Thanks Mike!!

Williams Brothers Painting Inc.

Thanks to Mike for helping Tim paint the ceiling of our patio. It was a big job so Tim welcomed Mike's offer to help. It looks great - very professional! For free estimates call 1-800-WE-PAINT!

Home!

Tired but happy to be home!!

Happy to have Mr. and Mrs. Williams home!

Surprise!

I had just returned from a very busy Sunday when the doorbell rang - I said "who in the heck is that." I opened the door to see Mark and Tiffani. What a sweet surprise to have them home from Indiana. We are so proud of them. "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ... I will try again tomorrow." You both worked so hard and supported each other. They are staying with us for awhile - as long as they want because we love having them. They had a relaxing week visiting with family, playing golf, getting a massage and eating at their favorite restaurants.

Chris brought them the cutest his and her's T-shirts - those Chinese are clever.

Christopher's loot from China - shoes, jackets, suits, shirts - Oh my!

Just like that our family is back together.

Lian Zhong Yi a.k.a. Christopher arrived home safely from Beijing on the 22nd. It was the trip of a lifetime and a dream come true for him. For someone who doesn't like to shop he managed to bring home 3 new custom made suits and several great looking shirts and jackets.

He is headed off to finish his last semester of college and is moving to a condo in Provo next week. Much closer than Beijing so Mom is happy!

I can't believe Mark is 25!

Happy 25th Birthday Mark Joseph Williams

On Friday, August 12, 1983 at 11:29 a.m. Mark joined our family. He weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was 20 ½ inches long. I was scheduled to be induced on August 13 but the morning of August 12 I felt sick. Grandma Johnnie Belle happened to come by about 8:00 in the morning. She never came by that early. I told her I felt terrible and she said she would take Christopher for a few hours. After she left I continued to become more uncomfortable and I asked Tim if he would come home. My contractions were a lot harder with Mark and were coming fast. We arrived at the hospital about 9:00am and Mark was born at 11:29am. I wrote in my journal –“that was fast and I was happy!” Just 10 ½ months after Christopher was born Mark took his place in our eternal family. He couldn’t wait and I feel so blessed to be his Mom. Chris had no idea what Mark was or why Mark was here but they had fun growing up together – almost like twins! I am very proud of you Mark, and the choices you have made – most recently to marry sweet Tiffani in the temple and to work hard to be a good provider. You have given us so much joy and added so much to our lives.

Love you so much, Mom

25 Things I Love About Mark

1. Fun sense of humor

2. His dimples

3. Love for music

4. I love to hear him play the guitar and piano

5. I love to hear him sing

6. His love for Tiffani

7. Kindness to children

8. Athletic ability

9. His soccer legs!!

10. His courage

11. His artistic ability

12. His desire to be a good husband

13. For serving an honorable mission

14. For learning Danish!

15. His love for Dusty

16. His fashion sense and personal grooming practices! (he learned that from me.)

17. His vast computer skills

18. His patience

19. His homemade salsa

20. His competitive nature

21. His courage to try new things

22. His self-discipline

23. His dimples!

24. The respect and love he shows me

25. His endurance

Well, my wonderful son Mark is 25 on Tuesday (August 12). I'm upset that he isn't here for Eileen to spoil him for the week - but our visit with him last week helped span the long summer he and Tiff have been away from us. At least he was here for my party (I'm not sure why I was getting this present, but it was the only festive picture I could find on my camera).

But, I wanted to let him know how satisfied I am that he is such an above average son, with such average good looks and abilities. I am proud to call him son (I don't know what else to call him - - he is my son).

Just kidding - - - - - Mark, you have brought me so much joy during your life and have certainly eclipsed Chris by bringing Tiffani into our life. You are really maturing as a husband, a provider and as a man. I want to wish you a very happy birthday . . . hurry and get home.

Here we go...

Well Here we go!
I have been wanting a family blog ever I was 6 - er, since I was sick? No, Eileen says I'm sick for wanting a blog. I realize this is a girl/mother/grandmother thing - which is exactly Eileen's point. No one will be interested in a 50ish couple who don't look good in photo's, with no grandchildren, missionaries or exotic travels. However, I think we live a fascinating life which will be of great interest to so many people.

And so - - - I hope to share with you a slice of my wonderful life. And it is wonderful. We have been so blessed, and I want to share my happiness with those I love and care about. You'll get to see my hobbies as well as Eileen's. For example, I can't tell you how many quilts and crochet blankets she has made in the last 25 years that have blessed so many of those she loves. I hope to set up a separate file where I can post them all.

And then of course, there's my wood working and my writing. I have written so many insightful things about life, religion, motivation, business - the arts (yes Lee, I have written extensively on the arts). So, each of you have a wonderful journey awaiting you. So, hold on tight.