LUCKY # 7

I had the best of intentions to post something special on February 22nd in honor of my first–born child. She turned SEVEN (where did the time go?) and has blessed our family folds and folds. It seems like it was just 2/22/02 at 5:55 pm, when she came to us 2+ weeks early. She is the gift from heaven that plopped into our marriage and taught us how love grows exponentially. I decided to post 7 pictures and 7 things I love about our Eden Marilyn Swogger. (about a month late--stay tuned for Jay's 1 year birthday that was March 16th)

1. Eden has a SOFT HEART. She is concerned about the welfare of everyone around her. She hurts when others hurt and mourns with those that mourn. She also comforts those that stand in need of it—on a bad day , if I break down, she’ll bring me a washcloth to cry in and hug me. She’ll then promise to clean something up to lift my spirits (she knows how to cheer me up).
2. She is CURIOUS. She loves to get into things, always has. This is a trait that has been bittersweet for me, because of the GIGANTIC messes involved. But, I love that she is interested in the world around her, and not content to just sit around.



3. She is CREATIVE. We go through a ream of computer paper like its water because Eden loves to make cards, books, pictures, and art projects. Eden’s school’s charter focuses on art so she gets to learn about famous artists and their techniques. She’ll come home with remakes of Gaugain, Van Gogh, and Frida Kahlo works—then she’ll keep using the techniques. She also loves acting out dramas and plays with anyone who will go along with it.



4. Eden is a born-LEADER. She is always announcing the next activity to the friends that are playing at our house “Snack time everyone” or “everyone come in for movie time” (sometimes I have to “patiently” remind her that I’ll be the one to let her know if at some point I might want 9 neighbor kids coming in the house for snacks and movies—but that point is not right now). She loves to lead family home evening, and even teaches the lessons with her own original church songs. She doesn’t wait around and miss out on fun, she takes charge and leads her friends in playing games or other activities.




5. I love how KIND and FRIENDLY Eden is. She will offer any guest in our home a drink of water and even some snacks :) She loves her best friend/sister and can’t even contain herself around her cute baby brother Jay. She is a friend to everyone. She makes cards (thank you, birthday, apology, cheer up) for anyone she thinks might need them. She always (perhaps too frequently) wants to take things to share with her friends at school. She also always has plenty to say to people at the store (we’re still working on not being TOO friendly with strangers).




6. Eden has such a funny PERSONALITY. She loves music, dancing and laughing—and why not? She loves life. Her personality is INTENSE to say the least. It is either yelling-at-the-top-of-her-lungs-awesome, or rolling-around-on-the-floor-whining-in-agony and-disappointment. I know this trait is going to come in handy in the future—somehow, I just need to learn to help her harness the passion!



7. Eden is my DAUGHTER for all ETERNITY. Since I know that families are forever, I know that we get to keep our relationship with each other even after we die. I know Heavenly Father hand-picked her to be with us because she just perfectly belongs with us and compliments us. I just hope I can always show her that she is a miracle to us and that she is so LOVED by Joel & I , as well as her Heavenly Parents.