My Life After 50: My Two Birthday Boys

Januray 26th and January 27th are pretty fun days at our house. We get to celebrate Jared and Troys birthdays. And of course there's never a dull moment as you can tell from the pictures.

Jared was born on January 26, 1977. I have some good and bad memories about being pregnant with Jared. I was so young, just 18. But terribly excited to become a mommy. And he being our first born was a special time for us. I was one of the lucky ones who never seemed to get sick when I got pregnant. I just grew a big nose and a red one at that. I remember hating the way I looked because my sister cut my hair really short and I had this huge nose. I was so embarrassed to go out. After my sister had cut my hair I came home and cried and hid behind the sofa when Roger came home from work. All he could say is "it will grow out honey." Well, it did of course. Jared has been an awesome son. Always taking care of his little sister when he was growing up. He loved sports. He lived and breathed them. We have so many fun memories of traveling around to different cities and him being on all the All Star teams. I miss those days.

Jared served an LDS mission to Eugene, Oregon. There he really became a man and learned lots about the gospel and about life. I was so proud of him. He's now a proud father of two little girls and is a wonderful husband. He loves hunting and fishing and camping which is what he does all summer long.

Troy was born on January 27th, 1983. Exactly 5 years and 1 day after Jared was born. I had gone to the OB doctor on Jareds birthday and he checked me and told me I had at least another week or so. I wasn't due until Feb. 3rd anyway. Well, I went home and during Jareds birthday party started having labor pains. I fooled the doctor I guess because he was quite surprised to see me when he came to the hospital to deliver Troy. I remember when I found out I was pregnant with him. My very first thought and instinct was "I need to call my mom and tell her." But then remembered she had passed away. But my thoughts then turned to "mom and dad are taking care of our little one right now and will be sending him to us soon." That was such a consoluation for me. Knowing he was safe in my mom and dads arms. Troy was always a little rambuncious one. Always into sports, hunting, fishing. He loves doing these things with his dad and brother. Growing up Troy got good grades and had lots of friends. He always gave us a run for our money.

Troy played basketball for Orem High School. Was a great team member. I miss those days too. Screaming and yelling at the refs because they made a bad call. Troy served a mission to the Quito, Ecuador mission. He learned to love the Ecuadorean people and to speak spanish. That was hard as a mom to see your son go off to a foreign country.