11.07.2007

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!



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16 comments:

Nat Lud said...

That is such a sweet 'ode to Nat'. You are a great mama and have raised a wonderful daughter! Great job! I hope my kids turn out half as awesome as Nat!

Rebecca said...

Oh man... those pictures are how I remember her. (up until the wedding one!) That was so cool. Memories! Happy Birthday Natalie! You've turned out to be one cool cousin!

Holly O. said...

Ah sweet. What wonderful pictures of cute little Natalie.

Kristi said...

Awww, look at how cute Natalie was growing up! :) I love all these pictures. You raised one wonderful daughter, that's for sure.

Jori said...

Ohhh that post made me a little teary.(Fabulous poem) You really are such a great momma and raised such a fabulous daughter. Thanks for sharing the pictures, it's so fun to see little Natalie. Happy Birthday Natalie!

Emily John said...

You sound like a good mom to me. You have a beautiful family, I just wish I new you all in person. Natalie was a cute kid too.

tiburon said...

Happy Birthday Natalie!

hoLLy said...

i loved see all of those pics of natalie. she was a cutie(still is:) and reminded me of her kids actually. you're such a sweet mom and i'm sure you couldn't have done much better. you're awesome jan!

Mel said...

Yay Natalie! I love all of the pictures.

Carolyn said...

That is so wonderful. I jumped on over here because I knew you would have fun things about your daughter. Very cute and so sweet. I love old pictures! It seems as though you did a fantastic job as her mother... I mean she does LOVE cupcakes.

Hayley said...

that is the sweetest tribute jan! and you know what? she's an excellent reflection of you! you're a great mom, just like she is! what a wonderful family!

Unknown said...

oh my! i'm thrilled and horrified all at once! :) those are some attractive photos, thanks mama! :) no, really. thanks. that was really, really sweet. hugs & kisses.

Melissa said...

You are a sweet mama...good job on raising a fine woman!

Natalie Scott said...

You are my most favoritist mother/daughter duo. I didn't realize how lucky we were when the two of you moved into our ward, but it didn't take long! Natalie is a truly wonderful person, and it's clear that her mama did a great job! Happy B-day to Nat, and thanks for the adorable pictures...you can see a lot of her own kids in her!

Hacking it up said...

What a great tribute to Natalie! And so true...but, for crying out loud...don't be so hard on yourself! You must have done something right...look how she turned out!You're awesome!

Cammie said...

Oh my! I love the old photos. She is really such a great gal!