Ten Things I Hate About You!

Kendall turned 18 on Friday and I couldn't help but pause and reflect on the type of person that she has become. She's an adult now, at least when it comes to voting, smoking, drinking in some states and buying lotto tickets. (Does anyone see anything wrong with that list right there? Maybe we should consider adding on those "privileges" gradually? Say...

• voting at 18 with only the intoxication of liberal media to influence them
• smoking at 19 so they at least extend their lives by one more year
• lotto tickets at 20 so they can have a couple of years to realize that after they pay their bills on their meager income there is no money left over to blow on gambling
• drinking at 21 because, well, we can never have enough drunk drivers.
  

What is the age for finally being expected to live responsibly and be accountable and contribute to society? Maybe that should be added to the list of 18 year old privileges? Oh dear... I digress.)

So... back to Kendall. Her birthday got me thinking about all the things I hate about her. There are many but here are ten main things I hate about Kendall:

#1 - She is happy and positive and almost always in a good mood. She wakes up cheerful at 5am every morning for drill team. Who does that?

#2 - She's photogenic. The camera either loves you or it doesn't. I don't know why it loves some people more than others. Sometimes the reasons are obvious and other times, not so much. For whatever reason, the camera loves Kendall.



#3 - She asks not "what can you do for me mom?" but rather, "what can I do for you?" That behavior doesn't usually start to emerge until post mission for boys or well into their twenties for girls!

#4 - She not only cleans up after herself but she cheerfully cleans up after everyone else too. I used to think that out of 7 kids I did not get one single neat freak. Well, it turns out that there was a neat freak buried under all of her older sisters' clutter! She loves having her sisters back home but also looks forward to getting their room back in pristine condition when they leave.

#5 - She's self-motivated. She gets straight A's without a lick of help from me. She doesn't even need my occasional, very inspiring pep talks. (Don't worry, though, Bryan is getting his share and Kendall's too!)

#6 - She cooks! She likes to experiment in the kitchen and make amazingly delicious things. Her latest experiment was this...



What is that you ask? Why, it's a "slutty brownie" of course! (not named by Kendall). It's a bar cookie and the bottom layer is chocolate chip, the middle layer is double stuff oreos and the top layer is brownie. They are called that because they are "easy and quite filthy". I love that she bakes but why does she have to do it when I'm on a quest to lose my extra holiday pounds? Ya gotta hate her!

#7 - She is good at putting outfits together and wearing everything in her closet yet doesn't spend too much time fussing over it. She appreciates when I buy her clothes and she actually wears them - unlike some of my other kids (cough - Courtney - who won't wear color or anything with a pattern preferring browns and greys and thinks everything makes her look fat!)

#8 - She entertains. She actually invites friends over (unlike some of my other children, cough - Brad, who refused to and said our house was boring) and Kendall even plans everything and prepares everything. This girl actually plans it, shops for needed items at the store, prepares everything and cleans up. Seriously! This is the cake she made for her most recent birthday party...



#9 - She gets herself up and ready for everything. Not only do I not have to help her but she is usually prepared with plenty of time to help me.

#10 - She is content to just be at home. She loves to hang out with her friends and go on dates but she is just as happy to be home and read a book or hang out with the family. (At least, she pretends like she likes being home with us and that's good enough for me!)

Why do I hate all of these things about Kendall? Because it's going to be miserable for me to send her off to college in the fall. Now, don't get me wrong, I have not looked forward to any of my kids leaving. If I had the choice I'd keep them all right here with me for the rest of their lives but... that's kind of creepy. I knew I'd miss the other kids but at least I got to look forward to their messy rooms going away with them. And they were all somewhat helpful but nothing like Kendall. Seriously, she is setting me up for a devastating loss and that is why I hate her!



Shame on you, Kendall! Have you thought about my feelings at all? We are supposed to be arguing over curfews and fighting over why your bed needs to be made when you are just going to get back in it that night. You're supposed to sneaking around with a boy I don't approve of and telling me you're old enough to make your own choices. These are the things that give parents some small comfort in knowing that they will at least get a respite from when their child leaves for college. I fear the way you have behaved this year is going to leave me lying in the fetal position for days. The only thing I will have to look forward to is picking up Bryan's socks all over the house. At least that's a full time job so it should keep me occupied!

I hate you Kendall!

