Amber's State Gymnastics Meet

Something Beautiful Ending
Walking away from gymnastics is one of the hardest things I have ever asked one of my kiddos to do. Amber is so talented. She is gifted. She could go so far. There are so many reasons to stay with this beautiful sport, and only one big reason to quit—family time. As a 12 year-old girl, Amber spends as much time in the gym as she would for a part-time job. As the months slowly pass, I can’t help but feel as if she is being raised by her coaches. In ten years from now, I don’t want to feel as if I don’t know my little girl. I don’t want to give so much to a sport. I want to be a part of her life, and I want her to be a part of mine. Is it selfish? No—quite the opposite. Because the thought of her walking away is breaking my heart—I am only doing this, because I believe that “spiritually” speaking—Amber needs her family. And that is the most important thing in the world.

More important than medals and triumphs. More important than a love for a sport. And more important than her future with that sport…. Oh, but it is so hard. So very hard.

At the state meet, Amber rocked it. In the end, she placed third overall. The only reason she didn’t walk away with first place is because of bad judging on the floor routines. It was recognized by the board, that the judging was in fact—dishonest, but there was nothing they could do to change the scores. They simply promised that that judge wouldn’t be judging again… Too bad it was the state meet, and too bad it was Amber’s last shot. She will always be first in my book.

Happy Birthday, Amber!

Happy Birthday, Amber!

Amber's is twelve. My little girl is now a young woman. In honor of Amber turning 12, and entering young women's, I planned a last minute surprise party all decked out with young women colors. We even watched the new hit movie "Once I was a Beehive"! I still can't believe that my little girl is no longer little.

Waiting to Surprise Amber

{PIZZA PARTY}
from left to right: Kellyanne (gymnastics friend), ?Brooklyn?, Amber, Ava, ? (gymnastics friend), Lorissa, Lilly

Young Women Colored Cake Waffles
I made a white cake and sectioned out portions and added food coloring to those portions. We then made the cake into a waffle--it was super fun and awesome!

Happy Birthday, Amber
Jake, Lilly, and Amber in this pic.

On her birthday…

Good Morning, Beautiful Birthday Girl

Jake couldn't contain his excitement over his gift for Amber! He wanted her to cover her eyes while he brought out the gift. It was too cute watching the two of them give and receive.

Hailey created a picture for Amber that is full of pictures of Amber and our family. The picture states, "I love you to the moon and back." A lot of thought and effort went into this gift, and Hailey could hardly contain herself when Amber was opening her present. I love it when my kids give a gift from the heart--it's becomes more fun to give than to receive.

A gymnastics mat has been on Amber's wish list FOREVER.

Twelve means Amber can wear make-up...

Young Women Leader's gave her an entire half-gallon of ice cream, and she wanted it all to herself! {It's her birthday--she can do that.}

Root-beer and Cake Make us Happy

Because Amber's birthday was on Sunday, she seemed to have an extended celebration for several days. On Friday she had a surprise party; on Sunday she had a family party; and then on Tuesday she attended the temple.

We are so grateful for Amber in our lives! She is a joy in our home. She is often the source of peace and harmony whenever contention may arise. Her happy light-hearted personality brings laughter every single day. Her love for life is infectious to all those she surrounds. 

After Uncle Brandon died, Amber went through a few months of pure struggle; however, she persevered and has become an even brighter light of the gospel. She has overcome a lot of fear and strengthened her faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the example she is to me and to everyone she comes in contact with.

Teddy Bear Classic

Teddy Bear Classic

I love the expression Amber shows while she is performing. Her face is always in total concentration, but even more than that--she seems to glow with her excitement for the sport.

I love this expression!!! Total concentration!

1st Place in Vault

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, AMBER!

We celebrated Amber's birthday at the cabin. We don't really love sleepovers, but we allowed an exception to go to the cabin. (Amber invited Ava Merritt and Brooklyn Lowry.) When we first arrived, the power was out at the cabin. It was late, so there wasn't anything we could do about it. Bryan and I considered going back home as the cabin was freezing cold. However, we also wanted to stay, so that we could make sure the food in the freezers and the refrigerators was disposed of properly. It was decided that we would stay, so that we could take care of the cabin. To keep the kids warm, we piled blankets on them and had them snuggle together. At first we had them on the couch, but the blankets kept falling off, so we carried mattresses to the living room, and arranged a bed by the fire (thankfully, we were able to get the fireplace working despite the power being out...it wasn't pumping heat like it would have been had there been power, but there was warmth, which was needed). The power being out was an adventure that all of the kids seemed to enjoy. To them--it was fun. I remember feeling the same way as a kid. I am sure Amber will never forget her 11th birthday. Memories were definitely made as we cuddled together to stay warm. 

COVER YOUR ASSETS

We played "Cover Your Assets" for hours and hours. It's a new favorite game at our house, and it is quite addicting once you've started.

PRESENTS

Ava Merritt and Amber

Brooklyn Lowry and Amber

Valentine's Scavengar Hunt

Playing in the Snow

Happy Birthday, Amber!

Sometimes I wish I could freeze time. I wish there was a pause and replay button on life. I would pause on all the moments I absolutely love, and then I would go back and replay them over and over again. I know it isn't wise to live in the past, and truly--it's not that I want to live in the past... I just want to enjoy every second of every day. Life goes by so quickly, and sometimes it is easy to forget to cherish the moments. Amber is becoming a young lady. How did this happen? Where is the little girl that use to run into my arms with enormous bear hugs? Where has the time gone? It's in moments like these that I wish I had that pause and replay button. And if I really think about it, I can make myself sad with the little bit of time I have left with this little girl of mine, but rather than be sad for all the time gone, I am choosing to embrace the moments left. Each and every moment will be ours. And even when she grows up, and moves away--I can and will love her from afar. When she came into my life, I couldn't have ever imagined how much love I would have for her. My heart is full to bursting.

I love that Amber loves her friends and watches out for them through times of need.
I love that Amber has a strong testimony and chooses to bear it monthly.
I love that Amber desires to do the right thing, and has courage to follow her desires.
I love that Amber reads from The Friend and her scriptures daily.
I love that Amber is thoughtful and kind to those around her.
I love that Amber is teachable. She is able to take correction, and learn from her mistakes.
I love that Amber is determined to succeed.
I love that Amber's smile lights up a room.
I love that Amber has an adventurous spirit. She loves trying new things.
I love that Amber understand the meaning of "working hard".
I love that Amber shines with the spirit of God. She is like a light on a hill.

This is my favorite picture of all time! I absolutely love it!