Happy Birthday Papa Bear!

Dad,

I don’t think words can say exactly how wonderful I think you are.  I remember as a kid thinking you were pretty much perfect.  I recall being 13 or 14 and our recent prophet, (I believe Pres. Hunter) had just died.  Not understanding how the process of calling the next prophet was handled, I anticipated a letter each day in the mail that would ask my dad, Larry James Olsen, to be the next prophet.  In my eyes, you had no faults and honestly, even as I’ve grown, I still think you are pretty near perfection! 

You and mom have instilled in each of us kids a sense of confidence and self-worth.  Admittedly, I’m not the smartest, the prettiest, the funniest, the most talented, but growing up I honestly had no idea that I wasn’t all of those things.  I count myself so fortunate to have been born into a family who made me feel like that.  I’ve always known that you and mom were in my corner and that in my dad’s eyes I was capable of anything (even my own card company called “Love Notes by Jami”).

One picture I have stored in my mind, is of you kneeling at the couch, head bowed, eyes closed, hands clasped each morning before you headed off to work.  It was as if you would call down the heavens and I could feel the Lord himself in that room.  I knew that you knew your Savior and I’ve always made it a goal to be as well acquainted with Him as you are. 

Just the thought of you brings a smile to my face.  I don’t know if it’s me or you, but the older you get, the funnier I think you get.  You’ve always got a quick one-liner up your sleeve and I find myself just waiting to see what witty thing you’ll say next.

Every time Jaxton counts the stairs, or Mac says “Don’t look at me if you don’t want to see me,” or Beckam eats a rib right down to the bone, or Jilli finds an empty spot on the floor to take a nap on, I think of you and pray that your influence will always be present in our home in as many ways possible. 

I’m so proud of you – I always have been.  I love being known as the daughter of Larry and Vicki Olsen from Petersboro, UT.  Thank you for your phone calls, your priesthood blessings and your visits to NC.  Thank you for your prayers in my behalf and asking that “the angels go before me to prepare the way.”  I take such comfort in having you as my father.  You are marvelous!  Happy 70^th birthday!

Love, Jami

Birthday Boys

It's hard to believe that this is Hashie's 11th birthday that we've shared together. I love him even more now than I did as a smitten 21 year old. Here's to eleventy hundred infinity more birthdays together!

Each of the kids bought Nate a present at the dollar store. Jilli purchased a box of Nutty Buddy bars, Beck got him Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Jax gave him Big League gum and Mac went big-time by getting him a Gatorade AND a bag of pistachios.

Sweet Mac turned 9 years old. This boy is such a delight to have. If all else fails in my life, I know that my Mac will still be my biggest fan. His love runs so deep, he is the most committed child I have ever known and he works so hard to be the best at whatever he does. He is so wise beyond his years!

He also loves the camera and never puts off an opportunity for a good photo. These pics were taken at Chili's just after the staff sang to him and just before he dropped his bowl of birthday ice cream on the floor.

As tradition has it, I always take lunch to the birthday child at school. Mac chose a Wendy's kids meal, complete with a a chocolate frosty and sugar cookies to share with his class.

Admittedly, his cake wasn't my greatest work of art, so I tried to spruce it up with sideways candles -- impressive, right?

I love you Mac! Hope you had a wonderful 9th birthday! We are so grateful to have you in our family!