Fourteen Times

The first time was in 1997. I was only 18 years old and so very much in love. He was living alone, so it was only natural that my family would take charge of his birthday celebration.

It was very exciting.

I made him a denim picnic quilt. I decorated a binder for his mission pictures. I bought him some Aspen cologne. We made his favorite dish, tacos. I even hand-fried the corn tortillas. And we had strawberry shortcake. We treated him like one of the family.

I think he was a little overwhelmed.

The most recent time was this weekend. I am only 31 years old and in a much deeper, richer kind of love. Sometimes I think he wishes he lives alone! For the fourteenth time I took charge of his birthday celebration. This year my parents got to help again.

It was very exciting.

I surprised him with a new GPS. His friend Cody is moving away. Dallin will need his own GPS if he wants to go hiking. Without Cody, his hikes won't be the same. Our family can also use the GPS for geocaching. We are all excited to start!
For years, Dallin and I have been watching movies in our room on a little portable TV/VCR. When I found out my friend was getting rid of her 20" TV, I thought that would be a nice gift for Dallin. He loved it!
My Dad took him and our boys to the archery range on Friday afternoon. Then we all went to eat at Chuck-A-Rama.
Saturday, his actual birthday, we went to the Gem and Mineral Show with my parents and the kids. That evening, we attended Ruby and Nathan's dance show. It was very nice. My mom made chocolate pie.
Today after church and after my nap, I made tacos and strawberry shortcake.
Now he is one of the family, and has been for 12+ years.

My parents were gone home, so it was just our family. Just two fun-loving boys who can't seem to hold still or be quiet at the table. Two little girls who like to have their food just-so. An intense, curly haired two year old boy who only wanted strawberries and had to spend some time in time-out before he could be coaxed to try a taco. A sweet, chubby baby girl who tasted bites of strawberry and tortilla, soaked herself with her sippy cup, and threw lots of food on the floor.


I think he was a little overwhelmed.



Thank you, Dallin, for being such a good sport for all of these years. We love you.
Happy Birthday!





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