I Wouldn't Change A Thing

Today we celebrate eight years of bliss. Yeah right! I love my husband, but we have had our share of ups and downs. And we definitely had a rough start. We dated for two years before we were married. During that time, we faced a lot of obstacles and we both had opportunities to walk away. Plus, we didn't always have the support we would have liked. Not many couples can say that they were engaged twice - we can. But at least we laugh about it now. In the end we decided not to listen to anyone. We followed our hearts and were married in the Jordan River Temple for all eternity.

It may not always be bliss, but I wouldn't change a thing. Not one thing. Because even though we have had our struggles, there is no doubt in my mind that I made the right choice. And I know we have grown closer to one another because of our trials.

There are countless things I love about my husband, but I want to share just one. In all the years I have known Brian, I can honestly say I have never heard him call another woman beautiful. Ever. Now, I know for a fact there are plenty of beautiful women in this world, plenty of stunning women, plenty of women who make me feel extremely inadequate. But, I feel beautiful in the eyes of my husband. Thank you Brian. I love you.

Fun In The Sun - FINALLY!

With all the rain we've gotten lately, we haven't spent nearly as much time outdoors as we normally would by mid-June. However, with the promise of clear blue skies and 90 degree weather, we decided a day in the sun was in order. So, we packed up our lunch and went to a splash park near Mindy's home. The kids had a ball! I only took a few pics, which is very unusual for me, but I was able to capture their joy. Now let's just hope the sun decides to stick around for awhile. We could use some more days like today!

Turning 30

I had such a fantastic birthday, that I have decided I would like to turn 30 every year. I think I'll do just that. And, I must give credit to my dear hubby for the fantasticness of my birthday. He seriously outdid himself. About nine months ago, I casually told Brian that when I turned 30, I wanted it to be a "big deal." I just told him once, because a) I wanted to see if he was actually listening and b) I wanted to see how seriously he took my statement. He passed both tests. He completely exceeded my expectations.

My birthday started a day early, Thursday, when I was "surprised" with a girl's night out. I say "surprised" because Brian let-the-cat-out-of-the-bag the night before. I had been under some stress with our big move and we had just found out that we were not going to be getting quite as much $$ as we thought out of the sell of our home (there is a fee for everything!). Needless to say, I wasn't in the best mood and Brian figured I needed a little pick-me-up. So, he told me that the next night my three fabulous friends - Jill, Stacey, and Angela - were picking me for a much needed girl's night. We went to one of my favorite restaurants, Macaroni Grill, and I stuffed myself silly. Then we headed over to Barnes and Noble to sit and chat some more. They also broke out some of the best donuts in the world to fill in all the cracks of my very, very full belly. I was so mad that I didn't have my camera, because they were so pretty - the donuts and my friends ;o) I love getting together with these girls because they are so fun and easy to be with. It is a guaranteed good time when we are together.

The next morning, after sleeping in!!, Brian showed me the wonderful post he had put together. I was completely blown away! Thank you all for lying and saying so many nice things. My birthday could have ended right then and I would have been the happiest girl in the world. I laughed, I cried, and I was reminded of some very memorable moments. I realized just how lucky and blessed I am.

While I was busy reading my blog, my mom was busy making me breakfast. Yes, in case you don't know, we are living with my parents. And I am 30. I am 30 and I am living with my parents. We'll talk more about that later. Back to breakfast. I love breakfast. I think it is my favorite meal of the day. The problem is, I love all the wrong things: bacon, pancakes, waffles, crepes, eggs smothered with cheese, sausage, hash browns, etc. If I could, I would eat a big breakfast every day. But, big breakfast every day = big butt. So I refrain. However, I firmly believe that calories don't count on your birthday and you can/should/must eat to your heart's content. It is a guilt-free day.

After breakfast, I was surprised with thirty beautiful tulips from my mom and dad. And then we were off to see Up. Very cute film. And since I wasn't counting calories, we got popcorn with extra butter (which I never do). Then we did some shopping and I got a cute, new shirt to where to my big "surprise" birthday BBQ bash. Yes, Brian also let-the-cat-out-of-the-bag on that one too, but not until around 11:00 on my birthday. Brian just gets a little too excited and can't keep his mouth shut :) Well, since I knew about it, I just had to get a new shirt to wear.

That night I was surrounded by my very best friends - not all of them, but most. The best part was that I didn't have to do a thing!! Brian coordinated the party, sent the invites, planned the menu, bought all the food, and did most of the cooking. Blue cheese bacon burgers - yum! Thanks to all the others who helped with the food. We were also lucky enough to not get rained out - thank you mother nature for stopping the continuous rain for a few hours. It was a great night and I decided that I need to have parties more often with all my friends.

