we forgot…

Forgetting is a natural side effect of aging.
At least, that is what I am blaming my recent and shameful forgetfulness.
I might add my husband to this statement, because we forgot to remind each other.

Under normal circumstances, this is not a big deal.
Usually, we can overcome these oversights.
But, when it effects a third party, recovery is not as simple.

Ever since their first birthday, each of our daughters received roses from their father.
One, for every age.
A single on on their first birthday. A dozen for #12, Sixteen for sweet 16.
Well, you get the picture.

This year would have been 26 for our eldest.
But is wasn’t. We forgot.
But this is not the only forgotten tradition.
All of the usual pomp and circumstance of birthday week (as we affectionately call it)
were also downgraded. No wrapped presents. No birthday cake.

In our defense, we did not forget to eat.
That is something we hardly every forget to do.
And, Kylee did get to choose.

So, as I try to sort through my guilt,
I have to remind myself that we did do something good.
We raised a daughter that is easy going.
We raised a daughter that has never been overly dramatic, self centered or demanding.
We raised a daughter that faithfully served a mission and returned with honor.
This birthday came and went with hardly a peep.

As I prepare now for the birthday (week) of my youngest.
I laughed a little when I though to myself…
The first born has to deal with our mistakes.
The second born has to deal with our over-corrections.

Again, I remind myself that we did do something good…
TWICE!

a list

1. walked 3 1/2 miles with the hubby
   (our Friday / Saturday morning tradition)
2. ate Blueberry Pancakes
   (homemade by Evan)
3. spray painted the back lawn
   (outlining the future fire pit that I am dreaming about)
4. stepped in dog poop
   (not a tradition, or a dream)
5. dug a trench for retaining wall
   (back fence line… meant to keep neighbors dogs from lurking under the fence)
6. got bitten by angry ants
   (after destroying their farm while digging a trench)
7. washed hands a million times
   (I don’t mind the dirt, just don’t like dirty hands)
8. took a well deserved shower
   (you’re welcome)
9. received an epiphany in the shower
   (we set the retaining wall blocks upside down)
10. called mom
    (dad answered the phone too)
11. talked to dad on the phone
    (asked a few questions, told him good bye, and listed to him try to hang up the phone)
    #alzheimers
12. forgot to wish mom happy birthday
    (it’s OK. taking her and dad to dinner later)
13. dug through the trash
    (to look for a missing receipt)
14. washed my hands a gain
    (you know why)
15. went to IKEA
    (bought another project to build)
16. went grocery shopping
    (because Saturday is a special day )
17. took mom and dad to dinner
    (Happy Birthday Mom! )
18. went to Wal-Mart with the family
    (movie night prep)
19. flipped a couple of retaining wall blocks
    (against my husband’s wishes. he said wait until Monday, but they are really bugging me!)
20. put the finishing touches on my primary lesson
    (parable of the Sheep & Goats )
21. thanked my Heavenly Father for another productive day
    (prayer)
22. when to bed
    (whew!)

22

It started with an order from the doctor to stay in bed.
I was to follow up a week later.
I obeyed, knowing that a week in bed would drive me crazy.

Hardly no time at all passed before the doctor called me at home.
He told me that he consulted with a colleague and they both agreed…
We should not wait any longer.
Delivery was scheduled for the next morning.

We had to deliver Taylor one week early to save her life.
I think, however, she just couldn’t wait any longer.
We have felt the power of her unconditional and powerful love for us ever since!

             

Happy Birthday to our sweet Taylor.
You complete our little family!!

I became a mother…

Today is the anniversary of the day I became a mother.
25 years ago today, to be exact.
I remember it as if it were yesterday.
I’m pretty sure it was.

She arrived…wide eyed and curious.
She has always been open and honest.
She is adventurous.
She is head strong but obedient.
She makes me proud.

She is a dancer.
She is a photographer.
She is a blogger.
She is a returned missionary.
She is one of my most precious treasures.
She is my daughter.

Happy Birthday Kylee!

