April Birthdays

Happy 11th, Didi!

Top 11 reasons why the world is a better place since the birth of Didi Lovell, who was born 11 years ago this month:

1.  When she was born, we knew our kids wouldn't be all boys.  That was exciting!  We were hoping for at least one of each : ).  (We ended up with 2 of each, which of course was doubly exciting!)
2.  She adds one more soft voice to the world.  There are definitely plenty of loud people out there, and very few soft-spoken people.  Her tenderness is a rare treasure.
3.  Her gorgeous smile, bright eyes, and not to mention her amazing waist-long hair, add real beauty to our world!
4.  She is confident in her singing talent and is willing to share it with those around her--we can't wait to hear her perform the singing role of Kaa the Snake in her school musical in a few weeks!

5.  She loves our Heavenly Father and cares about following his commandments, which makes the world a safer and happier place for everyone!
6.  She speaks kindly to everyone.  She is a great friend to have!
7.  She is intelligent--getting straight A's in school!  So whether she decides to perform, calculate stuff, keep records, teach people stuff, or help people out both now and in the future, we can all trust that she's going to be smart about her choices and we'll all be better off for her service!
8.  She is thoughtful!  She always writes me nice letters when I am sad, and she makes fun and beautiful gifts for other people when she is feeling artsy and crafty.  You can always count on Didi to lift your spirit when she's around.
9.  She joins me in my hobbies and responsibilities, which gives me the blessing of companionship. Stamping classes, cooking in the kitchen, anything crafty...recently we made clay figures together, and we are looking forward to using her Shrinky Dink stuff that she got for her birthday.  Fun!  She likes to shop with me (we both love to shop together at the thrift stores), and walk with me to go places.  I love having her by my side!
10.  She adds music to our world!  I already talked about her beautiful singing voice, but you should hear her play the piano!  She's going to put on some truly amazing concerts someday.  For now, I just love hearing her master song after song.  Her piano playing talents are truly a gift!  (Her saxophone chops are brand new, but also coming along nicely : ).)
11.  She is sensitive and kind, beautiful and happy, organized and pays good attention to detail when finishing any task, she's creative, funny, smart, helpful, and amazing!  Our world is definitely blessed by the presence of our Didi!

birthday gift in the box:  "good kids"

And now, on to our second birthday person of the month--JAZZ.  Instead of writing out 37 of the reasons we are all lucky to know Jazz (that might take too long), I'll just offer 11 favorite reasons as they come to me, as I did for Didi.  Here goes nothin'...

1. His amount of gray hair makes the rest of us feel younger, ha ha!
2. He has great piano chops.  He's even willing to share them as accompanist now of the ward choir!
3. He still has saxophone chops, when he needs them. 
4. He is the world's best husband!
5. He loves his parents and siblings, nieces, nephews...he cares about all of them deeply and tries to stay in touch with them. 
6. He is an amazing father.  So loving, fun, and a great teacher of values.
7. He is fun to talk with on the phone!
8. He is Superman.  Where would the world be without him?

 ice cream on chocolate waffles doesn't hold candles well

9. He understands the scriptures and the gospel and helps me understand them.  He lives the gospel and is a worthy priesthood holder.  We are all blessed by his righteous example.
10. He is willing to fulfill his callings in the church to the best of his ability, even when it's hard!  (Right now he wonders if there is anything more challenging than his current calling--Primary teacher of the 5 year old boys!)
11. He is a great scholar!  The world is about to find out what a great researcher, writer, and reporter he is--as he is soon to have his dissertation published.  Can't wait!

And one more 'cause he deserves this big bonus shout-out:

12. He is a favorite professor among his students.  I'm not kidding! Time and time again, students have come to him and thanked him for his guidance, even after times when he has had to be tough on them.  One student said these things in an email to him this week:

  "I just wanted to take the time just to say thank you. Thank you for all that you have done for me specifically to become a better musician... I never thought theory would be fun, or interesting but I just wanted you to know that you have made it this way.  ...[Other students and I] want your approval more than more than any teacher, student or mentor on this campus.
     "So again, thank you for your patience through our struggles as musicians, students and young adults. I will always be grateful for your input and knowledge. I hope that in the years to come you will always be a resource and mentor to me as I build my path of musicianship."

Wow!  Way to go, Prof. Lovell! 

So happy birthmonth to our two April-ites.  We LOVE you so much!!