticipating his baptism next month! It will be a very special time for him and for our family.

Trent celebrated turning 8 at a big birthday party for both he and his cousin Capri, at his Grandma Heaps house yesterday. These are a few memories that I caught on camera:

Birthday cousins

The dog and burger cupcakes were a big hit with the kids.
As we were making them Trent gave me a hug and said "thanks Mom, this is so much fun!" We really had a great time building hot dogs and hamburgers out of cookies, candy and frosting.

Trent, Capri and Tyler playing on the playhouse.

Family and friends in the spa

Trent thought it was so cool that Jason and his band came and played for the party.

To top it off, today, Jordan came over after church and had dinner with us, just to make Trent's birthday extra special.

The past eight years have gone so quickly, like really, really quickly. In just eight more he will be a junior in high school! I wish I could pause time and keep him my little boy forever. Sigh.