Happy Birthday Lindsay! 

This song reminds me of you as I've heard you sing it so well so many times. Happy Birthday and hope you have a great day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69pxWVjlbNo

Happy Birthday Lindsay and David!

I'm hoping the better late than never adage applies here.

Lindsay, Something I really appreciate about you is the reverence and importance you place on motherhood.  I love that having children has been something you've desired for a long time and I love how wonderful you are with little Jamison.  Whenever I hear this song I think of holy mothers and I know you're included in that group.





Happy Birthday David!!

This is embarrassingly late - sorry David.  I've actually been thinking of you lately and decided to check out your interests on facebook.  I'm impressed.  Your tastes are quite diverse and anyone who loves Arrested Development as much as I do is a kindred spirit indeed.  Arrested Development is like music to my ears so I've chosen this for your birthday "song".





Love to you both!!!
Charla

Lindsay Birthday Part 2

Didn't get my song in, so here it is:

Lindsay, I'm so glad we're together!    And now with little Jamison in our lives it only gets better!  Keep going and don't stop believing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcjzHMhBtf0&list=TLEnx2BinbITs
(The video won't embed)

From Jamison:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEqj2BdVerg

Happy Birthday Lindsay!

When I first heard this song by Regina Spektor I thought of Lindsay. Lindsay also said that she liked to sing her songs so that was a nice confirmation for me. I admire Lindsay for being happy all the time and just seeing things through an optimistic perspective. Also you're very creative. Happy Birthday Lindsay!

Love, Rico

Hi Linds,

I remember you used to like Sarah Harmer.  This song reminds me of you because it is so 

creative and unique.    I especially like the house in the briefcase.

Hope you have a fabulous birthday!!

Luv, Dad

 

(editor's note: the official link that Dad sent me is unavailable in the US, this is the music video Dad is talking about, but it's not officially from Sarah Harmer's youtube channel. So watch this while you can before it gets taken down.)

 

Lindsay - 

I chose this song because I don't know of anyone who thinks of you without thinking of music and singing. It's so much a part of you. But the other equally big part of you is your cheery and happy outlook on life.  You have blended those two elements in such a beautiful way and have inspired so many people and made so many happy. And now sweet Jamison gets to be one of those people.

I love you.  Have a wonderful birthday!

The woman in the video reminds me of you - even down to the pink guitar! :)

(The first part of the video is talking, so start after one minute.)

 - Mom

Linds-

Your ability to always be optimistic and loving and supportive is such a blessing in all of our lives.  You have an ability to see the bright side and the goodness in every situation and every individual.  You're going to be one of the best moms ever.  I hope you have the best birthday.  I hope you like this song, for some reason Ingrid Michaelson's voice reminds me of yours, yours is better but she comes pretty close, I hope you like it.

 

Love, Beej

Lindsay,

Happy birthday! It was nice to see you and Spencer and baby Jamison at the wedding. 

Now, for your song – I put a lot of thought into this. I was trying to think of what word best describes your personality. After much internal debate, I settled on "bubbly."

 

I know Jack Johnson is referring to toes here, but I think the upbeat, positive feel of the song and the bubbly cadence make it a good fit for you.

I wish you and Spencer all the best this year as you raise Jamison!

 

- Andrew

 

 

Here it is!

Happy birthday Linds! Hope you have the awesomest day! The first thing that comes to mind for songs that remind me of you is oldies. You have always loved them and I think they capture your fun personality. More specifically, I will always remember the times you taught me how to swing dance. This song jumped to mind because its such a classic swing dance song. We had some good moves! You were always one to teach your little sis something new and I really appreciated that and still do! Love you tons and happy happy birthday once again!

- Rachel 

 

Happy Birthday Lindsay!  I hope its a great day.  I often think of Sound of Music when I think of you.  Especially when you helped with the children's birthday song for Nana.  Your love of music is a beautiful thing.  I'm excited to see how it grows it in your family and look forward to many wonderful musical numbers from the von Ferrero family!  May you have a great day and fantastic year!  Love, Ian

 

I remember when Julian and Caleb were newly home from the hospital and we would be trying to take special care of them and give them massages. We would play a cd that had the song "Come Thou Font of Every Blessing" at least I think that's what it was! Here it is:

 

That was a special time. Happy Birthday Linds! Love you!

