Happy Birthday "First Born"!!

Riley, my "First Born" and his daughter Natasha! 

Going swimmin' together! 

Fun!  

Natasha giving us a little thumbs up! Cute!

I'm glad I'm your mom, Riley! 
You are: Handsome, athletic, strong, loving, responsible, a great dad, brother, son, friend, creative, fun, entertaining, sweet, a good hugger, God fearing, a Jesus lover, helpful to others, an Eagle Scout, a hard worker, an amazing bike rider, smart, in the Army, family, a spray painter!
and  I love you!! oxoxo

First Born is Home

Riley came home last night!!!!! 

It is so good to see him after 5 months. 

Back home to stay, or maybe deployed, we'll see. 

Good job, soldier!

Private Riley!

I got a text from Riley today. He is so funny! Since he has been at AIT (advanced individual training) he and the Branch President are usually the only ones at church. Not like at boot camp. At boot camp, everyone needed a break from the drill Sargent, so everyone went to church. So anyway, in my text I said, "Who was at church?" And he said, "Just me! I said the prayer, blessed the sacrament and bore my testimony."  What a great son! I love him and am so proud of him! Thought I'd share!

Daddy & Daughter

The day before Riley left to go to boot camp! 

We ask Natasha, 

"Where is Daddy?" 

and she says, 

"Daddy's in the Army!"

I'm sure it doesn't all make sense to her, 

but we do our best to help her remember him.

 She loves her Daddy! 

He'll be home soon!

24

Not 24 hours, but 24 years!

That's how long Riley has been alive! I was just thinking about the age of 24, and it hit me that I was 24 when I had Riley! wow!

Happy Birthday, my first born!

I'm very proud of you. I am so pleased you are serving our country. I am also grateful for the things you are learning that will help you be the best you can be.

I'm glad you were born!

23 years ago

23 years ago,

I became a mother. Happy Birthday Riley! I remember holding you when you were brand new, tears streaming down my face, wondering how it was possible to love so much. Overwhelmed at the thought of being a mom, and thinking about all the new responsibilities I would now have. It has been challenging and rewarding. I love you and I'm glad I am blessed to be your mom!
In another week it will be 2 years since I became a grandma! Being a grandma is the best, and most wonderful reward for being the mom to her dad. I love you Natasha!