SHANNON.....here we go...

I really can't remember Shannon ever having this many freckles....but this picture was taken around Labor Day.  We were having a Bradshaw Reunion at Indian Creek (the Milk Ranch)....just up the canyon from Manderfield.  Colleen took this picture of Shannon while she was riding a horse.  She loved it then, but doesn't really care for them anymore.  Her kid's like riding them though!

This was a very proud moment for me.  Shannon got her BA in Business....in 4 different schools....transferring transcripts around and having to retake a couple of classes.  NOT ONLY DID SHE DO IT IN 3 YEARS....WHILE SHE WAS WORKING AND HAD ALLIE.....SHE GRADUATED FROM SUU AS THE VALEDICTORIAN.  Once in a while a mama just has to brag!

She has used that education as she has worked so much with her own children to make sure they are doing well in school.  I really don't know how she does it all....but she does!

This is the soft cuddly bear Jer sent home to Shannon for Christmas while he was on his mission in TN.  I have always been grateful that my kids are so close to one another.  While the boys were on their missions...Shannon wrote weekly...and they wrote weekly to each of us.  (It was snail mail then).

This picture was taken during Shannon's Jr. year when we placed 1st in Region and she was awarded the Region MVP.  Those were great times...I miss them!

I hate to admit how many pictures I used to double expose before digital cameras.  I still liked this one because it represents much of Shannon's growing up years with her 2 older brothers!

Dances, ballgames, Sr. Pictures....a little of everything.

.....and yes...Shannon is the youngest but was the first to get married.  I couldn't be sad though because we added N8 to our family!

I have a hard time believing this was 15 years ago....holy cow...it seems like yesterday!

Sorry the picture is so blurry....but here they are...still happily ever after .  It has been such a blessing to me to have had them always within driving distance.  We are so grateful that Andrea and Jer are closer now also, but for the past 15 years....it has mainly been only the Bridges' that have been close enough that we could see them and their family.  I know it has been hard on them at times to have us there so much, but they never get upset with us and we always feel welcome.  Thank you for opening your arms and your home to us.  Also....thank you for sharing your kids with us.  There is nothing quite as exciting as grandkids running into your arms and happily screaming that you are there.  I know they wouldn't do this if they didn't have such good parents.

FOREVER THE GOOD MOM!

FOREVER THE BUSY MOM...WHILE I TAKE PICTURES!

I often think about the time when Shannon was born and I was so excited to have a "shopping partner" and a little dancer....well I didn't get either, but what I got was so much better than I ever could have imagined.  I got a daughter that always confided in me and trusted me. (I also got a daughter that I can confide in and trust).    I can truthfully say she was the easiest child I could have ever imagined raising.  She has always kept her priorities in order and serves in her family and church callings with all of her heart.  I always think of that song from the Sound of Music that says, "for somewhere in my youth or childhood...I must have done something good"....to deserve her.   THANK YOU FOR YOUR THOUGHTFULNESS......FOR NOTICING WHEN I HAVE HAD MORE THAN I CAN TAKE.  MEN JUST DON'T SEEM TO NOTICE THAT, BUT YOU ALWAYS DO.  I really don't know what I would do it you didn't notice...there just are no words!   Thank you Shannon for always being there for me, and for being more than I could have dreamt of in a daughter.  I love you forever and ever.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!