Happy Birthday, Natie!

"If I had my child to raise over again,
I'd build self-esteem first and the house later.

I'd finger paint more and point the finger less,

I would do less correcting and more connecting,

I'd take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes.

I would care to know less and know to care more,

I'd take more hikes and fly more kites,

I'd stop playing serious and seriously play.

I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars,

I'd do more hugging and less tugging,

I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often.

I would be firm less often and affirm much more,

I'd model less about the love of power,

And more about the power of love."

(Diane Loomans)

Every time we celebrate the birthday of one of my children, in my mind I go through the whole long list of things I know I could have/should have done better. I'm always so thankful for the people they have turned out to be, even though I know I could have done better as their mom.

As Natalie celebrates her birthday tomorrow, I'm filled with gratitude at the wonderful person she is despite the things I know I could have done better (see the above!)

She is a joy to be with, she is a creative, loving and fun mom to Maya and Mason, she is a wonderful, supportive, loyal wife to Chris and she is a precious daughter and friend to me. She has a strong testimony, she is a hard worker, a devoted friend, and a great example to all of us. I'm so thankful to be a part of not only her life, but of her everyday life. She is a treasure, a gift and a jewel. I love her dearly. Happy Birthday, sweetie!

!