Before giong to bed that night, I read my friend Jamie's blog. She lives in AZ and couldn't make it to the party, so she had done a post of 30 reasons why I am her BFF - very sweet. Thanks Jame. I miss you!

The next day, Saturday, we celebrated my neice Madison's 4th birthday. We actually share the same birthday, but Mindy decided to have Madi's party on the 13th, not the 12th. Maybe it was a bad idea to plan a party on the 13th, because her party did get rained out. Sorry Madi. But I do love sharing a birthday with this sweet little girl. Some people might think that sharing a birthday is an unfortunate thing, but I don't. It just makes it an extra special day and makes the celebrations last longer!

On Sunday we celebrated my birthday with my family. My mom made her famous lasagna - my favorite Sunday dinner - and it was delicious.

On Monday, I had another girl's night out. This one was planned. I have know Emily and Sandy since middle school and we have a lot of history together. Emily turned 30 in April, Sandy in May, and me in June. We decided this moment in our lives deserved a special night of celebration, so we treated ourselves to the Melting Pot! Oh my, (I was still not counting calories at this point) it was divine! Thank you ladies for a wonderful evening and for almost 20 years of friendship.

So, after all that, can you see why I want to turn 30 every year?

Shiner

I guess there is a first for everything. I got my first black eye this morning, before I had even gotten out of bed. What a way to start the day!

How did this happen? Who could/would do such a thing? I'll give you a hint - it was a member of my family. My own flesh and blood. Someone whom I carried in my womb for nine months.






That's right. Trent is the culprit, and man did it hurt! My sweet little boy has developed a mean streak. We have been getting this look A LOT lately. But, in his defense, the black eye was an accident.

Here's the story: Brian brought him into our bed this morning and laid him next to me. He was in a great mood and gave me lots of good morning hugs and kisses. At one point he was sitting up and then decided - for reasons unknown - to throw himself backward. I'm guessing he thought his head was going to meet a pillow, but instead his head met mine. I saw stars. My eyes filled with tears. And then a nice, marble-sized goose egg developed, which then turned into a lovely shiner.

I haven't ever worn blue eye-shadow before, but I might have to for the next few days...and then a lovely shade of greenish yellow.

Happy 30th Birthday

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY !!!

Jamie,

I want you to know what a wonderful wife you are, I appreciate all that you do for me. I have known you for nearly half of your 30 years and I look forward to spending the next 30 and many more with you. I love you and am grateful for you. I hope your next 30 years are full of joy and happiness, I along with many others wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Love Brian

Our family loved it when Jamie and three very nice girlfriends came and stayed with us for a night or two. Jamie was driving her cute blue Ford Focus, the girls were all smiles and they were nice to my wild-with-excitement-for-company kids.

Jamie is talented and dedicated. I happened to visit shortly after Jamie completed a personal progress project of decorating her room. It was beautiful! The happiest yellow room, that had a great feeling in it. You could tell it was a place where the Spirit was. Her scriptures were on her little table, and I remember thinking "This is a daughter that Heavenly Father is very pleased with." Jamie has her priorities all in the right place.

Jamie is all compassion and kindness. She is a wonderful daughter and a wonderful mom! (She also obviously adores her husband!) We all love Jamie and wish her a great 30th!!!

Love,

Tanna

When I think of Jamie I am reminded of her many talents. It seems to me that everything Jamie does is top quality! She follows her mother's footsteps with her talent in cooking and produces wonderful, well balanced meals. (By the way, one of our favorite salad recipes came from you, Jamie. It's the Chicken Pasta salad that you shared with us at Ruby's Inn. It's yummy!)

You also make delicious cookies! I remember a time when you helped your mother make all these yummy cookies (was it for Jake's homecoming from his mission?). What was very impressive was that while you were making & baking these cookies you didn't sample any of them! You had set the goal to not eating any sugar! Amazing! Such will power! If I remember right you went without sugar for over a year!

I appreciate your sweet spirit and great example! I feel very blessed you are my special niece!!

Love ya,

Aunt Sandy

Jamie is by far one of the most wonderful people that I know. In all the years that I have known her, (and it has been what? Almost 30?), I have never seen her anything but happy and smiling. Even at the best family reunions, there are moments of stress and discomfort...but has she ever complained? Nope.

One of my favorite things about Jamie is that she ALWAYS has a smile on her face. And it isn't just a half-efforted glimmer of a grin. It is always a full toothy smile, letting the world know exactly how she feels.

I have never known her to turn down an invitation to do anything. Whenever we or her crazy brother Aaron came up with some dim-witted game or adventure, she was always willing to jump in and participate. She really loves to live life.

She also makes some killer mini-pumpkin pies!

Jamie you are a wonderful cousin, amazing mother and one of the best friends that anyone could ask for. Thanks for being a part of my life.

