Saturday, March 24, 2012

Birthday Thoughts



Another birthday has passed me by, and I've marked my 46th year. My joints are deteriorating, my eyes are giving out on me, and I'm starting the dying process.


Okay, it's not that bad. Yes, there are things I now mourn -- the loss of a body that can play volleyball, can ski, can do a cartwheel (yes, there are times I think about doing cartwheels!), that can wrestle on the floor with a 1-yr-old. There are many things, however, that I still can do. I can make cookies with my daughter, give my husband a hug, I can listen to my boys talk to me about video games, and I can feel thankful.


This year I'm especially thankful for my family. I watch my children grow as they seem to tower over me, and I often get the I'm-smarter-than-you-are looks from them. However, they also give me great joy and pride. They are reliable (some more than others), happy (more often than not), and show love to each other (at times)! I love spending time with them, and often miss their toddler selves that needed my protection and guidance.


My husband continues to excel as a father, a husband, and a provider. He's really matured into such an exceptional spouse -- since I "robbed the cradle" by marrying someone five years younger, I actually have witnessed his maturity! I'm proud of him and all his efforts to make me happy.

Happy Birthday to me. I'm going to try and rejoice in successfully obtaining 46 years on this earth, and commit to living a more joyful life this year!

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Patriarchal Blessing

Grandma Vogt made a quick weekend visit from Utah to be here to celebrate Gabe receiving his Patriarchal Blessing. It was a wonderful experience to be able to witness this special blessing from Patriarch Coleman! I am so proud of the possibilities of blessings in Gabe's life if he continues to follow a righteous path.


We also took the opportunity to take some family pictures! The kids are changing so quickly and only when I look at photographs does it occur to me that our whole family is almost the same height!