Ode to Loola Mae

This is Kylie. I've hacked my mom's blog not to surprise her or do a kind deed, but because tragedy has struck recently in the Earl home. Loola Mae, my dear dear cat and best friend, is gone. I got the call from my mom last night and immediately broke down. I loved that cat more than I love my own sisters (sorry guys) and she was the bright shining star in my somewhat dismal life. The world has never known a love like the love the two of us shared; just a girl and her cat, taking on the world by storm.

I thought I might just take this moment to share some of my favorite memories of Loola Mae. These are in no particular order:

• Sometimes she would sleep on the end of my bed like a faithful dog. I loved those nights. I would have to hold really really still and be careful not to move my body in the slightest, otherwise she would get T.O'ed and leave.
• 

• When I was doing my makeup in the morning and sitting in front of my mirror, she would sit in my lap so I couldn't lean over to my make up bag. Then she would swat at me while I tried to put on my mascara and leave me looking like a cheap hooker. Precious.
• 
• I liked to pick her up and hug her as tight as I could until she could fight her way out of my arms. Sometimes this would get her real riled up and then she would stalk me like her prey and chase me through the house. Oh the memories!
• She loved sparkly things and dresses and this is for real. Those of you who know me know that I don't keep a very tidy room so naturally there are clothes everywhere, but regardless of all the options anytime a dance costume or fancy dress touched the floor she was all over that business. I raised her right.

• One time I called her fat and she glared at me for like 5 full minutes, no exaggeration. (and yeah not only do I talk to my cat but I insult her when I'm having a rough day, Ok?)

So apparently Loola Mae just went "missing" suddenly. I know, my first thought was Dad with the candlestick in the T.V. room too, but mom swears he didn't. She and Kendall had both noticed she hadn't been around for a few days so they told my dad and had some house wide search for the dead cat. No sign of her. Best they can guess is that she got out when the front door was accidentally blown open or something. That cat was raised by me, therefore she is not bred for the outdoors...

My dear roommate/BFFL Nicole Roxanne Hamilton saw that I was having a rough time with the disappearance of my precious kitty, and being the poetic genius that she is came home with this little beauty to cheer me up. Oh how it worked. I know that this news will come as a shock to all of you faithful readers out there and so I wanted to share this piece of comfort with you, even though it is very specifically written for me. Not you guys. Just me. Not you. Because I loved her most. Here goes:

Loola Mae wasn't just a cat,

she was oh so much more than that.

She brought you so much happiness and joy,

she was a great substitute for your lack of a boy.

I know you loved that cat a whole lot,

but it is still debatable whether she liked you back or not.

With Loola Mae you loved to cuddle and play,

during which she only tried to run away.

Loola thought your obsession with her was creepy and weird,

And it was clear that your feelings for her were not mirrored.

I feel terrible for that cat, but not cuz she's dead,

but because something was clearly wrong in her head.

Who wouldn't want your love and devotion,

and getting rubbed down with the finest of lotion*?

Who wouldn't want to be held in your arms,

And to wear a sparkly pink collar all covered in charms?

I hate to say it, but Loola Mae was kinda a beezy of a cat,

Who wouldn't want your McLovin' and all that?

I know you wonder why she went out that door,

Maybe it's cuz she thought her life needed more.

Or perhaps like in Modern Family animal suicide is real,

But either way did that selfish cat consider how you'd feel?

No she did not, that little whore,

But don't get down, your life has so much more.

Like a roommate that wrote you this blessed poem,

and a loving family, and friends, and a beautiful home.

Incredibly stunning really really ridiculously good looks,

and a growing collection of children's books.

not to mention the most wondrous of baking skills,

and a sweet gaze that gives the manliest of men the chills.

Yes it is true that Loola Mae is physically gone,

but her memory and legacy will forever live on.

*As weird as my relationship with my cat may have been, I did not on any occasion rub her down with fine lotions. That would have just made her fur greasy.

See why Nicole's my BFFL? truly inspiring words.

Loola Mae I love you and I miss you already. Lucky for you, I'm not a great cat owner so you will have tons of friends in kitty heaven. You're welcome.

Every family should have a Kacey!

I think it's safe to say that when one has a child, most of us parents hope that the child will turn out to be like us(at least the good things) and eventually maybe even surpass us in abilities and accomplishments one day... down the road. I had no idea that my first born daughter would surpass me in almost every way possible by the time she was 28!

Kacey is the consummate leader. You would probably think that it wasn't necessary to have any more leaders in a family with two red personalities such as David and myself, yet it seems like it is always Kacey who has the best plan for the day and actually makes it happen. She has a way of leading people and making it fun, unlike me who is the resident "fun sucker" and David who can be counted on for fun but not much leading. Kacey is the perfect blend of both of us.