Happy Birthday and with Love-

Cousin Zach

To My Dear Abigail...Jamie-

Thank you for all the memories you have given me. I am pretty sure I would not have made it through 7,8,9 or 10th grades without you. From keeping warm in your living room waiting for the bus morning after morning, or secretly 'borrowing' Mindy's favorite red corduroy GAP pants, or going on double dates with weirdoes that leave us stranded at Arctic Circle, to filling orders for Frosty's at Wendy's, or tearing up the dance floor at Wheeler Farm each Friday night, there is not a memory that I have that doesn't include you. Thank you for always being there to lift me up, to make me laugh, and to remind me who I was. You were always more than a locker partner, you were my best friend. I will always love you, and cherish the time we spent together. Happy 30th birthday to my beautiful, talented, smart, funny, TALENTED, thoughtful friend.

-Penelope...Heather

The cookie queen, or the prefect cookie maker.

Richard

'Happy Birthday,

I hope you have a great day! Thank you for being such a great mom to Belle & Stone Face!'

Stephanie

Jaime HAPPY THREE ZERO, its crazy how time flies..As I think back, one of my first memories of you was back in High School when Brian and I took you and another girl out to Cedar Fort to roast hot dogs, and marshmallows. It got really cold, so we decided to climb in the back of Brian's Blazer and see if it would warm up.. Then for no reason you kicked me in the back of the head and I clanged my teeth on the other girls, if I remember correctly you did this several times. I think that's why my teeth are so bad! I bet you forgot about this. Have a very Happy Birthday!!

Love ya, Jon.

Jamie, Happy 30th Birthday! Remember when 30 seemed so old? Now, here we are! I am very grateful for your friendship! From the very first time Jon & I went out with you and Brian I felt comfortable with you guys (I think I felt comfortable with you before I felt comfortable with Jon:) It seemed to be an instant friendship!! Whether Jensyn is peeing on your floor (remember that? You really are a great friend--you just laughed) or we are talking for hours at different restaurants I always have a great time & look forward to doing things with you! I hope you have a great Birthday, you deserve the BEST!

Love, Becky

Dear Jamie,

What happened to all the years! It seemed like yesterday that you were a cute little girl running around; now you’re a pretty young lady … and still running around!

You have always had a special spot in my heart. You are soooo kind and fun to be with. You always have such a positive outlook on life and enjoying every minute of your life. I have always thought that you and my daughter Jenny were cut out of the same mold; wanting to get as much out of life that you can!

I LOVE reading your family blogs; you and Brian have provided a lot of laughs with the fun and funny stories that have happen to you and your cute little family. You have truly been blessed!

I love the fun times we have had from the Family Reunions in Montana and down at Ruby’s Inn; fun times thanks to your contribution!

In addition to the above fun times we have had in the past; it’s your cooking that brings a BIG smile on my face. Those cranberry cookies are to die for!! I especially enjoyed the special plate you made for me at Christmas a few years ago. You gave me a plate of cookies just at the Annual Lifferth Family Christmas Party. I put the plate on top of the refrigerator so no one would eat them and started to clean up the room. In all the chaos going on I drove home with all the dirty dishes and Christmas decorations and just as I was pulling into my garage I starting to think how I was going to enjoy some cookies and milk before I would go to bed. Just then I remembered that I left your special cookies on top of the refrigerator at the building where we had the party. I quickly turned the car around and flew back to the building where we had the party. I didn’t want some other person enjoying those famous cookies. To my relief they were there safe and sound. Thanks Jamie for those wonderful cookies!

Wishing you a fun and exciting 30^th Birthday!

Love you Yots & Yots!!!

Uncle Karl

When we lived in West Valley and our children were small, I had to go to the stake president’s office one day, and I took with me Marilyn and little Jamie. She was probably five or so. As we walked into the office, the stake president looked at Jamie and said, “What a beautiful little girl!” And she certainly was. A few years later, after we had moved to South Jordan I again had to go to the stake president’s office and again I took Marilyn and Jamie. When this stake president saw Jamie he said, “What a beautiful little girl!” I was struck with the similarity of these completely separate but similar experiences, and as far as I remember, the words spoken were identical. Jamie was a darling little girl, and she has grown into being a beautiful young mother. Marilyn and I are extremely proud of her, the good she does, her extensive help at family gatherings, and her continued efforts to improve herself. She was the child with the clean and tidy room, the bright and cheery smile, and the energy to get things done. She does not sit still; instead she is up and involved in the work that needs to be done. I love her very much.

Dad

Happy Birthday, Jamie!!
We have so many cherished memories of YOU!! You have been a bright spot in our lives and I want to share some of those memories with you at this time:

I remember you as a little girl - you were so cute! And as you grew, you got more and more beautiful - both inside and out!!

