Twenty-Sex

I came upon this picture today - I thought it would be so much fun to challenge everyone to count how many wrinkles there are in my neck.  But when you're done with that - I want you to notice my smile - gosh I'm really hoping that my teeth are clean - no olives stuck between them or spinach (or heaven forbit chocolate).... that smile is there because of that person next to me.  For 26 years, as of today, May 16th, she's been at my side.  The day Ashley was born, I was at an aerobics class.  I was really angry because I couldn't lift my knees up.  Ok - so I was just a little over 8 months preggo - but I worked out ok?  I gained 16 lbs., she weighed 8 - it was a sweet thing.  She was the only child of mine to have her grandmother there to see come into this world.  It wasn't creepy or anything - it was actually very very sweet - to see my mother's tears.  My mom had wanted 8 children but could only have two.  My mom tells the story of the doctor calling her over to the door and saying "Hey Hot Lips, put this robe on and come in in and watch this!"  I looked over at the doctors and noticed a pair of eyes I recognize behind one of the masks.
I knew it was my mom - because there were tears on her mask.

Today I just wanted to tell you Ashley that I've never been more proud of the person you are today.  Had I known all that you have become today would happen, I would have not let you fall off the counter and smack your head as a child.  (seriously... she moved like lightening).  Had I known that you would have developed talents in soccer... I might have warned the other children how 'very serious of a player you were' before you tackled them to the ground.  Had I know that you would become an amazing saxophone player, I would have removed those earplugs in Junior High during the concerts and enjoyed them a bit more.  Had I known that you would play in the Olympics in the Spirit Band, I would have given you more Vitamin C so you didn't get pneumonia and a 104 temp. during the opening ceremonies.  Had I know that you would attend BYU as a Chemical Engineer... I would  have encouraged cooking in the kitchen more, hey - I have chemicals in that pantry...  Had I known that you would get your Masters at the University of Utah, I would have dropped you on your head an extra time or two.  Had I known that you would marry a handsome gentleman that we all love, I would have allowed him to talk to you on line from Iraq more... because you were suppose to be grounded from that remember?  Had I known that you would become the most amazing sister, aunt, niece and sister in law.... I would have had more children to have enjoyed having you be just that to them.  Had I known then, the amazing woman you would become today... I would have had you a lot earlier... but I wouldn't know how to explain that to the Bishop... Had I known how very easy it is to love a daughter, that is all that and then some.... well, actually, I do know.  Every single day - I remember what you are to me.  I see what you've become.  I know what you will be.  I know of all that you give to others.  I know of all of the love you have in your heart.  I know of all of your kind acts of service.  I know that you are true to your sweetheart.  I know you are strong inside and out.  I know that I am a pretty lucky person, because God knew I would drop you on your head... and he still let me have you.
I love you.  Happy Birthday to all 6'0" documented proof of you.

...and then some...