Happy Birthday Rachel!

Rachel, when you entered our family just ten years ago--

you changed our world forever.

We had been longing for a baby.

Meghan had been praying for a sister.

The first time I held you was one of the most joyful moments of my life.

I knew that you were a precious and rare gift.

You were a delightful baby--so good natured and such a wonderful sleeper.

You were so quick to laugh and so snuggly.

My sentimental heart is full as I reflect on how quickly these ten years have passed.
I truly hope that the next 10 go much slower...

In honor of your tenth birthday, here are the

Top Ten Things I Love About Rachel.

1. You love to bake.

I love the times we spend together trying out new recipes. I love how you like to plate up the dish and garnish it so it looks just perfect. I especially love snuggling on the couch together to watch The Barefoot Contessa or Rachel Ray make a delicious dish on the Food Network.

2. You love to read.

I just love when I find you curled up in some comfy spot enjoying a book. You get that from Meghan. I love to watch you fill your mind with wonderful dreams and adventures.

3. I love that you Choose The Right.

I love watching you learn in church each Sunday. I love remembering the spirit we felt in the temple together and on your baptism day. I love that you know how important it is to be clean and pure and to keep the commandments.

4. I love the older sister that you are to Zach.

I love to see you light up when you see Zach and it makes my heart happy when you build block towers with him or read him stories. He is so lucky to have two wonderful big sisters. You try so hard to take good care of him.

5. I love the younger sister you are to Meghan.

I love that you can never wait to tell her the exciting things that happen in your day. And secretly, I do love that you guys are good enough friends to want to whisper the night away after your parents tell you to go to sleep. I love that you have always looked up to Meghan as an example and that you love her with your whole heart.

6. I love that you are so creative.

Rachel, you just have some of the funnest ideas. Who knew that you can design fashions out of flowers?

7. I love that you are the life of the party.

There is an energy that you carry with you that is contagious. You are truly are a performer and love to be on stage. I love the confidence you have in yourself and your willingness to try new things. I especially love how much you love music and are constantly dancing and singing.

8. I love your wacky sense of humor.

I get such a kick out of your jokes and your cleverness. I love that you make me laugh. I love that my days are much more fun because you are a part of them.

9. I love your flair for the dramatic.

I love that you love make-up and dressing up. I love that you are adventurous and sporty and fun loving.

10. I love that you love your family so much.

I love that you write in your school planner everyday that you love your family. I love that your school teacher tells me she hopes to have a daughter who loves her family like you do someday. I love that you are patient with us when we are not perfect parents and that you are so quick to try to make peace in our family.

and mostly Rachel, I love that you are ours and WE are yours....forever.

Happy 10th Birthday!