11 March 2008

Marianne


She goes gallivanting around Utah with me.


...and California.


She invites me to work parties even when it will definitely lead to awkward moments with the coworkers the next day.


She loves Chipotle as much as I do.


And she puts up with my stupid thumbs-up and peace-sign poses in every picture.

We sure have had a lot of fun over the last year

Happy birthday, Marianne! I can't wait to celebrate our birthdays and subsequent old age together at Chuck-A-Rama on Friday.

Dad

In celebration of dad's 52nd birthday (yesterday), I thought I'd get a post up to remember a few of my favorite things about dad.


(Everyone but me at Lucille's)

Dad likes to eat out. Whether it's Taco Bell, Don Jose's, Lucille's, or Famous Dave's, dad loves good food and likes other people to serve it to him. I hate, however, that the family grew to love my favorite restaurant (Lucille's) while I was on my mission. It seems like every Monday I would get an e-mail telling me that they had all gone to Lucille's together. They owe me big time!


(Mom and dad at my cousin Jeremy's wedding last year)

Dad is a big supporter of his kids. Growing up, he always made it to everything, whether it was a baseball game or a choir concert. He not only wanted to be a part of his kids' lives, but he was a part them. Family was always important to him, and he showed it by travelling, sometimes on a monthly basis, to Utah to be a part of his nieces' and nephews' weddings, mission farewells, baby blessings, etc. Dad is a family guy.


(El Centro in Tegucigalpa, where dad risked his life to help a woman out)

Dad is giving and gives without questioning. One day while he, mom, and I were in Honduras, he took out his wallet in a bustling (with vendors and crooks) market and gave money to a poor beggar-woman. He risked theft, fraud, and his life to help that woman. I try to be giving like he is.

There is so much more I could write to honor dad on his birthday, but my homework is beckoning.

Thanks dad for your example and for all you do for me (and the rest of the family).

Happy Birthday Yesterday!

02 March 2008

Sister Carr

If anyone deserved a quick exit, it was Sister Carr. I'm sure if she had it her way, however, she would have outlived us all so she could make sure we all make it where she is going.

There is a select group of people that remind us that being Christlike really is doable. Sister Gwyn Carr will forever live in my memory as one of those people.

On countless occasions and in ways that words are really not adequate to express, Sister Carr proved herself to be heaven-sent, especially to me and my parents.

I love her, I miss her.

Last night I thanked God for having known her.


Sister Carr, her mom, and me

May I never forget her and her example.