Monday, February 8, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMBER!!!

When I think of Amber so many things run through my head, as those things filter in and out...I find that I am smiling. She is my ray of sunshine--she brings me great joy! I am so blessed to have this princess grace me as her mother.
In accordance with tradition, here are the SIX reasons we love you, AMBER BAMBER, so very much:
~Your smile brightens any room!
~You are always thinking of ways to make others happy! (...she comes home from school and reports on a daily basis how she has tried to make another feel special. She is very good at recognizing when someone needs a friend, and being that friend.)
~You are always trying to do what is right!
~You have an uncanny ability of making others laugh! (Where did that wit come from?)
~Just having you around brings great joy to our hearts!
(Amber and I have a tradition. I am not sure that either of us really realized we were creating a tradition, but somehow amidst the chaos of school, we created a tradition between the two of us. It's a tradition that doesn't happen every day. It is something that is not planned. It is actually a spontaneous tradition; however, it remains a tradition simply by how often it seems to occur, and when it does occur it makes my heart sing! So..., you may ask what this tradition could possibly be? Well, one day as Amber was running towards me, I spread my arms wide, and unknowingly signaled to Amber my deepest desire for a big hug, which she then telepathically knew that my open armed stance meant she should run and jump into my arms (which, she of course did), and then I spun her around and around with her cute little arms wrapped tightly around my neck, and her cute little legs squeezing me in the middle. Ever since that day of way back when...we have continued to do it! We both know each other's signals, and I am sure that we both look forward to our shared moments of delights! Moments that are signaled because of happiness, sadness, or simply by the need of a hug. For whatever reason that spurs on this tradition, I hope it keeps coming, because I know I will miss my little-armed-bear hug if or when it stops! And while it continues...my heart sings at the mother and daughter love we share!)
~You notice when you can make a difference, and you do it! When Jacob needs a friend, you step in. When Hailey needs a hug, you give her that! ...and because you do, you and Hailey share a special relationship! (I may profess that I do not want the two of you talking, and those professions are somewhat true, but I do have to say that it makes my heart happy to see the two of you talking, listening, and laughing together at night...it's the amount of time that you do it, that gets you into trouble:)

Our celebration for Amber's birthday started on Saturday, because her birthday was on a Sunday, and we had some items of "fun" on our list that involved miniature bowling and dinner!
Here we are bowling as a family:


...and dancing
...enjoying air hockey



...eating dinner at Applebee's

On Sunday, the celebration continued...

~Pictures Through the Years~

~Dressed in her New Ballet Clothes Ready to Blow~

~Six Candles on a Unfrosted Cake~
(Amber hates frosting!)