When our children were little and we lived in West Valley, you and your family lived in West Valley, also. Every Sunday night both of our families would get together and you and your family always treated us so well! You always played with our children - you loved them and they knew that. You would often give our children toys and furniture that you outgrew - I am so glad that you got back the bed and make up table that you had given to Mary. She used that for many years and then outgrew them. You would spend hours playing with them and giving them some great times. You were always so patient with them. You would treat them like your own children. As you got older, you would take our children on special outings - they always had so much fun with you. Thanks for all of the babysitting you did for our children free of charge! You were a perfect little mother back then and now you are such a sweet Mother to your children now.

I will NEVER forget our trip to Montana that we had with you - what a cherished time we had and some funny times!! Kevin was working on his Master's Degree and needed a month alone without the noise of a family. We decided to go and spend that month with my parents/your grandparents in Fortine, Montana. I went with Mark, Matt, Adam and Mary and you came along with us. You patiently endured the entire trip!! What a trooper you were! You never once complained or got upset, but patiently went about doing good.

I will never forget that first night in Montana! You slept in the "chimney room" and we got there when it was already dark outside, which also meant that it was dark inside, too! You slept in that room alone and when you woke up in the morning and opened your eyes, you saw a steady stream of ants marching up the corner of the wall. You quietly came to me and told me what was bothering you. So the next night, we had you sleep on a cot in the "boy's room" where we were also sleeping. You poor thing, all night long you slept with rain leaking through the roof and dripping continually on your pillow next to your head - I don't remember you ever complaining at all!! Like I said, you were a trooper!!!!

We have pictures of you pushing our children in the swing that was over by the camp fire pit. You spent hours playing with our children and showing them such a great time!

I will, also, never forget you spending hours making those delicious cookies you always made - those soft gingersnap cookies - DELICIOUS!!! You were so efficient in cooking, even up in Montana!! I was impressed with how you so calmly made the batch of dough and then baked all of the cookies!! I was and I am still very impressed!!!

This all leads to what an incredible homemaker you are!!! I see you have learned from the best - your own sweet, wonderful Mother!! You truly are an amazing person, Jamie!! You are full of gifts and talents that you share so freely with so many!! We have been blessed by your kindness and talents so many times and in so many ways!! You are an incredible cook - everything you cook, bake, or fix is both beautiful to look at and tasty!!! I really am in awe at all you can accomplish!!

Now you are married to such a sweet man and have two adorable, precious children of your own! You radiate goodness and light! Thanks for becoming such a great example to all of us! You are beautiful, talented, organized, efficient and very, very sweet!! We are all better people because we are able to associate with you!!

Here's wishing you a grand HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAMIE!!!!
We all love you SO MUCH!!!

With much love and admiration,
Your Aunt Gretchen

Senior Trip to San Diego--1997
Jamie ironed her clothes on a table with a towel underneath.
Every time I iron anything on a table instead of an ironing board I think of Jamie.
Also...I've always thought that Jamie has a great laugh.
I admired her back in high school because she always seemed to know exactly what she wanted and she was driven.
She has great style and I love her decorating and art skills!
Happy 30th Jame!

Welcome to the club! :0) Michelle Andersen

I can remember when I was probably around 4-5 years old we were over at Uncle Bob’s house, we were hanging out in, I believe, Aaron and Jake’s room. It was the middle of July, but Jamie came in with a plate of cookies and a few packages of white Christmas lights
we started decorating the beds with the light and than we made a fort using blankets, books and I believe a broom. I can remember being excited to go back to find the fort and the lights, but when we returned the next week they had put it away. For a 4-5 year old it was exciting! :)

Matt Nott

My memories of Jamie are sweet...just like her! I remember before Mark and I were even engaged, she had us over to her apartment (that we would someday rent) and fed us a wonderful meal. She has always been a fantastic cook and was so welcoming. She also threw me a wonderful bridal shower and made the huge family that I would soon be a part of seem not quite so intimidating. I do have the blessing of being mistaken for her sometimes because of our similar looks- which is quite a compliment! I have always been so humbled to be compared to Jamie in anyway, that she has given me quite a lot to live up to.

Happy Birthday Jamie!

I sure love you!

Debbie Nott

Since I haven't lived in Utah for years, I really haven't had the opportunity to get to know Jamie as well as I would have liked to. But I do know that every time I have visited with her, I have this feeling that I am with someone who is a very good person, a valiant daughter of God, and one who, now that she's married, is raising up her family in righteousness. I have observed Jamie interacting with her children and her husband and she emanates patience and gentleness and love. Jamie always appears calm and serene In fact, I sense that Jamie is very similar to my Mother, Wanda Lifferth in her patient and kind ways. I sense nothing but kindness and goodness when I am with Jamie.

