Little C's Birthday!

Little C,

Or should I say Big C? You surpassed me in height a couple years ago and the last time you went to the doctor you were almost 5'10. You're my man-child baby I guess. :)

For your birthday The Beloved and I secretly bought you tickets to a Jazz vs. Warriors game. Since this was hush, hush we told you we were going to Utah for Little Grandpa's birthday party, which fell over your birthday. You were torn between feeling sorry for yourself, since you wouldn't get to hang out with your friends, and showing support for your great-grandfather. About a week before we were supposed to leave our dog Kathy died. A small piece of your heart withered away. You no longer had your best furry pal and you weren't looking forward to your birthday. The Beloved and I felt we needed to break the news about the Warriors game, and it did the trick. That big smile that I love so much showed up on your face again.  

Since Little Grandpa wasn't really having a party, your birth was celebrated all weekend long. Two nights before your b-day you and The Beloved went to the Warriors game. The Warriors won! Hurrah for Little C! Boo for The Beloved! You were mesmerized. The Beloved said you wouldn't even leave your seat to get ice cream, which is a big deal for a teenage boy. 

The next evening we road TRAX down to temple square with Aunt Ruth's family to see the Christmas lights. They were heavenly. 

During the return ride home you, The Beloved, and Johnnie had a pull up contest. I think The Beloved was declared victorious, but maybe in a few (or like ten) more years you'll have him beat. 

On the actual day of your birthday we went to this cool place called Lowes (not the hardware store, though I do like a good trip there as well.) It has a ninja warrior training strip, indoor trampolines, dodge ball court, bounce houses, etc. Every age was entertained. 

Grandma (or it may have been Aunt Ruth... I can't remember... sorry ladies) made cupcakes and you blew out a candle in your own container of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. You're just the cutest.

Little C - you have not only grown physically this year but spiritually and emotionally. I attribute a portion of it to our move. At your old school I felt like you were literally living amidst Gomorrah. I could see your strength slowly being filed away and we worried about our boy. The Beloved and I felt inspired to move because Heavenly Father knew there was a better place, not even 20 minutes away, where you'd be happy and grow in the gospel. We moved into a ward with 17 deacons. Two of them which almost instantaneously became your best friends. This has changed your life. It was like a burden was lifted and you could just be you. And you my boy, are outstanding.

Everyone raves about your kindness. Adults, teachers, aunts and uncles, always comment on what a considerate, polite young man you are. You're a pretty sweet older brother too. The other day you sat with Moo and drew Sponge Bob pictures together because he needed a little big brother time. You also let Lou sleep in your room at night because he gets nervous in his own. Most 14 year olds would not be cool with this, but you are. (Side note -You are kind of a nervous sleeper yourself so I think it's a benefit to both of you, but I won't tell.)   

You love basketball. It's your favorite. The people you play ball with the most are The Beloved, your dad, and your best friend Dallin. If you could do this all day,everyday you'd be happy. This past week we've been watching the playoffs together. During a Warriors game you disappeared for a moment and then came back downstairs decked in a Golden State hat, jersey, sweats, and bracelet. You wanted them to feel your support. The Beloved has banned you from all Jazz playoff games though, he says you're not allowed to watch anymore because every time you do they start losing. I told him to get an outfit like yours (except Utah Jazz-ish) and maybe they'd start winning. :) 

Last year you didn't make the school basketball team. Your young men's leader, Brother Hedgpeth, told me he'd been a little worried about you after you didn't make the cuts. He then said he'd stopped worrying when he saw you outside the house practicing the very next day, not giving up. And guess what? You made the team this year. Everyday, through your diligence, you get better and better. Now all we have to do is apply this principle to math. :) 

You're an extremely bright boy Little C. You typically get excellent grades in English and are quite the poet. You enjoy science and when you grow up you want to be a marine biologist. I know you can do whatever you put your mind to. 

And amidst all of these wonderful things, you're a stinker. A funny stinker. Who makes me laugh even when I shouldn't. The Beloved and I are your Sunday school teachers and  we enjoy seeing your humorous side and your spiritual side in class. You're a good kid bud. A blessing and a gift. I couldn't love you more!

