Happy Birthday to Brecken and Michal!

Twelve years ago my little Brecken was born. She shares a birthday with her cousin, Michal, who's nineteen today!



Last night we met at an ice cream place (if you live in Utah, check out Sub Zero in Utah County) for an early celebration.

This is Brecken and another cousin, Mallory, goofing off!



Brecken had a great day. It started off with breakfast in bed, of course. (Kade is in Hawaii for a week and the girls have missed him so much that they've been trading off sleeping in his bed!)



I got the idea for twelve pancakes from Stacy Julian's blog. Instead Steve made a number 12 with pancake batter. All the candles set the fire alarm off. So Brecken woke up to a very loud sound rather than a melodic "Happy Birthday to You" song.

Brecken also got 12 balloons and 12 small gifts delivered to her at different times at school.

Tonight we all watched the video from the day she was born. It was a real tear jerker--kids grow up so fast.

We love you, Brecken. It has been a privilege having you as part of our family. You make our home a heaven on earth!

Brecken doesn't know it (hopefully she won't read this entry) but her friends are planning a big surprise party for her on Friday night. Works for me--took a little pressure off!

I was at a school meeting tonight and was introduced to this poem. Love it--very powerful.

Builders

I saw them tearing a building down,
A gang of men in a busy town.

With a yo heave ho and a lusty yell,
They swung a beam and the sidewall fell.

I asked the foreman if these men were as skilled
As those he would hire if he were to build.

He laughed and said, "Oh, no indeed,
Common labor is all I need.

For they can wreck in a day or two,
What builders have taken years to do."

So I asked myself, as I went my way,
Which of these roles am I to play?

Am I the builder, who works with care,
Measuring life by the rule and square;

Or am I the wrecker who walks the town,
Content in the role of tearing down?

Anonymous

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Lisa