A Big Thumbs Up to Michael...Happy Birthday!

According to a very good source (Bob) great people are born in March. Those born on March 14th fall under the Zodiac sign of Pisces, which says they are romantic, emotional, a dreamer, receptive, honest, affectionate, and generous. So in honor of Michael's birthday, I'd like to share with you some of the things Michael has in common with some of the other great Pisces men born on the same day.

• Prince Albert of Monaco: Royalty


• Michael: Well.....almost?!


• Kirby Puckett: Led the Minnesota Twins to two world series championships.
  
• Michael: Helped lead the Blue Jays (little league) to victory....just a few years ago.
  
• Billy Crystal: Comedian & actor.


• Michael: Have you read his blog? He could probably host the Academy Awards. and as far as acting goes....he was in the school play all four years for crying out loud!


• Frank Borman: Headed the First team of astronauts to ever circle the moon.


• Michael: He sets some pretty lofty goals, which I guess you could say he "shoots for the Moon!" He hasn't been in a spacecraft, but has sat in the cockpit of some pretty cool airplanes....
  

• Les Brown: With his band, recorded "Sentimental Journey".
  
• Michael: He likes old music, and is pretty sentimental! He lives the sentimental journey!
  

• Quincy Jones: Composer of many film scores and hit songs.


• Michael: Loves music! He can make up lyrics with the best of them (his sisters, I mean). Together they make a pretty mean trio.
  
  
• Hank Ketcham: Painter/cartoonist. Created Dennis the Menace.


• Michael: Need I explain?!

• Albert Einstein: Physicist, genius. Formulated the theory of relativity.
  
• Michael: Is this taking it a bit far? He does, however, have a photographic memory. If we want to remember something exactly as it happened, we ask Michael.

Michael,

You may be 23 years old today, but you are still my baby boy! Thank you for making my journey through parenthood so much fun! I thank God every day for sending you to me. Thanks for the memories! You are a GREAT son, and I love you! Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Michael,

Your mom really knows you well. What could I add to what mom already said.

You are truly a wonderful son. Thank you for the example you lead, the desires you have for your life. The desire you have for learning. I'm grateful you have an opportunity to attend school and gain an education. You and your education will benefit not only your family, but those you seek to serve.

Keep being the great young man that you are.

Besides, who is going to look after us in our old age.

We love you Michael

Happy Birthday :-)

Put Another Candle on the Cake...

Yes, it's the big guy's birthday tomorrow, March 10th, and we'll be adding another candle to the cake. He's turning 52, but really he's still a kid at heart. In honor of his big day, let me share with you the top ten things that keep me his number one fan..

• He has lived through my many moods, and still likes me!


• He is really good about keeping in touch with friends and family. Once a friend, always a friend!


• He looks pretty hot in his sunglasses and leather coat...especially when sitting behind the wheel of a really hot car.


• He loves to drive fast with the top down...says it takes years off your life. He has a reputation for driving a little on the fast side. A young man in our previous ward was in a car with his mom following him one day. His mom said, "Hey, that looks like Bishop J." In response, the young man said, "no it can't be him.....he's driving too slow". Needless to say, this is a reputation he has earned. His son seems to be following in his footsteps. Not too long ago Michael said that he wished his friends could ride with his dad just once. If they did, they'd understand why he drives the way he does. Give them the open road and a fast car, and instinct just takes over. Give them a parking lot covered in snow and ice, and it just calls out for some donuts to be spun. That's just the way it is!


• He is very sentimental, and romantic. (Girls like that you know) He cries on a dime when he talks about his family, or things close to his heart. He loves us, and we all know it!


• He has NEVER agreed with me when I've said "These pants make me look fat!"


• He loves cars! It's no wonder he loves his work.


• He would do anything for anyone. He'd rather be on the giving end if there were any question about it. Not too long ago, a man came into the church (clearly looking for a handout) and he literally gave him all he had in his wallet. Many times, we've passed by people asking for money. He doesn't question, he just gives.


• He is a hard worker, and never complains about the things he has to do. Whether it be at church or at home, he NEVER complains.


• He has a strong and firm testimony of the Savior, and desires to follow in His footsteps.


• He just keeps getting better with age, and He's mine! (OK, that was eleven instead of ten. There's one extra to grow on.)

So.....the fire burns brighter on the cake tomorrow!!! Happy Birthday Bob! ILYSM!

Who's knocking at my back door?

I was expecting some workers (if you can call them that) at my house this morning, but was a bit surprised when I heard a knock at the back door. When I looked over, I jumped as I saw something big walk by! I didn't know what it was at first. Then as he turned around and began to knock again.....this is what I saw... Luckily I came to my senses just in time to get this picture. Then as I snapped it, the doorbell rang and I let the real turkeys in the front door.

Every once in a while, I am reminded that I do, indeed, live in the country.

My Friend Gwyn

Last Friday, February 29, my good friend Gwyn Carr left this mortal existence and made her transition from time into eternity. If anyone was worthy of slipping through the veil quickly, it was Gwyn. One can't help but smile at the mention of her name...she was definitely one-in-a-million. If service is the rent we pay for living, she had most certainly paid up with extra to spare.

She was always thinking of others and performing little acts of kindness. She was very unpretentious and would cringe at the use of the word "perfect" being used to describe her, but in my eyes she was the perfect example of faith, hope, and charity. She chose to see the best in every situation. She loved people and believed in them. She especially loved children. If you were lucky enough to have been in her CTR B class in Primary, you would have received letters and packages for many years to come. I'm sure the Placentia Post Office knew her well.

Everything she did was done without fanfare or a desire to attract anyone's attention. She simply lived and left everyone she touched better than she found them. I am deeply grateful for the privilege of knowing her. When I count my blessings, Gwyn is one of them. I will miss her. This is a picture of me, June (Gwyn's mom), Gwyn, and Bob, taken before leaving California.

A Birthday "Shout Out" for Luke!

Dear Luke,

This is a important day...it's your birthday!! So in honor of your big day, I'd like to share some of the first things I thought of today....

I remember the first time I held you after you were born. You were our very first grandson. You were born on the first day of the month.You have always been the first with a huge smile and a hug!

You were there to help us celebrate our first Christmas in Tennessee.You are always first to have a great time wherever you go. You even let your grandpa give you your first shave.

So let us be the first to give a BIG birthday blog shout out HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!! We love you!