Melissa,
Happy 30th Birthday!!! This site is a tribute from many of your friends & family. Thank you for the happiness you've brought into all our lives. Enjoy...
June 10, 2009
Happy Birthday Sorell!
Tanti auguri 30 anni!
Melissa it was a blessing to be your companion and an added bonus to have you as a friend. Serving with you was a highlight in my mission. We worked SO hard it almost killed ya :)
You are such a dedicated person and because of that you made a great missionary.
Quartu Sant' Elena has a special place in my heart. So many great times; eating cavallo, morning run/dances, Visiting Sorella Coco, roasting marshmallows over the stove top, Carnivale, morning studies around the space heater, your butt pillow, visits to the beach, hearing you sing and watching it bring the spirit into the room. I think we were together around your Birthday that year and your Dad sent you money for something special. You treated me to dinner in this fancy little restaurant on the beach and we both tried calamari (we had no idea what we were eating) and we just laughed. That is so you, taking me to dinner for your birthday. You are so giving of all you have and share so willingly of your talents.
I hope this year you have a great birthday and know how much ti voglio ben' assai! You are deserving of everything wonderful!
Ryan Secrist & family
Melissa,
It’s been amazing getting to know you and your great family! Who knew when we were hunting for homes that you were ace dancer and Steve was so musical? But now I know and you are roped into Savior of the World! I’m thrilled to be working with you and have great memories of finding you a home – right down to barbed wire wreathes. So classy.
So, be well on this great day and welcome to being old like the rest of us! I look forward to many more memories of fun times having you here in Ahwatukee. Have a great day!
Ryan, Taani and Family
Sara Malan-McDonald
I am not really sure when I met Melissa for the first time, it was probably during a group FHE get together in 2006 right after Lola was born. Since I was heavily medicated, I can blame my lack of memory on this. Though I do not remember when we first met, I do remember being really impressed with Melissa from the beginning. Here are some qualities Melissa possesses that impress me:
Melissa is dedicated: Whether it is being a mother or meeting for a play date, Melissa is 100% dedicated to that which she commits. I especially appreciated this attribute when she was dancing in my thesis concert. Though there were many participants who could not see the project through to the end, even when her back was injured just days before the performance, I knew I could count on her to keep coming to rehearsal and perform beautifully at the concert. Because of this she probably deserves credit for helping me earn my Master's degree.
Melissa is a good mother: Whether she is in the middle of a conversation with a friend or simply having one-on-one time with Andrew, she makes every moment a teaching opportunity. Andrew is a lucky little boy to have such a good mom.
Melissa is a good friend: Perhaps what makes Melissa such a good friend to me, is that she is a good listener. I appreciate her willingness to listen to me (mostly complain). It gives my spouse a break and helps me get life's frustrations off my chest so I can more effectively accomplish my goals and/or that which I have committed to.
Melissa is on the ball: She is really put together. I appreciate that Melissa calls/emails to confirm commitments she has made whether these be play dates or dance rehearsals. This has helped keep me organized and it has taken the pressure off me in regards to the commitments I have made.
Melissa is on time: Though I know she was frustrated about this right after Andrew was born, by and large, we all know we can count on Melissa to be where she says she will be on time...probably 5 minutes early. I have never mastered time management in this way. The best I can do is arriving 5 min late, so I really admire an individual who can do this consistently.
Melissa, I hope you have a great day.
Thanks for your friendship,
Sara
Jennifer Black
Here is my favorite thing about Melissa. Melissa and I were in the MTC together. Even though it was long grueling days to have to sit on a hard desk for hours on end, she never ever complained. Somehow she always kept her spirits high. She was such an inspiration to me. I always thought "If Melissa isn't complaining then I definitely have no reason to complain." Happy Birthday Melissa!
Nick Jacobsen & family
Melissa,
Hey there and Happy Birthday!! I’m not really one for a lot of words (as I’m sure you know), but I definitely wanted to pass on best wishes from me and my family. You’re a great friend. A couple of things that I have always loved about you and appreciated are your joy and happiness. You always seem to have a big smile for everyone and that is usually combined with a BIG hug! It’s weird how time kind of moves people around and sometimes away, but with good friends that just makes it more fun and exciting when you do get a chance to catch up and enjoy time together (although it will never be quite like it was back in high school again!). I guess that is what makes life so fun and interesting.
Anyways, Have a Great Day – you deserve it. We look forward to seeing you guys again when you are in town.
Nick, Lynette, Jason, and Maya Jacobsen
Ashley Rockwood Melgar
Happy Birthday Melissa! I can't believe we've come so far from singing together as kids to being married mothers. We've had so many great times together and as I'm thinking about it, they all seem to revolve around music. But then again, you're so talented that would make sense! Even though the last few years we haven't seen each other as much I as I would have liked, you're still a great friend. When you came to New York, it was like we just picked up where we left off. Thanks for always being such a positive person, lighting the room up with energy and your smile. I hope we get to see each other again soon, and enjoy your special day!!!
Cecilia Squarcia
Bella, mia. Non so se sono ancora in tempo, ma voglio farti tanti, tanti cari auguri per il tuo compleanno!!!! Ho visto che mancano auguri completamente in Italiano sul tuo blog :) Steve e' stato veramente tanto carino.
E' passato un po' di tempo da quando eri qui ed alcune cose sono cambiate. Infatti........ siamo tutti piu' vecchi!!!!!!........Scherzo.........i figli sono cresciuti, sono una nonna, Roberto e' tornato in chiesa ed ha una ragazza nella chiesa, Carla e' all'universita' e l'anno prossimo si preparera' ad andare in missione, Franca tornera' Domenica sera dai suoi 2 anni trascorsi in Cina..........mamma mia!!
Vedo che vostro figlio e' un "ragazzo" ormai :). Che bella famiglia che siete.
Ti auguro tante, tante cose belle ancora.
Un grande, grande abbraccio ed un bacio.
Cecilia
E' passato un po' di tempo da quando eri qui ed alcune cose sono cambiate. Infatti........ siamo tutti piu' vecchi!!!!!!........Scherzo...
Vedo che vostro figlio e' un "ragazzo" ormai :). Che bella famiglia che siete.
Ti auguro tante, tante cose belle ancora.
Un grande, grande abbraccio ed un bacio.
Cecilia
Franca Squarcia
Buon Compleanno, Melissa! Hope everything is good for you guys. You're molto brava, Steve's very lucky. I'm sure he knows that. Take care!
FRA
FRA
June 9, 2009
Kristen Lewis Jorgensen
Oh Melissa! The big 3-0! I can hardly believe we're all turning 30! It seems like just a few years ago we were in ridiculous choir outfits singing our hearts out! What has West High been doing without us? :) When I think of Melissa I think of lots of choir memories (both goofing off and some sweet moments too) and you faithfully carrying around your pillow. But I also think of a really sweet, faithful, outgoing, positive and uplifting girl; you're a friend to everyone. Happy Birthday my friend! And come visit sometime!
Love,
Kristen Lewis Jorgensen
Love,
Kristen Lewis Jorgensen
Kelly Paluso
Melissa,
Happy Birthday! 30 isn't so bad....I promise. The harder thing is realizing it has been 12 years since we were in high school. Ah....West High memories.:) Hope you have a wonderful birthday with your wonderful family!
Kelly Paluso
Happy Birthday! 30 isn't so bad....I promise. The harder thing is realizing it has been 12 years since we were in high school. Ah....West High memories.:) Hope you have a wonderful birthday with your wonderful family!