I have also been impressed with her amazing talent to design her own cards and scrapbooking pages. I have kept every single Christmas card and Birth Announcement card that she has sent me over the years because they are all really beautiful and I cherish the time and effort that she put into making them, especially knowing that she must be an extremely busy mother w/little children constantly clamoring for her attention!

I hope that this coming year brings much joy and happiness to Jamie because she certainly deserves it!!
Love, Aunt Sally & Uncle David

Jamie...

You have become one of my least expected friends. Let me explain. You know how you meet someone and you feel like you have them pegged the first few times you talk with them? Well, ashamedly I admit that is how it was when I met you. Now, this is not a bad thing. There wasn't any negative pegging going on, I just thought I knew the type of person you were. And then the GNO's began (dum, dum, dum - looming, suspenseful sound effects)... More than once, more than twice, and more than thrice you have pleasantly surprised me! I love the person you are and the tricks you have up your sleeve. Your humor and unexpected parallels to my strange and perverted points of view and sense of humor are refreshing. Ü At the same time I love that you are all the things that I pegged you as in the first place. You are good, charitable, kind, willing, a hard worker, an incredible homemaker, and a nurturing mom.

To sum up...you have so many priceless and admirable attributes, Jamie! I look up to you. You are a sound example to me. You are buckets of fun and man can you EAT!

Happy 30th Birthday!!

Love...

Angela

This is Cousin Mary.

When Anna and I were younger, Jamie would take us to get a movie and we would go back to her house and make pudding parfaits, and watch the movie. It was so sweet of her to do that for us. Also whenever we visited her she would always paint our nails. Me and Anna just thought it was so cool!
-Mary
p.s. Happy Birthday Jamie!

Jamie,

You are one of the most amazing people I know. You are so talented and do well at everything you try. You are always friendly and fun to be around. You are also very thoughtful, always doing nice things for others. I often wish I could be more like you...you have so many admirable qualities! I hope you have a wonderful birthday. You've definitely earned it!

Love, Rachael

"Jamie, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of you, is being so excited to have another Gemini in the family! I remember thinking that we would get along great on that basis alone and I although we get along great, I have a feeling, being a Gemini is not the reason! I also remember thinking, "She can get someone much better than Brian!" (I didn't really think that, lol). You are such a fun loving and caring person. There are so many qualities in you that I admire and would love to have! I love your talent and passion for pottery. I love that you read and that we were able to share that with each other. You are an amazing "chef" and so creative in so many ways! I am so grateful that you are in my family and in my life! I am amazed all of the time at what a wonderful mother you are and I could not ask for anyone better for my niece and nephew! I love your youthful spirit and the way that you are able to find humor in things, I think that is one of the best qualities to have! I love how accepting and non-judgmental you are, that is proof of a good character. I love learning more and more things about you over the years, and I hope that continues. I hope your next 30 years will be fulfilling in ways that the first 30 were not. Thank you for being the person that you are and I not only consider you a "sister" but I also consider you my friend!

You rock!

Happy Birthday!

Stacey

Jamie was born a couple of months after Bob was called to be the bishop of our ward. It seemed like each new baby had brought a new, demanding church calling to Bob. The day Emily was brought home from the hospital; Bob was called to be a counselor in a BYU singles ward. A few months after Mindy was born, he was called to serve in the bishopric in our ward in Woodscross and then when Aaron was born, he was called to serve in the bishopric of our West Valley ward. In all he had served a little over five years in bishoprics when Bishop Mumford announced that the seminary program was transferring him to the Washington state area. Our ward would be getting a new bishop. I was ready for a break from Bob's demanding church service with three little children ( Emily almost 6, Mindy age 4 and Aaron almost 2) and a little baby on the way. I was not surprised, however, when Bob was indeed that new bishop. After Jamie was born, there were many, many nights when I was home with my small family while Bob was at the church putting in long hours as the new bishop. On those hectic nights after the oldest three were in bed, I would often find myself rocking Jamie and telling her my woes. She became my nightly companion as I would talk to her, complain, laugh and cry. Somehow it was just the thing I needed. Luckily for Bob, Jamie became my sounding board and he didn't have to be! She's been a great companion ever since. I love her lots and wish her a very happy 30th birthday!!!

A few more things about Jamie...When she was little we called her our "sweet and sour" girl. She was either really really happy or just the opposite. She was an excellent student and from an early age quite the perfectionist. She developed skills as a home decorator early on. One of her young women's projects was to redo her room and she did an amazing job. This began the hobby of repainting and repainting and repainting! Once Aaron and I helped her out by beginning the painting process. As we began the walls looked more green than the yellow color it was supposed to be. I said, "maybe if we just keep painting, it will look better." However, the more we painted the greener it looked. So it was off to Home Depot to buy more paint! She's an amazing cook and has a reputation for making wonderful cookies and tarts. She's an incredible daughter, wife, mother, sister, and aunt. We are so blessed to have her in our family. Love you Jame! Mom

Have a wonderful birthday.