- Melissa

 

 

Happy Birthday David :)

From John:

Here's my song for Rico:

Rico, I picked New York New York because you would always play it on the piano.  I admire your ability to stick with something despite the obstacles and difficulties that you face.  Your ability to focus on an objective and see it through is something that has always impressed me about you.  Even when we had a very difficult hike and you had tremendous challenges like your hiking boots coming apart, all the dead fall and having to ford the might Elwha river in your first overnight hiking trip in a very long time you stuck with it.  I think you could do very well on the top of the heap in a city like New York.  Happy Birthday!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMfz1jlyQrw

Happy birthday Rico!  There are probably hundreds of songs I could choose that remind me of you, since you introduced me to a lot of music. So because of that, a lot of my music taste is from you. But I thought I would pick this clip because you also introduced me to my favorite show which Andrew and I have often been able to enjoy together, and I definitely remember often that it was thanks to you!  Thanks for your good taste in music, TV shows, movies, etc. You have had a big impact on me in that as well as other parts of life!  Thanks for being a great big brother. Have an awesome birthday!

Love, Rach

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veBokK7K9vE 

This song reminded me of you when you were busting out your moves at the wedding dance.

You can really move.  Happy 26th!!

Best wishes for your greatest year ever.

Luv, Dad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=129kuDCQtHs

Rico,

Happy birthday! Thanks again for all your help at the wedding! I hope all is going well with CPA exams. My song choice for you is "Can't Hold Us" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zNSgSzhBfM

As I've gotten to know you, I've noticed how proud you are to be a Seattleite. During our roadtrip from Provo last year, you talked about how much you liked the greenery and the general vibe of your city. I can't think of an artist more proud of Seattle than Macklemore, and I think "Can't Hold Us" is a Seattle anthem, in a way. I would definitely picture you as a member of Macklemore's Seattleite possy dancing around in the background of this video – you've got mad dance moves, by the way :)

Hope this year is good one!

Andrew

Happy Birthday Rico! I know the intro for this song and song itself is a bit cheesy but I like how when you are focused on something you will get it done and it reminds me of how you can keep a good focus. Hope you have a great day. Jordan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7CaiWxKYB

David you have soo sooo many talents, but one I love best is you're such a fun and amazing dancer!  I still am in awe with your skills.  I even asked you at Woozie's wedding how you learned your mad skills and you said from Jeff Merrel.  You mentioned how you would go to those 80's dances in SLC.  But the thing is that you have an innate talent for it.  I mean, you've always been good, even before your college days.  David, you are such a sweet, thoughtful, intelligent and wonderful brother.  But the thing that I am most pleased with about you at the moment is your dancing abilities!  I will dance with you at any dance party!

Here's a good dance song I came across...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zbi0XmGtMw

Love you!

HAVE A FABULOUS BIRTHDAY AND BE SURE TO DANCE A LITTLE!

Linds

From Melissa:

When you were little it was so fun to see how much you loved movies! I remember memorizing sections of Lion King and Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast because it seemed like they were always playing. But the one I especially remember was Home Alone. Of course that was such a huge blockbuster you were not the only one who liked it! For some reason the "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" song sung so dreamily always makes me smile when I think of you re enacting Kevin scenes.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=A8Nl4yPzE3U&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DA8Nl4yPzE3U

Happy Birthday! I love you!

Happy Birthday Rico -
I loved hearing you play this on the piano. And I actually think that the title suits one of the best parts of your personality - the guys who dresses up for Halloween/plays various percussion instruments/has a few groovy dance moves/throws out awesome one liners and assorted humor spots at a moments notice.
Love you,
Mom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cFkae0j_Ns

I've noticed a fondness for the Star Wars universe in your life, so I decided to go with this medley version.  May the Force be with you on your birthday!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtQb2axKpuw

From Ian -

Happy Birthday David!  A quick reference to your facebook likes indicated both Spiderman and Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid as likes for you.  As a result I picked this little clip from Spider Man 2.  I've always unironically loved this song, its got a nice message of keeping positive even in adversity.  I thought it particularly appropriate since you've chosen Seattle as your hometown.  It was great to spend some time with you last week and the kids spoke highly of your contributions to cousin camp.  I hope you have a great day and an even better year!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVsnn20X6LA

Happy Birthday Momma!!

