Happy 30th Birthday Dan!

This is a digital version of the wallet-sized flipbook I made for Dan.

From your family to you on your birthday – your life is a gift we’ve experienced everyday these past 30 years. We love you. Happy Birthday!

Enjoy!
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D is for the dorky things you used to do to drive me nuts—“Alrighty then!”
A is for the adventures you had in skateboarding, river rafting (Phiney Creek and the white waters near Sacramento), business retreat activities, and hiking, many of which I knew about (and cringed) and some I only learned about through your English class papers in college.
N is for your native ability to sing and to play the piano beautifully.
I is for your interesting sense of humor, evidenced by the Mother’s Day card I once received that stated: “I love you like a mother!”
E is for the excellence with which you served your mission in Montreal.
L is for the special love a mother has for her last child.

N is for Noire, your beloved dog you raised from a pup, who never realized that walks were for walking, not pulling people on roller blades, as you taught her! How the rest of us suffered as she tried to pull our arms off when we took her for a “walk.”
E is for the effort you put into achieving your sales goals and other milestones you set in life.
I is for (what else?): I-L-L-I-N-I country in Illinois where you grew up.
L is for likeable—you have always had many friends who have appreciated you for the good person that you are.
L is for your contagious and often unpredictable laugh and for your general love for life.

D is for your devotion to the Gospel and dedication to your personal beliefs.
U is for your unbelievable charm which you have figured out how to turn on when it suits you best. Work it!
N is for the nocturnal facial expressions that provide amusement for your wife and dog!
N is for your natural ability to find fun wherever you can and to enjoy life to the fullest!

I love all that you are and all you will someday be! Happy, happy 30th birthday, my dear son!

Love, Mom

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Roller



There he was.

Curling through the streets.

Yet unknown from where he came and where he goes,

He glides –

Not bothered by the pitted peril, looming with every step,

His eye sees an open road,

A path unblemished by mere imperfection, and unobstructed by fear.

For his safety is not founded in his padding or in ignorance.

And his joy not born in rebellion or spite.

His virtue lifts his knees and springs his feet, propelling his pursuit of right.

And he goes on.

Love,
Joe

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Dan’s the one who always knows
In the winter when it snows
That his car and Stephanie’s, too
In spite of forecasts will get through.

Dan’s the one who taught me value
Got me hooked on American Idol
Now I watch it all the time
When I should be making a dime.

Dan’s the one I tell “Drive slow!”
But as far as son-in-laws go,
He’s the one who takes the toast
And next to my daughter, I love the most!

Coda runs a very close third!

Love,
Itty

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From diapers to doorbells, it’s been fun to see Dan grow up into such a great man. He’s gone from a Garfield-reading, Gameboy-playing, Newspaper-delivering, Musical-practicing BOY, to an Alarm-selling, Adventure-seeking, Cruise-taking, Husband-caring MAN. I admire Dan’s musical abilities, dedication to his career responsibilities, devotion to his wife, love of life, charm, and personable and likeable disposition. In a nutshell: Je ne pouvais pas demander un meilleur petit frere! =)

Love,
Liz

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By 30 years old did you know you would be
An uncle to 6 nieces, 3 nephews
A homeowner on ******* View
Dad to a mutt breed

Did you know you would be
A mother’s joy
A mother in law’s favorite boy
A wife’s priority

Did you know you’d be
The aim of your brother’s respect
Loved by a dear sister in every aspect
The best worker in a company

Did you know you’d be
Whole where once broken
The subject of loving prayers spoken
That you’d mean so much to me?

At 23 you made me laugh, cry, and believe
At 24 you said “I do”
At 25 we bought our first home
At 26 things in life kinda fell through
At 27 our love story really began
At 28 we were well on our way
By 29 you’d become a strong man
Now at 30, I am every day amazed

Dan you are
Coda’s best friend
Your sibling’s blood
Your Mother-in-laws’ blessing
Your Mother’s heart
And my everything


Love,
Steph