HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUD

Twenty one years ago on this day Jace Garrett McLaws was born.   As our third child, and with two beautiful sisters preceding his birth, we were convinced that we would be parents of another daughter and that would be just fine.  We were genuinely surprised to find out we had a son.   These precious baby photos of Jace definitely confirm that he has always been "all boy."  I mean come on, don't you think he would have looked pretty silly in ruffles and lace?

As Jace grew up his infectious personality started to emerge.  He was a good baby, chubby and pleasant.  I can honestly say that he has always been happy--I believe it is one of his divine gifts.  As a child he didn't like to be in trouble or feel contention--his spirit recognized that unsettling feeling.  He is fiercly competitive and likes to win, whether it is in a simple family board game, or a full-fledge team sport.  He has had to learn to be gracious and competitive at the same time.   This drive has served him well, however, as he has set and achieved quite a few commendable goals in his life thus far.  He truly loves his sisters, appreciates their example, and will always be their biggest fan.  He is grateful they chose their husbands well, because as the only boy, he was so excited to finally get some brothers.

Currently, as a missionary in the Japan Kobe Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he writes frequently of the joys and challenges of serving.  He loves Japan and the Japanese people.  He comments that these past 20 months have been the hardest thing he has ever done, but also the most rewarding.  He tells us all the time how extremely happy he is--"The happiest I have ever been," and you know if Jace is saying that, he must be pretty darn happy!   He shares with us wonderful uplifting experiences, stories and insights weekly in his email.  We have had a vicarious missionary experience through these letters.  It is a privelege and a blessing to have him in our family.  It is a well repeated axiom that "time flies" and that before you know it your children will be all grown up.  That is so very true and at times bittersweet. 

I love a quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley who said, "In terms of your happiness, in terms of the matters that make you proud or sad, nothing--I repeat, nothing--will have so profound effect on you as the way your children turn out."  I agree wholeheartedly.

So, on this day, February 23, 2011, HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to you my son,

Elder Jace McLaws, aka McLaws Chorro! 
Konnichiwa!
Have a wonderful day and we'll see you soon!
(In about 4 months and 13 days, but who's counting??)