BiRtHdAyS

Birthdays are the greatest day of the year. Everyone deserves a celebration, whatever kind they want. Memorable birthdays for me are:

#8 - My teacher made the day good at school. I don't remember how but I liked it. Right after school, my mom helped me get ready for my baptism. Lots of family came, but I can't remember everyone. My 2 grandmas gave the talks. I don't remember the talks but I do remember they made me feel pretty special. I got my first set of scriptures too. It was a good birthday.

#12 - My parents took me, my sisters, and my brother to the Ogden Temple to do baptisms for the dead. This is when I really started to love the temple. I think we did family names. The temple workers learned it was my 12th birthday. They were so good to me.

#16 - I don't remember too much but I do remember that my family and friends made it a special day for me. It seemed like I got away with a lot.

#18 - Not super special but memorable. My friends took me to breakfast before school, I had to race to class to take a biology test, I started a brand new job and worked 8 hours, had to run straight to City Council Meeting to receive some award, and when I got home a few family members were waiting for me. I missed dinner. The day seemed long and my thoughts were drawn to my cousin who lost her mom on her 18th birthday.

#19 - I lived in New Jersey. It was a rough time. I had a few friends from institute though. My family and a friend mailed me a couple packages. My one good friend's mom was in town and they took me out to dinner. It was odd we had a table in an empty area. But then 15 people I hardly knew, and who hardly knew me showed up. It was a suprise party! It was so great! Really, I learned some great lessons in New Jersey and love and miss my institute family.

I'm not sure how old I was on a couple other birthdays, but my dad and I have gone to the temple together. They are good memories.

I don't especially remember too much about birthdays or gifts. What I love about birthdays is the chance I have to be thankful for all my blessings. Birthdays are like Thanksgiving, New Years, and Christmas rolled into one day. I'm glad I have the chance to reflect on my last year and look forward to the next. Mostly, I'm thankful for my family and friends who fill each of my years.