And Now, For The Real Post

Sweet Jonah -

When I was pregnant with you, your dad went on a 4-wheeler trip and left me home, and while he was gone, I started to have contractions. I remember thinking that no matter what happened, you'd be ok because during my entire pregnancy, you would "play" with me...literally. I would push against your tiny little foot (or whatever part it was) and you'd push right back. Every. Single. Time. I knew then you were going to be playful, and that you'd be my little playmate.

Every day when you come home from school, all of you kids come in first thing and tell me about your day. I need you to know that I look forward to this every single afternoon, and when that clock starts to show that you'll be home soon, I start to get excited.

Girls have always been crazy about you, and I remember a time when you were just this teensy little thing, glasses over your beautiful blue eyes, and a little girl in our ward came up to me in Primary and told me that you two were engaged. Why don't we hold off til you get home from your mission on that one, eh?

Your sense of humor comes from my side of the family. Everytime you're around your Uncle Taylor, it's like watching Big T and his mini me (you), and let me tell you, it's a hoot. There's not a frowny face in the joint when you're around, and your special talent for making people laugh is a true gift from Heavenly Father. Remember to always look for the humor in things, take things lightly that seem to burden you, and if you learn anything from me, it's to smile through the hard times. Ignore all of the bad things people may say about you, and remember that Heavenly Father and that Mike and I...we know who you really are. Nana and Grandpa, and all of your aunts and uncles, cousins and siblings...we all see who you are, and you are SPECTACULAR!

Yes yes, you may argue with your sisters and brothers sometimes, but just know this, there's not another person they'd rather hang out with than you. Casey really looks up to you, and the girls know that you're so protective of them, and that instills a special sense of safety in them. Harper think's you're the coolest thing to walk the earth, and between Mike and I, you've got a fan base to rival most movie stars. Honestly, you're such an important part of our family...you need to know that. Just look at how many phone calls you got on your birthday!!!

Your athletic ability is amazing. You can pick up a ball and just start to play. At any sport! This is especially exciting for Harper, who is exactly like you in that aspect. Your love of science, math and sports makes it so you and Mike never have a quiet moment, and your love for good music ties us all together. Your taste in so many things, the way you absolutely ABSORB things when we take you to museums, or to art galleries, or to baseball games...this is contagious, and the whole family learns from you.

There's a quiet gentleness to you Jonah, and sometimes the sensitive part of you can be overwhelming. You've really matured into a young man over the last year. We know that you've struggled with one thing in particular, and let me tell you this; we heard from many people that your personal struggles with this issue might make you angry, bitter, not want to go to church...that your faith might fade a bit because of this person who you used to look up to, but you know what? You went the opposite way. I can't say I'm surprised, but you totally stepped up. You became closer to all of the people who DO take care of you, you understood that you can't change anyone else, and you loved the ones who love you for real, because of the example they show you. You know how to spot a good person/example...and that shows me that you listen to the spirit.

In primary, Mike and I sit during Primary in the chairs in front of your class as we sit with ours, and we hear you sing. Everyone hears you sing! Your voice carries, and your perfect pitch is so awesome, I just get so excited everytime you open that sweet little mouth of yours. (even if you and Conner and Miguel like to kick our chairs... ;) ... hehehe)

Continue to learn, continue to study, continue to value our family, and your life will be successful. Take time to carefully and prayerfully make decisions in your life, don't ever jump into things...let the spirit guide you. Listen to us, we really truly want what's best for you. We work our bums off every day and night not because we don't want to be around you, but because we want to provide you with everything you'll need to become a good husband, father, brother and son...

Just like you did in the picture above...Jonah...always choose the RIGHT.

We love you sweet boy...happy 11th birthday...

Love,

Mom and Dayee