Happy Birthday Spencer

I'm pretty happy to celebrating Spencer's birthday today...for many reasons but mostly because he's still here!  There have been a handful of moments that I just wasn't sure he was going to make it...but he has!  And he's back in Utah after nearly a month in Mexico.

24 years today.  I've spent so much of the day thinking about the last 24 years.  It's so hard to believe that I have children this old!  I know, everyone says that but I seriously don't think it's possible.  I have never quite felt like a 'mom', more a friend than anything or at least a fellow traveler in this world, just trying to figure things out like they are.  We have definitely raised each other. 

Although, I will say this, Spencer may be the reason I have so much grey hair or at least he has been an active contributor to the hair and wrinkles situation I am currently facing.  Even still, he is the love of my life, the family Disco Ball.  He lights up a room with his good humor and steady kindness.  Shelbie and I are so lucky to have Spencer and Sam in our life. Spencer has been the 'man' of the house for the last 15 years. 

So, here's where I get to post my favorite (Never Before Seen) pictures of this deserving young man...

Spencer's First Birthday

Me and Spencer at the Zoo...2005

Spencer's first snow board competition 2006

2009 Spencer and his friend built this demolition derby car and his dad drove it for them in the competition. That's Spencer in the middle of the front seat!

2009 I think was Spencer's mid life crisis!  I wasn't sure we would survive the teenage years.  He and his friends decided to give each other matching haircuts.  When he walked in the door for dinner, I was speechless!  He begged me to take him to Walmart after dinner so he could walk around and show off his new look.  That was all fun and games until every old guy in the store complimented him, then he was filled with regret!  Somehow, in their little misguided teenage mind, where the frontal lobe was on pause, they thought this style would be a 'chick magnet'.  Hmmm.

Spence has been blessed with some pretty amazing opportunities.  His Make a Wish was a highlight.  He, Sam and his Uncle Howard made it to the big screen in Times Square.

Skating at Rockefeller plaza

 He was healthy enough to serve a Full Time Mission to Colorado.  If you ask Spencer, even today, that was the best 2 years and he would give anything to still be there, serving the Lord.

Sam and I on the eve of his mission departure

 Spencer's life has been anything but smooth sailing.  The first time Spencer died and was brought back to life, they saddled him with this monitor for 6 weeks or so and he took it with good humor as he most always does.

Some of this year's pictures of a well- adjusted, happy, fearless young man!

June 2018

4th of July 2018

July 2018- Bonneville Salt Flats

Clarion Alley- San Francisco 2018

 Spencer has truly become a great young man.  He fears nothing, including dying.  He refuses to wait around for life; he drags it along behind him, disease and all.  I am continually in awe of what he accomplishes.  He has dedicated his life to learning, growing, becoming and loving and taking care of his family and friends.