Growing up, there was nothing I wanted more than to be married with children. As I got older, though, I thought this might never happen. It wasn't until I was 30 that I met Jason, but so many blessings have come to us since.
We were married December 19, 2002, in the Seattle temple, and ever since then I have been grateful for Jason's low expectations of me, his willingness to watch British period drama, and just his general commitment to giving me whatever support I need. He works hard, loves to laugh, takes care of our family, can (occasionally) beat me at Scrabble, and has even been known to rip up his shirt for me when necessary (details at https://literarylamb.blogspot.com/2020/09/).
Without a doubt, he loves me, which is an important trait in a husband.
Ben was born in June 2004, transforming my life by making me a mother. I held him all the time, not wanting to put him down even to make lunch or clean the house. I was so happy to finally have a baby!
Ben has gone through many phases, with interests ranging from bats to Thomas the Tank Engine to Star Wars and Lego to movie making and novel writing. He has added so much to my life with his ideas and with his personality, and he's created an exceptionally strong bond with each of his siblings.
Next came Janae in March 2007. I had really prayed to have another baby, not wanting Ben to be an only child, and I was so grateful when this little girl came along!
I loved seeing Ben and Janae together, and even today, it is great to know they are good friends.
Janae has helped me learn so many things--from how to cope with separation anxiety to the importance of monitoring a teenager's Instagram account. She loves to be loud and adds life to our family with her sense of humor and many talents.
Alaina came along next in September 2009, immediately a very loved daughter and little sister.
Since I'd had three sisters, I was especially thankful that Janae and Alaina would be able to share this bond, too. My two girls have enjoyed many common interests, from dress-up and Polly Pockets to musicals and Barbie productions.
Alaina is usually calm and thoughtful. She loves animals and learns everything she can about them; she can talk for at least an hour straight about mice, even though she knows I will never let her have one :) She is also a bookworm, just like her mama.
Eric completed our family in January 2014. My greatest wish at the time was that I could have "just one more baby," even though I was already 40 and didn't really think it would happen.
Having this little boy was a special gift to all of us, and I am grateful every day to still have someone small to cuddle up with me, hold my hand, and read stories with me.
When I look back on the time I got to spend with these four as babies, I am more grateful than I could ever express, and I am thankful for every moment I have spent with them since. Along with Jason, they brighten my life in so many ways, and I love them all very much.
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