Brittney Justine

You know that old axiom "time flies"?  Well, I believe it.  July was over so quickly, and it was a busy awesome month.  Now it's already August, and today is a special day because it is Brittney's birthday!  I can hardly believe that my eldest daughter is 28 years old--I think my head is spinning--I feel like I live in a time warp.  I have always been a big believer in the whole science of birth order--when you were born into your particular family.  Brittney is our first born, and has truly paved the way in so many respects.  Like many first-borns, she is a leader, a teacher, a trail-blazer. 

Picture on the left is when she was just hours old.  On the right she was about 18 months.

She was a beautiful, chubby, and content baby.  She quickly figured out the way to happiness and comfort was eating and sleeping.  She was sleeping through the night by 3 weeks old.  In fact, we tease to this day that one of her greatest God-given gifts is her ability to sleep well--easily and anywhere.   She skipped crawling and started to walk at about 10 months.  She also pretty much potty trained herself before she was 2--this little girl was simply ahead of her time.  As a toddler she had a head of very blond wavy hair--she was pretty darn cute.  Many asked where she got her beautiful blond hair and blue eyes because it was obvious it didn't come from me or her Dad.  

Brittney at her 5th birthday party opening her presents,
and performing in a singing group called "Sunshine Generation."

Because of our knowledge of the plan of salvation and knowing that we were all spirit children before this earthly experience, I've often thought that just perhaps Brittney's spirit, her soul, is older and wiser than anyone I know.  She has always been so very smart, sober, and mature.   In fact, I just love that picture above because her excitement is "off the charts."  Normally she is relatively mild and reserved at these times--just a smile and a "Thanks, this is great."  It's so fun to get a huge reaction from her, and every once in a while it happens!

Growing up she enjoyed many things--swimming, dancing, piano, soccer, and friends.  She excelled at most, but was particularly devoted to swimming and piano all through high school.  I've often thought she was a bit of a enigma because while realistic and practical, she is also very creative and artistically talented--a wonderful combination of brains, artistry and beauty.  Her work ethic and discipline are exceptional--we never had to push or remind her to get something done.  Brittney is simply a doer.  She also is an excellent writer--a true wordsmith.  Don't even try to beat her at Scrabble or Boggle! Currently she is in charge of Public Relations for VitalSmarts, a large company in Orem.   


In 2006 Brittney and Stuart married on a beautiful sunny January day.  She was such a gorgeous, elegant bride. I would venture to say that they are a perfect match--not because they are just alike in every way, but because they compliment each other so well.   She is a wonderful wife, a faithful fan and supporter, and a patient companion.  She is an anchor for him.  I have admired her patience, love and loyalty so much.

 

These past few years have been particularly trying (you all probably read her blog) and as always, she is once again proving to be wise and inspirational.  While we are unable to take away the heartache and frustration, I'm so amazed at the grace, determination, and strength she has.  She is a woman of action and truly understands that principle. She does not give up.  She will be a wonderful Mother soon and will be light years ahead of many with the vision, compassion and understanding she has gained. 

Many years ago she wrote a beautiful poem for me called "Mommy's Girl." (Poetry is another one of her humble talents.) Our family knows that Brittney and I have similar personalities (what's even crazier is realizing just how similar Stuart and Brent are!)  I've kept this poem in a frame and there is one stanza which reads:

 You taught me to have confidence,

You taught me to be strong,

You taught me to persevere,

When the road grew long.



She is learning many things that I in turn am learning from her.   I could have wrote this stanza about her during these last few years.  This is one of the secrets of motherhood--you learn so much from your children.



I am often humbled when I ponder the great people

my children have become. 

Thank you Brittney for being an awesome daughter,

sister, wife and my friend. 

I love you dearly.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!