Friday, October 1, 2010

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!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

RILEY TURNED SEVEN ON AUGUST 26TH

Uh oh!  My next birthday season is upon me and I am so out of the habit of doing a birthday blog that I forgot Riley's on the 26th.   Riley is so photogenic, I will have a hard time choosing! Here are a few of my favorites:

This year at a dance rehearsal.  Riley loves to be on stage! 

Riley is not yet one in this picture.  She walked early and has been on the run ever since.

Not yet two but so tall and so loved!
Here are a few of the things I love about Riley:

1.  Riley has always been so, so bold!  She was not yet two and had the agility, balance and lack of fear to cross this little bridge over a creek.  You could never keep Riley down!

2.  Riley lives life with gusto!  There isn't much she is not interested in or will try.  She was this age when Granddad Price dubbed her "Catch Me If You Can" and she continues to live up to it.  Sorry Sunny, it takes a lot of work and love, but it is never boring with this one.


3.  Riley is darling--so pretty and also feminine.

4.  Riley loves to be a girl--to dress up, to wear ruffles and make-up, pink and pretty.

4.  Riley joins in on everything.  She is the first to slide in the snow and the last to leave and always a little more capable than the other kids her age.

5.  Riley is very friendly and outgoing.  Below Riley recognized Uncle Doug as the one who loves children and became his best friend.  She is quick to show her affection with a hug or seven.


6.  Riley loves her little brothers and sister.  She has always been good with them and shows she loves them.

Riley with Charlie


7.  Riley has such a fun personality.  She loves to pose and always has a twinkle in her eye.


8.  Riley must be in the middle of everything!  I love her enthusiasm.  This was my birthday and Riley wanted to help with every present.  She was as excited as if it were her own.
 


9.  Riley is a smarty.  She is a great reader and does very well academically.  Is that any surprise?  All this energy and inquisitiveness just needs direction!



10.  Of course, Riley is an athlete!  She is taller, more coordinated and more fit than most of the other children, boys or girls that she plays with. When you give Riley a hug you find she is just all muscle. 

She is always moving, climbing, exploring and smiling!

The "Littles" visit while the others are off on a different adventure.

Riley is part of a large loving eternal family!


But Riley is definitely unique.  I love that very special effervescent spirit that is Riley!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RILEY ROO!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

FINALLY! HERE IS SAGE'S 10TH BIRTHDAY!

Well, I really blew it! I missed posting on Sage's birthday. I didn't miss the day, just forgot that I should be blogging. So here is the best I can do at redemption.


This is one of the most recent pictures I have of Sage taken at Grand Camp last week.  Sage and Tristan wanted to get wet while we were at Sea World and they did.

Here is one of the earliest digital pictures I have of  Sage.  He has always loved the beach.

At St. George--a delicious breakfast!

Camping at Hickerson 2005

More beach with Mackenzie.

 
Sage with Halle and Lacey.

The kitchen counter, a great place to sit.

Here are a few things I love about Sage:

1.  I really love his unique smile.  It is just so Sage!


Sage with Charlie

2.  Sage really loves his younger brothers and sisters.  He is mostly a loving good brother.

 

Sage and Riley ready for school.

3.  Sage tries hard at school and is a very smart boy.


Baptism day with Papa and Nana

4  Sage is a good member of the church.  He tries hard to keep the commandments.

Sage helping Papa at Grand Camp 2009

5.  Sage is willing to help out whenever you ask him.

Sage with his special friend and cousin, Halle at Grand Camp 2009.

6.  Sage is a lot of fun to be with.  He has many friends.  When I am at his house, many boys knock on the door hoping that Sage can come play with them.

7.  Sage is coordinated.  He loves to climb and could ride a bike very young.


Sage (12) playing football. 

Sage was player of the game this time!

8. Sage is a good athlete.  He really loves the sports he plays and does a good job for his team.

 
Going up in the balloon in Irvine for the second time.

Sage reassures Sam, who is not so sure he wants to be here.

At a beach party last Christmas season with Mom and Gracie

9.  Sage really loves to swim.  I can't remember any child who loved the water as young as Sage.  At one he couldn't even walk but he could crawl into the water and didn't mind if his face was under water.  He still loves to swim both at the pool and at the beach.

10.  Sage is very bold.  He loves to go on thrill rides and watches any movie the big kids do. His enthusiasm for all the activities we do from fishing to participating at Sea World he does with gusto.

Sage is part of the act.

I really love Sage and know he had a great birthday with three celebrations this year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAGE.  I AM SORRY I AM SO SLOW.  I MISS YOUR HAPPY FACE!