Happy Birthday Sara

Today marks another milestone in the Jensen Family as we celebrate Sara's 31st birthday. Born September 18th, 1977 Sara took no time establishing her self as the family princess. Older sisters Cameron and Carey (six and four years old at the time)were quick to determine this baby to be the best baby ever. They truly doted on her.

When Sara was fourteen months old I was wondering if she would ever walk? One day Carey called me into the hallway and said, "Look mom." She laid a skipping rope lengthwise in the hall way, stood at one end with Sara sitting cute as ever at the opposite end. Sara crawled over to the skipping rope, took the handle in her hand and stood up without anything to pull her self up on. Carey began to walk backwards and Sara, holding onto the other end of the rope walked forward behind her. UNREAL! The child could walk!! Who knew!!! A family council was called and big sisters were forbidden to carry little sister or get things for her or do anything she could do for herself. They were sure this was absolutely unreasonable. But mom prevailed and Sara became the family "instant" walker/runner. There were no toddling steps for this one.

Sara has a natural wit that truly entertains. She has the ability to see the humor in day to day life and expresses it cleverly without hurting or poking fun at others. I love it! A highlight of our week is to read from her blog and not only get a sense of what is happening at the Anderson household, but have some comic relief. Claigh and I have gone the range from gentle chuckles to uproarious laughter.

As a toddler, Sara loved her bottle. We had a pretty good supply of bottles but they began vanishing. In 2008 Sara Jensen baby bottles would have made the endangered species list. One night as things were winding down and Sara was ready for her "before bed milk" we found the bottle situation had moved from endangered to extinct. After scouring the cupboards and puzzling over the lack of bottles, I explained to this ready for bed too cute little miss that I just couldn't find a bottle for her. She beamed her adorable smile and took my hand and walked me into the living room. She walked over to the drapes and gently pulled one to the side to reveal a partially filled bottle with curdled milk. With that she gave a little laugh. We "found" a few of the MIA's that night.

Not only has Sara a good eye for the humorous, she as the gift of a profound understanding of spiritual truths. As her mother I have marveled at her ability to express the heart of gospel principles. This heart is not only revealed when she is asked to speak but it is seen in her deep sense of goodness towards others. It is rare to hear her speak unkindly of anyone. This is not to say that she does not note something that isn't right or express disappointment when hurt. She is just not "blustery" or "vicious" in any degree. She is a tender soul and tends to pull back until she can get things into better perspective rather than "duke it out." Most of what Sara has to say is meant to encourage or build in genuine ways. Flattery is not her thing. Remarkable.

Ever ready to be helpful, Sara has the ability to sift through reams of information to assess a variety of angles on an issue and give some solid recommendations on all sorts of matters ranging from buying a new bed to delving into a medical issue to bowling on Wii. If Sara puts her mind and heart to something, she achieves. She has what I admiringly call "stick-to-it-ness."

Sara and Jared are devoted parents to three fortunate boys. They insist on considerate and respectful behavior. These children are loved and secure. As one who didn't enjoy security as a child, I can't begin to say how deeply I appreciate this blessing for my grandchildren. Many children today ache for a mom and a dad who work together to build a loving home. Sara teaches with clarity as she sets boundaries.

Now that our daughters have established their own homes, we will not have a two cake week in Idaho. However, as I eat my flax seed and yogurt today I count another of my best blessings. I love my Sara! Thank-you Heavenly Father for beautiful daughters.