our little fiesty Adi turned 4 and i honestly don't know how. i feel like she was just my baby. this girl is full of it, keeping us on our toes every second of every day. i don't think she'll be slowing down any time soon. we sure do love her to pieces and i can't imagine my life without her.
letter from her daddy, probably my favorite tradition of all!
Dearest Adi Jac,
With each passing year, I enjoy the opportunity to sit down and reflect on how much you've grown and how you contribute to our home and family in such a special way, as I write you a letter wishing you a happy birthday. You're definitely a unique and special little girl. It's hard to remember what our home was like before you were born. You have brought boundless energy and curiosity into our lives. Your personality is rather well demonstrated in confidence and independence.
You've been a do-it-yourself gal since the very beginning. You don't back down from your older sisters, and hold your own, ready to jump into anything. In spite of the fights and disagreements at times, I know they love you more than anything, and it's so cute to see how much you love them and want to be a part of everything they're doing. You look up to them and admire them so much. I'll be honest Adi, you're a spitfire and determined little girl at times, and have certainly forced us all to learn a lot of patience. You are so strong willed, but you're also very tender-hearted. You're at your best when you're well rested, fed, and cuddling with your Mom or me, and there's nothing you love me than to squeeze little 5 month old Rosie Mae with all your might and passion. She knows you love her, even if you don't know your own strength and squeeze her half to death.
You say the sweetest and kindest things. Sometimes we're just blown away by the words you use and how big you seem already. "Actually" seems to be your coined phrase, and particularly entertaining is how you randomly started saying your "f" sounds with a "th" sound, after not having any issues with those pronunciations before. It's been hilarious hearing you talking about being "thor" (four) this year and how grate"th"ul you are for your family, and how much thun (fun) you're birthday is going to be.
You already have such a sweet little testimony. Grandpa Jerre asked you this morning where you came from and you responded without hesitation. "Heaven" you said. I asked you what is was like and you said it was great with all your friends and family and the best things! Adi Jac, I hope that you'll always remember that and know that it's true. There are few things so important to learn and understand in this life as who we are, where we came from, why we're here on the Earth, and what happens after this life. Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and He knows us by name and loves us each so much that He sent our older brother, his Son, Jesus Christ, to provide a way back to Him for all of us. Adi, I know that Christ lived. I have felt the witness of the Holy Ghost, testify to me that He not only lived, but that was and is the very Son of God, and that by Him and through Him, we can be forgiven of our mistakes and shortcomings, and become better, more than we are now and more than we can even imagine that we can become. He is the way, the way to be who it is you most desire to be. A new woman, able to withstand the difficulties, trials, and challenges in life and so much more. Able to make a difference in this world in small ways that bring to pass truly great and miraculous things. He can help us become like Him and like our Heavenly Father, Gods and Goddesses, Priests and Priestesses, Kings and Queens, with Power, Knowledge, and Understanding that bring peach, joy, and love into our lives for eternity, as we are filled with the joy and happiness that comes in serving our eternal family, brothers and sisters, helping them to experience all that our Father has for us.
This year has been tough for a lot of people as the Sars CoV 2 (CoronaVirus) has spread CoVid19 across the globe, and has forced most of the world into social distancing, quarantine, and drastic measures to prevent the hospitals and clinics from being overwhelmed with those most ill from CoVid19. It's been hard for many who have lost jobs, money, and special hopes, dreams, and traditions during this time. You're sisters had to finish their school year from home as I worked from Nana and Papa's to avoid being exposed to the disease at work. Your mom has had to work out from home and we've been worshiping at home each Sunday, as church meetings and temples have been closed to prevent the risks of spreading the virus everywhere. It's been an unforgettable time but you've been a bright spot of joy and happiness to all of us through it all. We've been truly blessed as a family, and fortunate that I've had work. The Lord has looked after us and blessed us for our faith and desires to serve our brother and sisters.
I love Adi girl. I'm sorry I get so angry and impatient sometimes, but I hope you'll always know that no matter what, I do love you and that I always will. You'll understand one day as you find a good man to marry and have children of your own. There's been no great joy and happiness in my life than meeting and marrying your mother and raising you beautiful daughters. Our family means the world to me, and that's how I know a tiny bit about how much Heavenly Father and Jesus love us.
Be a good girl Adi. You've made your Mother and me proud, and I know you'll make us proud throughout your life as you seek to understand your purpose in life and your capacity for kindness, compassion, and good.
Happy birthday sweet girl. I can't believe you're almost 4, but I'm so excited to celebrate with you and remember the special day you were born.
Love,
Daddy
Muah!