Kelly Paluso
Sunao Yamanouchi
Mrs. Landon
Happy Birthday! I'm sure you have an amazing husband for this. Lucky you. And you have an amazing student right here. I always remember how fun our class was at BYU-ELC. I've learn so many things in your class and after your class from you. Thank you for being a great example. And thank you for being a great teacher for my life. I won't swear because of you! It's been honor that I had a chance to be one of your students. I have so many good memories there and got so many good friends. And you are definitely part of it. ;)
Sunao Yamanouchi
PS. Are you really 30? You are just 3 years older than me. That's crazy!
Happy Birthday! I'm sure you have an amazing husband for this. Lucky you. And you have an amazing student right here. I always remember how fun our class was at BYU-ELC. I've learn so many things in your class and after your class from you. Thank you for being a great example. And thank you for being a great teacher for my life. I won't swear because of you! It's been honor that I had a chance to be one of your students. I have so many good memories there and got so many good friends. And you are definitely part of it. ;)
Sunao Yamanouchi
PS. Are you really 30? You are just 3 years older than me. That's crazy!
Marie Merrell Morgan
Hey Miss Melissa!
Happy, happy birthday to you! I remember when you were born! I was so jealous of your mom because she had you and I was still 3 months away from having Richard. It was fun to hold a brand new little baby and know I would be having my own soon. I remember looking into your little baby eyes and asking you if you knew my little one. You never really answered, darn you! :)
I saw your mom a couple of weeks ago and we were laughing about the old days when you guys lived in Kearns and we lived in West Valley and we used to load all 7 of you (this was pre-Tina) into one of our cars and take you all over town. We would let all you kids play together while your mom and I drank gallons of Coke and Dr. Pepper and worked on our projects.
A lot of my memories of those long-ago days have faded, but I remember that you were a sweet and funny little girl.
I hope you have a fabulous birthday!
Love, Marie
Happy, happy birthday to you! I remember when you were born! I was so jealous of your mom because she had you and I was still 3 months away from having Richard. It was fun to hold a brand new little baby and know I would be having my own soon. I remember looking into your little baby eyes and asking you if you knew my little one. You never really answered, darn you! :)
I saw your mom a couple of weeks ago and we were laughing about the old days when you guys lived in Kearns and we lived in West Valley and we used to load all 7 of you (this was pre-Tina) into one of our cars and take you all over town. We would let all you kids play together while your mom and I drank gallons of Coke and Dr. Pepper and worked on our projects.
A lot of my memories of those long-ago days have faded, but I remember that you were a sweet and funny little girl.
I hope you have a fabulous birthday!
Love, Marie
Amanda Tew
Happy Birthday Melissa!!!
Dr. Ray Graham
I have many good memories of Melissa as a student. I remember the first time I made the connection between her and Jon Landon, who lived in our home for a semester. We had become aware through Richard, our son, that Jon frequently messed up the curve on exams in electrical engineering. At first I thought Melissa must be his sister because she was also an overachiever in my class. Then I asked her and found out that she was only related to him through marriage. She could have been his twin, intellectually. It was a delight to have her in the class.
I later had the opportunity to work with her on her thesis. Again, she was the kind of student that professors love to supervise because we didn’t have to do much editing of her work. All we had to do was suggest ideas to her and they got done well without any supervision.
I later had the opportunity to work with her on her thesis. Again, she was the kind of student that professors love to supervise because we didn’t have to do much editing of her work. All we had to do was suggest ideas to her and they got done well without any supervision.
Doris Garcia
Good memories come back when I was at the ELC. I could say one of my favorites classes was with Miss Landon as I used to call her. It was pretty awesome the way we learned and enjoying at the same time in her class. It was really amazing I'm grateful with both of you for your hospitality at your home with some of my classmates and also when I was baptized and Miss Melissa gave a talk. I also remember the day you went to her class and told us the way you proposed to her, was so sweet and tender. Both of you are wonderful. Miss Melissa HAPPY BIRTHDAY enjoy all the nice surprises from all of us that love you!
HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY!
LOVE DORIS
HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY!
LOVE DORIS
Shannon Banks
Melissa,
Happy happy birthday! I'm so glad Steve was thoughtful enough to present you with this little birthday blog so you can see how much you are truly loved. By so many people in so many places! I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with you. It was really fun being in the same place at roughly the same time in our lives. It makes life that much more fun when you can share it with people in the same situation. I love how you are always quick to laugh. There was never a lull in conversation with you. I loved being able to sit around with you, Celeste, Nicole, Kelly, whoever, and just be a bunch of gabby girls - no judgments, no stresses, just free spirits talking away the afternoon about anything and everything. I will always treasure those months in Phoenix. I wish you many blessings on your day!!!! Have a great one.
Shannon Banks
Joe Brubaker
Melissa,
Happy Birthday! Thinking back on the many memories of you from high school, I recall most our deep discussions about various topics. In true form, I do not remember the subject of any of these and do not have any thing to remind me here in D.C. I do remember, however, your true and generous friendship (...and our inability to attend our 12th grade English class on the same day--perhaps it was the hard chairs?) I am grateful for those moments.
I wish you all the best for the next 30 years!
Joe Brubaker
Happy Birthday! Thinking back on the many memories of you from high school, I recall most our deep discussions about various topics. In true form, I do not remember the subject of any of these and do not have any thing to remind me here in D.C. I do remember, however, your true and generous friendship (...and our inability to attend our 12th grade English class on the same day--perhaps it was the hard chairs?) I am grateful for those moments.
I wish you all the best for the next 30 years!
Joe Brubaker
Ben Pacini
Melissa--
About ten years ago, I was an awkward and obnoxious 13-year-old, with few friends--except, of course, for the wonderful missionaries, who were kind enough to not point out my 'annoying little brother' tendencies. It was those missionaries--the ones who would talk to me, be my friend, etc.--who made Italy such an incredible experience for me.
I can still remember sitting in the kitchen in the villa, (I think Christiana was making some celestial concoction) and talking to you about life. I don't remember what was said. I remember we talked about stress, and how I stressed too much, and about basketball--which I was practicing every day with my new-found friend, Michael Brown.
In any case, I don't remember much, but I remember leaving and feeling like I had a friend, and that everything would work out. As luck would have it, it did.
Thanks for being so kind to a 13-year-old kid.
About ten years ago, I was an awkward and obnoxious 13-year-old, with few friends--except, of course, for the wonderful missionaries, who were kind enough to not point out my 'annoying little brother' tendencies. It was those missionaries--the ones who would talk to me, be my friend, etc.--who made Italy such an incredible experience for me.
I can still remember sitting in the kitchen in the villa, (I think Christiana was making some celestial concoction) and talking to you about life. I don't remember what was said. I remember we talked about stress, and how I stressed too much, and about basketball--which I was practicing every day with my new-found friend, Michael Brown.
In any case, I don't remember much, but I remember leaving and feeling like I had a friend, and that everything would work out. As luck would have it, it did.
Thanks for being so kind to a 13-year-old kid.
Ryan Landon
Melissa,
Happy Birthday! Your enthusiasm and love of the simple but profound comments from the world of Christopher Robin have been a breath of fresh air. We still toss around two or three Melissa-isms around our house. It was fun having you and the family for the weekend last summer. Who would have thought Phoenix would have been cooler!
And although you may think the big 30 seems like a lot, remember that it is only 1 1/2 score. Now that's a small number.
Ryan & family
June 8, 2009
Kara Landon
Sorry, I have been stressed about being unemployed again so I have not known what to say earlier other than ... Happy Birthday!
--Kara
--Kara
Krista Landon
Happy Birthday, Melissa!
You've always been such a fantastic example to me, as someone with many talents who took the time and effort to develop them into something wonderful. You have a very insightful mind, and I appreciate your great sense of humor, as well as your willingness to dedicate yourself to whatever, and whoever needed you. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and optimism, they make you a great companion in the best and worst of times. I'm grateful for your kind hospitality and generosity, and I admire your sense of adventure and fun. I'm glad to have you as a sister-in-law, and I hope that this will be your best year yet!
