birthday boy.

h a p p y  b i r t h d a y 

dear crewser:

 i can't believe you are 20. 

you are growing up way to fast, which is perfectly fine for you.

but, for me, it makes me feel old. 

{so please, stop it. or simply slow down.}

you are in another country, which makes it impossible 

for us to celebrate your big day together.

however, let's pretend you lived next door. 

this is how it would go:

1. we'd start the day off with a big chai frappuccino- your favorite.

2. we'd walk home laughing about who knows what- 

because we always laugh about anything and everything when we are together.

or rather, you are always making me laugh. 

3. we'd come home to find midge patiently waiting for us,

 with a pile of presents for you-

because we all know that she loves you the most.

{or at least she does on your birthday.}

4. you'd open your gifts which would include, all things utah and sport oriented,

 a new pair of converse and a rubik's cube.

{or at least those would be the gifts last year's crew would get.}

this year, midge is sending you a few new white shirts, new socks, 

books on the gospel, and giving you money to treat yourself to a new suit.

5. dad would be begging to spend every second with you-

whether that meant sitting on the couch or playing a round of golf.

we all know he loves you too much.

you are his favorite child, no matter what the day is.

6. we'd spend the day doing something fun, crazy and adventurous-

because with you, there is never a dole moment in life. 

7. you'd pick your favorite restaurant to go to for dinner. 

if your taste buds haven't matured too, i'm guessing you'd pick

pizza limone, crown burger or cafe rio.

the brothers would of course make fun of your selection 

in what they'd consider a 'crapy' restaurant.

8. we'd race home for a delicious dessert; probably a big slice of chocolate cake.

not forgetting a big scoop of ice cream.

9. the day would be over just like that;

you'd be 20 and i'd be wishing we could stay this young forever.

10. we'd all go to bed thankful that you are 

the caboose and 'accident' of the family.

because, let's face it crew, you are everyone's favorite. 

then, you know me- i'd sneak into your room and lay on your bed and

"accidentally" fall asleep while we lay there talking about life. 

i'm so glad we are best friends.

even when you are thousands of miles away.

your birthday marks 20 years- 

and i'm hoping it is the happiest birthday you'll have.

and how can i forget that your birthday also means one more thing...

it means your one year mark 

is just around the corner.

i'm beyond excited for that day,

because that day will mark the beginning of my countdown 

to when i get to see you next. 

then, we won't have to do any pretending.

we will celebrate your two birthdays, the two christmas' and all the holidays 

in between that you missed-  the minute you get home.

you may even get a celebration dance from yours truly, 

the second you step off that escalator in the airport. 

actually, i'm guaranteeing a dance.

i'll be that excited. 

until then crew, happy birthday.

i miss and love you dearly. 

technology saved the day.

being away from both of our mother's was a bit hard yesterday.

we miss them both oh, so much.

my dear mother is in utah,

while lovebird's sweet mother is in heaven.

we're thankful for the remarkable mothers they were and continue to be. 

my mother being my everything- including my best friend

and lovebird's mom being his inspiration and maker of his personality...

is just the beginning to who they are to us. 

we are forever indebted to their sweet spirits.

they've showered us with kisses, hugs, advice, tears and support.

we love you, both. 

hope you enjoyed receiving flowers through the phone-

bet you didn't know we were that on top of it, did you?

mother's day meant something different this year:

crew's {aka: elder carlson} first mother's day on the mission!

we {finally} got to speak with him and see his handsome face!

due to the wonders of technology,

he was able to call home {via skype} to my family in utah.

they then called us {via the iPhone} so that we could use FaceTime to see him!

it was all so complicated.

viewing him through two screens was better than nothing.

quick update:

i'm forever grateful for his distinct laugh,

his devotion {and frustration} with the language,

the happiness that came radiating from his heart,

and his love for mexico, the gospel and the people around him

i hope you all had an awesome day spoiling your mother's with love yesterday.  

we sure did, even being miles and aeons away from them.

xoxo

never new how much joy could fill a little mailbox.

dear mailman: you always make my day.

all good things come in the mail.

and this week our mailbox has been full of nothing but just that.

{good things, happy notes, and surprise packages.}

1. another sweet hello and happy letter from little brother.

he's happy and doing well. what a relief.

2. a st. patrick's day package from the leprechaun.

{also known as: the best mother in the world}

full of all things green:

shoes, shirts, treats, gold coins, a pair of earrings, letters, and a little bird vase.

3. a much anticipated package from fedex.

which carried a little gem from oc tanner in it.

{another pun intended}

we are happy over here when our mailbox surprises us.

we usually only get lots of adds, random mail and bills.

but this week was an exception to that rule.

and we are feeling loved.

and the biggest lesson learned from this:

i need to send mail more often.

even if its just a postcard or small little note saying hello.

why? because if it brings so much joy to me-

why not share that with those you love.

make someone's day and send them a quick note.

it only takes words and 41 pennies. 

you won't regret it.

and they will love you forever.

happy friday, dear friends. 

i'd love to send you a little love note in your mailbox.

email me your address! 

{thelittlelovebirds.blog@gmail.com}

miss you most of all today.

i am missing this little man today.

{okay he's not that little- he towers over me.}

but he is my little brother. 

he's already been gone a whole 11 days. 

missionary time goes extremely slow and quick all at the same time.

it's bizarre.

wanna know what else is bizarre?

my burning desire to move right now.

move far away, to a new place.

i'm not unhappy here. in fact, i love our little home.

but, i have this crazy want to move cities, states or even countries. 

i bug lovebird with my fantasizing every day.

that's probably because i am beginning to think my dreams 

of moving are going to come true.

lovebird just laughs.

he tells me i want too many things.

which, i do.

that comes with a "go-getter" personality. 

although it doesn't seem soon enough,

we are bound to move in the next year or two-

due to the next chapter in our lives. 

i suppose for now i'll keep dreaming.

alongside missing my little brother dearly. 

happy weekend to my lovely followers. 

just some ideas:

 a place like this down by the beach. {carmel, california.} 

or a little romantic apartment in beautiful italy.

or i would love to live in a little old fashioned city like this.

if i could convince lovebird, we'd live in a cottage. 

or i'd even be happy in an upbeat crammed studio in a big city.

i clearly just want to move. 

goodbye, elder.

goodbye to you.

this goodbye was a hard one.

by far the hardest one i've experienced in life so far. 

it's not forever, but two years is forever to me.

you are my best friend.

you mean the world to me.

i am happy for you.

i am praying for your strength, courage, and safety.

i miss you already and it's only been five days.

{725 more to go.}

you'll be an incredible missionary.

the people of mexico will just adore you.

you'll be missed at home, dearly.

but, you are in the right place doing the right thing.

we all love you.

thank goodness for your cute friends waiting at the curb to embrace you.

they helped my goodbye end with a smile and 

gave me the comfort to know you'd be perfectly alright in this new chapter of your life.

p.s. i miss our little texting convo's, but i'm looking forward to exchanging letters. 

i know from experience, letters helps your love grow.