When Charley was born the nurse said, "Look at all that dark hair" but after she cleaned her up and brought her to me, the nurse said, "She's not dark haired, she's a blonde!" and handed her to me.

I cradled her in my arms, thinking about how good it felt to be resting with her and reviewing the past few hours of our journey together and how quickly she came into the world. I studied her face, taking note of the little bruise on her nose, and how she had the same stork bite I did. Her big eyes were dark and alert and then I noticed the coloring of her face. I thought that it looked more like my skin tone and then thought, "Wait a minute" and pulled back her cap. I knew it. Smiling, I whispered to her, "You're a red head."

Happy 20th!

This is my boy

And he's 5 years old today. Right when he woke up I gave him a big hug and wished him a happy birthday. He said, "I'm all grown up now!"
And at church he skipped down the hall holding my hand saying to everyone, "I'm five today!" Oh how I love this boy.

Birthday thoughts

I enjoyed another birthday on Tuesday. While I don't really talk about them or ever plan on something for my birthday, this one was especially sweet.

A friend treated me to lunch which did my soul a world of good. I don't know why I don't do that more. And I read sweet birthday wishes from friends near and far.

Belén and Charley had treats and flowers ready for me when I returned home.

(The treats were gone by the time I took a picture.)

Reese made me a ceramic turtle at school and said that he protected him all the way home on the bus. As I stepped out of the car, the turtle fell to the ground. Luckily it was only his leg that broke and in a way that can easily be repaired.

Blair made a big silhouette of herself and Trae showered me with "I love you's" and "Happy birthday" all day long and would find random things around the house to give me. I love handmade things, especially from my children.

For dinner we went to a local family restaurant and as everyone was talking, laughing, and just being goofy, I sat back and scanned their faces. Any doubts I had about all I wanted to accomplish by the time I had kids or by a certain age and feeling that I may have let some years slip by, washed away in that instant.

My most important work was in that room.

I may never get to all that I wanted but that's ok. I have plenty of time to do a few and that is good enough.

A winter girl

Dear Charley,

While your hair and your name tend to set you apart, it's really your concern for those that need extra care, respect for others and love for your family that will always get you noticed. You are a quality person. You could be taught in the finest academic institutions and go on to have the most prestigious career but without you being a quality person, it would be useless.

I hope you continue to recognize, use and enhance your God-given strengths. Charity is not something so easily given and for most, it's a learned behaviour. But for you it was given when God kissed your head and sent you on your way. You are a lucky one.

I love it when a person from your school will ask me somewhere, like at the grocery store, "Are you Charley's mom??" and when I say yes, they say, "Oh, I looove Charley!"
I tell them we feel the same way. So do your brothers and sisters. They love you forever.

Forever - I never tire of thinking in those terms. I hope you don't either.

Happy birthday, Charley.

Love you, Momma.

With Belén and me, 1 hour old, Texas

5 months old, Utah

14 years-old, Pennsylvania

Thoughts on a 6th birthday

Yesterday, the 26th, Blair turned 6 years old. She woke up to the present she had been hoping for and took in treats to her class.

Besides it being her birthday, it was also our Trunk-or-Treat at church. Our Bishop was talking with her and asked how her day had been. She replied, "Fun!" and he asked her if she got a lot of presents. She said "No, just one." and proceeded to explain what it was.

Then he asked if she had gotten a special dinner. Again she shook her head no as I smiled and said, "This is it" since we were at church during dinner hour.

"Did you have a cake?" he asked. Smiling, she said she was going to have cake when we got home so her dad could be there.

It was sounding pretty pathetic by this time but I watched as Blair was happily answering questions and enjoying the attention. On the way home that night, Blair thanked me for her present. Feeling like I let her down, I reminded her that we'd have the bowling birthday party soon so she could look forward to that. She said that didn't matter because today was "the best birthday ever!"

At that moment a wave of happiness washed out the sadness I had for her and the frustration of a family life so filled with adult responsibilities that takes away from them. It reaffirmed what I have always known about my kids, they are genuinely happy with grateful hearts. And despite what I feel to be my personal failings in other areas, I know my children don't equate how much they have with how happy they feel.

So it was the best birthday ever.

Waiting to go into the delivery room. Hilton Head hospital.

We called Blair our little "glow worm" when she was jaundiced and had to lay on the bili light.

Winter fun

Pointing out summer

My girl

Ice covered lines and a birthday

Sorry, no posting yesterday.

The big ice-covered branch on our oak tree was weighing heavily on the already ice-covered power and cable lines which equals no internet. And today is Reese's 9th birthday so I was busy baking a requested cookie pizza, 3 of them, for a classroom of 3rd graders.

More on that later and a letter to the birthday boy!

See ya,

Laura

Winter birth

Dear Charley,

You were ready for the world and we had a 40 minute drive. There was no stopping you so I just had to hold on for the ride. That was to be the way of life with you these 14 years, us holding on while you were ready for anything, willing to try and confident that life would be fun.