Mom

Of course I could not think of just one memory because there are lots!!! We have been friends for more than half our lifes. We have always shared things - names, clothes, lockers, boys, meals, laughs, tears, recipes - to name a few. Jame you always make me want to be better, you are awesome! I cherish our friendship. I love you to pieces. Happy 30th birthday!!!

Love, Jamie

Jamie,

Out of all my siblings I have probably spent the most amount of time with you. Besides growing up together, we both went to the University of Utah and took a lot of the same classes. We made a really cool outdoor sculpture out of bags, cardboard tubes, streamers, confetti, and air. The sculpture did not end up working like we had planned, but it turned out good, and I think we earned an ‘A’ grade. Also, one year at the U we dressed up for Halloween and walked around while everyone gave us strange looks.

Additionally, we worked together for six years. We planned work parties, made company breakfasts, and even co-managed for a while. We had many fun experiences together. I think we did a good job trying to look after the production crew, and were always pushing for fair treatment along with ways to reward the group. One time we ordered lunch for the company at the wrong Granato’s and had to run across the valley to get our order, which took over an hour. It did taste good though.

Jamie you are a great sister.

Happy 30^th Birthday!

Aaron

Jamie,
I want to thank you on your birthday for being such a wonderful wife, mother and daughter-in-law. You are doing such a wonderful job with my grandchildren. I know that Brian is madly in love with you. I hope to grow closer as each year passes. I'm proud that you have gone back to school. Your creativity is inspiring. I never get tired of seeing what you come up with. I hope you have a wonderful birthday.

Sandi

Happy Birthday Jamie!! The big 3-0!! YAY!!

I am happy to say that I've known you for 29.5 years! You are one AMAZING cousin/friend/pretty much sister!! I have many wonderful memories of you and I growing up. I remember fondly every summer spending at least a week together when we would do the annual cousin switch. What good times we had! From playing Barbie's to eating your fabulous desserts (that you still make-yummy). To cruising the South town Mall when it was a nothing mall scoping for boys. To having our first encounter with a "gang member" in small town Payson-lol! To being separated when we weren't getting along on our stairs. To going to my first late night party at your friends house. Good times we had when we would try to sneak into each others car at the end of every Lifferth get together. I have loved our many girls weekends with all the girl cousins (We really need to do that again). A few of my memories I've had of you. I remember that you use to iron your jeans. I always thought that was amazing because I've never been one to iron so I always looked up to you for ironing everything even your jeans. You have always been so organized. I still can't believe that you gave up sweets for like 3 years. I remember you decided for one New Years resolution that you were not going to eat sweets and stuck to it for 3+! What determination! To this day I still take that yucky white thing off of the eggs when I cook-something I picked up from you years ago-thanks. :-) I think of you as I'm doing it as well.

Jamie you are such a wonderful person! We are all so lucky to have you in our lives!! I hope that you have a wonderful 30th birthday! I love you and miss you dearly!!!!! ~

Gretchen

Jamie,

Happy Birthday! It was hard for me to face the big 3-0. I don't know why, but it was. Although I don't want to get old, I'm realizing more and more that life just gets better and better. We have known each just for over 10 years now and I feel like we have become great friends over the years. It is fun to raise our kids together. You have always been so supportive and helpful to us and for that I can never thank you enough. Thanks for being such a great sister-in-law. Have an awesome day!

Love you lots,

Monica :)

Happy Birthday Jamie! We've been friends forever, so thinking back on memories I have a lot of them. Instead of detailing a specific memory, here is my list of some memorable moments...

Remember:

* Getting pulled over by the cops after kissing the boy's cars with our super bright lipstick

* Ditching our dates to hang out in the bathroom at Homecoming our Senior Year

* Hearing a certain someone singing old countries tunes to drown his sorrow during Senior Trip

* Sleeping in the back of Andrea's purple truck instead of a tent

* Dressing up a fake "Brian" during your bridal shower

* Seeing that beautiful baby girl of yours for the first time in the hospital

* You holding my hand, telling me it's okay to leave

* Book clubs and not getting our reading done on time

* Countless get together’s just to laugh and hang out

Jamie, I love you for your sense of humor, ability to make everything beautiful around you, love of your family, and most of all, for being such a dear to friend to me all these years. Love you Jamie Lou!

