Happy Birthday Sis!

Taryn,

I find it hard to believe that it has been 16 years since you were born. It hardly seems that long. I remember when I found out mom was pregnant with you. I was telling mom about some present that one of my friends got for her birthday. She told me I was getting something better. I started guessing. A box turtle? Better. A horse? Better. A baby sister?! I still stand by my belief that I prayed you into existence. I wanted a little sister more than anything. I want you to know that I couldn't have gotten a better one. I'm so grateful for the relationship we have.

Mag, this post is for you.

First I want to share 16 memories I have of you. These won't be in any particular order. Just fun memories I have.

1. I remember fights my senior year of high school. You always ended them with "I can't wait for you to go to college!" Without fail, 4 minutes later you would come back in tears to let me know that you didn't want me to leave.
2. I remember driving to Salt Lake with you and mom when we got stuck in the snow. You were about 5, I think. We waited for a long time and no one was driving by. A lady came in a truck and instead of helping us, she turned around and went home. Mom was worried. You asked me if we could say a prayer. While mom was trying to get us out, you and I prayed. 5 minutes later 4 trucks showed up at the same time and all the guys stopped and pushed the car back on the road. Remember the toothless guy throwing the snowball at the windshield and smiling and waving as mom got back in the car? Your faith has always impressed me.
3. On that note, remember when Jet was born? We didn't know if he was going to live. You asked dad to give him a blessing. I hope you always remember the power of prayer and the priesthood.
4. Remember eating my chili burger when we were in Oregon because it was too spicy for me?
5. How about the time that we went to Disney Land. You were so upset that you were too short to go on the fun rides. No matter what I said, I couldn't convince you that Colton and Truck were lying when they said they could stretch you. I don't remember how long you let one of them pull on your hands and the other on your feet while mom and dad were gone.
6. There were several times that we talked dad into letting us get kittens. You always managed to talk me into sneaking them into our bedroom after mom and dad went to sleep.
7. I wanted to do something special for your 10th birthday because I was going into the MTC 1 1/2 weeks later, but I had to work that day. I had Colton check you out of school and bring you to the golf course. I pulled some strings to get you a golf cart so that he could take you out on the back 9 while I made you both lunch.
8. Remember when you were talking about your best birthday ever being when Colton took you to the golf course. Yah, still bitter. That was so my idea-and I even paid for it!
9. I'll always remember the 'pet fight' at the Brady's. We had gone to have dinner at Shay's parents' house before Colton and Shay got married. Before we left, we were standing out front visiting. That is when it came out that dad shot Bubba, Nala ate your bunny, dad stepped on the kitten, etc. You were in tears, Colton was upset, mom was in trouble, and dad was the bad guy. Not the best way to show the Brady's that their daughter was marrying into a good family! Jon thought it was hilarious!
10. I remember how upset you were when Jessie threw a fit in the arena when you were trying out for Neola Rodeo Princess. You felt like you had done so bad. In actuality, you were amazing. You handled it so well. You made her calm down and you finished running the pattern. You are an amazing horseman (woman).
11. I called from the airport when I was on the way to North Carolina. You wouldn't believe mom when she kept trying to tell you that I really didn't need the rundown of what had happened on Smallville the night before.
12. The cutest thing ever was right after I got married and you asked me when I was going to move home for the summer.
13. One of my favorites was taking you with when my friends went to Vernal to see one of the new Star Wars episodes. You insisted on dressing up with us. Ty carried you around all night on his back and called you his Padawan learner.
14. Oh the nic-names! Remember when I called you 'booger eater' just to show Colton that you had so many nic-names that you would answer to anything. I was right. Because mom didn't like me calling you that, I started calling you Fred. When that didn't fly, we went to Mag and Maggie (I think I still owe you several quarters for calling you Magpie). The funny thing is that you never got mad about any of the names I called you.
15. Remember the BYU-I sweatshirt I gave you. You wore it everywhere. My favorite was when you insisted on wearing it over your off-white dress when you came up for my graduation.
16. I know it was only a month ago, but I loved taking the trip with you to the Tabi store. Which one? All of them. We were enjoying talking to each other so much that even on the last trip, we forgot to get everything we were supposed to.

I'll wrap this up with a photo highlight. Now these aren't all of my favorites, just 16 that I have taken. Let me know if there are any you have questions about.

Oh, and my one bit of advice for you would be to remember that dad is a smart guy. You probably won't believe that during this phase of your life (I didn't), but he is. Always follow his counsel. I promise you will be happier if you do.

I love you, Mag. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!