Looking down at your big brown eyes that chilly morning in Texas, I knew I was staring at the sweetest girl there could ever be. You were so trusting and quiet, so happy and content. You were such an easy baby who grew into a happy toddler, a respectful child and now a blithely teen. I can only imagine what an outstanding adult you will someday be.

Even at age 5, you were not afraid to be heard and ask questions; where an item was in a store, how much it was, or suggesting to your elementary school principal if you could "try things a different way"...and I'd watch and let you, knowing that you would learn to speak up for yourself. I knew that once they heard you, they'd see what I already knew, a girl whose heart is in the right place, who stands with those that need extra care and isn't afraid. One who is friends with every crowd and is able to see parts of their heart that may be hidden from others.

Everywhere we go it is your hair color and uncommon name by which you are recognized. But after a while those things aren't as important because it is your charitable soul which leaves the indelible mark.

Happy Birthday my sweet.

Love,

Momma

Fun to be 5

For Blair's birthday we had our usual family dinner, which consisted of the birthday girl's favorite food, and opened some presents. As requested, the Disney princesses was the theme. When I asked her to get ready for the day, she came out of the room all dolled up in her dress-up clothes complete with lip gloss and clip-on earrings.

Earlier that day I had to take Belen to the Orthodontist which is an hour away. The kids look forward to the trip because that means a stop at Chik-Fil-A on the way back. I enjoy that part too. I also made a pit stop at Pier One where the salesclerk commented that she had on her Halloween costume already. Blair shyly replied, "No, it's just my birthday. I'm a princess."

It's fun to be 5.

5T - a birthday

Dear Blair,

You're another year older and have hit the big milestone - 5 years!

Time has flown. You're pudgy baby face features have changed and I can tell you are nearing the end of the toddler years. It's bittersweet for me.

I love it when I pretend to cry about you getting all grown up and you take my face in your hands and tell me, "It's ok momma, I'm still your baby but I need to get big." You do need to get big. Get big and do all of the fun things you are meant to do.

But for now I want you to play and sing like a little girl. I want you to continue to be my buddy and accompany me all over. I want you to ask me to paint your nails and do your hair and then you do mine...and Trae's. I want you to continue to be a chatterbox and tell jokes that don't make sense. I want you to continue to be you your whole life.

You have been such a pleasure to raise thus far. One of my favorite things about you is that you are a thankful child. Whether it's a small gift, a trip to the grocery store or a ride down the slide at the park, you act like it's Christmas and thank everyone for making your day.

That will get you far in life.

You are my favorite 5 year-old.

I love you,
Momma

Another year

When I first met Jon, we were just a couple of high school kids.

To me he was just a nice boy.

I never thought then that he'd be the father to my 5 children, or the guy who gave up his dream job because he couldn't think of being away from us 3 weeks out of the month.

I was only thinking of getting my homecoming dress and coordinating it with his outfit.

I never thought then that he'd be the one to, without complaint, run to the store anytime the kids (or I) got a craving for a treat. Or every night, gather the kids around him on the bed and read stories until he fell asleep.

I was only thinking of seeing him in the halls between classes and watching him play football at the stadium.

I never thought then that he'd be the one I lay next to every night and talk with face to face about our day, plans for tomorrow or reminisce of our teenage years together.

I am thankful that we get to spend his Happy Birthdays with him, forever.

Happy Birthday to my love.

Informal celebration

We're a little informal with birthdays around here.
On the actual birthday, we just celebrate as a family and have cake & ice cream and let the kids choose the restaurant where they would like to dine.
For Trae man, we just stayed home and had an ice cream cake.

Now that the weather is nice, it's time to get the party started outside. For years my friends thought my kids' birthdays were in Spring and Summer. That's when I would hold their parties outdoors at my house. Remember, Janet?

Three are actually winter babies and all within 1 week of each other. And we haven't had their parties yet. We don't even do big parties every year. I know, I'm a slacker in this area.
So, I figure by July we should have them wrapped up and then on to Blair's.

Trae's reaction to us when we started to sing to him.

My 5 best.

Couldn't wait for the fork. I told you we are informal...

I finally got him a fork.

Sweet 2 year-old

An effortless 15

Dear Belen,

When I first had you, everyone kept telling me how girls are harder to raise. And that I would see what they meant come the teen-age years. I would smile and tell people I haven't seen that side and I didn't think I would, because I never wanted to take away any goodness from you and feign humility to agree with them.

I didn't agree. I still don't.

They probably thought that I was just a young, naive mother. But I could see your character already and was trusting in it. You have been such a delight for me...so easy and accommodating with a good attitude about everything. Your patience could rival an old sage from literary tales.

I thank Heavenly Father everyday for making my transition into motherhood so smooth.

