Saturday, March 26, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Naomi
Dad
Naomi, so graceful and capable. Smart, funny, loves her family. I remember when I was bishop, feeling pretty proud of myself - thinking everyone else was "feelin' the spirit" like I was. I asked the family what they thought of their dad being bishop. I guess I expected replies on how much more spiritual our family was etc. Naomi was like"well, we don't see you that much anymore..." Ouch - back to reality, dad. Once, we were out of town and Naomi was in the back yard throwing a piece of plastic pipe on the roof. She missed once and put it right through the window! One of you kids described the terrified look on her face. If you were to see a picture of Naomi's room when she lived at home as a teenager, you would think the walls were only 6 feet tall, since there was so much stuff on the ground! I think she is fine now. You'd have to ask Colin. Naomi is one of the most helpful people I know - you can always find her engaged in setting up or taking down. She is honest and fair and determined. She is a "make it happen" kind of person. I love(d) to hear her sing and play! Love ya nomes- happy birthday
Mom
Naomi, my little butterfly! Besides the hole in the wall from anger, you were incredibly easy to raise. You accepted Hannah's "mothering" graciously and loved her right back. You were never demanding, playing well with or without your siblings. You did love "The Sound of Music" and would pop it in the VCR as soon as the school kids left for school. You would watch all three hours of it every day. I began to sense your demand for excellence while you were in high school. Teachers at school and leaders at church were amazed at your ability to be there on time and be of great help--without having to be told what to do. You expected everyone to have the same values in this and were disgusted at the apathy and laziness of your fellow beings. But the rewards were many for the refusal to back down when a job needed to be done. You gave everything you were involved with 100% of yourself. One of the highlights was when youj received piles of awards as a senior for outstanding orchestra member, choir member and the big ELMA. And though it was no surprise, I was literally bursting with pride. You were also an amazing YW Youth Camp director. You are beautiful, talented, loving and hard-working. Colin is lucky, we are all lucky, to have you. I love you.
Sarah
Naomi-- an incredible girl... and now an incredible student and musician and wife. I remember when she was little someone said, "Naomi is SUCH a beautiful little girl, she doesn't look anything like you guys!" She really was and still is a classic classic beauty. Like Audrey Hepburn...
I was like a mother to Naomi. Her and Gideon would fight all the time! I took her and Gideon to the redding water park before I moved away to Utah and I didn't bring enough money with me so we bought one bread roll from Subway for like 50 cents on the way back home and we all shared it! We also shared a tent at the redding KOA. Mom and Dad, how did you let me do that??? Naomi is also a fantastic homemaker and wife. Her house is organized and well decorated. SHe remembers where she put things and keeps things clean. She tries new recipes and is going to be a way better wife and caretaker than I ever was! I love you Naomi, you always make every gathering way more fun. xoxoxo
Hannah
Such a special girl. My favorite day as a child was the day the Naomi was born. She was really my first child. When mom brought her home from the hospital, I thought she was mine. I loved to change her diapers, read her books, dress her and take care of her. I remember when she turned 5. She looked so cute in her poofy little dress. You always had a sweet demeanor. You are always so willing to step in and help out. Quietly grabbing something from someone's full arms, reaching out to grab a crying baby, or listening when someone needs to talk. Naomi you made my childhood, teen years, and adult life so much richer because you are in it. You make me want to be a better person. Thanks for being such a fantastic guardian girl. Even though I was convinced I took care of you over the years, I am pretty sure you took care of me.
Love you little Nomes.
Your guardian
Jared
I always remember Naomi tromping around with Gideon (even when they weren't getting into trouble). They seemed to be inseparable. Next thing I knew she was going to humboldt and dating boys. I can't believe how fast she became a grown up. She is so talented and has a great husband. Thanks Naomi.
Miriam
Naomi, you are so rad. Number seven. Six kids is quite the act to follow. You were always so dang cute. Everyone would say, "Naomi looks so different from the rest of you. She's so cute!!" Yeah, you got all the good looks in the whole family I guess:) But despite your round eyes and dashing little smile, you were the queen of mischief, as well all know. I remember all the peanut butter and macaroni and cheese and toothpaste quite well. I wonder why I never got roped into it, I was the kid just older than you guys. Well, me and you have had enough mischief since then. Humboldt Branch, Florida, Disney World, Utah - that whole summer of incredible fun and memories. We also took a trip to San Fransisco together and drove down the 'rainbow flag' street. I think it was gay pride week or something. Quite the sight.
We've had a lot of good times Naomi, and I look forward to many more.
*Please send me your thoughts, anyone who didn't send one earlier and I'll put them on here.