She has always been very capable but now she has added new accomplishments to her repertoire like cooking and sewing. She cooks way better than I do! She uses spices I've never heard of. She gets these bountiful baskets of fresh vegetables each week from the farmer's market with the contents being chosen for you, and instead of throwing out the ones she doesn't recognize (like I would), she researches what they are and finds something delicious to make with them. To be fair, I wouldn't intend to throw them out. I'd leave them on the counter and stare at them for a week fully intending to figure out what they were and how to cook them, but they would most likely go bad before I solved the mystery and then I would throw them out.

She made these delicious truffles for David:


I think I can probably still sew better than she can but not for long because she sews every week with her sewing club. Yes, sewing club!

Look at this adorable pillow she made me for Christmas!


She made matching Christmas pajamas for her kids:


And sewing club is at her house while throngs of small children run amuck! I don't know how to spell that word but I bet Kacey does because she reads a ton too. She has a book club too that she started herself. I think it's still going, but with or without the peer pressure of a book club, she reads a ton!

She is the best mother. I can't even go into how many wonderful things she does with her kids. All I did with Kacey was turn on Sesame Street and let them teach her the alphabet! (Although, in all fairness to me, my method was extremely successful with Kacey. She could recognize her letters at 20 mos. I know that because I was keeping a journal for Kacey back then. Those were the days!)



Asher is 5 months and still not sleeping too well at night. Kacey has to get up with him 2-3 times yet she seemed to have more energy than anyone else at our house at Christmas. She never took a nap. She is like the energizer bunny!



All through the Christmas holidays while everyone was home, she just keep organizing us all and getting us to play games and other activities, all the while planning and cooking what we were going to eat in addition to taking care of her three small children! She does not pawn off her kids on other people like most of us do - well, maybe just me. Isn't that what family's for? Pawning off your kids on their grandparents and aunt and uncles to get the much needed break you deserve? Not Kacey. She will allow us to play with them and will accept some offers of help but insists that they are her burden (I mean blessing) and no one else's.

Well she sounds great, you say, but does she have any other tricks up her sleeve? Yes, she does! How about training for the half-marathon she is going to run tomorrow? Seriously! Her baby is 5 months. She ran 12 miles when she was here. That is out to Moses Pointe and back to our house with an extra loop around the Peninsula. Moses Pointe!!! I get tired just thinking about driving that far.

She is the best older sister! She helps her sibs with whatever they need, whether it be advice or actual help with a project. Kacey is the one to turn to or the shoulder to cry on. I swear Kacey is wiser than I am and has been for years!



I could really go on and on extolling her virtues but it would just make everyone else feel bad. I never got her birthday blog done because as many of you know I was busy celebrating her birthday in Florida without her. The least I could have done is get her blog done, right? Geesh. She would have gotten mine done if the tables were turned. Wow, now I feel really bad. Hopefully this impromptu tribute will suffice.

Her husband, Jon, is a pretty remarkable guy in his own right, but this blog is not about Jon so he will have to wait his turn. He does deserve one, though.



Yes, Kacey is remarkable and I just feel bad for any family that doesn't have a "Kacey" because she is the turning out to be the family event planner we never knew we needed. Kacey just handles things like a pro and can juggle ten things at once. She puts me to shame. I get overwhelmed with chaos and too many things going on at once. I do better one task at a time. Or maybe 2 or 3, but anything over that and I'm like a dog chasing my own tail.



Thanks, Kacey, for making our holidays so joyful! Good luck on your half-marathon tomorrow. You're my idol!

Mom

PS - Did I mention she brined our turkey? Delicious!

Happy 20th birthday, Kylie!

There are countless things that we love about Kylie but in honor of her 20th birthday today, we have listed the Top 20 things we love about Kylie (in no particular order!):

20. her laugh
19. her love of cats
18. her Goodwill sleepwear
17. her beautiful voice
16. her freckles
15. her chocolate chip cookies
14. her lips
13. her lip gloss collection
12. her devotion to her baby blanket
11. her ability to finally master the art of riding a bicycle
10. her nail polish collection
9. her portrayal of Mayzie
8. her wit
7. her brain
6. her hair
5. her large calves (a gift from her mother)
4. her portrayal of Sharpay
3. her testimony
2. her smile
1. her continued love of Barbie movies

We have cherished you for two decades! May there be many many more to come. Thank you for all that you have given to our family and continue to give. We love you so much!