From the very first day, it was like you had been with us forever already, starting us out on this eternal journey and blending in to our little family so easily.

Actually, I believe you were.

And unbeknownst to you, you were laying the groundwork for future siblings to learn from your example. Thank you.

I'm so glad it was you.

Happy Birthday 15-love you.

Love,

Momma

Eight already

Dear Reese,

Eight is a big deal in our world.

It's the age of accountability; it's when you start Cub Scouts and the age when you get to be baptized. I notice that it is also the time you have begun to outgrow some of the toys you once begged for. Now you look forward to getting to a higher level on your DS Transformer game, the chapter books you are reading are a little more advanced and you said you want "a new look."

Where you used to cling to my leg and would only take a few steps from me, you now take off like a rocket with the neighborhood friends and run all over playing freely. You made me giggle on Sunday when you said you need to start wearing ties and cool jackets because you're 8 now.
I think we can make that happen.

But, you still hold my hand on our walk home from school and you still ask me to tuck you in at night. You ask for your big, stuffed dog when you go to sleep and you like to lie next to me to read. You always say "I love you" and kiss my cheek before you head out the door and you still let me give you airplane rides, so that is good.
Your moon walk makes me laugh and your creativity keeps me in awe.

It warmed my heart the other day when you ran out the door and forgot to kiss me good-bye so you waved and blew me a kiss in front of the neighbor boys. One said, "Ree-eese!" as if he were scolding you and you looked at him and said "What??" like, doesn't-every-boy-do-that? And then as you continued on with your walk, you turned and smiled at me as if you knew I would be beaming. I was - just like the day you were born.

I know your mind is not always at rest and you don't understand why things are the way they are for you. I don't either. But I do know this: I love you. Your dad loves you and so do your sisters and brother. You come from a long line of love on each side of the family and each of us only wants the best for the other. Most importantly, you come from an Eternal heritage and your Heavenly Father wants you to succeed. He will always help you, and me too.

You sometimes say that you are the middle child, it is true, and you may not think that's so great.
But how great it is to be central in our love!

Happy birthday Reesie cup!

Love, Momma.

The little red-headed girl

Dear Charley,

I have watched you grow for 13 years now and although Father time thinks he can sneak the years by me and make me to squint to see the past, I still remember the day of your birth so clearly, like it were yesterday.

You were two weeks overdue and there was a cold freeze in Texas that year - maybe 50 degrees or so. I figured you didn't want to come out to the cold world so I was content on having you stay inside your nice cocoon a little longer.

But when you were finally ready, you made it known that you were in a hurry and we just better hang on because this was going to get fun. I thought we weren't going to make the 40 minute drive to the hospital.
It was close but your birth was easy and relatively painless, much like you have been all these years - easy to raise, enjoy and never causing anyone pain.
I remember looking down at you in my arms. I was so happy God granted me another baby girl. I studied your face, counted your fingers and toes and took note of the "stork bites" left behind from your laborious journey.
I whispered to you that you were going to be a red-head and that you would like the name Charley. You were a quiet baby with big, observing eyes who was always comfortable everywhere we went. You let us play with you and dress you up.

I was secretly hoping I'd have a little girl with red hair to carry on that trait just like me, your grandpa, great-grandma and cousins.
But yours was to out shine all of ours by its brilliance. I always thought that God himself must have sun-kissed your head and the rays followed you to earth, reminding me always that your goodness is shiny like the sun and will always be my beacon.
How lucky am I.

Happy 13Th Birthday.
I love you,
Momma.

A letter of sorts

I have missed you mom.

Happy Birthday. I bet you look as young as you were in this picture, ha ha.

I hope you are having a good time up in Heaven.

How's dad?

All the grand kids are well. Tori and Adrianna are in college, Braiden is excited for his mission in 2 years, Tami and Blair's kids are being home schooled. David tripped over his own feet at the airport and went rolling in front of the boarding gate, holding everyone up. Lisa laughed so hard but he was a good sport. You know how sweet he is. He also got his Eagle Scout award. Bryson and Blaise may fly out to visit us which will make Charley so happy. The girls are enjoying their voice lessons and everyone else is happy and growing quickly.

Blair Noel always asks if you sit on the clouds and what you eat for snacks.

I tell her you have the comfiest cloud in the sky and feast upon the Word of God.

You were good to me, mom. Thank you for all you did. I'll  never forget it.

xoxo
Laura

The girl is 4

Dear Blair,

Happy Birthday to my baby girl. You will always be that to me, even though you insist on getting older. But it makes me happy, though, to see you grow and enjoy life.

You bring us great joy. We feel it in every corner of our hearts.

Each morning I wake up wondering when you'll saunter from your room with that sweet grin on your face, what song you'll sing, what funny thing you'll say, what flower you'll run to pick.

You're the best little friend ever.

I'm so happy you were made for me.

Love, Momma