David Hyrum is 17!

David Hyrum Stott just had his 17th birthday on March 30th (the same day as his Grandpa Stott and his Great Grandpa Barraclough!) Time has flown! How awesome it has been to have him in our home. As parents, we are so grateful for such a loving, caring, and hilarious son. He has brought so much laughter and joy to this family and his friends with his sharp wit. We love you David Hyrum! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Kim, David's Aunt, has a great blog and for birthdays she lists 10 reasons why she loves the birthday person. I will copy her idea (thanks Kim.)

#1. When someone is sad or needing something, you are so sensitive, talking to them, listening to them, or try to make them smile or laugh with your goofy faces and voices.

#2. You love to help by making dinner. As a mom, this is so helpful. I love it!

#3. I love how you share your testimony both at church and everywhere else. You are a light!

#4. I love how you bring friends home. You have always liked being home, thankfully. I love how you share your friends with us!

#5. I love how you have a special and unique relationship with each of your brothers and sisters. They all know how special they are to you and that you truly love them.

#6. I love your enthusiasm for BYU! So does Grandpa and GrandmaLewis, and Chris :)

#7. You love Conference. Do you know how cool that is?

#8. I love your nose!

#9. I love how tender you are with babies. It is like you can communicate with them. I also love how I have to constantly tell you to not wake them up!

#10. I love how you love to learn and are so interested in history, politics, science, math, sports, etc. You are so fun to talk to!

We all love you, David! Happy Birthday!

David Charles Birthday (He is 42!)

Where do I begin with the one person who I have share the last 20 years with. What an amazing ride it has been. I could never describe in words how wonderful it has been but I do want to try. I met David 20 years ago and knew immediately that he was everything that I had dreamed of . He has made me happy beyond any of my dreams and I love him so much for sticking with me. Here are just a few of the reasons why we all love him so much.

#1. David is an amazing father. He loves his children beyond description. He is an instant playground for the kids when he lies down on the ground. I have millions of memories sketched into my mind of him and the children playing, reading, doing homework, going on walks, crying, working out, cooking, laughing, watching movies/games, teasing each other and much more. What a great Dad he is. I love how he takes an interest in what each child is interested in. I love how he gently places his hands on sick or worried heads and gives them sweet blessings. I love how he holds the newborns in his huge hands and becomes just wrapped around their tiny fingers- putty. I could go on and on.

#2. David is so witty. He is constantly making us all break out laughing. I can honestly say I cannot remember a day that he has not made me laugh since we met. Sometimes, this might drive his kids crazy because he is so quick with his comebacks. I love it, even if I am the one on the other end of his humor.

#3. I love how he listens to me and everyone. He is an incredible listener and IS really listening. He will let me spout off on what might be bothering me or what happened during my day or anything I want to say. He is incredible this way with the kids as well. He listens to and is there for them no matter what time of day or night it is.

#4. I love how David will laugh when something bad has happened. Let me explain. When ever any of the kids would do something they were not suppose to do, like break something or get into something, he will start laughing under his breath. Maybe it is not the best thing to do if you are trying to teach your kids not to do it any more, but it does take all of the stress out of the situation. I love this. He has stopped me from loosing it so many times, because all of the anger or frustration just leaves when he smiles or laughs.

#5. I love how David acts innocent when guilty. He will say,"What?" Like when the ball was thrown in the house causing something to fall. His kids have definitely got this trait as well. Love it!

#5. I love how David writes things down on whatever is lying around and then can never find it later. He will even say, "why did I do that?"

#6. This leads into how I love his self-deprecating humor. He is an extremely smart, handsome, talented, and amazing man in a billion ways, but he finds ways to make fun of himself. I think it puts others at ease. He is so hilarious!

#7. I love how David sings. I know, not many of you have heard. I remember a time when we were traveling in the car once and we were listening to a Billy Joel cassette tape. We were both singing out loud, really getting into it. It was so fun! I was so amazed at hids range and tone. He has the most gorgeous voice. Unfortunately, those are on eof those lights he hides under a bushel.

#8. I love how David can't sit still when some good music comes on. He will either start moving his head or begin using the person nearest to him as a percussion instrument. The kids got this from him as well. They love to turn on one of his favorite songs and just watch him immediately shift into his zone or happy place. He has definitely shared his taste of music with his kidswhich they all love!

#9. I love how David loves reading and learning. He hates just doing nothing. He loves to learn! He loves to use his brain. Some of our kids got this from him as well - jk - actually, they are all like him this way.

#10. I love to hear him teach, whether with the kids or at church or any where else. He is one great teacher!!!! He has a way of understanding who he is teaching and what he needs to do to help them get into the subject. He makes the subject understandable and exciting. I am so grateful for all that he has taught me these last 20 years.

David, I love you, and am so grateful for you! What an amazing best friend you have been. Hope you know how grateful we all are for you and we hope you had a very happy birthday!

Rosey is Ten!

Rosey (Adriana Rose) turned ten on March 5th - our pretty little Adriana! She is our only one born out of the state of Utah. She came on a snowy day in Cleveland, OH! What memories. Her brother, David, cried when he found out he was getting a little sister rather than a little brother, that he had been praying for. Soon though, he was wrapped around her little finger, as we all were. Rosey has added so much to this family. She is truly an amazing daughter. Thank you, Rosey, for all you do for us! Here is a list of some of our favorite things about Rosey!

#1. I love how Rosey is an amazing learner. She loves to read, study, do homework, as well as teach Jonny how to do his homework. This is so helpful!

#2 I love to hear Rosey sing! Did you know that she can sing the high notes like Mariah Carey? But I love to hear her sing the hymns and church songs the most. She has such a beautiful sweet sound!

#3. I love how she loves helping around the home. She will finish a task and then come up and say, "What next Mom." Or better yet, she will just go the 2nd mile and surprise me with doing something she wasn't asked to do.

#4. Rosey is a natural with the younger ones. She will be an incredible mother someday. She loves to read to her brothers and keep them busy and happy!

#5. As Kim said in her blog, Rosey has the most wonderful smile. It can brighten anyone's day and has millions of times for me! Her smile is truly sincere. She is such a happy person and loves to help others feel happy as well.

#7. I love her homemade cards. She puts her entire heart into it. She will spend however long it takes to make sure it is just right.
#8. Rosey has a very strong testimony and loves her Heavenly Father and Savior very much. She helps those around her know of His love as well. She brings a great Spirit into our home. She also offers the most beautiful prayers!
#9. I love how she acts around her older brother and sisters. She has a very mature side and loves to try to fit in. She will talk to them about what they like and such. It is so sweet! They do love her very much as well.
#10. I love Rosey's hugs and kisses. She will always make sure she hugs you before going anywhere, including each night before bed. They make you melt and feel so loved.

Rosey, thank you for all that you add to our family. We have learned so much from you! We love you! Hope you had a very happy birthday!