Happy 13th Birthday, Rebekah

Rebekah, you are sweet, helpful, and funny.

You are amazing at seeing others' needs and filling them, especially your Mother's. I can always count on you to help me clean up dinner, or fold the laundry, or calm Jalen Andrew down for bedtime so that I can take care of the other boys.

You are funny. You make us laugh hysterically with your mad libs, your impersonations, your jokes, your old lady costumes, and your impromptu "attitudes."

You were born with a smile on your face, and it's never really disappeared. You don't stay mad for very long, and have a strong desire to resolve disputes before going off to bed or leaving the house. That's an admirable attribute.

You are predictable. We know your schedule, your night-time and morning routines, and you very seldom deviate from them. However, when it comes to birthday dessert, we never know what you're going to come up with. It's different every year. It's a fun, spontaneous side of you.

You are beautiful - inside and out. I've always thought so. I love your hair, in all it's styles (and I think you know what I mean). You look good in bright colors, and you have a classy way of dressing. And then there's your smile - it lights up your whole face, and the faces of those around you.

For all your funny humor, and the craziness that comes with that, you have a calmness about you that makes your brothers feel safe when they are in your care. You are excellent at getting Jalen Andrew to sleep, are wonderful at playing with Joseph, and are consistent in dealing with James, handling him the way that I would.

You are talented. You are wonderful at playing the trombone and the piano. You dance well, and have an energy in dancing that most people don't have. You are good at writing stories. You get good grades, and are good at decorating.

You are a very organized person. You like things neat and tidy, and I love that I can always walk into your room because it is clean. I often start my day, by visiting your room; it gives me a calm feeling, and helps me to feel the spirit.

You are a spiritual person, and you are becoming so much more that way, every time you read your scriptures or seek the Lord's opinion in prayer.

You are obedient. You have a mind of your own, and don't always want to do what is asked of you, but in the end, you usually do. You like to have peace in your relationships, and when you step back, you can usually see the wisdom in what is being asked of you.

You have a great imagination, and a great ability to connect with those who are younger than you, and also connect with those that are older than you.

You are a wonderful daughter, with many great attributes. I love you immensely, and am so grateful to have you in our family. You are a great friend to have around, and you make living this life easier. Thanks for all that you do! I love you!

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Rebekah spent her 13th birthday up at Girls' Camp. She wanted to delay her celebration until after she got home, so this blog entry is a bit delayed as well.

The leaders, and her sister, let her know that she wasn't forgotten on her birthday, with balloons, and cake, and a surprise gift from her family. Then we had a nice celebration at home, with Grandma & Grandpa, and Grandma Sandy.

Nothing like having your birthday twice!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, REBEKAH!

WE LOVE YOU!