"A Dozen"

Happy Birthday R.J. On March 8, 1997 at 11:23 PM the doctor put this big, beautiful 9 pounds 1 ounce boy into my arms and my life was changed forever. In

honor of your 12th birthday, I have a "dozen" reasons why you are so special to us, and why we are so glad to have you born into our family.

12- Your

Deep Blue Eyes: They are just

like your daddy's! It's so hard to say no when I look into those baby blues.

11-Your enthusiasm for Scouts: You are so proud when you are dressed in full uniform. You have such a desire to work for

and pass of merit badges,

and you have FUN in the process.

10- You are a Fabulous Big Brother: Since the day of Madison's birth 18 months after you, you have not stopped being her protector. And you do the same for Payton. You love your sisters and make sure the are taken care of. You always put

them first!

9- You have a passion for everything SPORTS: You are happiest when

you are in the middle of a game. I love watching you play baseball, basketball,

soccer and cross-country. I love seeing you turn around on the pitcher's mound to hide your smile

from the

batter because you struck him out.

8- Education is a big priority to you: You work and study very hard to get into all

honors classes. It is your goal every semester to be on the Principal's Honor Roll. And you are looking towards the

future, you want to attend BYU!

7- You are a Leader, not a follower: Since pre-school every one of

your teachers has told me your classmates look

up to you and follow your example. You are a natural leader and always strive to do your best in all kinds of situations. We hope you always use this attribute

for leading those to good,

uplifting things.

6- You have a strong love for the Gospel: You bear your testimony

every Sunday by

your own choice. You read the scriptures all on your own. You have such a strong desire

to receive the Priesthood and to magnify it. Completing your "Faith in God" was easy, it was not something you HAD to do but,

what you WANTED to do. You are great missionary and share your beliefs with many friends.

5- You give the best Hugs and Kisses: Standing at 5 feet 6 inches, I receive "Man-Hugs" now. Sometimes I feel like you are going to crush my bones and I love it. You are never

embarrassed to give me a kiss and tell me you love me in front of

your friends. Please don't ever stop.

4- You love and Respect your grandparents: You listen and take heed to what they say and what advice they

give you. You make sure they are taken care of, you open doors for them, you assist them when they need help walking up and down stairs. You love to hear their stories of their pasts. And you love finding the things you

have in common with them.

3-

You are sensitive and let your feelings show: You wear your heart

on your sleeve! We always know what you are feeling. I am glad you let your emotions show. You have such a tenderness that people call you the

"Gentle Giant". I love the long talks we have and how you are not shy or scared to open up and share things.

I am very grateful you are not

afraid to to cry when you are touched by a movie, book or the spirit.

2- You have a love for music: It doesn't matter from what era the music is from if you like it, you like! And I am thrilled that you like MY music too. You are always listening to your ipod and always make sure none

of your music has bad words in it. I love seeing you and hearing you in the ward choir. And I am so proud that you are s

tretching yourself and learning to play the trumpet and piano.

1-You are the best Son: Dad and I could not have hand picked a

better boy to be

our first born. You make us smile everyday and make us want to be

the parents you deserve. You have a special relationship with each one of your family members and show your love for us in many different kinds of ways. You make us so proud when we see you strive to your fullest potential.

We love you R.J. Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!