Happy Birthday, Matthew!!

On January 19, my baby turned 11! It's so hard to believe that it's already been eleven years! Matthew sure took his time entering this world (40 hours of labor), but then it seems that the time after that has just flown!




Matt's birthday this year was a little different than in years past. He decided that instead of having a party with friends that he just wanted to celebrate with family. He stated that he's "getting older" and doesn't always want a party with friends. (Yikes!) We also had a little wrench thrown into our plans when we found out that Bailey had to have some minor oral surgery on his birthday. Matt's a good sport, though, and he was happy to have his b-day dinner the night before. His birthday ended up being pretty great anyway.


Among the celebrations, was a family birthday party in Ogden for all the folks celebrating birthdays in January. There was a great food, super company, and lots of fun.



I kind of chuckle at this picture above. Sure, a few of the people in the photo are birthday people who should be blowing out candles. The others are just puckered up for good measure. I guess it's kind of like the phenomenon of moving your mouth while feeding a baby or smiling while you're watching someone else get their picture taken.








It's been a fun week celebrating Matthew. He's just a great kid! He is thoughtful, kind, fun, clever, intelligent, responsible, and strong. We are so proud of who he is. We love him dearly and are excited to share the adventures that are yet to come! Happy Birthday, Matthew. We love you!!

Happy Birthday, Becky!!

Today is my baby sister's birthday. Sidenote: She's gonna be so mad at me. I see it like this, though. I may have just posted a picture of my 'avoid the camera at all costs and don't draw attention to me' sister, but it could be worse. She could be standing on a chair with an enormous, be-dazzled sombrero on her head surrounded by a slightly embarrassed wait-staff singing mostly off-key. Then I'd really be in trouble. :)

When I was born, I brought the family total to five. That's five kids. My parents thought they were pretty much done. Well, I suppose I had other thoughts on the matter. I don't recall this very well, but I have it from some pretty good sources that I started to pray EVERY night for a baby sister. I was four when Becky came to bring us to a finally finished grand total of six.

I'm glad it worked. :) Becky rocks! I'm serious. Those of you who know her, know what I'm talking about. She's the kind of person you'd hate if she weren't so wonderful. What do I mean? She's good at EVERYTHING! She's talented, beautiful, brilliant, thoughtful... yep, kinda unfair being her sister.

More than once in my life I have found myself in a church class, a dumb team building ice breaker activity for work, filling out getting-to-know-you surveys, etc. and having to answer the looming question: what are your talents? Tricky. So I set my brain to thinking. "I'm an artist. I am amazing with paint, charcoal, pencils, anything." Oh wait, that's Becky. Try again. "I can make just about anything! I am crafty and immensely creative. You should see the incredible Halloween costumes I make." Oops, Scratch that. Becky again. "I am very musical and have a great voice." Ah shucks! Yep - Beck. "I am a wonderful mother and my four boys think the sun rises and sets on my shoulders." Uh, you guessed it. Not me. Becky. She not only got the georgeous, thick, auburn hair, but all the talent genes. Everything she does is beautiful. We go to a family party and there's little question as to who brought which gifts. Hmmm... let's see, perfectly wrapped, ribbons, pretty bows, homemade tags with baubles and extras. Becky. Wrapped, no tag or card, but a good effort with the name of the recipient scrawled in Sharpie right on the gift wrap. Me.

So, Happy Birthday to my talented, beautiful, brilliant, thoughtful, and kind sister. Maybe it seems unfair that the scales are so obviously tipped in her favor when it comes to all the good stuff like talent, but I'm gonna let you in on a little secret: I still win. :) I have an wonderful sister and best friend.