For Olivia

Happy belated birthday our sweet Olivia! We didn't forget your special day just had some sickness going around. Then Thanksgiving came and we got way busy. Anyway, I thought it would fun to go down memory lane. I took this picture of you when I came to see you for the first time. You were only a few weeks old. You slept in a stroller .You liked this big bear that made comforting sounds.Like the kind you heard when you were in mommy's tummy. I believe Tia Ines gave it to you. I slept nearby keeping watch over you. I loved every minute. Can you believe you were ever this tiny?
As you can see we got along quite well. At least you put up with your crazy Tia who couldn't get enough of you. I loved watching you with your daddy who could always get a smile out of you. Even when you cried you were adorable. I think you didn't like that crazy hat that's why you were crying. Mom really liked it and we had to get a picture.

We loved you coming to visit us. We got you and your Mom all to ourselves and you can see there was no shortage of love to go around. You enjoyed all the attention and Uncle Al took good care of you. You slept in our room so your Mom could get some sleep. You got up during the night a lot. We were happy to get up and take care of you.

Your cousins had to get in the act too. They loved playing with you and entertaining you. Can you see how happy you made us. We feel so blessed to be part of your life. We feel blessed to have this fun memories to look back on.

Ammon loved feeding you and we loved giving you a bath in our kitchen sink. We hope you enjoy looking at these pictures and know how much you are loved.

We hope you had a fabulous day on your birthday. We wish so much we could of been there with you. It's fun to see what a wonderful young lady you're turning out to be. All the fun things you are doing like learning to play the piano, reading your Nancy Drew books, developing your faith. Being a good big sister and a good helper to your Mom.

We loved you as a baby but we love the person you are today. Happy Birthday we love you!

Hugs and kisses and more hugs and kisses, hugs,kisses,kisses and more hugs!!!

Welcome To Whevever I Am!

Today is my Birthday! I'm completely okay with getting older. I don't mind getting wrinkles or age spots. I do mind my hair going gray, gaining weight, losing my teeth and getting facial hair. Thank goodness for my hairdresser Tina she will never let me go gray. She can take care of facial hair, too! I'm working on the weight thing and I'm not going to lie. It has been hard!! As far as my teeth go, so far so good. Overall, I think I look pretty dang good for my age!! And I certainly don't feel my age at all.

At 40 something I'm just a hop, skip and a jump to 50. I'm okay with that, too. I would never want to be 13,16,19,22 (those are my children's ages) ever again! Not because those were bad ages but because I know better now. At 21, my eyes were wide open. I figured out who my real friends were, that I wasn't as grown up as I thought I was, and that life was no life without the gospel. Those were painful lessons and I wouldn't want to learn them again. I do appreciate the experience but once was enough for me. Yes, I'm happy where I am, still learning but with more confidence.
At this point in my life I appreciate my trials. They don't seem like such a burden and weight on my shoulders. I know I can pray to Heavenly Father and he lifts me every time. I have hope and know there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I trust that Heavenly Father's plan is better than mine. I appreciate the blessings in my life. I'm satisfied with what I have. I've learned that my joy has more to do with the people in my life than with material things. Spending time with the ones I love has more significance and is far more valuable! It is priceless!

Making memories with the little ones in my life keeps me smiling, especially on those days I don't feel like smiling. I just think of them and I remember how simple things are. I remember the beauty in life. I love the honesty of their hearts and the way they love without holding back. It's a lesson for all of us. To be honest, being a child again wouldn't be a bad thing. I do miss that carefree life. I should have enjoyed it a lot more. So they really are the ones who keep me young.

They are the highlight of my life along with the rest of my family. They are where my heart is.

I don't mind getting older. And even if I did there's not much I can do about it except enjoy every minute. I'm just grateful I'm still around to enjoy it. Today I'm doing whatever I feel like doing. Maybe that will be nothing at all! Today I'm happy with who I am and what I have. My life is better than what I imagined it to be. I love Heavenly Father, I love the gospel, my family and I appreciate my friends. As I celebrate another year older I celebrate all of you . Thanks for being such a big part of my life!