Love,
Krista
Kris Crockett
Melissa, you are a fabulous addition to our Relief Society and our ward! I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you and am definitely looking forward to taking your exercise class. Have a wonderful birthday, you deserve it!
Kris Crockett
Kris Crockett
Alexander Hense
I’d like to congratulate Melissa on her 30th birthday – by wishing her all the best directly and indirectly by her family.
I appreciate to get to know some strengths of Melissa. And she has gigantic capacities, she is…
very lovely and enormously engaging and the most interactive and talents oriented mother for Andrew;
a great lovely wife for Steve by providing balance concerning family, security issues, improving of communication and many other big things and projects too;
a good open-minded friend that can appreciate your strengths without enviousness in order to learn by you and to support to promote you too if you need it.
She is a great woman, with many beautiful talents and nevertheless – let’s say better therefore – she is still growing – and that is because of her nice character.
It is very valuable to get to know her more and more; and not to have her around you is a loss of sun lighting and blue sky ;-)
The poem I translated into English and presented for Steven and Melissa in this Spring 2009 I would post here too:
Can we live without loving?
Not before we open ourselves – so we live
Not before we show feelings – so we see
- That people aspire to heal their souls -
************************************
Do we live now so as to love
Or
Do we love so as to really live?
Best Regards
Alexander Hense
I appreciate to get to know some strengths of Melissa. And she has gigantic capacities, she is…
very lovely and enormously engaging and the most interactive and talents oriented mother for Andrew;
a great lovely wife for Steve by providing balance concerning family, security issues, improving of communication and many other big things and projects too;
a good open-minded friend that can appreciate your strengths without enviousness in order to learn by you and to support to promote you too if you need it.
She is a great woman, with many beautiful talents and nevertheless – let’s say better therefore – she is still growing – and that is because of her nice character.
It is very valuable to get to know her more and more; and not to have her around you is a loss of sun lighting and blue sky ;-)
The poem I translated into English and presented for Steven and Melissa in this Spring 2009 I would post here too:
Can we live without loving?
Not before we open ourselves – so we live
Not before we show feelings – so we see
- That people aspire to heal their souls -
************************************
Only if we love
We also hope
We also live
We ever grow
Do we live now so as to love
Or
Do we love so as to really live?
Best Regards
Alexander Hense
Ben McCardell
Melissa,
I have always been impressed by your confidence and joy. You always seem to be surrounded in an aura of light and happiness. You've been a wonderful example to me and an awesome big sister. After all, you taught me to burp. I wish you all the best on your birthday. I love you lots.
Dr. Mark Tanner
Melissa - Happy Birthday! May life continue to bring much joy and happiness. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to work with you in the academic realm of your life for the past few years. I must say that you were an excellent research assistant while in your graduate studies at BYU, and now that you have graduated, I greatly appreciate the continued connection we have through the research and writing we have done. I know that you are a perfectionist and that you like doing projects well in advance. Working with me on the other hand has added a few gray hairs to your head with the projects we have done always being completed right at the deadline. I'm sorry for the frustration I have caused you, but I certainly appreciate your careful eye and constant reminders. Again, have a great day!
Dr. Mark Tanner
Nikki Woodbury Empie
Dear Melissa,
Happy 30th Birthday!!! You have accomplished so much in these short 30 years and you still have so much more to look forward to! Did you see that movie "13 Going on 30"? I love how that little girl probably could have fast-forwarded to any age, 18, 25, whatever, and she instead fast-forwarded to be 30!!! Remember, she wanted so desperately to be "thirty, flirty, and thriving"? And on your special 30th birthday, you will finally have reached that apex of existence :) and I know from there your life will just keep getting even better and better because your beautiful and amazing talents continue to grow and develop and be added to and you continue to be so wonderful and kind and loving and generous and 30 amazing years of living your life the way you have means you have created a pattern of productivity and happiness and kindness that I know will bring you a hundred million (actually, infinite!) returns! I miss you Melissa and I feel so thankful for the blessing I have to know you and I'm so impressed with your amazing accomplishments and your mission and that you found your true love Steve and that you are the most awesome mom to the most darling baby boy! I hope on this very special day that we celebrate your life and remember all you have done that you will feel so much love from the so many many people who love you (including me) and who have been so blessed to feel your love for each of us! Thank you for your friendship and kindness. I miss you and I hope that I can get to see you again sometime soon!
Have a perfect birthday you beautiful amazing superwoman!!!
Love, Nikki
Happy 30th Birthday!!! You have accomplished so much in these short 30 years and you still have so much more to look forward to! Did you see that movie "13 Going on 30"? I love how that little girl probably could have fast-forwarded to any age, 18, 25, whatever, and she instead fast-forwarded to be 30!!! Remember, she wanted so desperately to be "thirty, flirty, and thriving"? And on your special 30th birthday, you will finally have reached that apex of existence :) and I know from there your life will just keep getting even better and better because your beautiful and amazing talents continue to grow and develop and be added to and you continue to be so wonderful and kind and loving and generous and 30 amazing years of living your life the way you have means you have created a pattern of productivity and happiness and kindness that I know will bring you a hundred million (actually, infinite!) returns! I miss you Melissa and I feel so thankful for the blessing I have to know you and I'm so impressed with your amazing accomplishments and your mission and that you found your true love Steve and that you are the most awesome mom to the most darling baby boy! I hope on this very special day that we celebrate your life and remember all you have done that you will feel so much love from the so many many people who love you (including me) and who have been so blessed to feel your love for each of us! Thank you for your friendship and kindness. I miss you and I hope that I can get to see you again sometime soon!
Have a perfect birthday you beautiful amazing superwoman!!!
Love, Nikki
Sandy Green
Melissa,
Happy 30th! It's been so fun to be around you, to watch you fall in love with Steve, get married, graduate, and have cute Andrew! I feel privileged to have you as a friend (even if I'm not the best...). I was driving with my sister the other day, and we saw a mailman, which made me think of you. Do you remember the mailman with Laura? Thank you for your friendship and love, and have a wonderful birthday!
Love,
Sandy
Happy 30th! It's been so fun to be around you, to watch you fall in love with Steve, get married, graduate, and have cute Andrew! I feel privileged to have you as a friend (even if I'm not the best...). I was driving with my sister the other day, and we saw a mailman, which made me think of you. Do you remember the mailman with Laura? Thank you for your friendship and love, and have a wonderful birthday!
Love,
Sandy
Tonia Izu
Melissa,
Happy 30th Birthday! Hope you have a very special day with Steven and Andrew.
-Aunt Tonia
Happy 30th Birthday! Hope you have a very special day with Steven and Andrew.
-Aunt Tonia
Alisa Van Langeveld
Happy birthday Melissa! My favorite thing about you has been watching you be a mom to Andrew. You are tender and attentive and so willing to sacrifice for his well-being. I know (now better than ever) how taking care of an infant and baby can be so draining and thankless and you have handled it so beautifully. Andrew is so cute and so fun to be around. He was so much fun at the Christmas party and that kind of friendliness often comes from feeling safe and happy at home. I also love knowing and seeing how you can balance mothering and working. I know it's at a much slower pace and it will be if you spend the time with Andrew that he needs, but you are still pushing along. It's inspiring and encouraging. Happiest birthday wishes!
Heidi Wentworth
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve sat down to type this out and been interrupted; one of the kids needs help or the baby needs a diaper change or the pot on the stove is boiling over. My life at this point is one long string of interruptions. I guess that’s one of the things I appreciate most about you. You totally understand. You are ok with my kids screaming in the background when we talk on the phone. I love that I can call and talk with you. Thanks for being my sister and my friend. I love you!
