Valentines Day 11

(Baptism Day- Feb 6, 2010)

I love:

Aspen

When Aspen was born, I had no idea what to do with her. I still don't. Each day brings something new and she keeps me on my toes. Ironically, each day I spend with her, I catch a glimpse of my former self in her. What she says, what she does, her apprehensiveness, her confidence. For being so similar, I should have her down by now. Could be the precise reason we butt heads so often.

I would not have her any other way.

Aspen is something fiery and sweet all in the same breath. She was born a fighter and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes is right, true and wanted. This characteristic labels her a back talker now, and gives me fits, but I'm certain will serve her well in the future.

Aspen is loving, helpful, funny, concerned, a tease, responsible(to a degree), intelligent (a smartypants, according to her teacher), involved, talented, and generally happy unless you fire her up.

She tends to take things to heart because she has room enough for anyone to enter it. Being the center of attention makes her nervous, but she loves to have a great time with the crowd. She craves personal time and Mick and I can always tell when she's past due.

I love that Aspen is adventurous, loves to be outside and is generally good at what she attempts to try. She is a great writer and has a knack for vocabulary and putting a story together. I love to read her stories. Her friends are important to her and she is very loyal to them. Generally speaking, she makes good decisions. This characteristic has been years in the making and is now starting to manifest itself.

Aspen is always up for a cuddle and the poor thing is almost too big, she tends to squish me more than warm me; but I soak up her love and cuddles knowing that these are her twilight hours and that all too soon, she'll want no more cuddling- at least from me. Sad day that will be in my life.

Here is her baptismal spotlight.
I'm so pleased with her choice to be baptized and really feel that she knows why she chose to be. She's a fantastic 8 year old. I love her so much and cannot wait to see how her life unfolds.

Baptism Spotlight

Named Aspen Riann (sounds like Breann) after her mother's favorite tree and its many characteristics. Ann is included in her name after many generations of women on her mothers side.

She was born in Logan, Utah during December and was her parents favorite Christmas gift that year.

She likes to travel to Provo and Bear Lake because she gets to spend time with her grandparents and cousins in Provo; and at Bear Lake, she can play in the water, swim, build sandcastles, fly kites and bury herself in the warm sand.

She has many talents and hobbies, some are: soccer, dancing, writing stories, coloring, and working on art projects. She loves going to school and does well in reading and math.

Her favorite color is Blue.

Her favorite food is Pizza.

Her favorite primary song is I am a Child of God.

Her favorite scripture story is the creation of Adam and Eve and how they partook of the forbidden fruit (her words).

Note from Parents:

Aspen, we love you and are grateful to have you in our family! Life would not be the same without you. We love your fun humor, great stories, your ability to make us laugh, and your cute happy helpful self.

We are so proud of your decision to be baptized and to take upon you the name of Jesus Christ, to be an example of Him, to serve the Lord and become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We pray that you will keep the spirit of Jesus Christ in your life and that you will remain close to your Heavenly Father by: making wise choices, following the promptings of the Holy Ghost- which gift you will receive today, using the gift of the Atonement, studying your scriptures, praying daily, attending church, listening to your parents, and by making and keeping good friends. We are thankful for all your efforts in helping your sisters grow and for being a good example to them, and to us.

We are so excited for you on your special day!

Love, Mom and Dad.