Love,

Mom            

Nike shirt from Grandma and Grandpa and a bop it! game from the Wahlquist's. 

Playing his new game with his younger cousins.

At Lowe's

Riding TRAX

Temple Square

Headed back...

The Beloved and Moo

More Lowe's (sorry, pictures are out of order)

Johnnie

Olivia

Little C

Ellie

Moo, Ruckus, and Grace

Sweetrotten

Lou

Sponge Bob pictures (I love it!)

Yours: 

Moo's:

And this is the face you'd give me every time I asked if you'd loved the Warriors game (because I wouldn't stop asking). You'd say, Mom I  loved it "this much" and you'd do the look. 

See, you're funny.

Love ya dude!

Where were the Women in General Conference?

Well, I know my mom was sitting alert (as in conferences past) with pen and paper in hand, ingesting every word uttered across the pulpit. During the Sunday morning session my mother-in-law probably pulled out a fresh batch of cinnamon roles from the oven, eager to serve her family, while conference was blaring from the radio and television. There were women singing joyfully with the Tabernacle Choir, and the audience at the Conference Center was over-flowing with faithful, God-fearing females. 
As for me, I was cuddled up on the couch with my family relishing in the tangible feeling of truth. Fact - occasionally I was distracted by the energy of my children, but mostly I was relishing. 
Another fact, I didn't notice that only one speaker from the regular conference sessions was female. Like totally flew past my head. And when it was pointed out to me I thought, "Should I have noticed? Is this a big deal?" And then I guiltily thought, "I'm kind of glad only one women spoke because sometimes I get so caught up in their over-the-top smiley, move head side to side presentation that I stop listening." Which mostly means I suck as a person, and has nothing to do with these outstanding women. 

I began researching the numbers of women who hold callings in the General Auxiliaries. There are 9. Nine women who lead the masses worldwide in Relief Society, Young Women's and Primary. There are approximately 360 men. In April of 2016, five women out of the nine spoke during General Conference (and yes, that includes the Women's session). In October of 2016, five out of the nine spoke as well. This means if you're a female holding a general auxiliary calling in the church there's a sixty percent chance you'll speak at general conference. What are the odds for the men? Well, the apostles usually speak once and the first presidency multiple times, which leaves approximately eight other speaking assignments open. Meaning there's a two percent chance a man in the Seventy, Presiding Bishopric, or Young Men's presidency will address us in general conference. So are the women called upon? Yes! The numbers don't lie. It also shows how efficient women are... because wow, we get the job done with nine! Would I want one of the apostles or the prophet to be replaced with a female speaker just to maintain balance, absolutely not. Now, if you have a problem with the large number of men in auxiliary callings versus women then I encourage you to pray, read the scriptures, and attend the temple so your heart may be reassured and strengthened regarding the need for the priesthood and the magnificent blessings accompanying it.

Should speakers be chosen based off of a female quota to fill, or by revelation? I think most of us would choose revelation. Plus, women are an intricate part of conference whether they're addressing us in person or not. Think of the many stories shared about women - strong, glorious, valiant women. During the Sunday morning session five out of the seven speakers relayed stories with women at the forefront. And since I'm on a math warpath, that's 70% of the talks in one single session. I'm sure there are many more but I'm just too lazy to count because the truth is I don't need numbers to prove how important women are to the church. I don't need women to speak at General Conference for my daughters to have a strong role model to look up to - because that's my job. I'm strong. Their grandmothers are strong. Their aunts are strong. Their great grandmothers were strong. And the women in their lives rock this world. 

