Happy Birthday Jacob Matthew!

Five years ago this month, Jacob Matthew was born! Happy Birthday, Jacob!

I adore Jacob, and have from the moment he was born. He has a most amazing ability! From the time he was about 2 months old, David and Lori discovered that he has uncanny musical skills. They would pull him up to a standing position on their laps, and he would rock back and forth in perfect rhythm to whatever music was playing. Lori told me that if she was changing his diaper and music was playing, he would still HAVE to wave his arm in time to the music. I have seen him continue to love music, and to respond to it as one who is passionate about it. I'm excited to see what he does with this great gift.

Jacob is a very kind, sensitive boy. He has love for everyone. I don't think I have ever seen or heard him do anything that was less than kind or loving. Sometimes that gentleness puts him in rather vulnerable positions, but he always gets through the tough times with a smile on his face. He is a joy to be around, always interested in everything going on around him.

Now that he is five years old (today!), he is becoming a big boy--he is eager to learn, he is full of energy and enthusiasm, and he is a grandson who makes us very proud. We adore his family, each and every one, and today, May 20th, is Jacob's day--his birthday! We love you Jacob! Happy Birthday!

Below are Jacob and his big brother and best friend, Joseph David Gardner:

Enchanting Emily Arianna

One year ago this month, we added a captivating little person to our family. Her name is Emily Arianna Gardner, and she is a sweetheart! As you can see from her adorable smile, this little lady is full of life and joy and love. She looks like a carbon copy of all her siblings. Dave and Lori seemingly have a mold for all their babies. I'm glad they all look so much alike because they are all so cute! Bald little heads, great big smiles, warm happy eyes, and cute cute dimples!

Emily and Della (Matt and Brit's baby) were originally due three days apart. But Emily chose to wait a month longer than Della. The two little girls are discovering each other and having a blast doing so. Right now the interest doesn't last long. It's fun to put them together and see what happens. I know they will be best friends down the road. I can't imagine anything more fun than a cousin who is just your age!

Emily is David and Lori's fifth baby and third little girl. Her two older sisters, Sarah and Rebekah, are wonderful examples to her and those three will have a great time growing up together. Although Dave and Lori would probably tell you that having five kids is a little overwhelming, there are no greater parents in the world than they are. They are always involved with the children, always doing fun things together as a family. What a privilege it is to be grandparents to these kidlets!

Even though I'm a bit late getting this blog entered (we took Uncle Nathaniel into the MTC for his mission earlier this month), I want to wish Emily Arianna a VERY Happy Birthday! We love you, Emily!