Happy Birthday to Our Jeff!

Yesterday was a special day for a very choice man--our favorite son-in-law, Jeffrey Holland Wright. Happy 25th Birthday, Jeff!

I met Jeff last year when he was Caitie's "best friend."--there wasn't any real romance, so to speak (at least, not from her perspective). She told me she thought he was incredibly handsome and super nice. But I'm glad the friendship part of their relationship is what developed first. Caitie had time to watch how Jeff handled problems, how he served, how he genuinely cared about people, and how trustworthy he is.

Then, over time, she realized she was in love with this guy. I'm so grateful for Jeff. A few weeks ago, Caitlin told me that every morning she wakes up and can't believe how blessed she is to be married to Jeff.

So they've only been married a little over 3 months, but I'd like to share some of the things I love about Jeff:

1. He is focused on serving.
2. He ADORES Caitlin--and he shows it.
3. He is willing to move out of his comfort zone to provide for her.
4. He is a willing and helpful worker.
5. He is full of kindness.
6. He is even tempered.
7. He is very bright, but
8. He is modest about it.
9. He is loyal and honest.
and 10. He fits perfectly in our family. (I love that he loves to sing!)

So, for now and for all eternity, I'm grateful that Jeff is part of our family. And--sorry, I can't resist it, even though I know it's so old--I'm glad Caitie married the Wright guy!

Happy Birthday Josh!

(here's an older picture--we're missing little Joshua James in this one, but it's the only family picture I have on my computer!)

Our third oldest son Joshua Adam celebrates his birthday this month. Josh will be 31 on July 19th. So what can I tell you about Josh? Well, for starters, he’s a very smart man. I enjoy hearing Josh’s perspective on decisions because he usually has a lot of interesting thoughts, and his counsel is solid. Sometimes I wonder who is the parent and who is the offspring here! Josh is a Certified Financial Planner, and he gives sound financial advice. He has built a good business through some challenging beginning years, and he is inspiring to me because once he makes a decision he sticks to it. He works with Prudential and is one of the few remaining in the group with which he was hired.

Josh sings with the Tabernacle Choir, and you’ll often see his face grace the TV screen. He and his brother Matt are in it together; Matt was selected for the choir earlier this year, and it is so gratifying for me to see them singing, often sitting together! My heart swells with pride when I listen to them and watch them perform. I love it most of all when Josh and Matt are singing in the Choir, and Melodie and Brittany are in the Orchestra at Temple Square, all at the same time. I know that being in the Choir is a great sacrifice of time, and it is amazing to me how Josh and Melodie manage that challenge with four little ones. But manage they do, and do it beautifully. Their children are happy and confident and they are very well behaved.


The best choice I think Josh ever made was in finding his eternal sweetheart, Melodie. They met when they both served as performing missionaries in Nauvoo, Illinois. The first time we met Melodie, we were touched by her warmth, her radiance, and her goodness. She is a blessing to Josh and to all of us!

Josh and Melodies’s house tends to be “Command Central,” as Brit has called it. Over the years, they have welcomed everyone to stay there. They have tirelessly changed bedding, set up beds, hosted family gatherings there, and welcomed Steve, Dave and Lori and their kids, Matt and Brit (before they got their own home a few blocks away), Emilie (who stayed there for about a year I think), Joel and Heather, Stan and I, Caitlin, and Nathaniel. All of us, in addition to other family members from Melodie’s side. I enjoy the spirit in their home. It is loving and patient, and I know that Josh and Melodie are doing their best to keep their relationship strong and raise their children well.

Josh, I am very proud of you, and I love you very much. Happy Birthday, Dear Son!

Adam Matthew Gardner

The handsome young man you see in this picture is Adam Matthew Gardner, who turned five years old on July 6! Adam is Josh and Melodie’s oldest son. His siblings are named Jarom Dallen, Rachel Lovina (who was featured in another blog entry earlier), and Joshua James.
Adam is a very bright little boy. He is full of life and interested in everything. I would have to say his greatest love seems to be playing the cello. He is already quite proficient, especially for a five-year-old! He has a number of pieces in his repertoire. He doesn’t need to have music to be able to play “I Am a Child of God.” He performed that piece beautifully at the family reunion we just had in Provo Canyon has week, and completely wowed the whole Gardner family!
Adams’ cello teacher is his Aunt Brittany. She has encouraged him and helped him to learn so much. Now she is also teaching Jarom how to play the cello! Adam works hard to learn, and his mother Melodie is wonderful at helping him to practice consistently.

Adam seems to remember everything he is told, and he is very good with his brothers and sister. He takes care of them, he helps his mother and father, and he sets a good example. He and Jarom are best friends. Yesterday I was able to visit their family and I enjoyed watching how he and Jarom interacted. They truly enjoy each other.


He also has learned to read quite well, mostly teaching himself. He enjoys learning.
I guess when you’re talking about your grandchildren (and your children!) you tend to be a little bit prejudiced. But that’s ok—I just have to say that Adam Matthew Gardner is a wonderful boy and I am so proud of him! I love him very much. Happy birthday this month, Adam!