Birthday Wishes for Two of My Favorite People

Monday, December 17th was the birthday of my sister Terin and my niece Kelsie. I didn't get to talk to either of them on that special day, so I wanted to give a shout out by sharing things about two of my favorite people in the whole world.

TERIN- Here are some things about Tearbear, in no particular order.

1. She is one of the smartest people I know. She is a deep thinker, and often says things that are very thought provoking.

2. She is a naturally talented writer. I love reading everything she writes. Even her e-mails. She is very descriptive and choses her words well. I am expecting her to write a novel any day now...

3. She is good at everything she does. She's a good writer, cook, singer, piano player, hair dresser, being a mom, school, her house is always immaculate, she's crafty... etc. It's really not fair.

4. Terin would be the ultimate game show contestant. She is amazing at remembering odd facts, and ALL music lyrics. Terin, I expect you to particpate (and win) in $100,000 Pyramid, Family Fued, Don't Forget the Lyrics, and The Price is Right. You better get going!

5. Terin looks good as a blonde, a brunette, with long and short hair. Basically, she ALWAYS looks good.

6. She's a SURVIVOR! Terin fell out of a two story window when she was little. She fell into a bush, and was left with only a few scratches. She's got someone watching out for her.

7. She is a fantastic mother. She has two little girls, Sadie and Abigail, who keep her hands full but Terin manages to teach them, have fun with them, and show them that they are dearly loved.

8. Terin always seemed to get along better with my friends, boyfriends, and husband than I do. That's probably because she is such a people person and has the perfect sense of humor. Plus, she asks really great questions and shows a real interest in people.

9. That girl can move! She is a talented dancer, and fun to watch. I have a video of her dancing around at my parent's house when she was pregnant with Sadie, and she could still keep her grove while 7 months pregnant.

10. She is very passionate. There are no gray areas or middle ground for Terin. She loves, thinks, acts, and lives her life intensely. I love that about her.

I love you Terin, and can't imagine a life without you. I hope you had a happy birthday and wish I could have been there to celebrate with you.

KELSIE

1. She is one of the happiest girls I know.

2. She (and her family) sometimes call me- Aunt Clown and Brent- Uncle Rainbow. There's a really funny story behind the names. No, I am not indulging you with the story.

3. She helped me get through a very hard trial in my life by letting me hold her. Although she didn't know how much she helped me, I was glad to be able to hold baby Kelsie.

4. She is such a ham! She loves to perform for anyone who will watch.

5. Kelsie is a good oldest sister and grandchild. It's fun to watch her nuture the other grandchildren and be the little mother hen.

6. Kelsie is VERY inquisitive. I remember one time Heidi walked out of the kitchen for a moment, and came back to find that Kelsie and Caden had discovered how to unlock the pantry door, and had covered the family room in crisco and flour. Let's just say she became very familiar with the corner of the room.

7. Last time I checked, Kelsie is a scaredy cat! I remember going swimming with her and she refused to let go of me. She held on to me for dear life. Although, now she's a great swimmer- thanks to swim lessons.

8. Kelsie already has a great foundation of the gospel (good job Heidi and Marc), and is the first child to answer gospel questions, when asked. I love her enthusiasm for the gospel!

9. Kelsie LOVES to draw, color, and paint. It seems like every time I call over to their house the children are participating in one of those activities.

10. She loves to help cook. She's ready to stir ingredients at a moments notice, and take a nibble when she thinks no one is looking!

I love you Kelsie Lynn! Happy 5th birthday.

You are such a big girl. I miss you!