Happy birthday, Kylie!

Anyone have any more things they love about Kylie? Feel free to share as you leave a comment...

A few video tidbits for your viewing pleasure...

I hate being so behind on my blogging but life is just so busy right now. I'm not sure when I am going to catch up but I'm still determined to try! Here are a few videos I wanted to share...

We had a small group at Thanksgiving. Brad, Courtney and Kylie went to Kacey's in Vegas because it's much closer and warmer. I don't blame them but we missed them. We had fun, anyway, with the group we had which included my two nieces, Makenna and Haley, who are Becky's daughters. Tney came for a visit and we had the best time with them. They were able to join in our Fruit Ninja competition. Lucky them!



Here is some video of Courtney competing at the Fall Dansport competition at BYU with her partner, Tim Colvin. I just love watching them dance. Angie, Qiana and Kim were able to join me which made it doubly fun. I love those girls. Courtney was mesmerizing and it just makes me so happy and proud to watch her glide across the floor. See for yourself...







Brad and Kylie were there, too, to cheer Courtney on. What a good brother Brad is! By the way, the crowd cheers for their favorite couples so even though I would rather sit and watch quietly and take it all in, I shout now and then so that Courtney and Tim know they have fans. You're welcome, Courtney and Tim.

What a fun weekend it was to share with so many people I love!

Brad turns 24!

Brad turned 24 this week. His birthday blog is late because I've been shirking my maternal responsibilities and have been galavanting all over the globe! Sorry about that Brad.

There are many, many reasons why I love Brad so much but here are the Top 10 reasons why I love Brad. (These are in no particular order except for #1. #1 is the number one reason!):

#10 - He takes such great care of his 2 sisters who are also in Provo attending BYU which gives me peace of mind which I really appreciate.

#9 - He started a blog. He is so funny and I'm so happy that other people get to see that side of him.

#8 - He is fairly neat and tidy (not OCD or anything but pretty clean for a boy.) I know this doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but I just prefer things neat and organized.

#7 - He keeps his car really clean! (See supporting reason above.)

#6 - He is a great example and big brother to Bryan. You can't put a price on a good big brother! Every family needs at least one.

#5 - He almost always does what I ask him to. Even if he doesn't want to, he usually does it anyway if I insist. (except for asking out Chelsea Hightower - no way on that one - he thinks girls don't want to get asked out by guys they only met one time - that's only if the guy is weird - am I right? - what girl wouldn't love to be asked out by Brad even if she's semi-famous - right? - I'm right - Mom's always right!)

#4 - He speaks Slovak. (Or at least he used to and that can't be easy!)

#3 - He is a diligent student. Nothing makes parents happier than kids who get their schoolwork done no matter what the age.

#2 - He can reach things that I can't. (I told you it was in no particular order.)

#1 - The number 1 reason why I love Brad will be evident to all who view the following video. This is from last Christmas.

Kacey had the idea that we should have a family talent show. I'm not sure why. I think it's because she wanted her kids to perform and she wanted competing entertainment that made her kids look even more talented. I'm not even sure who put Kacey in charge but she is one hec of a leader so when she gives an edict - people obey. I can't remember what she threatened as the punishment for not participating in the talent show but I just assumed Brad would take the penalty rather than participate and I figured Bryan would follow right behind him and choose the hard labor over performing. Imagine my surprise and utter delight at Brad and Bryan's talent show entry.

Kendall joined their group late because she ended up being the odd man out and lest you think that Kendall was the mastermind of this number, she was not. She added some flair, no doubt, but the choreography had already been done by Brad so I'm told. Brad? Choreography? Maybe he didn't hate being in Showstoppers as much as he told me he did? Hmmm...

I just love that he did this for his family. I hope he doesn't kill me for posting it. It just made me so happy. And that he got Bryan to do it with him gives him double points. I love these boys! They say that if you want to know what sort of a husband a guy would be then you should look at how he treats his mother. Well, here is a guy who is going to make the best husband ever (and he has a brother!)

Without any further ado, the #1 reason why I love Brad...



By the way, the move where he puts his hands behind his head and wiggles his hips is a signature move he has had since he was about 8. And the tongue sticking out is proof that he's concentrating!

Happy Birthday, Brad!

50 People Who Love David on his 50th Birthday

Happy birthday dad!!! There is a planet full of people who would love to wish you a happy birthday and help you ring in a half a century of life, but here are the 50 people who are willing to share their thoughts with 24 hours notice :)

Without further ado, the 50 people who love you on this day, your 50th birthday!

