In Honor of Olivia and Allen.....

March is a very special month to me, as it is my Dad's birthday as well as two of my own children. We got to celebrate both Olivia and Allen's birthday on Olivia's real birthday, as all the kids were home and we had a big party at Billie Jo's house. It was fun, fun, fun and especially fun for me to see my children having fun together and taking care of their own children. There is absolutely nothing better than children and I am so thankful to my Father in Heaven for the wonderful children He has given me. I was so busy this week with the things that occupy my time nowadays, that I am late getting my tributes to Allen and Olivia posted. I love them and want each of them to know how much they mean to me! Happy birthdays -- to Olivia and Allen!

Olivia Leigh McNeil Gunnerson
I searched and pondered and took such a long time,
To find the perfect name for this unborn baby of mine.
I knew the name had to be special, having meaning and love,
For this child would be special as it left the courts from above.
She finally arrived after such a long, arduous night,
Added to our joy, she was beautiful -- a pure delight!
She was gentle and soft and easy and sweet,
The privilege of being her mother was a heavenly treat.
Bedtimes were early and mornings were late,
When she awoke, "talking to the angels" was a regular date.
She would look me straight in the eyes...connect...then smile,
The first time surprised me -- I loved her warm, effortless style.
As she grew, she was a soft, sensitive child,
When Billie Jo and Allen teased her, she cried -- her demeanor mild.
She grew to be even more beautiful, savvy and smart,
In all her endeavors, successful -- and from the Gospel would never depart.
Now a woman with children of her own,
She's still as special as the day she was born.
She's beautiful, competitive, disciplined, loving and kind,
My special Olivia Leigh, will forever be in my heart and mind!
Happy, happy birthday!


Allen DeLoy McNeil
There was never a question in either of our minds,
We wanted a name for our child that would forever bind --
Bind our own son to those whose lives we shared,
Whose courage and strength we admired and for whom we deeply cared.
We knew the name was Allen -- for the brother that we lost,
DeLoy, after Grandpa, who was honest, hardworking and giving, at any cost.
These qualities and many other, we wanted our son to possess,
We hoped and prayed constantly for him to be the best.
He was always smart and kind and possessed problem-solving skills,
He was competitive and tough and held to his values with an iron will.
He is handsome and gentle and ambitious and good,
He's hardworking and fair and honest and does just what he should.
Our Allen was a champion and a leader and a scout,
He served our Lord and Savior as he spread the Gospel about.
He gained an education, which would enable him to have a good life,
And now he continues life's cycle with his own beautiful wife.
Allen, we love you, and want you to know we are so proud,
Of the many fine, admirable qualities you possess, we say it very loud,
"Your courage and strength are exampliary, we are glad you're our son!
We are proud to be your parents, our hearts and souls you've won!"
Happy, happy birthday!