I also must apologize for being 2 weeks late with this.  The song I chose is Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Sufjan Stevens.  Going to Seattle or getting together for Christmas and Thanksgiving means listening to lots of Sufjan and I have grown very fond of his music.  Come thou fount is also one of my all time favourite church songs so it really is a match made in heaven for you and for me.

One of the things I have admired most about you is your dedication to the gospel and how that example has influenced all of us kids to strengthen our own testimonies.  I know that the fact I have made many right decisions and found peace and strength from testimony and membership in the Church is a large result of you.  I hope the birthday was great and it was sure fun to be a part of the wedding.  Let the golden years begin!

Beej

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1bSlS6OWTs

Happy Birthday Coleen!

Happy birthday! I know this is coming two weeks late, but what a milestone it is to turn 60! I know you were stressed with all of the wedding arrangements (the wedding was incredible, by the way), but I hope you've had time since to relax and celebrate :)

When I think of you, I think of cafes in Paris, and I think of French accordion music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey42VDECVKM

I think this selection in particular catches not only the vibe of downtown Paris, but also the zest in your personality and your taste for adventure all over the world.

I hope your 60th was a memorable one!

Sincerely,

Andrew

Happy Birthday Mom

I choose yellow submarine by the Beatles because Mom hums it to herself a lot. In fact it's the only song I've heard her hum to herself if you exclude church songs.

Happy belated birthday!

Mom, I can't thank you enough for all the time and hard work you put into the wedding.  It really was the perfect day and it was because of you that everything turned out so awesomely!  I think everyone had a really good time, I know Andrew and I certainly did!  Love you sooo much.  Congratulations on being 60!  No one would even guess that you are that age by looking at you and all the things you still do!  xoxo Love Rach
PS. There are so many songs I could choose!  But I know you love this song and I do too!  It reminds me of you playing it on the piano when I hear it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvgZkm1xWPE

Happy Birthday Nana

I'm sorry for the delay in posting this. I know it was a very eventful weekend and you must have a great deal of satisfaction for a marriage and reception well planned and executed. Seriously awesome job. I chose a track from Downton Abbey as I know how big a fan of it you are. The track's title "An Ideal Marriage" seemed appropriate for Rachel and Andrew's wedding but also generally for your efforts in supporting your children in finding good partners and building good marriages. May this be a great year for you! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Coleen

I've always loved this song.  It reminds me of Nana.  It was the song we played at our wedding for our first dance.  I think it is full of praise,freshness, hope and promise - just like our life together.

Happy Birthday Nana.  You're the best!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKoRp05L95c

Happy Birthday Mom!

Hope you had a great birthday! This song reminds me of you because you helped me pick out my very first album which was a cassette tape - I was probably about 8 or 9 or so - and it was a Beatles album from the 60's and I think you're kind of like the mother mary in the song - always there for us in times of need! Have a great year, Jordan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajCYQL8ouqw

Flight of the Bumblebee

This song came to mind when I thought of you Coleen - just like a bumble bee you seem to be seldom still, always busy flying around collecting stuff for your hive. My very favorite part of the entire wedding week-end was when you and OJ gathered your family together to share your testimonies and brainstorm ideas of how to keep connected with each other. I think you made some good honey then and I hope you will enjoy all the honey making that is sure to come in the year ahead.

Happy Birthday Mom! Love you!

Happy Birthday Mom! It was so fun to be there on the actual day! You do so much for your kids, and we want to express appreciation! I thought this song from the boys was so fun just like you and I wanted to share it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw2phldcmCQ

Lots of Love! Melissa

Happy Birthday Coleen!

As we've all noticed, Coleen tends to undertake projects (or "missions") that many would think impossible, but she succeeds.  Rachel's wedding comes to mind for a recent example, but I'm sure everyone can think of multiple examples.  As such, my song choice is a variation of the Mission: Impossible theme.  Happy belated birthday!

Mom's Birthday!!!

Happy birthday mom!  I love how Mom's always had that 'self starter' trait where she is happy and ready to start the day and help me be positive about my day.  I know I can rely on her for support in being optimistic about what I'll face in the 24 upcoming hours.  Lately I've called her early in the morning to chat or when she was visiting, I knew that after my last early morning feed of Baby J, I would have company because she'd be up and starting on her tasks.

She's helped me see that each time I wake up, it will be a 'bright sunshiney day.'  LOVE you!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1phe6Pe3djY

Happy Birthday Melissa!

