Today is CRAIG'S BIRTHDAY!

Another year, and you just keep getting better and better.

We love you, Craig, and we all think you are very special! Happy Birthday!!!!!

Craig spent his birthday with friends after celebrating with us last weekend.

(Craig at Mark's home, January 2009)

Happy Birthday, Frances

Frances celebrated her birthday yesterday with a party hosted by her sister in Salt Lake City. But before she and family left for the party, we were able to visit, sing Happy Birthday and eat some cake Mark had made for her. Brandon, Craig, Annette, Jennifer, Stephen and I also checked out the fantastic rock patio that Mark, Eric and Ben built last year in the back yard.

Frances - we love you and think you're awesome !

Frances and Mark, January 2009

Happy Birthday to You - Ben!

Ben is 27 today!

Ben is the envy of a lot of us for being able to live on a boat in such a beautiful place as Friday Harbor, Washington. Ben has always been a sweet grandson.

I love you and miss you, Ben. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

(Mark and Ben on Thanksgiving 2006)

Happy Birthday, Michael!

Michael celebrated his 17th birthday yesterday. He had a busy day---golfing with Dad and then going to the girl's choice dance at school in the evening.

Michael has always volunteered to help me with yardwork, painting fences, or anything I need. He is big, strong and handsome (but very sweet). Thanks, Michael.

WE ALL LOVE YOU!

Family History

Hi everyone... I gave mom a little homework assignment, and she graciously accepted, BUT she also had an assignment for each of us. I asked her to write a short family history of our family. We captured some video of Dad telling stories before he passed away, but I thought it would be great to have captured some highlights from Mom's childhood, meeting Dad, and raising our family, where we lived, what we did, etc. Like I said, mom agreed, but she also asked that we each put together a short summary of some of our favorite memories... on account of her memory loss... yeah right :-). Would be great to make some progress by the family reunion, so please get started. Yes, I will follow up!

Jake & Aubree at Cotillion Graduation

Jake and Aubree graduated from their manners class (this may come as a shock to most who know them!)  You can see more fun pictures on our family's blog: simplybeautifulchaos.blogspot.com

It's Dean's Birthday!

Only one more year until the BIG one!

We love you, Dean. We think you're the greatest!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!

Quote from Neal Maxwell in mormontimes.com

Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, "The submission of one's will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God's altar. The many other things we give to God, however nice that may be of us, are actually things he has already given us. But when we submit ourselves by letting our wills be swallowed up in God's will then we are really giving something to him. It is the only possession we have that we can give. Submission to him is the only form of submission that is completely safe" (Ensign, August 2000).

Brandon Comes to Town

I am looking forward to my visit in a couple of weeks, but also sad that Colorado was wiped off the agenda... to save costs. I will fly to SLC on the 25th and stay through the 29th. Looking forward to visiting, shopping, skiing, eating mexican food, etc... If we can arrange a dinner or something, that would be great. Otherwise, I will make sure to visit everyone that is based in Utah. B&J, we will make it up to you this summer!

Happy Birthday, Kristyn and Annette

Kristyn and Annette shared a birthday on February 28th!

Kristyn's family took her into Munich to visit the Residence, and then to lunch. (This photo shows Kristyn with Isaac and Amanda in front of Neuschwanstein Castle, May 2008)

Stephen gave Annette a big kiss on her birthday. Earlier in the day, Annette and Dean enjoyed dinner at the Olive Garden and rented movies to watch later.

We love you both!