Ten Years of Autumn

Today is my third child's 10th birthday!  Autumn Frost Christensen is often a whisper of a presence, so gentle and sometimes has a mysterious nature because she doesn't say everything that's on her mind, she doesn't overbear or talk too much, is pleasant to be around, is a graphic learner, a wonderful artist, and so kind of a companion that she naturally draws people to her.

In all honesty, I wish I could be more like her.  I'm hoping that more I'm around her the more she will rub off on me.

We gave her breakfast in bed this morning which is our tradition.  And I just wrapped a few gifts for her, clothing mostly, because I know that's her interest now that she's moving into young womanhood.  As I wrapped this gift, I kept thinking of my grandmother who always gave us beautiful clothes for our birthdays, and always with a matching necklace or necklace and earrings/bracelet combo.

Later, I opened a new alarm clock for Guy and as I set it up in his bedroom, I thought about my Grandfather.  On my 12th birthday, I received an alarm clock/radio.  My grandpa showed me how to use it that evening, and he took great care to warn me of the radio stations I should never listen to, because they played only "heavy metal"!  I love my grandparents, and although they have passed away, I am feeling really close to them right now.  I know they are close-by, watching over me and over us.

These are the moments when I know that we go on after this life and when I know and am so glad that families are forever.

And I'm glad to know that I have my little girl forever as my daughter, friend, and trusty companion.

I went to her school (with three other children in tow) to have lunch with her on her birthday.  I thought, why don't I just do this every week...and I just might.  It was the first time in a long time that I had (almost) one-on-one time with my not so little girl.

As I looked at old photos of Autumn today, I was reminded of how much she has changed and how much fun we've had together of the years, and it warmed my heart.  I can't wait to show her these photos in a slideshow when she gets home.