Today is a celebration of Melissa!  She is a dedicated mother, daughter, sister and wife. She has so many talents and is constantly working to expand herself and improve.  You are a blessing to our family.  Have a great day and a better year!


From Dad

Happy Birthday, Melissa!!
This song reminds me of you.  It mentions the winters of your childhood with the endless summers of your 
California home.  It mentions the church which is a big part of your life, and the dreams and aspirations which have also been important for you. I hope they all come true.  And you're a way better dancer than Mama Cass!
HAPPY FABULOUS BIRTHDAY!!!!

From Mom

Happy Birthday Melissa!

The whole soundtrack from the latest (and as you say) best Pride and Prejudice is what I chose for you.  

The movie is the story of Lizzie -  smart, fiercely determined, independent, yet loyal, loving of family, and loving of one special man.  

There's always a beautiful soundtrack playing in your life... 

Have the best year ever!

Love Mom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQgnEvQX3eM (for some reason I can't embed the video on this one)

From Charla

This song is about a woman who is standing beneath some trees in a garden and has a moment there where she feels peace and gratitude and a connection to the divine.  There have been so many times I have seen you strive for these kinds of moments in your life.  I think it's admirable that you reach out for the powers of heaven to help you and that your heart takes direction and comfort from God.  You're a good soul Melissa.   I hope you have a full of wonder kind of birthday!  From Lindsay This is kind of an inside joke with Meliss that started Christmas 2001, I think.  I just remember Mom got a free cd at the mall and we kept busting a move to this particular track.  I love all the silly times with Meliss, dancing and just having fun.  Thanks for being that type of sister!  Love you!  I hope you have the most awesomest birthday!!

From Spencer

In order to do all that you do (take care of the kids, work, garden, etc) you'd have to be a superman (or superwoman) so I'm going with the main theme for Superman

From John

Thanks for being such a great sister.  I admire your ability to reach out to family and serve and support others.  Growing up I felt blessed to have such a great oldest sister and I still do.  I hope you get to celebrate in style.

I chose it's a hard knock life from Annie.  Growing up I always remember you and Mom working on your performances for music and theatre and for some reason this song always stuck with me.  You and Goo both were so exciting to watch in your performances.  I think being a creative artist like you are also has challenges that come with it especially when raising 4 wee ones.  There are lots of versions of this song, I briefly entertained posting the Jay Z version but somehow the original just seemed so fitting.  Happy Birthday Melissa!!

From David

I choose this song by Sarah McLachlan because I remember Melissa was (and still is?) a very big fan of her's. I simply chose this particular song because it is the only song of her's to hit #1 on the Canadian charts. Happy Birthday! 

From Rachel

Happy birthday Melissa!  I chose this song because I thought you might like it, and because it is a great song about relaxation and just breathing despite all the crazy things that happen in life. I have always admired how you manage to accomplish so many things.  You are inspiring!  Love you lots and I am so excited to see you and the rest of the family soon!

From Ian

I love you Melissa!  Have a great birthday. You are such a great inspiration to me and have really pulled me along the road of life in so many ways.  Thought this was a nice reminder of our bike trip through Provence (another example of you pushing us to do something that ended up being a great experience).

Or this one if you want something a little more rock n' roll

Also Happy Birthday Ian!

Sorry I missed the cutoff. Between Bishop Ian, Coach Ian, Runner Ian and Dad Ian, you need a lot of strength and endurance to accomplish everything that you do. So I chose one of the songs from Rocky, the one used for the training montages to show just what you're capable of. Happy birthday!

Happy Birthday Ian!

April is a big month for birthdays in the Schneid clan.  Today we celebrate the birthday of Ian, a man of immense talents, interests, responsibilities and accomplishments.
We love you and appreciate the many things you do for the family and hope you enjoy this music for your special day.

From Linds:
I thought of how much Ian loves to beat box/ clap/ get a groove going for the boys to dance to spontaneously.  I think it's such a great Dad quality to just get a party started no prob.  Happy dancing!

Here's a beat box song I found to depict that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0_2vmkTmf0

From Char:
Happy Birthday Ian!  I chose this song because I thought you might enjoy it for all the reasons Joanna from manilovefilms.com offered in the quote below.

