Today is my daughter Gentry's 21st birthday!!! It is also one month until the wedding. So we had a family party at our house yesterday to celebrate. It is a tradition that we take lots of photos each year. I think it's so important to document every birthday.
The kids were all home yesterday and I actually got a photo of all of them together. Gentry and McKay are taking finals this week at BYU. They all helped Gentry celebrate turning 21!!!! I loved McKay and Taylor going to church with us.
The best part of this past year has been Gentry dating Devan for the past year, getting engaged and being so happy. I am so thankful that she finally said yes to going on a date with him. Devan is truly one of the sweetest young men you will ever met. He adores my daughter.
Devan is perfect for her. He treats her like a princess and with so much respect. If you know Gentry she is very mature for her age. She has always been "an old soul" and they are best friends. Devan graduates this Thursday and Friday from Brigham Young University. He will start the Masters program at the U of Utah in the fall in the accounting program.
We had the best day just laughing and having a wonderful birthday dinner. *note- Ty was not happy to have mom take so many photos. He is 14!!!
So Ty decided to make the photos even better by being so "unhappy" in the photos. I love these moments.
This was how he wanted to take all his photos- hat and sunglasses. ha! I let him. I want to remember his personality. He is in 8th grade.
Yes, the boys really don't like me taking their photos much at all anymore. So when they agreed to let me take photos, I did not complain. Yes, he wanted sunglasses and his Capri Sun.
They kids got so silly. I loved my neighbors driving by and seeing me "yet again" out taking photos of the family. We had just got home from church.
OKAY, I have to explain. We have a birthday sash and crown that the kids wear every year for birthdays. McKay and I looked and looked and could not find them. So we quickly "made a sash" out of linen fabric, safety pins and a black sharpie. Oh my... it was not pretty. However, it gave us all a good laugh and Gentry loved it.
We decorated the table with sequins and McKay and I made pink flowers out of crepe paper. So easy and it just was a litte pretty accent.
Taylor made dinner for her sister. I thought this was so sweet. Gentry wanted enchiladas and her favorite brownie/carmel dessert. The girls are so close and it's my greatest accomplishment that they are best friends.
They are actually all so close and they have their own sweet and personal relationships. It was my greatest desire as a mother to have them be so close. Trust me when they were younger, it was always a battle to have five kids so close in age. I had all five of my kids by the time I was 29 years old. I look back now and realize how little I knew and am so thankful they have come out so happy and know that family is everything!!! Trust me, I have had many doubts if I was doing this parenting thing right. Days like today make me feel like I did okay.
Yes, I was even in some of the photos. Taylor said "Mom, I want a photo with you." This always makes me smile. I was having a "bad" hair day and yet it really does not matter. I need to be in my family story.
I asked each of the kids to let me take some photos of just them. I feel this is so important. Zach was so silly. He is 15 years old and a Freshman. He just acted like he was modeling and the entire family was laughing at his antics. Hey, I will take any photos. I love them!
Taylor is 22 years old. Yes, I had two babies so close. Oh my... it was hard at the time. I am so thankful NOW that they are close.
This is the "baby"girl. McKay is 18 almost 19 in May. She is just the most kindhearted sweet girl. She is preparing for her mission to Seattle, WA (Spanish speaking). I cry pretty much all the time since I am emotional with the wedding and McKay going on her mission. I am so happy they are doing good things, but wow... hard for a mom to let go.
I love being a mother and find this my greatest joy and accomplishment in life. It goes by so fast... in a blink of an eye they are older. It's so important to live each day loving where you are at. I always tell young mothers, don't wish your days away. Enjoy where you are at!!!! I know I did and it really helped me to remember to "celebrate" each time and season.
Gentry, I love being your mother. I love you so very much. I am proud of you and your desire to be such a good person. I always and forever will love you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!