1 Have a Wonderful Birthday Buddy! May your heart be filled with gratitude for the blessings that the Lord has given you: your wonderful wife, your good children, great parents and many friends. You deserve to be happy. You're a kind and generous man.

Thanks for being so good to us, we owe you lots!! Julio & Alina Luna

2 WE are definitely on the list of fifty people that love David Earl.... It's hard to really describe our love for DAVID. Never met anyone who is so demanding, controlling, yet so kind and unselfish. David believes if he likes it YOU WILL TOO!! David thinks that he knows whats best for you and your family....and you know what 95 percent of the time he's right.... I just don't want him telling me. We love vacationing with him, we (REID) loves letting him win at GOLF, we love watching sporting in events and eating out. He's kind to everyone he meets. He is not judgmental. He is extremely caring.

Happy Birthday DAVID. Here's to another fifty years together as FRIENDS!!

Lori, Reid and family

3 Uncle David,
We love you! We enjoy anytime that we get to spend with you! We always look forward to hearing your stories and your opinions about things. We always know it is going to be a good time when you are around. Thank you for your incredible example. It is such a blessing to call you family. Happy 50th Birthday! We wish you many more! Love, Alysha and Brandon

4 Happy Birthday Uncle David!! You have always had a special place in my heart. You have been a wonderful uncle to me and a great example. You took me to my first broadway play. You took me skiing for the first time (and second), and even paid a little chinese man to give me lessons. (I remember the man staring down at me when I couldn't stand back up and he said, "Your uncle told me you were athletic!") You played ball tag with us in the pool, and once after babysitting for the afternoon you told me to stick out my hands and then you filled them to the brim with loose change. I thought it was pretty hilarious. You taught me the correct way to eat a bowl of cereal- I remember one morning I was eating breakfast at your house and I poured a huge bowl of cereal (since at my house we were only allowed one bowl). You made me put half of it back and told me I could have as many small bowlfuls as I wanted, but that there was no use in pouring such a big bowl that would become soggy in 2 seconds. And of course I loved working for you all through high school and during the summers.

I have a lot of great memories of you from my childhood, but I appreciate you now even more as a grown up. I think you are a generous and kind person, and always SO much fun to be around. I've always been so proud to be related to you, and I always feel completely at ease and welcome in your home. You are one of my people, and I feel really blessed to have you in my family. I love you and hope you have a great birthday!

Love, Sam

5 I feel like I haven't had enough time to put together something totally funny, but I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to say Happy Birthday.

I am so thankful for all you have done for me. It has been a pleasure working with you for almost 10 years. Thank you for providing me with hours of laughter. I appreciate someone who is willing to give their opinion, even if it wasn't asked for and could possibly offend someone in the room. I love that you constantly have a drawer full of lotion and dental floss in your office. You are the only one I know that can get away with saying, "I don't have ADD, I just don't care about what you are saying", and people just laugh.

You have the hugest heart, and the brightest outlook on life and people. For this girl, the eternal pessimist, it is slightly unbelievable but quite admirable. You are one of a kind, and I love you!

Angie

6 Dr. Dave, as he is affectionately know, is one of the most tender, kind, love, giving persons that we know. His sense of humor is infectious. He is a joy to spend even a minute with as he will lighten your day. And on top of all that we get to call him Brother.

Tom & Gail

7 Uncle David, you have always been such a great influence to me in my life. You've always seemed to walk the line between being the successful and smart uncle and the crazy and super fun uncle. I appreciate everything you've done for me in my life, and I've enjoyed all the time I've gotten to spend with you over the last couple of years. Have a great birthday uncle David! P.s: "No... you're wrong, I'm right." Hahaha, that's a little bit of a running joke with my friends about a common quote of yours . Love you uncle. Happy birthday!

Parker Weech

8 Happy 50th Birthday David!!! I'm so lucky my sister has incredible taste in men and brought you into our lives 30+ years ago...and you are still the same huge-hearted, fun, loving, giving, awesome person today. Oh, I forgot to throw in cute...you're still cute too!! I love you!!!

Just remember, once you're over the hill you begin to pick up speed! And you be makin' goin' 'over the hill' look gooooood...

Julie


9 Happy Birthday David. Wow, the nifty Fifty has hit you. Now you only have 50 more to go. Make it a great one. Thanks for all you do for me and my family.

Love, Karen and Kevin Earl

10 Dave, you are one of my favorite people. The little things you have done for me have added up and have helped me become the person I am today. Thanks for everything you have done for me. I wish you had the time and resources to help more people! Happy Birthday!