"Hells bells, I love this song!  Seriously, this song is a cinephile’s dream. It’s got everything: references to Plato’s Cave, the theories of Sergei Eisenstein, silent movies, and frame rates.  And it uses film as a metaphor for the speed of life.  Bet you didn’t know Johnson actually has a background in film, having directed multiple movies about surfing. His obvious knowledge of film theory gives this simple melody some complexity–it’s a beautiful metaphor, eloquently laid out."

I hope you find at least a few slow moments to enjoy on your birthday - I know you deserve them. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDpwDj06pRE

From Jordan:
Happy Birthday Ian! This song reminds me of how important all of your boys are in your life and how you have much to look forward to with them.
Hope you have a great day
Jordan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qsiDAQXE0M

From David:
For me it was a tossup between two songs prominently featured on the movie Jerry Maguire. I remember watching Jerry Maguire at the Riverbend house with Ian during Christmas break 2000. And Ian saying that he was the oldest 26 year old in the world (which Renee Zellweger's character insisted she was). So a song that inspired a fictional lawyer and can hopefully inspire a real lawyer. Happy Birthday Ian!
http://youtu.be/xtMhtMc1GW8

From Rach:

Happy birthday Ian!  I hope you have an great day! I know you like the Beatles and I thought this song would be appropriate!  You have always been a really hard worker, which is something I admire about you.  Where you are today with your work definitely proves that!  I can picture you coming home to Melissa and the boys and partying with them, like this song mentions :)
Love, Rach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlDdcCzKjsc

From OJ:
Ian has always had a special feeling for the land of Sweden and the people. 
He gave his all for the Lord during his two years there and was blessed in many ways. 
Hope this Swedish folk song brings back many happy memories!

http://youtu.be/z2kc570KwUs

Happy Birthday!

From Coleen:
Ian!
The song I chose has a line, 'His welfare is my concern', that you incorporate into every aspect of your life.  You make yourself aware of the circumstances and needs of the people around you and reach out to meet those needs. 
As the husband and father of the Puente family, a son in the Schneider and Hulewsky clan, and the bishop of your ward family, you constantly seek to lift and help others. 
I'm so thankful for your outstanding example! Have a wonderful birthday!

Much Love, 

Coleen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az-gajhqZqs

From John
Happy birthday Ian!  I am amazed by your ability to work hard and sacrifice to pursue what you love and what you are passionate about.  You are a good example of a man who would be willing to walk 500 miles for friends or family, service or to pursue career dreams.  Your tenacity in working hard to pursue what's important is truly admirable.  I hope it's a good year for you.

Beej

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM0sTNtWDiI

From Melissa:

There are so many songs I've thought of putting up here- one that is slow and sweet, one that is fun and upbeat, and somewhere in the middle. Here's the one I settled on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFx-5PGLgb4

Love you Ian! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday OJ

The Juice has reached the eventual, effervescent and eventful 6 .... 0.  Rather than retire he will probably work for another 40 years.  Here are the songs we have chosen in honour of OJ:

Ian:
Salt Of The Earth -- Rolling Stones. OJ, you definitely rank as one of the hardest working people I know (alongside Melissa, the apple must not fall far from the tree, eh?). I have always found it to be such an admirable quality. You truly are the salt of the earth and I'm grateful for your example as a husband and father. I'm sure we all raise our (proverbial) cups to you. May this be a great birthday and the best year yet for you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEkRkZePRJk

Woozie:

Happy birthday Dad! The big 6-0!!! I remember I used to sing this to song to you a lot when I was little, so of course it came to mind. Here are two versions of it. Over the summer, it was fun to get the chance to go to and from work with you for a change! Love you lots thanks for being the best Dad ever :)
Love, Rach

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmKGBaOf0Mo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuElCooeQNg

Melissa:

I always think of flight of the bumblebee when I think of dad. He would play it sometimes and he played it so beautifully! It was amazing and I loved hearing it ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6A-JYbu1Os

Spencer:

Happy birthday Oliver! The first thing that came to mind about you was your love of golf and getting outdoors to either play or hit the driving range, so I decided to combine golf and comedy with everyone's favorite improv group. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1_UhojClTk

Charla:

I chose this song because I know you like jazz and this is one of my favorite jazz songs.