Hugs, San

Happy 30th Birthday Jamie! I sure hope it is a good one. I heard 30 is the new 21, so live it up! I can't remember the first place I met you, but I am sure that it was at some LARGE Lifferth get together! I am pretty sure that we met at somewhere like that because you were ALWAYS the first one to talk to me. Thank you so much for always making me feel so welcome. Whenever I was invited to a get together (before Scott and I were married) I would always ask Scott or Jen, "Are Brian and Jamie going to be there?" I knew that if you were there, I wouldn't feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed at all. You are always so friendly and easy to talk to. I remember hearing your laugh for the first time. Your laugh is SO contagious and really made me feel like I was entertaining :). You and Brian had not had any kids yet, and I remember thinking, "Wow, she is super aunt. She ALWAYS is taking care of one of her nieces or nephews. I bet she is going to be the best mom ever." Now with two kids, I envy the type of mother that you have become. You are truly a wonderful example. I hope you have a great day! Happy Day!

Love,

Karalee Lifferth

It was FREEZING cold in the winter... we had to get up extra early for a yearbook meeting... I'd pick up Jamie in my purple (what was I thinking) truck and we'd go get Bagels and hot chocolate. I remember laughing and we both talked so fast it's a wonder anybody could understand us. We joked about my nose that has no cartilage in the end and just smooshes down like a pancake. The camping trip we took with the Sandy and the boys. I remember loading up my truck with a mattress.. Was that your mattress?? We had so many good times I can't list them all! We lost touch over the years... I moved to Phoenix... we both got married and had kids. The blogging world has brought us back together. HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY JAMIE!! You are and always will be a great friend

Andrea Simmons

Jamie and I went to Arizona for the wedding of our BFF Jamie "Higley.." Jamie and I were helping Higley get all of the preparations done for the wedding. Her fiancé' and his best man were getting other assignments done as well. One of the fiancé’s assignments was to pick up a head board from Pier 1 that Jamie had bought Higley as a wedding present and take it back to their new apartment. Higley knowing that her fiancé' does not follow directions that well called to see how things were going. The fiancé had stopped with his best man to grab a bite to eat (at a sit down restaurant (Wingers)) while the headboard was in the back of the truck. The girls decided to drive by the restaurant and expected them to be seated closely by a window watching the merchandise while feeding their bellies. To no avail, his truck was parked in back where the gift could not be watched.

We decided to teach the boys a lesson, so we stole the headboard and loaded it into the vehicle we were in and took off like bandits with screeching tires and laughing our evil laughs. Higley, Jamie, and I were so energized with adrenaline and mischief that we were squealing with excitement. I am not sure about Jamie and Higley but I felt like a kid when you are playing hide and seek and just when you get into the perfect spot you get that feeling of excitement and an adrenaline rush, that accompanies needing to go to the rest-room immediately (or is that just me). I believe Higley got the call from her fiancé on the way home. Higley answered her cell phone to a somber and freaked out fiancé that should have listened to his wife to be.
He could barely talk, he told her that he stopped to get something to eat and that when they came out the headboard was gone. Higley played it perfectly by staying calm and asking detailed questions, she told him that he could come over to her parent’s house where we were at and they could sit down and figure things out. I am not sure, but I think he felt like crap for two reasons, one he didn't take it back to their apartment and two that Jamie had bought it for them as a gift, When he pulled up, Higley opened the garage and looked back at us to try and keep a straight face and met him in the garage next to her father's truck. He had his head down sullen and Jamie and I slowly came into the garage. The best man looked at us in disbelief. Then, Higley's fiancé looked into the back of the truck and all I remember hearing is him cursing. Jamie and I had to hold our laughter until he took a few minutes to calm down and could laugh at the situation. I still laugh about this often and have many fond memories of Jamie and growing up together.

Happy 30th Birthday Jamie!

Julie

When I first started dating Mindy, Jamie was the only person I knew from the family. She really helped me feel comfortable going over to the Lifferth home. Because of knowing her already it was natural for Mindy and I to double date with Jamie and Brian. Since then I have always felt very close to her. She has helped out my family in a lot of ways, one of which taking care of our girls. You don’t ever think anybody can take care of your kids the way you can but with Jamie I’ve always felt she is a close second. My girls love her!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMIE

I love ya

- Martin

Happy Birthday Jamie!

I just want to let you know what a wonderful and gifted woman you are. I do not think that there is not anything you cannot do or accomplish. You have always been so kind and loving to everyone that you meet. What a great example you are. I hope you have an awesome "30th" birthday.

Love,

Aunt Paula

Happy Birthday cousin Jamie! You are an adorable girl with a cute family! Happy 30^th! Love, Cousin Natalie

Jamie!