~Enjoying a game of Heart Hunt~


HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYAN!!!!
Bryan, I want you to know how much I love you, and appreciate you! You are truly my world! Everyday I am grateful that you are a part of my life. Sometimes I feel my happiness is too good to be true, but honestly you encompass that--thank you!!! I love you, sweetheart! Happy Birthday! And in accordance with tradition, here are 33 favorite memories/reasons I am totally head over heals for you:
1. Reason #1-Your Faith in Heavenly Father...your faith strengthens mine! You are a rock!
2. Memory #1-Library Dating...I am not sure how much studying was done in the library. :)
3. Reason#2-Your presence calms me...your touch when I am anxious, sad, frustrated...changes any mood to one of peace and tranquility. You are my calm in any storm.
4. Memory #2-I have to say that one of my favorite memories with you was the time you almost made me pee my pants. Not because I enjoyed the experience, but because it was the beginning of many good laughs with you by my side.
5. Reason #3-You are so patient! I love that you are patient! You are patient with everything and everyone. You are such an example to me of what I need to be.
6. Memory #3-I will never forget the many flirtatious grass fights in front of my apartment building before we were married. Who knew that grass could be romantic?
7. Reason #4-Your undying loyalty to Heavenly Father and family.
8. Memory #4-I will never cease to be grateful to your persistence while we were dating. You are my one and only. I am just grateful you allowed me the time to figure it out. I love you!!
9. Reason #5-Your smile, and your crystal clear blue eyes....whoooo! :) Let's admit it, I think you are hot, and you are all mine!!! I am so lucky!!!
10. Memory #5-Our first slow dance at Ricks College... :)
11. Reason #6-Your love! You love me! I know it! You treat me like a queen! I am so blessed to have you as my husband! Words cannot express my love and devotion.
12. Memory #6-Roller blading, skiing, playing....with you.
13. Reason #7-You are my best friend.
14. Memory #7-Getting Engaged!!!...even though I invited all of my long lost friends to what you were trying to make a "romantic getaway" :)...
15. Reason #8-I can talk to you about everything and anything.
16. Memory #8-Our Wedding Day. It was perfect. The temple. The family. The pictures. My heart was full, and it has remained that way for 11 years!
17. Reason #9-I am more in love with you now, than the day I married you.
18. Memory #9-Summer of the Prophets...almost stalking President Hinckley, meeting Elder Holland, and President Monson, eating outside President Hinckley's office window...we were so funny!!!
19. Reason #10-You are patient, and loving to me and the children.
20. Memory #10-Zion's National Park...camping, hiking, spending time together...
21. Reason #11-You are a kind, loving daddy. You are always trying to improve your relationship with our children. You truly care about them, and how they are doing. You inspire me to be a better mom.
22. Memory #11-Hailey's birth!
23. Reason #12-You were and are my best decision!
24. Memory #12-Texas...really poor and really happy.
25. Reason #13-You have always been worthy to hold the priesthood, and you have always used it in our home. Thank you for giving me blessings whenever I request them (which we both know it is often)!
26. Memory #13-Seattle & Amber's Birth!
27. Reason #14-I love listening to you pray. Your faith is unshakable.
28. Memory #14-Boise & Jacob's Birth!
29. Reason #15-You sacrifice so much for our family. You work so hard to provide for us, so that I can stay at home with the kiddos. Busy seasons are hard for me, because I see how tired you are, and I miss you....and yet, you do everything in your power to come home to me whenever possible. I love that work is a means to provide, but not your whole life.
30. Memory #15-Celebrating our 10th Anniversary in Sun Valley. I had the time of my life ice skating, riding bikes, and shopping in the quaint little shops. Sometimes it is hard to find some one on one time with so many cute little munchkins running around...Sun Valley was an amazing getaway with my best friend!
31. Reason #16-Your testimony. From the very first moment I saw you bearing your testimony of the Gospel, I have been smitten. You have such strength in your love of the Lord, and it makes me love you all the more. I feel peace and tranquility in knowing that you seek after the Lord and the Gospel principles. I feel a strength in knowing that you can offer us a priesthood blessing at any moment. I know I am blessed because you are a worthy priesthood holder. So much of my happiness hinges on this reality. I love you for being true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
32. Memory #16-You sending me to France, taking a week off of work to watch the kids, and waiting up late to skype me while I was gallivanting in Europe! What an experience! I will never cease to be grateful to you for your thoughtfulness on my behalf. Here is another example of you thinking of other's first. My mind cannot comprehend the joy I feel at your sacrifice for me. I am utterly amazed at your thoughtfulness and generosity. You treat me like a queen, and because you do, I feel like one. Thank you! I love you!
33. Reason #17-I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL!!!
Primary Valentine's Dance
The night of the Primary Valentine's Dance arrived, and our sweet children dressed and primped for the occasion. Hailey and Amber glittered their faces, and donned their princess crowns. All three children were thrilled at the prospects of a "Ball", and they were not disappointed! We had so much fun dancing the night away--there wasn't a dull moment. From swinging with daddy, to dancing the Hokey Pokey with mom, a magical memory was created!



~Jake Demonstrating Dancing Skills~



Featherville ~ January 2010
We were able to go to the cabin with some of our good friends, the Horton's. We spent hours riding around the house behind the snowmobile, and racing down the hill. We also had a couple of good snowball fights. We had a fabulous time, and built many fun memories! Two memorable moments were when the Horton's car got stuck (we named it the gutless wonder...we had a good laugh), and when Rutheanne conquered her fears, and slid down the hill! What a fun weekend!!
~The gutless wonder~
~Jake and Daddy~
~Amber and Ella~
~Amber giving a big thumbs up!~
~Ella and Rutheanne~
~Jake had too much excitement for one day!~


~Love this Girl~