So, I know I talk about my African babies on a non-stop basis and I so appreciate all of you who have taken the time to listen to me start every other conversations with, "In Ghana...." or "While I was in Africa...". I'm sure it can be pretty annoying but thank you.
Well, while I was in Africa, Ghana to be precise, I missed my family beyond words. I find it funny that I felt so homesick for my family while I was gone yet I've gone several months at a time without seeing my family while in Utah. I can only chalk it up to the whole, "I want what I can't have!" attitude. Or maybe it was because I didn't have the option to just jump into my car and take a drive to Lehi to visit the family...but thats the same as wanting what I can't have, right?
Who knows but either way, this post is not about my African Babies.
I've decided that I need to celebrate-publicly, my American babies....all 13.5 of the little stinker-bums!
However, as usual, I will be the best aunt in the world and be fair by giving all of them their very own post and in no particular order.
Grace-Face Hanson
Sometimes when I'm hanging out at Megan and Pauls, I'll sit back and just watch the interaction that goes on within their loving home. At times I start feeling overwhelmed with happiness but right when I'm on the verge of tears in walks my little Grace-Face. She breaks my urge to tear-up by saying some witty remark; which is usually accompanied by some sort of visual... which then leaves her father blushing and thinking either,
"Wow, thats my girl!"
or
"Wow, thats my girl?"
And her laugh is so contagious!
I so wish I could share some of the comments she has made but she would be devastated.
Grace has somewhat of a hard outer-shell but on the inside of her little shell is the softest heart ever.
Grace has somewhat of a hard outer-shell but on the inside of her little shell is the softest heart ever.
She loves to keep up with the boys when it comes to competition and she has her own unique style; which I totally admire!
However, her little heart was with me the entire time I was away.
The teardrops that came from her eyes the night before I left were tears of
pure love.
Other than my momma, I think Grace was who worried about me the most.
She and her sister, Emma, have a relationship like Megan and I did when we were their ages.
LOVE/HATE!
However, when we recently attended the funeral of our cousin who passed away at the age of 15 from Cancer, I witnessed just how much Grace truly and genuinely loves Emma. It was one of the most tender moments that I've shared with little Grace.
Some of the ironic things about Grace is
she was born in November
she has a love for Africa, (even before she knew about mine)
she seems to be either black or white
(not a lot of grey in her life-think about the time you decided you'd try out for
your school choir group!)
at times, she has a tendency to be a bit crass (another word for crass is Graceless! :)) yet she is very, very shy at other times
she gets this look on her face that makes everyone around her wonder what the heck she is up to-so mysterious
she is one moody girl; especially when she's hungry
she is stubborn
she was born on a Monday
her African name is Adwua
she was born on a Monday
her African name is Adwua
she tries to come across tough yet she is actually very tender.
Grace is a Scorpio.....
Sydnee is a Scorpio....
(Dear Megan and Paul,
these are just a few of my observations
so don't worry about her
growing up to be like her crazy
Aunt Sydnee.)
Grace will be the first to let you know just how wrong you are when you cut yourself down. She immediately responds with a sweet compliment that makes you feel guilty for complaining in the first place.
She has taught me to be careful about what I say to myself.
Actually, Grace will be the first to let you know just how wrong you are after you've admitted it....period.
Grace has a strong love for animals.
She chose to start horseback riding lessons years ago and continues to love it.
I truly believe it speaks volumes about a person, even a tiny person, when they connect with an animal and form a strong bond.
Grace has this type of bond with not only the horse she rides, but with her
kitty-cat, Joey,
as well.
Grace, I am so blessed to get to be apart of your life. You are so beyond beautiful. You have a beauty within you that is rare and unique.
I absolutely love you with all of my heart.
Two of my forever favorite memories of you are going to be of the day you let me take you to singing tryouts and
then the day you let me curl your hair.
I had so much fun watching you feel the way you did.
Please always feel that beautiful no matter what your hair looks like.
The day you decided you were going to try out for the "performing" group at your school showed me just how wonderful and brave you truly are. There is no holding you back when you decide you want to achieve something-please never lose that confidence.
You have the ability to conquer the world if you so desire.
I am in awe of your wit and the way you like to spend money. ;)
I beg you to stay close to your family; even Emma. I promise you one day, they will be who you want to spend most of your time with...sounds strange, I know.
Your momma and daddy love you so much-actually love doesn't even fully describe how they feel about you.
You are their baby and always will be.
Please stay close to each of them.
I can't wait until the day we get to go to Africa together!
The love you have for children less fortunate is raw and real-keep your focus on that type of love and charity, please.
Please stay close to Heavenly Father no matter what life may bring you. He is who will carry you through the times you feel you can't walk anymore. He is who will be there with open arms no matter what
-as will your family
-as will I.
I love-love-love you, Scooter, forever and for always!
(Thanks, Megan, for letting me steal some of your photos. Grace, I know a couple of the photos I posted are older but they are still some of my favorites of you!)