OJ I hope you have a great jumpin jazzy kind of year full of zest and order and chaos and all that is jazz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iNaxCfNJE4

Jordan:

Happy Birthday Dad! I always remember you being a fan of jazz music - I remember listening to it in the car sometimes when you were driving and remembering your big collection of jazz cd's. I learned this song on the piano when Mrs Moore was teaching me due in large part I'm sure to all the jazz music I had listened to from your collections.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmDDOFXSgAs

Lindsay:

Happy Birthday, Dad! So many songs come to mind when I think of you... your cool jazz music and particularly the big band hit parade CD that we kept in the big black CD turning holder in the Belgravia house... The way it really got us all dancing, your Robin's Return on the ivories, sports jingles on tv, your encouragement, support and example to us in our own music making. I realize that my love for creating music is largely due to your good taste!!

Even though these are all such great songs and great memories, my most fond memories involve you and primary songs! 'I'm so glad when Daddy comes home' is one that I'd love to sing to you myself. I remember vividly as a five year old when you had just sat on the couch coming home, and I burst through to your face singing it. You had a big smile! I love that we'd all get in a line and parade around the house, arms popping out like a congo line, dancing to 'Hey Everybody, it's Family Night...' so that's the song I want to spotlight today, that emphasises how you always put family first, and that illustrates your awesome sense of humor and fun loving nature.

'Hey Everybody it's Family Night!' track #9 on the site below. So listen to it there! Whee! Love you!!

http://mormontracks.com/

Linds

Coleen:

Happy, Happy 60 Ojo! You did it!

I wanted to find a song that embodied that entire perfect blend of kindness, calm, wit, and intellect that is you - the absolute best man I know.

But what I ended up choosing is one of your old time favorite tunes - A little throwback to one of your contemporaries... who put your 'med school mantra' to music.
Just listen to the first 15 seconds and let it all come back :)

Have the best birthday ever,

I Love You,

C

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7wwZVB4yMI

Beej:

Dad you are the best! I am extremely fortunate to have you as my Dad.  Your usually subdued wit, your intelligence, your example of being at the right place at the right time, your tremendous work ethic and your humility are admired by everyone who knows you.  You are a great example and role model.  I like the Robin's Return because it is a lot like you it is a simple but melodious and peaceful composition, not flashy.  It is persistent in repeating similar runs over and over again.  It is very characteristic of your personality which is perhaps why it has stuck with you all these years.  I also chose "Like a Rock" because I think it also reminds me of you and every Southern Alberta farm boy should have a country song to remind them of their roots working in the sun (even if they no longer listen to country music which is probably a good thing).  Happy Birthday Dad!!

Love,

Beej

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aILxw1aS3d8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIPfNFdXqI8

Thanks for the Quilting Lessons

Over Spring Break I was busy sewing away! Jaima and I were talking over Christmas and looking at Martha Stewart Baby magazines and I started saying it would be fun to use Spencer's old work shirts to make a quilt for Little One!  Spence tragically ripped a few on a loose edge of his work desk, so I have been saving them for something special.  Jaima gave me the idea of using the pockets and so I chose a few shirts that were fun colors.

 

Then cut out my favorite parts and put them in some sort of arrangement.  This was a few

months ago before we knew we'd be having a boy!  It all worked out well, since there are

lots of blues and greens:)

 

Sewing my crazy quilt with Grannie back when I was in High School was helpful in knowing how to cut the squares, sew them together, and then add the backing and the edges.  Here's the finished product!

 

It was so fun to make this quilt, and it was also special that we used Spencer's Grandma's sewing machine that was given to us.  Talk about special family love!  Can't wait to wrap our Little One in a special blanket that's made from his Dad's shirts!

Birthday

Thanks!!

Thanks to everyone for the very thoughtful, interesting and illuminating songs.  It's nice to think that you guys think I lead a much more fun, mysterious and adventurous life then I actually do.  Good memories and interesting choices.  Lots of these songs and videos, with the exception of one or two, I'm very familiar with especially Indiana Jones and Seinfeld some of them are very shocking surprises.  All were delightful.

The birthday was good. I certainly miss the old days when I got to celebrate with all the siblings and order breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Christa and Mikyla both made my birthday awesome though.  Christa gave me some very thoughtful gifts and Mikyla had a little celebration for her murder mystery party since our birthdays are pretty close together.  It was a great time.  Thanks once again for the songs and the love.

Beej

Birthday Boy!

Beej! Here's the lost birthday song - check the birthday post below for my comments, which will explain it all :)
Love, Mom

Happy Birthday John!

Happy Birthday 007 - may your next year be full of danger, intrigue and swanky settings.


Char

Happy Birthday Beej!