Joseph Johnson

11 Happy Birthday, David. I have LOVED you from the first time you took over at a service activity when I was YW pres in 6th ward. I loved knowing that when we planned an activity that you and Reid would make it "over the top fun." I love those "good ol' days." (oh yes, and you are a great MD too!)

Kathy Perrins

12 David, you make 50 look great! I love you even more at 50 than I did when you were 18. You have had such an impact on my life, I could never be more grateful. Bryan & Becky Weech

13 Happy birthday to the greatest father out there! Dad you set such a great example to all of us kids of what kind of people we need to be. You truly have a love for everyone and you are always giving to others. I hope you have a great day today because you deserve it!

Kendall

14 Please include us in joining you in celebrating David's 50th birthday. Best wishes that this age will finally be the age of responsibility we've been hoping for!

Curtis & Denise Clifford

15 We love Dr. David Earl!

Pat & Lori & family

16 Dad i love you! You are the greatest father anyone could ever ask for and i hope you have an amazing day!

Bryan

17 Happy Birthday, David! Thanks for always looking out for Breanna... :)

Michele & Jody Haddican

18 50? What a baby! Thanks for all of your professional care :) My family owes you a great debt of gratitude. And David would say, "good thing you went to Hawaii while you were still young enough to enjoy it :p" Hope it's Happy!

Tami Lybbert

19 Happy 50th B-day David!!! You have accomplished so much.. beautiful wife, incredible children and precious grandchildren. Your contagious smile lightens all of our lives. Thanks for always being a friend... ENJOY!!!

Sharon McConkie Sanderson

20 Happy Birthday, David, from your 4th Grade Teacher! I have always kept track of you since you and my daughter are the same age and were friends all through school! You are such a good friend to our family and you take such good care of us as our doctor! We also appreciate you as our Bishop! We love the way you relate to your Young Adults! Hard to believe you are now a half a century old! :)

Lora Bailey

21 Happy Birthday, David, from all the Wise's. You re an amazing person, and I feel so blessed to be a part of your family. You and your family hold a really special place in my heart. I know your day will be great because you always have a smile on your face and make it happen!

Kim Bates Wise

22 Happy Birthday, Dave!! Our clan thinks you are the best! Thanks for helping my sons become men as their YM president. I had fun working with you in YM/YW. I have enjoyed and admired your children in Young Women, singles ward and piano lessons. We still treasure the cruise to the Carribbean with you and Peggy and your mad jeep driving on Grand Cayman! You have taken such good care of us as the doctor to our family and extended family. You are such a great man and we thank you for your friendship, service, kindness and good example to our family!

DeAnne Wiberg

23 We are definitely in the Top 50 of people who love David. I would love to wish him a Happy Birthday! Congratulations on the new grandchild!

Eric Knudson


24 Well, we've been the same age for a month and a half, but once again, you proceed first into the darkness! Happy Birthday, and thanks for all the support, good cheer and good advice over the years! Keep up the good work!

Bill Waites

25 Happy Birthday, David. The Lawsons love you!! Thanks for always being there for our family!!!

Vickie & Billy Lawson

26 Hey Bishop Earl - thanks for all your advice, support and guidance. Happy Birthday!!

Chris Nelson

27 Happy Birthday, David! You have been a huge influence in my life since I've know you. I won't forget all you've done for me. I hope you have a great birthday with many more to come!

Dustin Killinger

28 Dad, even though I got my thin lipped smile and squinty eyes from you, I am so grateful to call you my dad. You have taught me so much throughout my life by the way you life. You are the most charitable and loving person that I know. You never let anything get you down and I hope nothing ever does because you deserve to be so happy. You have made my life great and I am thankful every day for the example that you have given me. I love you so much and I hope that you have a great birthday!

Love, Courtney

29 Happy Birthday, David. Have a wonderful day and celebrate you.

Vickie Wittmayer

30 I love my uncle David because he took me to Maui. He is the coolest cat around to vacation with except when he turns on the lights, pulls back your covers, flings open the blinds and yells "it's time to get up!" every morning at 7am. That's when you start to question if you're really on vacation or if you're living at home again! Haha. I also love my uncle David because he jumped off the biggest cliffs with me in Maui and proved his manhood one last time before he turns in his man card on his 50th birthday! Your over the hill now David! No more cliff jumping for you old man. However I may give you your man card back if you're able to do those 50 push ups in a row on your 50th birthday! We will see haha hope you have a wonderful, amazing, fantastic day of birth! You're the man... Regardless of what Peggy might say! Love you uncle David

Love your favorite nephew!
Brandon Earl

31 David is one of the most generous people I know. He is almost always upbeat, optimistic and full of enthusiasm for life. He is always up for a fun time. With that short little span of attention...,

(to quote Paul Simon -

"A man walks down the street
He says why am I short of attention
Got a short little span of attention
And wo my nights are so long")

...the fun time often changes to another fun time.