Where has the time gone? I can’t believe your 30! That means I am will be 30 in less than a year! AH! Well I hope you have enjoyed the 29er club as I call it, and I hope you are looking forward to being 30. I think if we have a good attitude about getting old it won’t be so bad. (Yes, I am talking myself through this as I write this to you! :)

Anyways Jamie, we have had some great memories as cousins. One memory is when we had that girls night and stayed at a hotel and went to dinner (I think it was Olive Garden) and shopping, etc. We had so much fun staying up late and talking. It is a memory I won’t forget. That was a lot of fun and then everyone got married! (Except me...of course. :) I want to thank you for always being so kind to me over the years and making me feel so welcome at the Lifferth functions. I really appreciate your friendship and hope we could stay in better contact. I hope you have a wonderful birthday!! Sretan Rodendan! (Croatian) Happy Birthday! (English :)

Love Always,
Alicia Ashley Moore

When we lived in West Valley there was a dirt field next to our house that had a mound of dirt circling around it creating a giant bowl. We would spend a lot of our time there, with the neighborhood kids, in the winter sledding down into the bowl and in the summer riding our bikes up and down it through the carved out trails through the weeds.

One summer afternoon we were riding around the brim of the bowl, I was riding barefoot. Someone had placed a bridge on the path that had a wood floor and sides. This bridge had no function, but in my four-year-old mind it did not matter—it was an essential part of the path. I raced along the brim trying to keep up with Jamie and her friends. I was lagging behind when I crossed the bridge unaware of my proximity to the wooden wall. As I heard the thudder of my wheels cross the wooden planks my little toe caught a giant crack in wood and ripped my toenail up. I screamed in pain and collapsed to the ground.

Jamie raced back to see why I was crying, she could see that my toe was bleeding and that I was in a lot of pain. Without question she picked me up and helped me walk back to our house. She could see that I was in too much pain to walk so she picked me up and carried me in her arms all the way home. I knew that it was uncomfortable for her to carry me in her tiny six-year-old frame but she did it without complaining and with concern for my well-being. I remember as she was carrying me that I felt comforted to have an older sister that loved and cared so much for me.

Thanks,

Jake

I have many memories of Jamie, most of them good! However, there is one memory that stands out in my mind. It is a good example of the kind of person that she is.

Not too long after we moved into our South Jordan home, my dad lost his job. Money was pretty tight and my dad ended up having to go to the Bishop’s storehouse to get food to feed the family.

I remember walking into the kitchen and seeing my dad putting the food away. I was devastated. I imagined my friends coming over and seeing all of our food marked with the ‘Deseret’ logo. I don’t think that I said anything; I just walked out of the kitchen.

A little while later I walked back into the kitchen and saw Jamie in the kitchen helping my dad put away the food and helping him pour the ‘Deseret’ milk into normal milk containers.

I think I was 16 and she was 12. I should have been the one setting a good example for my younger sister, but it was the other way around. I was so touched by how helpful she was being and also very ashamed of my behavior. All I had thought of was how embarrassing it was to me. Jamie, on the other hand, had realized how difficult it must be for my dad and was trying to make a hard situation more bearable for him.

Jamie has always been like this. She is always thinking of others. She’s a good person. She has a big heart. She is constantly serving others even when her own life is busy.

I feel blessed to have Jamie as a sister.

Happy Birthday Jamie.

Love you lots. Mindy

My favorite memories of Jamie are when she is laughing. She has such a great, infectious laugh. We've been friends since seventh grade and from an embarrassed/anxious laugh when she actually wore shorts to school, to a huge belly laugh when we'd be hanging out or making fun of each other- I've heard a lot of Jamie laughs and I've LOVED all the times we've laughed.

Happy Birthday Jamie

Emily Helm

Dear Jamie,

I want to wish you a very happy 30th birthday!!!

I hope it is a birthday that you will cherish forever, knowing how much we all care about you. You are always so very sweet and kind whenever we meet. And you are also very pretty! You have many talents, yet you are always very humble, and thoughtful of others.

I still remember when we were visiting grandma and grandpa Lifferth in Montana, the same time that you and your family were there. You were a very young teenager at the time. I'll never forget going into their kitchen very late one night and seeing you making cookies! I was very impressed also to see that every cookie you made was perfect! You are still known for the great cookies you make besides all of your many other talents. I really admire you and love you Jamie!

P.S. I still can't get over how touching it was when we met in Costco and you being the thoughtful person you are said "How's Grandma?" and then to my amazement sweet Ashlyn, still so very young also said "How's Grandma?" It was soooo cute of her.

You and Brian are such a perfect couple and your children are adorable! You are very blessed and certainly deserve to be. Happy Birthday Jamie!!!!!

Love always, Yvonne

Jamie,
This summer is going to rock!! We totally have to hang out! U R the best! Call me!!!! Oh and Happy Birthday!! Hooray for being 30!!
Stacey Dixon



AGAIN HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMIE

I love you

Brian