-Heidi
Craig Pacini
Buon Compleanno Sorella!
All the very best to a Sister who always gave at least 110%!
We appreciate the service you gave and the friendship that we continue to share. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family richly.
President Pacini
Julie Pacini
BUON COMPLEANNO MELISSA! TANTI AUGURI! Wow, birthday time, I love birthdays, they are fun! Time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future, but mostly, to enjoy the present celebration! I hope it’s a wonderful, fun day!
What great memories we have of serving together in Italy! And what a fantastic missionary you were! You learned the language well, you worked hard, you loved the Italian people, you were joyful and enthusiastic, yes, you were very successful! It’s been fun since our time in Italy to continue our friendship!
May this be a fantastic day for you, ENJOY!!
Ti voglio un sacco di bene,
Sorella Julie Pacini
Susan Barton
Happy Birthday Melissa!
My two favorite memories of you are you dancing Senior year at Christmas "yuletide is here, yuletide is here, now the hollyleaf is green!" and all of us talking at your house about how you had the most romantic staircase ever!
From the pictures and snatches of things I hear it seems like you are really happy and I hope that the next thirty years are even better than the first thirty.
AUGURI!
Susan
My two favorite memories of you are you dancing Senior year at Christmas "yuletide is here, yuletide is here, now the hollyleaf is green!" and all of us talking at your house about how you had the most romantic staircase ever!
From the pictures and snatches of things I hear it seems like you are really happy and I hope that the next thirty years are even better than the first thirty.
AUGURI!
Susan
Marie Diamond
Happy Birthday, Melissa!! I hope you have a fabulous time! I wish you guys were here in salt lake so we could have a proper celebration - but that's how it goes. How is Phoenix? How is Andrew? Can you believe how fast they grow up? It's scary. Anyway - we're thinking about you and wish you the best birthday yet!
-Marie
Lenna Hanson
Melissa,
Can you believe you are 30? I hope you have an amazing birthday, I wish I was there to help you celebrate.
I have so many awesome fun memories of the two of us ... Some from way back in the day like laughing about your VW bug with no floor, our late night chats at your apartment in Provo (driving home anywhere between midnight and 2 am), pool at Ozz, writing while you were on your mission. Some are more recent like our drive to St. George last year, visiting during all your visits back to Salt Lake, and through all of the memories we have always had great conversations. You have always been so amazing, a great friend, such a great listener, and one to always make me me laugh and smile.
Have the most amazing birthday! Talk to you soon!
Love ya,
Ruth Griggs
Melissa,
You're smart, you're driven, you're accomplished, you're even published, but the most impressive item on your resume is your prowess at Pack Meeting. Wish I had a picture of your face when you whipped the scouts at blow the ping pong ball across the table. Priceless.
Happy Birthday!
Ruth
You're smart, you're driven, you're accomplished, you're even published, but the most impressive item on your resume is your prowess at Pack Meeting. Wish I had a picture of your face when you whipped the scouts at blow the ping pong ball across the table. Priceless.
Happy Birthday!
Ruth
June 7, 2009
Nicole Rowland
Melissa,
Happy, happy birthday! I hope you have a great one and know that you are appreciated and loved. Your many talents and fun personality have obviously touched many lives, including ours. We had such a wonderful time with you while we were in Phoenix. It was great to have friends so close by and in the same situation as us. We really enjoyed our time with you there. Hope you have a great birthday and always keep in touch.
Love,
The Rowlands: Cody, Nicole, & Jadyn
Jesika Pearce
The thing that really comes to my mind about Melissa is that she is such a good mommy and really patient with little Drew. She takes the time to show and explain things to him that are sometimes easy to just pass by. I like that she likes to get out of the house and explore and experience things, qualities that are surprisingly hard to find in Mommy friends. :)
Stephanie Bowen
Melissa- Happy Birthday! I have loved knowing you. You are an amazing woman.
Stephanie Bowen
Stephanie Bowen
Jonathan Landon
Melissa --
I had so much fun visiting your fancy apartment complex in Phoenix a couple years ago. We played billiards, drove downtown to see the baseball stadium, went to the safari zoo, floated down a freezing rushing river, and ate grapefruits. The very best part was discovering what it's like to be in a musical where suddenly everyone knows the words and is singing and dancing -- I was describing a song that had come on the radio and you and Steven were suddenly singing in unison "today is where the book begins, the rest is still unwritten..." That song will always remind me of you.
Jonathan Landon
I had so much fun visiting your fancy apartment complex in Phoenix a couple years ago. We played billiards, drove downtown to see the baseball stadium, went to the safari zoo, floated down a freezing rushing river, and ate grapefruits. The very best part was discovering what it's like to be in a musical where suddenly everyone knows the words and is singing and dancing -- I was describing a song that had come on the radio and you and Steven were suddenly singing in unison "today is where the book begins, the rest is still unwritten..." That song will always remind me of you.
Jonathan Landon
Megan Parker
Melissa!!
Happy 30th Birthday, darlin'!
I hope this year brings all that you want!
Think about you often and only wish the best for you!
Much love,
Megan
JJ Van Langeveld
Melissa,
Happy birthday! You know, Court and I were actually talking about you just the other day. We were reminissing about how you used to out-belch all of the boys when were were in high school. Ah, such good times.
So, when I try to think of favorite memories, I really can't just pin down one. I remember the first time we met in Art class in 8th grade, and then you became Christopher McClain's partner for whatever that elite singing group was that I didn't make it into. I remember all the times we hung out in high school, driving around in your orange bug. There are a ton of memories that just flash through my head. Probably the biggest regret I have is that we didn't hang out more once you and Steve moved in across the street. It was still fun being able to say "Hi" as we were all coming and going. Anyway, you're great and I hope you have a happy 30th. Can't wait to see you guys when you are in town again!
JJ Van Langeveld
Happy birthday! You know, Court and I were actually talking about you just the other day. We were reminissing about how you used to out-belch all of the boys when were were in high school. Ah, such good times.
So, when I try to think of favorite memories, I really can't just pin down one. I remember the first time we met in Art class in 8th grade, and then you became Christopher McClain's partner for whatever that elite singing group was that I didn't make it into. I remember all the times we hung out in high school, driving around in your orange bug. There are a ton of memories that just flash through my head. Probably the biggest regret I have is that we didn't hang out more once you and Steve moved in across the street. It was still fun being able to say "Hi" as we were all coming and going. Anyway, you're great and I hope you have a happy 30th. Can't wait to see you guys when you are in town again!
JJ Van Langeveld
June 6, 2009
JoEllen Woods
Happy Birthday Melissa! I've had so much fun getting to know you. I love our morning walks with our boys where we can just talk and be ourselves. Thank you for the things you have taught me and for the talents that you have shared. I hope this is your best birthday yet! Enjoy 30 and know that you are loved!
Love ya,
JoEllen
Love ya,
JoEllen
Circle Pasto
Here are some excerpts from my mission Journal about Melissa:
When you were a greenie in Quartu, I came to do splits with you. I think Bishop wanted to give you a taste of being a Senior Comp. Here's what I wrote about you: "She's really sweet and smart and doing really well with her "Senior Comp Week" It was a nice break for me to get to follow her around all week....(Later during an appointment) "We read 3 Ne 11 with her (Massima). When we discussed baptism with her, she said she had an image of John baptizing Jesus pop into her head when the Elders were giving her a blessing. We told her that the Lord was prompting her to follow the Savior's example and be baptized too. She is excited about being a member like her Sister" ...After DDM we went to a contact's house to teach a 1st. She was cleaning but sat down to talk with us. Her little boy fell asleep on her lap. It was the most spiritual 1st of my whole mission to date! She cried throughout. Just as we were about to commit her to read and pray, her mom showed up and started being all cynical. So we sang "I Am a Child of God" 1 verse in and they were both in tears, so we were able to leave them with commitments and a strong spirit. My feet didn't touch the ground on the way home from that!" A few weeks later... After a traumatic experience with a crazy mini missionary that later tried to kill me, we got to spend New Year's Eve with McCardell and Hutchins. "Needless to say we were completely drained by the time we got to the Quartu Sisters' apartment! We all crouded on to two twin sized mattresses to try to get some sleep. It was nice to land there to lick our wounds. McCardell is so obedient and focused."