Spencer:  Happy birthday! When I think of what song best fits you, a certain professor of archeology comes to mind. Somehow I see you being very handy with a bullwhip and fedora and your love of the outdoors.

 

Jordan: Happy birthday Beej! This song reminds me of folkfest and how we had a great time going with you this past summer (Colin Hay actually played there a couple years ago) and it also reminds me of your interest in travelling and exploring the 'beautiful world'. But pls focus on the first three quarters of the song and not the last line or two! Cheers Snej

Coleen:  Happy Birthday John! I chose this birthday song - actually sung eight years ago to your 'Latino' brother - but today just imagine it sung to You, by your other Latino brothers!...  Dad and David and I had such a wonderful time picking you up after your mission.  We saw for ourselves how you had given your all to making your mission experience so remarkable.  You were so well loved by everyone we met - from the mission president to all the other missionaries, to everyone you taught, to all the hermanas.   President Evans said of you - Everyone wants to be Elder Schneider. I think that's still the case, John.  You have such a beautiful combination of humor, kindness, spirituality, intelligence, adventure and love of life rolled into one.  I am so proud of you. Have the best birthday!

Editor Note:  I couldn't get the video to embed, sorry!

Oliver: Happy Birthday Beej!! I thought this song and video captured your zany musical outdoor spirit.  I hope you never lose your zest for life and your great sense of humor.  This is your year! Love, Dad

Lindsay: Beej you are a gem of a brother!  You always have your own spunky way of doing things and are deliberate in what you do.  You have a fun, personable way about you.  I love your sense of humor.  I also appreciate the thoughts, ideas, and insights that you share with me.  It's wonderful to learn new things from you.  You are a deep thinker and you also have a lot of FUN!  Which is why, after the first thing that came to mind was mustaches when I thought of you, I found this!!!!

It's especially great from 0:50  Spence and I laughed and laughed HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
David:  I pick the theme song to Seinfeld. Since John is a big fan of the show and tried to record all the episodes on VHS before the novel concept of tv on DVD and now digital streaming.


Rachel:  Happy birthday Beej!!! Maybe one day we can come up with an equally awesome and successful act like these guys (except of course with cello and violin).  I always have so much fun jamming with you.  If only we could go back to the glory days at Pike Place Market.  Looking forward to even more jam seshs with you in the future!

Melissa:  For me it's Pachebel Canon.  He played it at my wedding so beautifully!  I love to hear him on the cello and that's a good one for it.  :) 

Ian: John has always been a little bit classical and a little bit rock n' roll!

1000!!!

                   

     

An auspicious number for many reasons, but one in particular :)
If you can guess what the reason is and say anything you want about a shared 'millennium' of news!, then you're initiated into the 1000 CLUB!
In our humble beginnings of December 2005 - when Melissa first suggested the idea - little did we realize we'd come this far - so fast :)

Love Letters

Happy Belated Sibling Day!

I guess National Sibling Day was yesterday - so I just wanted to wish you all a happy sibling day and thanks for being there for me!  I couldn't ask for better older siblings!  I am so lucky to have the amazing examples of all of you.  Love you all!

Bronze Medal

Over the past couple of years I've been taking the exams for the Certified Insolvency and Restructuring Advisor (CIRA) certification for my job.  There are 3 sections, one exam per section.  I took my last one in June 2012 and found out a month or two after that I had passed it and received my CIRA. At the time I was thrilled.

Recently, however, I found out even better news.  Every year, they review the scores of everyone that passes their final section that year and the total them up.  They also review the exams to make sure the scores are accurate.  They then award what's called the Zolfo Cooper/Randy Waits medals, with the Gold medal being for the top scorer in the nation when all exam sections are combined, the Silver for 2nd and the Bronze for 3rd.  They also award certificates of distinguished performance for those whose combined scores just missed receiving one of the medals.

I found out that I am the Bronze medal winner for 2012.  Obviously I'm extremely thrilled about it; I didn't know I was even in the running for this award.  I'm supposed to receive the award at the annual conference in Chicago but since the date of the award banquet is just a week before Lindsay is due, I will be unable to attend that.  Still, it's a nice award to receive and will definitely help me going forward.

They also asked for a headshot for the newsletter and for the yearbook listing the prior award winners.  Since I didn't have one, Melissa agreed to take one for me:

She made me look pretty good and professional, don't you think?