ANNA'S BIRTHDAY TOMORROW!!!

Since Im going to have to do without her this year...I want to share some pics of my sweet daughter from yester-years. This darling young toddler of 2, has grown up to be a pretty spectacular young woman!! Of course, I have always known she was one of a kind.
She was born in Grants Pass, Oregon. She weighed in at 8 lbs 6oz. and was 21 inches long. The first thing people noticed about her was her remarkably large, blue eyes!! (this is still the case.) As soon as she was placed in my arms I knew that I had received a great gift-a daughter-with what I have loving heard called-"angel shine" about her!!!

A little known fact about Anna- she sucked her thumb!! But usually only in the company of a rather ugly blanket that had little yellow yarn ties dotted across the surface. She could easily manipulate a tuft of yarn until she had it tucked right up under her nose, and sometimes right into her nose, and only then would she settle down for a good thumb sucking.
This dear girl grew up tough!! Who could help it if you were surrounded by 4 brothers!!??
Somehow she remained unblemished by all the testosterone around her and still became someone who was and is always full of love and kindness. She has always brought great joy to our family and very little grief.
I've heard it said, in describing young girls: "A little girl likes new shoes, party dresses, small animals, first grade, noisemakers, the girl next door, dolls, make-believe, ice cream, make-up, going visiting, tea parties and one boy. She doesnt care so much for visitors, boys in general, hand-me-downs, straight chairs, vegetables, snow suits, or staying in the front yard." Its safe to say that this summed her up pretty well as a young tyke. 4th birthday
Anna adds music to our lives too. Piano and singing and listening to a whole variety of tunes are some of her favorite pastimes. She's adventurous, and will try new things! (Look at her now for example!!!) Horses, jet skis, college, travel, rock climbing, and dating all fall under this category.

This daughter of ours is also preparing herself beautifully for the future. She excels in school, in service to her fellow man and to her Savior. She is developing patience too, due to her 4 brothers and her imperfect parents, and a whole variety of friends and now the constant companionship of fellow sisters in the mission field. As a wise prophet once said: "Many young women are serving missions, many are preparing to serve, not because they aren't married, or have nothing to do, but because they have the desire to serve and therefore are being called to the work. The reason so many are going is because in the next generation, Heavenly Father will be sending his priesthood army to the earth. He wants to send them to mothers who have been properly trained and taught in the gospel. And what better training can a young woman have than that of serving a mission." President Gordon B. Hinkley

Anna has become a real beauty-inside and out-and shes become a health nut-for her insides and out. She has tasted aunthood, and loves it. Cousins, aunts and uncles rock her world and mean everything to her. She loves and adores her grandparents. She has more confidence oozing from her pores now, than I'll ever hope of achieving in this whole life-time. Her testimony is STRONG! Her future is bright. She's become a religious zealot--she's determined to extend her mission. (Gulp)
Anna is now approaching the year mark of her mission. I think I have felt each and every day of her absence. Im praying that these next 6 months go quicker than the last 12! (It sounds like is should..right??!!) Im praying that she'll have a change of heart, and that she'll want to come home for Christmas. Im a selfish mother, its true!!

This sweet young lady has brought us nothing but joy and satisfaction for her full 22 yrs of life! Its exciting to wonder how the future will unroll for this valiant, dedicated woman? Isnt this one of the many joys of parenthood? To watch and pray and guide our 'chicks' into adulthood?? And when they make such good choices...we are so grateful!!

What will she do when she returns? Where will she go to school? What lives will she influence? Who will she marry some day? What will her 23rd birthday bring? Life is a grand and glorious thing-due completely to the family and friends that make it so rich and rewarding. She's been the princess around here from day one. A princess who has ruled our hearts with genuine goodness and a sweet, sweet temperament.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET DAUGHTER.
How this sweet soul sprung from my loins--I'll NEVER know!!?? (Here is where my Builder can safely step in and claim some notoriety.)
I'd love to have anyone share with me a fun story or memory of Anna if they'd like!!