Congratulations on 3 years!!!

*picture was taken on Christmas Eve 2008 at Mama Sant's house*

Three years ago today, Rachel and Stu got married, and I am so glad they did! You two are perfect for each other. And Stu you are a wonderful addition to our family! Congratulations on 3 years you two!

Happy Birthday Calvin!

Today is my younger brother Calvin's 25th birthday. Calvin is a wonderful person. He is funny and smart and thoughtful of others. He is the kind of person you can open up to and he will listen and offer wonderfully helpful advice. He is a deep philosophical thinker - which makes for some great late night conversations. He is an outdoors man, a rock climber, backpacker, skier, and into Kung Fu. He's the kind of person that you want as a friend. I am proud that he is my brother. I love you Calvin and I wish I was in Utah today to help you celebrate!

- HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM MARIE AND JOE!!!

{picture was taken on our Colorado river trip October 2007}

Happy Birthday Dad!

If my dad were still with us he would be turning 59 today! It has been a little over three years since he died - it's weird to think it's been that long. I have missed him, some days more than others, but I have definitely missed him. I like to think of his friendly laugh, and I've been wondering what kind of cake he would have picked out today...probably chocolate with a bowl of maraschino cherries on the side:). It's too bad he had to go so soon. It seems like there is still so much time left, so much life left to live and he should be here with us. But we still have the memories, they are our forever. Today I want to honor his memory. I will think of him and smile and know he is my dad, and always will be. I love you dad - Happy birthday!

{From left to right: Simon, Calvin, Dallin, Alec, Abraam, Vanessa, Joe
Mom, Sadie, Dad, Heidi, Marie (not pictured Dax, Rachel, Stu)}

A Wonderful Christmas! ~

We are now home from three wonderful weeks in Utah were we spent Christmas and New Year's with our families. It was a whirlwind of laughing, playing and parties. Just a quick re-cap:

Making gingerbread houses at Mama Peck's.

Seeing

the lights

at Temple Square.

Making homemade tortillas for Christmas Eve dinner (thank you Mikey!).

I am taking the picture so Joe is holding my place, thanks babe!

Christmas Eve at Mama Sant's house.

Cutest couples ever!

Breakfast at Granger's on Christmas morning.

Christmas Day...

playing,

presents,

feasting,

toasting

and hanging out.

(Sigh)....what a wonderful day.

And finally the good bye breakfast on the morning we left (thanks Mama Sant, the quiche was amazing!).

Group photo (Joe is the chillest of us all!).

This trip was so fun and so special for me. It was wonderful to see all of you especially after being away for a while. The love you showed us was so overwhelming it was hard to take it all in. On our flight home Joe and I talked about how lucky we are to have such wonderful people in our families and how we were showered with gifts of love, time, money and genuine care during our visit (and all the time for that matter), "thank you" doesn't do it justice. My heart gets so full when I think of all of you, it aches to be closer but at the same time it is comforted knowing you are there and that you support me.

2008 was a wonderful year and I am looking forward to a wonderful 2009. I love you all - Marie