The Magical World of Brittney

I have always loved Brittney from the first moment I heard her voice on the phone, but I have come to admire and cherish who Brittney is.  With each wonderful visit to our home, I learn more and more about this truly amazing person.  I do not just love her; I, more importantly, LIKE her!

Brittney brings a  much needed element to our family.  When she is here, she drinks in each moment of family bonding as she possibly can.  I love that even a lazy night of watching movies is an "experience" for her! By simply adding a facial masque, nail polish, and a camera, Brittney has created a lasting memory.  Brittney adds her magical touch to make things just a little more fun, and a little more important.

I love that Brittney loves me and that she shows her acceptance and love of me in the tenderest of ways.  She snuggles up with me on the love seat when I am cold.  She talks to me and listens to me talk.  She accompanies me and Judy on our morning adventures when she is here and understands how therapeutic and priceless they are.  Did I mention that Brittney, Judy and I were actually shot at on one of our  morning walks together? Some hunters mistook  us for dove............serious!  We hit the ground and took cover until we felt it was safe to come out of the brush. We could actually feel the buck shot whizzing past us and I was actually scared! OH  I LOVE THAT MEMORY!!   ( I love having you come with us Brittney.  It is fun having you share in those experiences with me.)

You are a breath of fresh air to  our family.  You bring us all closer together.    You make things special and memorable.  How grateful and HAPPY that you are ours and that we are yours. I love you dear daughter. Happy, happy birthday!   Love Lorri

Noelle........A Faithful Daughter

Last Sunday Kathryn Bolton asked the Primary children to think about their favorite Christmas carol and share why it is their favorite .  Ally Bolton raised her hand and said that her favorite carol is The First Noel because it reminds her of Noelle Rust and Noelle is a good example for her to follow. Noelle has had a significant influence on a lot of people.  Me included!

When we lived by Simplot, I remember Noelle, who was 12 at the time,  talking to me about how strict other moms of her friends were and how thankful she was that I wasn't that way.  I don't know if my parenting was the best, but as a mom, I so appreciated that conversation.  I remember thinking what on earth could Noelle ever do that would require me to lay down the law with her.  She  governed herself in the manner that she saw fit and I  agreed with that manner. She was a valiant little girl who grew up to be a valiant woman.

 During an unsure time in Noelle and Eric's courtship, Noelle called me.  She told me that she was okay because she and Heavenly Father had gotten really close  and she talked with him all the time regarding her and Eric's future. She was totally without fear or frustration/   She had complete peace and knew everything would be alright. As her mom, I was humbled and very grateful for  Noelle's spiritual maturity and reliance on her Heavenly Father. Noelle lives her life in such a way as to always be strengthening her faith, so when that power is needed, it is there.  

I have learned much from this daughter.  Feelings of peace surround her.  She is calm and comforting.  She is even and sure.  Indeed; she is a good example for all of us to follow.  

Happy Birthday dearest daughter.  Twenty-three years ago, our lives were "brightened" with your spirit. You continue to brighten my life today.  I am so proud of what you have accomplished and more importantly, who you are.  I love you.  Mommy

   

Heart Words

I got on FaceBook this morning and noticed a post on my live feed by someone who seldom writes.  The post was in regards to one of those picture/quote things that everyone shares from time to time.  The picture/quote thing was nice, even inspirational, but it was his response that  has occupied my thoughts for the past few hours.

He expressed gratitude for "heart words" such as 'thank you'; 'I am sorry'; 'Please forgive me'; and 'I love you'. 

Why are these heart words?   They open up a closed heart.  They allow for a broken heart.  They repair a broken heart.  And probably most importantly, they bind a heart to another heart. These heart words have power to change an outlook, a person, a relationship, a family.

I need heart words said to me and I need to express them to others.  Thank you Brad, for your thought-provoking post this morning.

26 Years of Wonderful Quirkiness!

It is always a treat to see Daniel. This is what I can usually expect upon first seeing him:  1)- He clasps  his hands together. 2)- He cocks his head to one side.  3)- He gently shrugs his shoulders while at the same time he 4)- coyly smiles. If he is accompanied by Emily he will 5)- turn and look at her and nod his head back and forth a few times with his lips pursed together.  (Think about it.............I have pegged it perfectly have I not?!)

Oh how I love my animated Daniel.  His antics have brought me much needed comic relief through the years. What would life be like without the "Daniel language"? - Dad, Holly, Hannah and I tried to recall how he used to speak while growing up.  Not one of us could remember.  Please, for the sake of preserving his childhood language, please respond with words, phrases, etc., that you remember.  I do fondly recall him walking into a room where I was, raising his  index finger and saying:  "food please" .  I also remember (not so fondly) him repeating "Mommy do you love me?" over and over and over and OVER!!!.  Share what you remember!

I think of the many imitations he has done throughout the years; baby Elise, Marvin, Sis. Wimer, Bolton Baby, mommy sneezing, various general authorities, etc. I think of his hand actions; Greta doing various things, Pappy yicking his yong yeg, baby caterpillar, and the creepy one he does now with his middle finger pointed out.  Oh such cherished Daniel-isms that must be remembered for posterity.

Daniel, you are a joy. You brighten a dark day.  Heavenly Father blessed you with a unique personality that has blessed so many others.  I am so grateful for that personality.  You continue to always make me smile. Happy Birthday son.  I love you. Mommy