Since blogger uploaded Suzanne's pictures first, I will start with her. Phew....where do you start?! When I think of Suzanne a slew of words come to mind and yet none of them seem to do her justice for how incredible and wonderful she is!!
To begin, I think back to the very first time I met her...it was February 2005. For a little background information, Suzanne is sisters with Mary Ann McConkie---and Mary Ann lives in Colorado Springs and I have known the McConkie's my whole life--essentially. And Suzanne and Mary Ann definitely resemble being sisters, so when I first met Suzanne, I think the first words out of my mouth were "Oh yeah, I can see the resemblance between you and Mary Ann!" Not the most brilliant selection of words, but yet the meaning was that as much as I loved Mary Ann I felt an instant love for Suzanne. And that's just what Suzanne does--makes people feel welcomed and loved the instant they are around her!!!Oh Suzanne is just a wonderful, incredible, beautiful, thoughtful person. She is always thinking of her kids and family. She always wants to do whatever she can for her kids and their families. She is selfless, she is giving, she is spiritual, she listens, she cares, she is fun. I have the utmost respect and love for her.
And I can't not mention what a great Grandma she is! This picture was taken last Easter. She is such a fun Grandma, I know all my nieces and nephews just love her and Isaac definitely goes to her easily. (Which is worth noting because Isaac can be very shy around people he doesn't see often, so it's pretty neat). I just love you Suzanne, I honestly could not have asked for a better mother-in-law! You have taught me so much about love and family and service. You are incredibly patient and understanding and a great cook! :) (Sorry, had to throw that in, too!) I honestly am enlightened and uplifted whenever I am around you!! And I am incredibly grateful for your example because it has and will always influence Taylor, and for that I am eternally grateful. I love you so much Suzanne and want to see you!!! :) Happy (Really late) birthday!!!Braden. Braden ALSO had a birthday on January 3. I feel very excited to post a tribute to Braden because I have had some really fun and really special times getting to know him even more this past year. In June of last year, Braden and Suzanne drove up to Pocatello to spend a weekend with us. Then, when we were in Utah for Thanksgiving, the brothers and Braden and I went shooting. (And it was really cold so at one point Braden and I sat in the car to stay warm!)
Braden turned 7 this year and it gets me so excited (almost too excited) because I want to book tickets already to go out next year when he turns EIGHT!!!!!!!!!! I can't even believe what a smart, sweet, fun and loving boy Braden is becoming. (In the sense that don't boys become like this when they are 19,20....???? Obviously I have never had a brother). And really, I am SO excited and thrilled that Braden is the oldest boy cousin because I know Isaac will look up to him, which I think is awesome.Braden is so giving and helpful. When they came in June last year, he was unbelievably sweet to Isaac who was only....8 months old? (aka...not someone old enough to really play with yet). Which goes to show what a great big brother he is! He also brought a book so he could read it to Isaac....cute huh?!?!
Braden is also very funny. When we were sitting in the car talking over Thanksgiving break, he was just cracking me up. For example, his dad Cam was joking about how he was going to shoot the "Y" and Braden goes, "Oh don't worry, he'll never make it" referring to how far in distance we were from the "Y." It was just so funny. He continued to say things that just made me laugh!!And I can't forget to mention what an incredible athlete Braden is!! I just want to savor these years that he is playing in the little leagues because I know soon enough we'll be at some high school cheering him on and then where has the time gone?! I believe he has a sport for every season....football, then basketball, then baseball, then soccer. (Correct??) And he said he really likes basketball but I believe he said soccer was his ultimate favorite (at least at that time it was). I was just amazed at how much he loves sports, I think it's great because he has a natural ability in each of them!!!
I am soooooo grateful and happy to be an aunt to Braden!!! He is an incredible boy who is talented in so many aspects of his life. His siblings are lucky to have him as a brother!! And I know his parents love him dearly. Braden, if you read this, I love you dearly and am SO excited for the days that you get to teach Isaac and our other kids how to play sports!! I know you'll be great at it! Happy (really late, again) birthday!!!Well family, I have now successfully paid everyone a birthday tribute. I started with Sydney and my dad in February last year, and have now ended with Braden and Suzanne in January. So, I hope you have enjoyed the birthday tributes because this will be the last one (at least for a while---we have a big family you know! It's hard to keep up with all of them!) So, know that I love you and have enjoyed paying tribute to you over the past year because each and every one of you have impacted mine and my family's life in so many ways!! (And I really need a Housley dose soon!)
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