Over the years we have had a great time in competition, whatever the game may be. To determine who is the better athlete, we basically say "pick your best 10 events" and whoever wins the most events is the best athlete. So there are things I could pick that I would win easily like racketball or wrestling (I know it's gross but I weigh more - you have to go with your strengths). David has his events - like he could run faster. The funny thing is that we each would pick basketball, so it all came down to playing basketball against each other and the winner would be determined from week to week. Now we have golf.

From both of us, we wish you a most enjoyable 50th birthday with a heartfelt expression of love and thanks for all you do.

Jeff and Becky

32 We love him and he is a great doctor! Happy Birthday, David!!!

Dan & Sheila Piper

33 DR. DAVE, You've been our doctor and friend for many a year! Thanks for all you've done for us. We wish you a HAPPY 50TH and many more years of doctoring and friendly chats to come.

Vaughn and Loye Hunsaker

(This is a picture of our grandson, Jacob Vela, who is just today arriving in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Isn't that where you served?)

34 DAVID, you finally made it to 50. What took you so long? Even though you might be 50, it will be a long time until you can actually act like you are 50. You are not yet capable of accepting the responsibility and the seriousness of such a high and holy position. No matter what you do, you will never be as old as I am. So there!! We love you. You are our Hero. Hang in there as long as you can.

Doug and Connie Earl

35 Happy Birthday, David!! We are glad to have you here to make all the decisions! What would the world do without you? We appreciate you and all you do! Really!

Love, The Pyles


36 Dear Uncle David,

Happy Birthday!!! We hope you feel loved and celebrated today. I have many memories of you from coming to visit you in California and getting to drive your scooter around (I was only 11!), going to Disney, to watching you at family reunions run all the games, to playing Monopoly on Sunday's after having a waffle breakfast and followed by candy bar milkshakes, to working at your office, to babysitting your kids, to snow skiing, to summer fun, to keeping a close eye on my dad after surgery, to going to San Diego for Alysha's wedding and having you just order for all of us at every meal (hilarious but great!) and arrange everything else, and so many other things. I always think about how cool it is that we travel with our aunts and uncles and cousins. I don't think that is a common thing for most people. You are such a good, kind, patient, funny, gracious, honest person and I am grateful to have you in our life.

Love you,
Daishan & famly

37 There are a lot of things that I love about you Dad, like A LOT, but the thing that I love most about you is that you have always taught us that the most important thing in life is to be a good member of the church. All growing up, you would tell me every night before I went to bed, "I love you. Don't forget your prayers, I'm not visiting any of my daughters in Hell." And because of that I never forget to say my prayers at night. You always remind us not to sweat the little things, that money is just money and there will always be more, and to always attend your church meetings and activities because "that's just what we do". When I hear President Monson's quote about not letting a problem that needs to be solved get in the way of a person that needs help, I always, always think about you because that is exactly the type of person that you are. Thank you for always taking care of us and everyone around us. I love you so much and I know that I am so blessed to have such an amazing Dad. Happy Birthday!!!

Kylie

38 Dad, you are my hero. I can't think about you without smiling. I love how you are so caring and how much you love it when others around you are having fun. I've learned so much from you. One of my favorite David Earl glory stories is when you and the older Earl boy cousins raced around that water park and later got banned for life. I can just picture some teenager blowing his whistle at you while you dive past him down the slide. Classic David. I love you Dad and I'm excited to celebrate our birthdays together this weekend.

Kristy

39 Happy birthday David! Thank you for introducing me to world of food and fine living. I am better person because of it... or at least a little more wordly!

Trevor

40 David, you take care of everyone. You are one of the most generous people we know. You always help those in need, never looking for recognition. We love you and are grateful to have you in our lives.

Love, Cali and Joey Emig

41 Wow.. how amazing, I can't imagine David reading all of this but maybe he will!

I too love my Uncle David. What a caring and generous man. One of the best there is! Happy 50th!