In short, McCardell err, um I guess Melissa, you are one of those people I was never officially comps with but I feel like we were. My journal and I remember you as a "really sweet and smart" hard working, spiritually in tune, "obedient and focused" angel voiced, awesome Sorella. Happy 30th! Oh Yeah, and attached is a photo of that hard working missionary lookin' lovely at a Zone Conference. Tantissimi Auguri Bella!
When you were a greenie in Quartu, I came to do splits with you. I think Bishop wanted to give you a taste of being a Senior Comp. Here's what I wrote about you: "She's really sweet and smart and doing really well with her "Senior Comp Week" It was a nice break for me to get to follow her around all week....(Later during an appointment) "We read 3 Ne 11 with her (Massima). When we discussed baptism with her, she said she had an image of John baptizing Jesus pop into her head when the Elders were giving her a blessing. We told her that the Lord was prompting her to follow the Savior's example and be baptized too. She is excited about being a member like her Sister" ...After DDM we went to a contact's house to teach a 1st. She was cleaning but sat down to talk with us. Her little boy fell asleep on her lap. It was the most spiritual 1st of my whole mission to date! She cried throughout. Just as we were about to commit her to read and pray, her mom showed up and started being all cynical. So we sang "I Am a Child of God" 1 verse in and they were both in tears, so we were able to leave them with commitments and a strong spirit. My feet didn't touch the ground on the way home from that!" A few weeks later... After a traumatic experience with a crazy mini missionary that later tried to kill me, we got to spend New Year's Eve with McCardell and Hutchins. "Needless to say we were completely drained by the time we got to the Quartu Sisters' apartment! We all crouded on to two twin sized mattresses to try to get some sleep. It was nice to land there to lick our wounds. McCardell is so obedient and focused."
In short, McCardell err, um I guess Melissa, you are one of those people I was never officially comps with but I feel like we were. My journal and I remember you as a "really sweet and smart" hard working, spiritually in tune, "obedient and focused" angel voiced, awesome Sorella. Happy 30th! Oh Yeah, and attached is a photo of that hard working missionary lookin' lovely at a Zone Conference. Tantissimi Auguri Bella!
Ivey Lloyd Mitchell
Melissa, although it has been years and years, I'm grateful that your sweet husband invited me to participate in this birthday surprise. Our lives crossed for a relatively short time, but I will share some specific and lasting impressions you made on me. You carry a sort of positive "aura" about you. It's startling almost, how open and honest your demeanor is. I guess the best way to put it is that you seem to be "without guile." What a unique gift, especially in the world today! You are real, you are kind, you are genuine and your strong spirit shines through your countenance. A happy soul! This ability to cut through the facades and really reach people is impressive and touching. I can only imagine how many lives have been blessed by your sweetness. Not to mention your bright intellect and creative capabilities and of course, your exuberance, enthusiasm and love of dance only makes you that much more endearing. One can't help but like Melissa :) But I must say, the most striking memory I have of you is of your genuine, open, goodness. And I am blessed because of it. Happy Birthday my dear!
Ivey Lloyd Mitchell
Ivey Lloyd Mitchell
Lorna & Glen Landon
Happy Birthday, Melissa!
We hope you have a wonderful day and a great year after that!
Thanks again for taking such good care of us when we came to visit. It was a fun time, and we are glad we missed the 130 degree temperatures! Thanks for the tour of the area!
We appreciate what a great mother you are for Andrew and a loving wife for Steven. Thanks for being willing to spend vacation time in Salt Lake, so we can spend more time getting to know you and being around that cute kid, Andrew! We are all amazed at how well you can communicate with him using sign language. That shows that he is a very intelligent child (of course), and that you are a very dedicated and hard-working mom! Way to go!
Thanks for being part of our family,
Love,
Mom and Dad Landon
We hope you have a wonderful day and a great year after that!
Thanks again for taking such good care of us when we came to visit. It was a fun time, and we are glad we missed the 130 degree temperatures! Thanks for the tour of the area!
We appreciate what a great mother you are for Andrew and a loving wife for Steven. Thanks for being willing to spend vacation time in Salt Lake, so we can spend more time getting to know you and being around that cute kid, Andrew! We are all amazed at how well you can communicate with him using sign language. That shows that he is a very intelligent child (of course), and that you are a very dedicated and hard-working mom! Way to go!
Thanks for being part of our family,
Love,
Mom and Dad Landon
Sarah (Robinson) Ashworth
Happy Birthday Melisma!
it isn't often that i remember the first time i meet a person. but i remember meeting Melissa at the end of seminary one day. she turned around in the chair in front of me, struck up a conversation with Bradeigh and me and ended up joining us and the other "sunshiners" for fun at my house after school. after bradeigh and i talked about how fun she was and i was glad to be friends ever since. :)
when i think of melissa the first word that comes to mind is delight, the second is energy. all her creative and delightful sayings, her playful and yet rational perspective on the world, and her intense feelings, opinions, and passion for life -- what a combo! i still try to tell people about churds burping in the teetrops, but somehow i can never get it out like melissa does :). no way hose-A, not even hose-B (or would that be written jose and josb?).
melissa has an infectious laugh.
i love talking with her because she is real about life and experiences, she thinks and is willing to grow, and she can flavor it all with humor.
something i will never forget:
in the temple waiting room, just before Nick and Lynette's wedding. Melissa and Steve walked up, said hello, and i clearly felt the bond of unity and love between them. it was beautiful, good, and right. as we talked afterward, they attributed the sweetness i felt to some problems they had recently worked out. i learned much from that witness of the possibility of rightness and joy in marriage. i have often used that experience as a check for my own marriage: if someone else could feel the bond between us today, would it testify of our commitment and love for each other? i'm grateful for that example and lesson. it says a lot about the genuineness and authenticity with which Melissa (and Steve) lives her life.
what a wonderful woman!!!
it isn't often that i remember the first time i meet a person. but i remember meeting Melissa at the end of seminary one day. she turned around in the chair in front of me, struck up a conversation with Bradeigh and me and ended up joining us and the other "sunshiners" for fun at my house after school. after bradeigh and i talked about how fun she was and i was glad to be friends ever since. :)
when i think of melissa the first word that comes to mind is delight, the second is energy. all her creative and delightful sayings, her playful and yet rational perspective on the world, and her intense feelings, opinions, and passion for life -- what a combo! i still try to tell people about churds burping in the teetrops, but somehow i can never get it out like melissa does :). no way hose-A, not even hose-B (or would that be written jose and josb?).
melissa has an infectious laugh.
i love talking with her because she is real about life and experiences, she thinks and is willing to grow, and she can flavor it all with humor.
something i will never forget:
in the temple waiting room, just before Nick and Lynette's wedding. Melissa and Steve walked up, said hello, and i clearly felt the bond of unity and love between them. it was beautiful, good, and right. as we talked afterward, they attributed the sweetness i felt to some problems they had recently worked out. i learned much from that witness of the possibility of rightness and joy in marriage. i have often used that experience as a check for my own marriage: if someone else could feel the bond between us today, would it testify of our commitment and love for each other? i'm grateful for that example and lesson. it says a lot about the genuineness and authenticity with which Melissa (and Steve) lives her life.
what a wonderful woman!!!