 

Extraordinary

Looking for the extraordinary in today was easy.

23 years ago today, I became a mother for the first time.
My life has not been the same, and richly blessed ever since.

We celebrated in our usual style…
Traditional roses from dad,
and dinner out with the family.
This year we kept it simple and
enjoyed the evening with just the four of us.

We topped it off with dad running off to the BYU basketball game
and the girls running off for shopping spree.
Everyone wins.

Happy Birthday dear Kylee.
I love you more than words can express.

Gadgets are a girls best friend

I am not a big “bling” kinda gal.
Multipack earrings from Claire’s are right down my alley.
When asked, I can never think of a want.
It is easy to understand why my family names me as
the person most difficult to gift.

We all shout for joy when a new (affordable) gadget
catches my eye and peaks my interest.
This year, was such a year.

Thanks to Kylee’s great editing skills,
she put together the great video from a
recent outing to see the lights at the SLC Temple,
where we had the opportunity to put this
great gadget to the test.

HERE is a link to her great video.
(Thanks to Neale for letting us tag along!)

Lucky me.

Yesterday, Saint Patrick’s Day, was my brother’s birthday.
In fact, he is my only sibling.

We were “normal” siblings… we DID NOT get along.
We fought constantly.
Our parents even staged a fake fight between them
in an attempt to illustrate how awful our fighting was.
Their point was well taken…
for a minute.

Things changed after I moved out.
Relationships that were taken for granted, we missed.
Reassurances that someone had my back when it matter most were absent.
The realization of how important my brother was to me was immense.

He is now, one of a few most important men in my life.
He is one of my best friends.
He has blessed me with a sister and a handful of nieces and nephews
and I love all of them beyond measure.

I cherish being a witness to the love he has for uncle-hood.
My daughters also have a deep love for him.
He truly is a great blessing to all of us.

My dear brother…
I hope you had a fabulous birthday.
I am so lucky to have you.

Best part

The best part of my day yesterday…

1. Waking up early and making birthday breakfast with my husband
2. Sharing breakfast with Evan’s sister and a couple of her kids.
3. My nephew Jacob, LOVING my homemade Blackberry Buttermilk Syrup.
4. Getting to know Michaela Smolíková from the Czech Republic.
5. A thoughtful, homemade gift from my oldest daughter.
6. A phone call and birthday wishes from my youngest daughter.
7. Being able to tell my youngest… you will be home in TWO WEEKS!
8. Grocery shopping with the hubby.
9. A birthday text from Tamra.
10. A text message from new friends… an invitation to join them in their traditional candy dipping.
11. A plateful of homemade chocolate dipped yumminess.
12. Still being the #1 pick of my daughter, to escort her on her errand.
13. A birthday text from Amy.
14. Birthday dinner at The Spaghetti Factory… never a disappointment.
15. Secretly video taping the “play by play” of the BYU game.
    
    
    
    
16. Laughing with my husband as I share the “secret video”.
17. Staying up late, discussing “life” with my husband.
18. Spending my day with people I love, and knowing they love me.

Spotlight

Turning another year older, for me, is kind of like Christmas time for an adult.
More in the sense of…
Is it that time again, already?
Where did that year go?

I really don’t track my birthday’s.
While the birthday’s of my husband and children are so very important to me,
I could care less about mine It is just another day.
I think this attitude stems from my allergy to being the center of attention.
I am much happier blending into the background.

What I need to remember is this:
While my birthday is not a “big deal” to me,
it may be important to those around me.
I need to be better at letting them shine the spotlight on me…
but only for a day!

Today

This morning, Evan got up as he usually does on Sunday,
and went to his early morning meetings.

It was a slower day than usual, so he had time to come home for breakfast before Church.
He fixed pancakes, one of his favorites.

I spent the morning baking an Apple Pie.
Another favorite.

After church, He grilled up some steaks and asparagus.
Favorites, again.

Must have been someone’s birthday!!
Happy Birthday sweetie!
I couldn’t have pulled it off without you.