Ashley Boice

42 Happy 50th Birthday David. Thanks for great friendship, fun, food, and fandom (byu cougars) over the years. From waffles and hot fudge sundaes in Brasil to California Pizza Kitchen in Orem - fun trips and visits, you are the greatest.

Love, The McKinnons - Brad, Sherry, and gang.

43 Uncle David, You are the bomb. When I think of you through my child eyes, You were the Uncle who took all of us crazy Earl kids and organized us into a fun game or competition. I think you may have invented ball tag at grandma Earl's pool! Sounds right, because it was super fun and a little dangerous.

You have refereed many cousin races and have always thrown in a motivating dollar or piece of candy. I remember visiting you all in California and you had some sort of motorcycle, and you tried your best to motivate me to take a ride, which I did but was terrified! If you were not so morally centered, you would have made a successful con artist! And I mean that as a compliment, cause you could con any of us into something fun no matter how terrified we thought we were!

I remember we had a run of intense monopoly board game throw downs at your house. You had several games set up and had us cousin's organized in age groups playing till a champion emerged. Then the champs played each other. I don't remember who they were, but I remember playing monopoly several Sundays in a row and all the delicious treats, and thinking this could happen every Sunday for the rest of my life!

I remember several road trips you included me on. One was to Big White Ski Resort, I think for Kacey's birthday. The van was full of girls and you let us sing at the top of our lungs the whole way there. There was a particular Celine Dion song that you allowed over and over! That song still makes me think of that trip! Another was to Silverwood, just for fun?! And you took us four, Kacey, Samantha, Myca and I, to the play Oklahoma in Spokane, complete with dinner at Cyrus O'Leary's!

And now when I think of you through my adult eyes, You are the Uncle who has saved my children in some real awful health emergencies! Iryk with weight checks as an infant, stitches, and a concussion; and Sibel having a crazy asthma attack. I know we are covered medically, anytime we are in Moses Lake!

And most importantly, I know you have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You may have teared up a couple of times when you've shared it!

Happy 50th Birthday Uncle David! Love you and your family!

Britney, Jason, Iryk, Sibel and Izlyn

44 I love to golf with David because I can usually beat him! No, really he's really fun and entertaining to be with. Happy Birthday!

Darin Calder

45 Dad, Your birthdays are always pretty uneventful because it is your style to give and give without receiving much yourself. If I had money I would fly us both to Oregon to play Bandon Dunes, but I don't, so we'll have to stick with blog posts for now. You have taught me so much and I consider myself lucky everyday that I have a father that I can look up to so proudly. Have a great birthday. I love you Dad.

Brad

46 Hi there Dave! Happy Birthday you old man! I knew you'd catch up with me!

Love, Owen

47 Dad, what more can I do to say I love you than to stay up way too late one night making sure you know how many people love you! :) Well, if this blog entry isn't loud enough, I love you dad and hope you have fantastic day!

Love, Kacey

48 When I first met you David I thought you would be taller, having such a tall daughter. But I soon realize you were definitely not lacking in personality. Happy 50 years!

Jon Wayne Nielsen

49 We love our Papa! Happy birthday. Are you going to eat M&Ms? Can you share some with me? (Rhode) I love you SOOO much! (Scarlet)

50 What can I say about someone I've spent over half my life with? By now, he's an appendage! We balance each other out perfectly... He always has a sunny disposition - I tend to be partly cloudy. He loves adventure - I like my comfort zone. He's the fun parent - I'm the queen of rules. He thinks he's invincible - I assume he's going to get hurt. He is trusting - I am skeptical. His first instinct is to say yes - my first instinct is to say no. He sees the good in everyone - I can be a tad bit judgmental. On the other hand... He is habitually late - I keep him aware of the time. He thinks rules are for other people - I try to keep him out of jail. He wants to golf all the time - I tell him no. He constantly loses things like keys, wallet and phone - I.. I.. Well I just get exasperated every time it happens and roll my eyes that he hasn't worked out a system yet, so I guess that doesn't really count as balance. (I bet you thought I was going to say that I help him find them, right? Wrong. I don't. He's a grown man, people. He's 50 years old for goodness sakes!)

David is one of a kind and I liked him from the minute I saw him on my first day at BYU. The best thing about David is that he loves me unconditionally. He doesn't try to change me at all. I, on the other hand, am determined to mold him into something truly great! I kinda wish he would do the same for me but it is kinda nice having someone think you're perfect just the way you are. That's the best gift he could ever give me and he gives it to me day after day after day. Ya gotta love him! And I do... all 50 years of him!!!

Love, Peggy