June 5, 2009
Nick Stetich
Happy Birthday, Melissa!
I've always been grateful for your and Steve's friendship.
Not too many people are posting photos around here, I see, but I managed to dredge up a few.
This is probably my favorite picture from graduation:
I don't know who took this next picture--just some tourist at the Lincoln Memorial. Something leads me to believe they may not have been a professional photographer. Or maybe they were, but they'd just gotten off an all-night flight and felt a little disoriented. The off-kilter horizon kind of adds to the charm, though.
Gosh, I feel seasick now.
This one's a bit more recent:
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Thanks for being a great friend! Lisa and I were truly thrilled that you and Steve worked around your busy schedules to come up for our wedding.
I always thought it was interesting that Lisa and I would run into you and Steve at the most arbitrary, or dare I say, random places: the Cougareat in the late hours of the evening on a Friday night, or the Gallivan Center on New Year's Eve. I guess the chances of such occurrences have diminished now that we have moved to different areas of the country, but perhaps some time our families can visit one another—we could visit the barren desert of Arizona, or you could come to the cool, lush, inviting forests of Washington! Just kidding. I think Arizona is cool! Errr, hot. Whatever.
Thanks for always being kind, thoughtful, and cheerful. I miss your neologisms and unexpected phonetic constructions to fill the various lexical gaps in the English language. Thanks for always remembering my birthday—it always impressed me. I really hope you have a delightful 30th. It doesn't seem like we could all be that old.... Maybe we're not.
Happy Birthday!
Nick
I've always been grateful for your and Steve's friendship.
Not too many people are posting photos around here, I see, but I managed to dredge up a few.
This is probably my favorite picture from graduation:
I don't know who took this next picture--just some tourist at the Lincoln Memorial. Something leads me to believe they may not have been a professional photographer. Or maybe they were, but they'd just gotten off an all-night flight and felt a little disoriented. The off-kilter horizon kind of adds to the charm, though.
Gosh, I feel seasick now.
This one's a bit more recent:
Thanks for being a great friend! Lisa and I were truly thrilled that you and Steve worked around your busy schedules to come up for our wedding.
I always thought it was interesting that Lisa and I would run into you and Steve at the most arbitrary, or dare I say, random places: the Cougareat in the late hours of the evening on a Friday night, or the Gallivan Center on New Year's Eve. I guess the chances of such occurrences have diminished now that we have moved to different areas of the country, but perhaps some time our families can visit one another—we could visit the barren desert of Arizona, or you could come to the cool, lush, inviting forests of Washington! Just kidding. I think Arizona is cool! Errr, hot. Whatever.
Thanks for always being kind, thoughtful, and cheerful. I miss your neologisms and unexpected phonetic constructions to fill the various lexical gaps in the English language. Thanks for always remembering my birthday—it always impressed me. I really hope you have a delightful 30th. It doesn't seem like we could all be that old.... Maybe we're not.
Happy Birthday!
Nick
Bria LaSalle Mertens
Happy Birthday, Melissa!
We've shared so many wonderful experiences through the years. Dancing in CDT, dancing in Phantom of the Opera, and of course our many adventures at West. 9th grade was a tough time for me, but through all the turmoil and change going on everywhere else in my life, I could always count on you to be my funny, silly, joyful partner in crime. You helped me feel like I belonged somewhere, and that meant the world to me.
The story of our entrance into the Geography Olympiad really defies explanation, but it's so fun to remember that I have to take a stab at it here. We were really tempting fate by sitting together in Mr. Preece's geography class. It was truly the most worthless class I ever took - where we learned about the Middle East by watching Lawrence of Arabia. Yikes. And then there was Mr. Preece himself. Insecure, prone to rocking back and forth when he was nervous, he was always on the edge of a meltdown. He was always so poised to shush noisy students that he actually had a "sh" tic, inserting "sh" where other people say "um". I don't remember what set him off the day he threw his stool against the floor and starting ranting and raving, but I do remember wondering what kind of fool puts on a show like that in front of 9th graders and follows it by asking "Do you people THINK I'm as STUPID as I LOOK?!?"
I mean, really, what was he expecting with that kind of set up?
I can hardly blame him for totally losing it when you and I shrugged our shoulders and answered "wellllll....." It was later, in the hallway, when he presented us with the ultimatum: join the Geography Olympiad team, or get a failing citizenship grade in his class. We really had no choice, though I thought it might be more like punishment for the rest of the team, given that we had NO CLUE what we were doing. I don't even remember that much about the actual competition - only that it involved getting up very early and there was something called "orienteering" taking place.
Whether we were biting our lips to keep from laughing at a rocking, shushing tyrant, bluffing our way through geometry proofs, or learning bad French accents for our Phantom auditions, we always had a marvelous time. I'm so glad to be in touch with you again, and so happy to see you surrounded by so many loving people. You exude joy - always have - and it's gratifying to see that so many others appreciate you as I do.
Missy McC, your heart is as big as an ocean. We are all lucky to have a place in your waves. Happy birthday, my friend.
Love,
Bria (aka Breene Shrimp)
We've shared so many wonderful experiences through the years. Dancing in CDT, dancing in Phantom of the Opera, and of course our many adventures at West. 9th grade was a tough time for me, but through all the turmoil and change going on everywhere else in my life, I could always count on you to be my funny, silly, joyful partner in crime. You helped me feel like I belonged somewhere, and that meant the world to me.
The story of our entrance into the Geography Olympiad really defies explanation, but it's so fun to remember that I have to take a stab at it here. We were really tempting fate by sitting together in Mr. Preece's geography class. It was truly the most worthless class I ever took - where we learned about the Middle East by watching Lawrence of Arabia. Yikes. And then there was Mr. Preece himself. Insecure, prone to rocking back and forth when he was nervous, he was always on the edge of a meltdown. He was always so poised to shush noisy students that he actually had a "sh" tic, inserting "sh" where other people say "um". I don't remember what set him off the day he threw his stool against the floor and starting ranting and raving, but I do remember wondering what kind of fool puts on a show like that in front of 9th graders and follows it by asking "Do you people THINK I'm as STUPID as I LOOK?!?"
I mean, really, what was he expecting with that kind of set up?
I can hardly blame him for totally losing it when you and I shrugged our shoulders and answered "wellllll....." It was later, in the hallway, when he presented us with the ultimatum: join the Geography Olympiad team, or get a failing citizenship grade in his class. We really had no choice, though I thought it might be more like punishment for the rest of the team, given that we had NO CLUE what we were doing. I don't even remember that much about the actual competition - only that it involved getting up very early and there was something called "orienteering" taking place.
Whether we were biting our lips to keep from laughing at a rocking, shushing tyrant, bluffing our way through geometry proofs, or learning bad French accents for our Phantom auditions, we always had a marvelous time. I'm so glad to be in touch with you again, and so happy to see you surrounded by so many loving people. You exude joy - always have - and it's gratifying to see that so many others appreciate you as I do.
Missy McC, your heart is as big as an ocean. We are all lucky to have a place in your waves. Happy birthday, my friend.
Love,
Bria (aka Breene Shrimp)
Kecia Christensen
Melissa,
Happy 30th Birthday!!! I hope your day is filled with happiness. You are such an impressive person...full of talent and life!! Thank you for being so friendly and happy all the time. We love your smile and the amazing way you keep up with Andrew. We wish you the best on this special day!!
Love, Kecia and Brian
Happy 30th Birthday!!! I hope your day is filled with happiness. You are such an impressive person...full of talent and life!! Thank you for being so friendly and happy all the time. We love your smile and the amazing way you keep up with Andrew. We wish you the best on this special day!!
Love, Kecia and Brian
Celeste Gambill
Happy Birthday Melissa
So Steve is posting my first official blog post for me because despite yours, Nicole's, and Shannon's requests I'm still not into blogging and I have no idea how to add comments to a blog. :) Someday...
