18th Birthday

Doesn't seem possible yet, but this Thursday, Oct. 1st Autumn turns 18 years old.  She is a great example to all of  us.  And a big "Miigwetch" (ojibwe-thank you) to all of you that have influenced her in her life.  I have asked her for some specifics and these are some of what she said.

Her Dad is number one - which makes sense because she has such an interest in Church History and there is no one that understands it more than Derwin.  She shares with him all those stories and has such great recall that even the Seminary teachers are in awe of her knowledge.  The Sunday school teachers know that she will always have the answer...............what a girl!  She loves her Pa, as we call him and is so thankful that he is here to see her 18th birthday because it came pretty close to him not being here for the event.  We continue to pray that he will stick around for a long time to come.

Her sister Heather has always been an important person in her life.  Heather was actually accused of being her Mom a time or two and me being her Grandma.............if Mom wasn't available, then it was Heather that she went to.  That comes naturally because Heather was at her birth and was the first person on this earth to hold her and I think that moment they instantaneously bonded.  They have a love that as sisters will pull them together again.  They went on a "Sister" trip a few years ago and had a wonderful time.  Can you believe I let them travel there on their own.  If ever there was a strong enough woman to take care of her sisters, it would be Heather...................what a woman!

Then of course there is Starr.  Her younger sister that came along not too long after Autumn and they have been so close.  They do allot of things together and I had to conciously take pictures of them separately because it was like they were "one" and when we wanted pictures of one of them - we couldn't find one of them alone, they were always both of them.  So even though we say "the girls" they are two separate girls.  Autumn at times got mad at Starr because she always got her "hand-me-downs" and Autumn never got any "hand-me-ups".  Funny, funny sisters!!!

Then there are the Young Women and Best Friends that she grew up with.  Just take a look at these adorable faces heading to Youth Conference.  Cute girls with gorgeous spirits always influence others for the best.  Molly is standing next to Autumn and they have had an incredible friendship and love for one another.

Then there is Tami Creamer who fed her hunger for music.  Not only performing but singing.  Tami was the teacher that started Autumn in her love for Broadway hits and Musicals.  She gave her the desire to seek after uplifting music and Autumn has such a mature need to listen to good music and this woman is who planted that seed.  Once that seed was planted then another wonderful woman took over and that was Tessa Bailey................I don't have a picture of her.  But Tessa took over where Tami left off when Tami moved away.  Thank you both!!

Eddy found Raechel and thank goodness that she likes her sisters-in-law, and they try to include them in appropriate activities.  Eddy has a love for movies and always shares with Autumn & Starr the ones that they may like also.  Raechel is a woman of the times and helps the girls in their dress and appearance.  She takes them shopping and knows the things that are pleasing to young women. They are always concerned about what they are doing and try their hardest to support them in their activities by coming to their performances, plays, etc.

Uncle Dee & Aunt Bonnie.........they stepped in like grandparents even though they were really her aunt & uncle.  Uncle Dee was getting older as Autumn knew him but he was ALWAYS happy to see her and give her a love.  He always wanted rhubarb pie and to come see us.  Aunt Bonnie was so patient with him in his childlike state but it was such a lesson on loving always.  Aunt Bonnie spoke at her Baptism and comes often to see us.

These are just a few of those that we thank for making Autumn into the person she is.  There are so~ many more that she would like to put here.  Leilani, Ruth, Porters, Mrs, Evans, Sister Rhodes, Sister Foremaster, Renee, Clifford, and we could go on and on.  And we are so proud of that young woman she has blossomed in to.  Happy Birthday Autumn............here are 18 hugs & kisses for a beautiful girl!!!

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