I can't remember one female speaker who spoke in General Conference when I was growing up. Not one. The only woman I can remember in this regard is my mother. My mother who turned on General Conference religiously every session and took notes. My mother who lived the gospel every.single.day.of. my.life.with.zero.excuses. And maybe one day she will speak at General Conference because she's that amazing, but if not - she's still enough. 
My older sisters were enough. 
Sister Hendry, Sister Wilkes, and Sister Sjostrand from primary were enough. 
Sister Sanders, Sister Rhead, and Sister Tuttle from Young Women's were enough.
General Conference is a moment. A wonderful enlightening moment that I look forward to twice a year. But it's the women in my everyday life who were and are my role models. 
So where were the women in General Conference? They were everywhere. But if you looked too hard you may have missed them.
   

Questival 2017. The Best.

Even the party pooper is loving Questival! So fun!  

Turning 1

Dear Baby,

Oh my girl, I cannot get enough of your sweetness. I love your perfect self. As you'll come to discover I am slow blogging about birthdays. I'm sorry this is my normal. 

You turned one on Thanksgiving day and we had some special company here to celebrate your life. Grandma and Grandpa Patton, plus Little Grandpa participated in your party. They sure love you. You are nervous around anyone who is not in your immediate family so it takes awhile to warm up. Little Grandpa somehow bypasses your anxieties though. He has that kind of magic with all children. I think kids just feel how much he loves them.

On your birthday you felt horrible. You have a very mature mouth and starting getting teeth at three months old. By your first birthday you were growing molars. Ouch. Your gums were tender which didn't make you too enthusiastic about your birthday cake, but you aren't one to say no to sugar. We purchased a pinata for your siblings to destroy in your honor, but we held off until the next evening in hopes you'd feel better. Little C used a swimming noodle as a joke so everyone would have an opportunity to swing. (For some reason Lou isn't pictured below hitting the pinata - sorry dude.)  

Baby girl, thanks for coming to our home. You're just a hilarious little person. You communicate so well and your favorite name to shout is your older sister's. You didn't learn how to walk until about 13 months which is normal in this family. About a month ago Daddy taught you how to crawl up and down the stairs, and you perform like a champ. You prefer eating with a fork which makes dinner time a little messy but I just think you're so bright. Such a smart little girl. I'm still nursing you which should end soon, but I can't quite let my baby go. You tug on my shirt when you're hungry which I used to view as horrifying in other families, but now I'm like - she's a freaking genius. :) Haha! 

You've been saying Dad's name forever which brings him extreme joy. You didn't say my name for a loonnggg time, but finally you did and now you won't stop.I soak it up majorly. I love hearing my name on your lips. 

You love all of your siblings, but it's obvious you run the show, except with maybe your sister. She's Diva #1 and it's possible we're raising you to be Diva #2.   

You generously give high fives and bones out to those you know. You are bowlegged like your dad and watching you two walk beside each other is a hoot.

Your brothers take turns getting you out of bed and they're great caregivers. Sometimes during sacrament meeting you sit peacefully on Little C's lap, rummaging through his phone and other knicknacks. 

You love to sing at the top of your lungs and belt out "Let it Go" with Sweetrotten. Music speaks to you. It has since you were tiny tiny. When you were only a few months old Daddy and I couldn't get you to sleep. You wouldn't calm down. During a sleep deprived moment I asked Dad to pull up a Pantera song on his phone. He turned it on and as I sang the lyrics to "Walk" you slowly fell asleep. That's hard core my dear. So, probably not the best parenting moment but it worked. Also, I advise not turning to metal in your moment of need... but sometimes it gets the job done.

You are destined for great things. I can feel it. You are special and I couldn't love you more. Heavenly Father has great things in store for you my girl. Stay true to Him and His ways because there are many lives you can bless. You have already blessed so many during your short time on earth.

Love you forever,

Mom  

More recent photos: 

Posing to the side like her sister. :)

Birthday Celebration

Here comes the cupcake!

I blew it out for you because you weren't quite sure what to do. 

Um, my gums hurt.

But, I like me some cupcake!

Pinata in the garage: 

Ruckus

Moo

Sweetrotten

She's going to town!

Little C with his swimming noodle. :) 

"I'm feeling a little better picture."

"Let me take a selfie."

Opening presents:

And Sweetrotten slept through most of it.

We love you! Happy first birthday sweetheart!