Happy Birthday Austin!!!

Dear Austin,

You are 7 years old and I can't believe it. According to the doctor you have grown 3 inches this year and are going through shoes like I go through Diet Pepsi's. There is so much I love about you and I hope you know how special you are. Here are some of the things that I think are unique about you:

-you have been hitting a baseball since you were 2 years old and this year has been no different. Your coach is continually amazed at how calm you are up at the plate. You are a consistent hitter and were always the 4th to bat because you would hit everyone else in that were on the bases. I loved being your team mom and watch you progress in the game.

- You have finally begun piano lessons after a year of begging me. I am so pleased at your progress. Your teacher cannot believe how fast you are going through the book and I watch you practice and see that you are a natural.

-You are not afraid of anything. Give you a challenge and you will work at it until you have mastered it. For example, Ice Skating with you last week was so fun. You were scared and didn't know if you could do it. Not only did you stay out there longer than any of us, but you wanted to go back and did so with Dad later that night. You were determined to master it and would pick yourself right back up after falling. What a great example of determination.

-You have a strong will and when you believe in something, no one can make you change your mind. Sometimes this is a problem, but when I think about the kind of missionary you will be, I know that this talent just needs to be channelled in the right direction.

-You are hilarious and tell great jokes. I love to see you with your Tiger scout troop. You go and hug them all and they love to be around you.

-You are a great big brother to Rachael. She loves her "Austie" and you interact in a way with her that is special. You both have a unique bond.

Austin, we love you and are so proud of you. I know this move to Texas has been difficult for you and you have grown not only physically, but spiritually as well. Thank you for all you do and we are proud to call you our brother, son and friend. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Happy 10th Birthday Spencer!!!!

Dear Spencer,

I can't believe you are 10 years old today! (double digits!) You are such a unique addition to our family and feel so blessed to call you my son. Here are some things that I really love about you:

1. Your sense of humor is well beyond your age. Some of the things that come out of your mouth!!

2. You have a strong moral compass. There is usually no gray with you...you are always so black and white. And the thing is..you ALWAYS choose the right.

3. You are easy to love. Since you were born, all you had to do is look at me with those big, blue eyes and those long eye lashes and we would give you whatever you wanted. Ok, so you would probably argue that, but you have always been a very sweet, sensitive boy.

4. You have always been able to find joy and beauty in the most random moments. I remember asking you to weed a section of the lawn in Utah, and after 20 minutes you had only pulled ONE weed because you were fascinated by the fact that this one weed had 1 pair of roots, yet 2 different plants growing from it. You also have the most interesting rock collection I have ever seen.

5. You have always had many friends. You are kind, sensitive and FUNNY! And the thing is about you, that you don't even realize how everyone wants to be around you. Did you notice that all 16 boys at your birthday party were sort of fighting to see who got to sit by you at the table?

6. You LOVE mashed potatoes and gravy. I think if I fixed this for you everyday you would be in Heaven. You are also obsessed with chocolate anything.

7. You are very kind to your brothers and sister. I know how much your baby sister, Rachael means to you. And watching you play with your brothers is priceless.

8. You are extremely intelligent. Your understanding of certain concepts, especially spiritual ones, is quite profound.

9. You are FUN to go shopping with. I love how you never ask for anything, but instead are simply enjoying being together and admiring all the "things" you see.

10. You love to talk about anything and everything. You are never boring to be around and I love to hear all your stories.

I am so grateful that you are a part of this family. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Happy Birthday Spencer. You are loved!