Anyway I'm so glad that you (and Steve) moved into the Gateway ward! I would literally pray every night that young couples would move into the ward so Dave and I could have friends. I was so lonely being in Phoenix away from all of my family and you were an answer to my prayers! I loved hanging out with you! You are so much fun and such a great Italian cook! I still think about the spaghetti you made the night you had us over for the murder mystery party. So Good!!!! I totally miss you guys.
Have a wonderful birthday. You are so sweet and amazing!
Love,
Celeste
So Steve is posting my first official blog post for me because despite yours, Nicole's, and Shannon's requests I'm still not into blogging and I have no idea how to add comments to a blog. :) Someday...
Anyway I'm so glad that you (and Steve) moved into the Gateway ward! I would literally pray every night that young couples would move into the ward so Dave and I could have friends. I was so lonely being in Phoenix away from all of my family and you were an answer to my prayers! I loved hanging out with you! You are so much fun and such a great Italian cook! I still think about the spaghetti you made the night you had us over for the murder mystery party. So Good!!!! I totally miss you guys.
Have a wonderful birthday. You are so sweet and amazing!
Love,
Celeste
Trish Coffman
Melissa,
I've really enjoyed getting to know you. Your range of talents and interests is impressive! You have so much to offer as a mother and as a friend. Enjoy your birthday!
Trish Coffman
I've really enjoyed getting to know you. Your range of talents and interests is impressive! You have so much to offer as a mother and as a friend. Enjoy your birthday!
Trish Coffman
Laura Robins
Melissa-
Happy Birthday! Look at all the amazing things you have accomplished in your brief 30 years! I am so glad that we are friends and I thoroughly enjoyed going through grad school with you. I didn't realize I could have so much fun discussing academic topics and maybe doing a little complaining here and there:) I must tell you how impressed I am with all that you have managed to accomplish while being a mom. I only wish I could be as motivated as you to keep researching and writing. I just complain about how much I miss it instead of doing something about it. You are a true example. I wish you another wonderful year and nothing but the best!
-Laura Robins
Happy Birthday! Look at all the amazing things you have accomplished in your brief 30 years! I am so glad that we are friends and I thoroughly enjoyed going through grad school with you. I didn't realize I could have so much fun discussing academic topics and maybe doing a little complaining here and there:) I must tell you how impressed I am with all that you have managed to accomplish while being a mom. I only wish I could be as motivated as you to keep researching and writing. I just complain about how much I miss it instead of doing something about it. You are a true example. I wish you another wonderful year and nothing but the best!
-Laura Robins
Maren Abercrombie
Happy birthday, Melissa!!!! O' all the friends I've had in my life, there have been few that hold such a special place in my heart. You have been there with me through all the important things--yucky and fun high school times, Mormon Youth Chorus (that awesome trip), when I was dating Mark, and when I wasn't dating Mark ;), When I went through the temple for the first time, when I finally decided to marry Mark...
No wonder I count you among my very best and closest friends, no matter the time or distance away.
I'll always cherish and remember the time we spent together right before you left on a mission; eating at LaFrontera, and having very important conversations :) and even more than that--the few weeks before you got married, spending almost every day with you either on the phone or in your bedroom hunkered down in bed just talking and talking. I love you!!!!!
Thank you for being one o' the best friends I've ever had! You accepted me into your life, and loved me despite my incessant craziness!!
Mark and I still refer back to the Melissa way o' keeping days, let me see how close we are:
Sunday
Monday
Funday
Carrot Day (personal favorite)
Tang-Toungeled Day...
I need a little help with the others!!
The most amazing thing about you is how great o' a mother you are. You are loving and patient and so sweet with your little one. I am so very impressed by the way that you take care o' him. He will grow up knowing that his mother loves him, and that is more important than any other lesson he could ever learn. Thanks for being such a great example to me!
I love you and I look forward to the next crazy thirty years!!!
love, Maren Saxton Abercrombie
No wonder I count you among my very best and closest friends, no matter the time or distance away.
I'll always cherish and remember the time we spent together right before you left on a mission; eating at LaFrontera, and having very important conversations :) and even more than that--the few weeks before you got married, spending almost every day with you either on the phone or in your bedroom hunkered down in bed just talking and talking. I love you!!!!!
Thank you for being one o' the best friends I've ever had! You accepted me into your life, and loved me despite my incessant craziness!!
Mark and I still refer back to the Melissa way o' keeping days, let me see how close we are:
Sunday
Monday
Funday
Carrot Day (personal favorite)
Tang-Toungeled Day...
I need a little help with the others!!
The most amazing thing about you is how great o' a mother you are. You are loving and patient and so sweet with your little one. I am so very impressed by the way that you take care o' him. He will grow up knowing that his mother loves him, and that is more important than any other lesson he could ever learn. Thanks for being such a great example to me!
I love you and I look forward to the next crazy thirty years!!!
love, Maren Saxton Abercrombie
Camille Bakker
Melissa,
Happy 30th! If you're feeling old, don't! 30 is the new 20. :) Anyway, thanks for being such a great long distance friend. I've really enjoyed getting to know you better (over the internet?). It's a shame we live so far apart. But seriously, you've been a great inspiration to me in many ways...the writing, the being a mom, going to church, heck...getting out of bed! I hope you have a fabulous birthday celebration; you deserve it. :)
Happy Birthday,
-Camille
Happy 30th! If you're feeling old, don't! 30 is the new 20. :) Anyway, thanks for being such a great long distance friend. I've really enjoyed getting to know you better (over the internet?). It's a shame we live so far apart. But seriously, you've been a great inspiration to me in many ways...the writing, the being a mom, going to church, heck...getting out of bed! I hope you have a fabulous birthday celebration; you deserve it. :)
Happy Birthday,
-Camille
Lisa
Melissa,
When I think of you, these words come to mind: dancer, spontaneous, individuality, linguist, good listener, spunky, and chocolate. Birthday wishes from the Avenues!
Lisa Speight
When I think of you, these words come to mind: dancer, spontaneous, individuality, linguist, good listener, spunky, and chocolate. Birthday wishes from the Avenues!
Lisa Speight
Julianne McKay
Happy B-day Melissa, I hope you have a good one. You are talented and a dedicated mother, thanks for your great example.
Julianne McKay
Julianne McKay
Robin (McLelland) Konie
Melissa! Happy Birthday!!!
I still remember when you were in that first 241 class at BYU. Boy were you a joy to watch dance (and far too good to be in that class.) It was great having you semester after semester. Not only are you a beautiful dancers, but such a great person. My classes just haven't been the same since you left. I hope you are well and hope this is the BEST Birthday yet!
Big hug,
Robin
I still remember when you were in that first 241 class at BYU. Boy were you a joy to watch dance (and far too good to be in that class.) It was great having you semester after semester. Not only are you a beautiful dancers, but such a great person. My classes just haven't been the same since you left. I hope you are well and hope this is the BEST Birthday yet!
Big hug,
Robin
Mom and Dad
Melissa – Thirty years ago you came into our family - a beautiful daughter who has brought us so much love and joy. We're so proud of you!
We love you, Mom and Dad.
We love you, Mom and Dad.
Mom
Melissa,
When you were born you were wide awake for about 6 hours and you spent most of that time just making eye contact with me. Forget what the books say about when babies can see. You were born seeing. As I looked into your eyes looking into mine I could tell in those hours your spirit still had conscious memories of heaven. And I thought, this is why babies can't talk. They would tell what they know and make the rest of us so homesick for heaven that we couldn't stand it. But in those hours, your look of awareness gave me such comfort that I have always called you my comfort baby.
