HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSEY!

Lindsey's birthday was actually two days ago on September 29th.  I tried to get this done, but life is just not that free.  I want to be sure she knows how much I love her even though I am behind on this.  I am afraid her day was mostly just another day.  I know she was making dinner for a friend who was having surgery and also watching her children. Lindsey deserves some serious pampering since she contributes so much to so many. 

I really struggled to find single pictures of Lindsey, but her life is so wrapped up in her family and others around her that I only found a few and most of those she would kill me if I posted them.

Here is her beautiful family a year ago.

She was such a cute little imp when she was young.  She has never forgiven me for my lack of photos of her as a baby.  She has confiscated the few that I have.  I definitely had my hands full!  My oldest was three and I was not so old myself.  I felt like I did everything for everyone, and pictures were an afterthought.

When I see this cute little picture it makes me remember that shortly after it was taken she cut her darling hair almost totally off on one whole side--five times in one day.  She was determined! She was never this blond again.

With Dad before a race.

Always beautiful!

We laugh about this dress now, but she designed it, I made it and we were proud.

They don't come much better than this man that she chose.  We are so glad he also chose her.

There are better wedding pictures, but these were the easiest to put my hands on.

With Granddad, who sealed them, and Grandma who loved them. (Harmon's good looks made Grandma "swoon.")

Three generations.

First there was one--Lacey was such a darling.

Then Halle was added...

Then Jack...

...then along came Kate.  Are they finished?  They answer, "Yes." I say "They make such special children, why not one more.  Jack needs a brother.

Lindsey and Sunny with new babies.

Here are some things I love about Lindsey:

1.  She has always been so interested in other people.  Her interest is usually translated into useful help to those around her.  She knows when to step in and how to do it best.  Lindsey is a very good listener.  She hears what you say and knows who you are.  She validates the good and mostly overlooks the less than perfect.  She is the one to call her siblings and close friends and know what is happening in their lives.

2.  She is a loving sister and daughter in our family and also in the Tobler family.  The Toblers were so glad she was a part of their family during the recent passing of Harmon's father.  She used her love and organizing talents to help orchestrate the necessary arrangements so that the funeral was wonderful, conforting, and a real tribute to a great man.

3.  Lindsey is a wonderful mother.  She knows so well how to balance affection, attention, teaching, and discipline.  I have no doubt her children will grow up to be wonderful individuals like their parents.  They are learning and being loved every day of their lives.

4.  Lindsey is a truly committed member of the Church.  She understands the principles of the gospel and applies them in many visible ways:  FHE and prayer in her home, teaching true principles with great insight as Gospel Doctrine teacher, giving true service as a Visiting Teacher, adding all the extras as well as perfecting the basics in each calling she has, frequently attending and even working in the temple because she loves to be in that sacred place.  I do not ever worry about Lindsey's faithfulness, because her actions reflect her understanding and love of the Lord.

5.  Lindsey has always been wise beyond her years.  When she was young, each birthday seemed  to come a year too late:  she seemed older than her actual year.  I have always relied on her opinion because she is so often right on--sometimes seeing things I miss. Her wisdom spills over to help others be wiser also.  Many seek her counsel.

6.  Speaking of seeing things I miss, Lindsey is one of the most observant people I know.  If you've changed the way you do your make-up slightly, she notices.  If you have a new ring or new dress, she sees it and compliments you.  If you wear a new fragrance she can tell.  If you are down she senses it and helps you with your problems.

7.  Lindsey is a great wife.  My observation is that she is a great companion to Harmon.  She acknowledges his role as head of the house and advises him with her insights and input.  I never thought my strong willed Lindsey would ever find someone she respected enough to be an equal partner to, but Harmon is the man.  Lindsey loves and respects him and shows it.  Ask any of the 40 people who came to Harmon's birthday party a week ago if Lindsey loves him and treats him right. 

8.  Lindsey adds an extra flare and excellence to all she undertakes.  Her daughters' baptisms had more of the niceties than just about anyone's:  from memorialized photos, invitations, and wonderful meals afterward.  Her lessons, parties, service projects and all she commits to become a work of love and art.

9. Lindsey has style and knows how to project the image she feels reflects her life.  Her house is beautifully and tastefully decorated.  Her children are beautifully dressed.  She tries to stay true to who she is in both the way she lives and the way her home and family look. 

10.  Lindsey is very creative.  She started curling her own hair when she was four and eventually became the one all the other girls came to for hairstyles.  She makes quilts each year as gifts for her family members.  Her flare is seen as well in stitchery and other gifts she makes for others. She has used these skills in several jobs she has had, combined with her ability to organize.   

Lindsey, I have skipped several of the others whose birthdays have come and gone without a blog because I thought my observant daughter would probably notice (though I know you would also give me a pass if I needed it.)  I promise everyone else, your blog from me is also coming (Mao, Gracie and Harmon.)

Lindsey, I love you so much!  Hope you had a good birthday and that it is the start of a great year!