Jan 25, 1984

I would like to CELEBRATE ALYSE today because it's her Birthday and I am so happy Heavenly Father put her into our family. I remember very well the day when I had Alyse. She came into the world very quick. I guess she couldn't wait to get here. She came 2 weeks early and my labor was only 2 hours long. Yes from first contraction until I was back in a recovery room, 2 hours. I was so excited to hold in my arms a little girl and she was going to be in our family.

My dad use to call Alyse, "White Lightening." She was quick! Alyse learned to walk when she was 7-8 months old. And as soon as she could walk she was climbing on everything. We were at a park one day and I happen to look at the top of a very BIG jungle gym and there stood Alyse teetering back and forth in front of a steep slide. Terror went through my soul as I tried to get her to sit down. There was no way I could race to the top and rescue her. After much coaxing and prayer she finally sat down on her bum and then came down the big steep slide no year old should be on. As soon as she came down she headed right back up. I grabbed her hand and we went off to try other smaller things. But she was quick and loved heights! Alyse also has the ability to make friends where ever she is. She could tell you all the names of the children on the play ground. Did I mention that she talked early as well!

Alyse is a very smart cookie. She will tell you otherwise but she is very quick at picking things up and learning. When I think of Alyse as a child I see lots of blond hair bouncing as she would run and climb. She was given the nickname Lisse Belle by my mother.

I have been very proud of Alyse as she has grow in her life. She has always had the right things within her sight. A testimony has always burn strong and bright within her soul. The most amazing day came last year when Alyse set a goal and we all went to the temple with her. There is nothing better in this life nor quite as wonderful in this world as to see your daughter standing in all white in the House of the Lord. These are the moments when you understand just a fraction of the joy Heavenly Father feels when we return home to him. This must be heaven I thought that day. She still has blond hair and it still bounces but now in a different way. She returns often to the temple and she loves being there.

I love to hear Alyse laugh and to talk to her about the gospel. She sends me funny stuff during the day via email and sometimes it is just what I needed to make my day better. She truly is everything a mother would want in a daughter. Happy Birthday Alyse!! I love you without measure!