And throughout your life you have given comfort to eveyone you know. You are always willing to listen to people and to take the time to empathise with them. You are a gift and I love you very much.
Mom
When you were born you were wide awake for about 6 hours and you spent most of that time just making eye contact with me. Forget what the books say about when babies can see. You were born seeing. As I looked into your eyes looking into mine I could tell in those hours your spirit still had conscious memories of heaven. And I thought, this is why babies can't talk. They would tell what they know and make the rest of us so homesick for heaven that we couldn't stand it. But in those hours, your look of awareness gave me such comfort that I have always called you my comfort baby.
And throughout your life you have given comfort to eveyone you know. You are always willing to listen to people and to take the time to empathise with them. You are a gift and I love you very much.
Mom
Dad
Melissa,
When you were tiny, Mom was very sick. In a blessing, she was told that you would be a comfort to her. You have, and not just to her.
I love you. Dad
When you were tiny, Mom was very sick. In a blessing, she was told that you would be a comfort to her. You have, and not just to her.
I love you. Dad
June 4, 2009
Marissa Robertson
Make it a Great One!
I think Melissa is great because she didn't hesitate to substitute for me in primary, and then she sent me an email THANKING ME for letting her! Who does that? Someone awesome, that's who! Anyways, I appreciate her smile and her facebook comments and messages. It's fun to watch her with Andrew, and I can tell she's passed on her love of music when he starts conducting in church. Melissa, I hope you have a fabulous 30th birthday! The best is yet to come, right? That's what they keep telling me...
I think Melissa is great because she didn't hesitate to substitute for me in primary, and then she sent me an email THANKING ME for letting her! Who does that? Someone awesome, that's who! Anyways, I appreciate her smile and her facebook comments and messages. It's fun to watch her with Andrew, and I can tell she's passed on her love of music when he starts conducting in church. Melissa, I hope you have a fabulous 30th birthday! The best is yet to come, right? That's what they keep telling me...
David Landon
I remember Melissa being a good sport about a pretty rough introduction to parenting at our house. She and Steve tended our kids on Valentines Day and sent us to a play at the Hales theater. Nathan had an explosive diaper and Steve went out to buy supplies (maybe underpants!) It's a credit to Melissa that she ever decided to have kids ;) Thanks again.
I remember meeting Melissa in her Heritage halls apartment back when she and Steve were "just friends." I was impressed at how comfortable they were with each other. They've always seemed at peace together.
Diane Strong-Krause
Happy Birthday, Melissa. You are truly an amazing person with an abundance of talents. I wish you a wonderful and joyful year.
--Diane Strong-Krause
--Diane Strong-Krause
Jen MacLay
Melissa
Happy Birthday to you!! The big 30. That is an important one. Make it Great!!!
Jen MacLay
Happy Birthday to you!! The big 30. That is an important one. Make it Great!!!
Jen MacLay
Nielsen Family
Melissa,
Happy Birthday! We hope you have a great 30th. We have enjoyed getting to know you more over the last few years and we hope that we will continue to do so in the years to come.
Love, Jayson and Rachel Nielsen Family
Love, Jayson and Rachel Nielsen Family
Vanessa Ocana
Happy Birthday Melissa!!! I have SOOOO many fun memories of you. Just the thought of sharing an office with you makes me smile. One of my favorite memories of you is listening to you talk to yourself when we shared an office together. Loved it!!! By the way, I find myself doing the same sometimes (thanks to you!) and find it very therapeutic. :) Another fond one, which may not be so memorable to your husband, is when Sheri, Falah, you and I were all in the office together talking about...who knows what -- probably something very insignificant --anyway, amidst our conversation, your husband called and we all started laughing about whatever we were talking about and you just had to join in our laughter, which resulted in your husband hanging up on you because he had no idea what was happening and couldn't talk to you. Oh, I still laugh out loud thinking about that day!! Poor Steve. He just couldn't compete with your office mates!! :)
On a more serious note, you have been such a great example of a dedicated and hard working student, a caring teacher, an intelligent researcher, a fun-loving friend, a loving wife and mother, a passionate person, and much MUCH more!! I'm glad we're friends!! Hope you have a wonderful birthday, lady!!! Love you!!!
Vanessa :)
The Widdisons
I think it was the 1st time that we met Melissa (or early, anyway?) that we went rock-climbing together. It started raining on us, but we all had a good time anyway! :) It was fun to get to know her and her fun personality.
Another of our fun memories is a dinner murder mystery night at Steve & Melissa's. Good food, good friends, good laughs.
We are thrilled that Steve & Melissa got married so we get to "keep" her as one of our own!! :) Happy birthday Melissa!
Love, the Widdisons
Another of our fun memories is a dinner murder mystery night at Steve & Melissa's. Good food, good friends, good laughs.
We are thrilled that Steve & Melissa got married so we get to "keep" her as one of our own!! :) Happy birthday Melissa!
Love, the Widdisons
Falah Al Siekh
Happy Birthday Melissa! I hope you have a wonderful year and you may live to be 120 years!
I miss the memories that you, Vanessa, and Shery and I had while we were sharing an office. I'll never forget how funny you are.
When you come back to Utah let's all get together again. Hopefully go to that Chellian restaurant.
Falah
I miss the memories that you, Vanessa, and Shery and I had while we were sharing an office. I'll never forget how funny you are.
When you come back to Utah let's all get together again. Hopefully go to that Chellian restaurant.
Falah
Bonnie Kennedy
Melissa,
I know I haven't known you very long, but I have been so impressed with your upbeat personality, your smile and your willingness to be of help whenever asked, or to support Steve when he is asked to serve. You are a great addition to our ward and I look forward to getting to know you better and sharing lots of wonderful musical experiences over the years. Happy Birthday!!!
Bonnie Kennedy
June 2, 2009
Amy Boam
Buon Compleanno, bella! It's hard to believe that it's going on nine years since those lovely months in the MTC...I see that your positive attitude still remains with you through all the experiences of life, including the hardest: children! (One of mine shares your birthday, by the way!) I hope you have a very wonderful day and enjoy your "thirties"! It's really not that different...just keep on smiling and enjoying life like you always do. Ti voglio bene!!
Amy Boam
Amy Boam
Rebecca Paller Dearing
Happy, Happy Birthday Melissa. It sure is nutz how time flies so fast.
I'll never forget your friendship, especially when you came to Rose's funeral.
Rebecca Paller Dearing
I'll never forget your friendship, especially when you came to Rose's funeral.
Rebecca Paller Dearing
June 1, 2009
Cori Oelkers
OH Melissa!!!
Happy, Happy Birthday. Crazy that we are turning thirty (mine is in Oct). I feel so old. It feels like only not so long ago we were 21/22 and kickin some major missionary work butt in Ladispoli!!! Oh what an amazing time! You had so much strength despite your personal challenges and I will never forget that. You are such a fighter. I will always remember Ladispoli and our hard work and good times. I hope you have a GREAT birthday...you are a lucky girl to have a hubby to do such a great thing for you!! Ti voglio bene, Cori
Happy, Happy Birthday. Crazy that we are turning thirty (mine is in Oct). I feel so old. It feels like only not so long ago we were 21/22 and kickin some major missionary work butt in Ladispoli!!! Oh what an amazing time! You had so much strength despite your personal challenges and I will never forget that. You are such a fighter. I will always remember Ladispoli and our hard work and good times. I hope you have a GREAT birthday...you are a lucky girl to have a hubby to do such a great thing for you!! Ti voglio bene, Cori
Jaime Bertoch Swenson
Dearest Melissa- Happy 30th, babe! I have SO many wonderful memories...U2, Disneyland, but my favorite would be the D.C. trip. Midnight room raid, waking up to Tyler climbing in bed with us, good times. Here's to you!
Much love,
Jaime
Much love,
Jaime
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