Holly Virtuoso

Tonight, we watched Holly perform in two Taylor Junior High choirs, Concert Choir and Treble Clefs. She was superb as the featured soloist in "Someone Like You" from Jekyll & Hyde. Her beautiful, deep alto voice was both tender and powerful.

The Treble Clef choir also had a lot of fun with "A Bushel and a Peck" from Guys & Dolls.

Holly literally sparkled on stage as the Concert Choir sang "Yes Sir, that's My Baby."

We owe a great deal of gratitude to Mrs. Kathryn Tellef, who has taught each of our children in Taylor Junior High choirs over the years. Both she and Holly have one more year at Taylor.

You can see more family photos in Mark's Flickr photo stream.

Good night and God bless.

Wedding! Rachel Redd and Brandon Hepworth

This is a bit late, but we thought you would enjoy a few memories from the trip Mark and Claudia took to Idaho Falls to attend the wedding of Rachel Redd and Brandon Hepworth in the Idaho Falls Temple on April 12, 2008.

Grandpa and Grandma Dixon started it all with their marriage in this temple in September, 1950, commencing a long tradition of temple marriage and temple worship in the Dixon family.

Mark was endowed in this temple in September, 1972. Mark and Claudia were married in the Salt Lake Temple in August, 1976 - almost 32 years ago. It was great to be back in the Idaho Falls Temple. Our last attendance here was at Chad and Becky's wedding many years ago.

Derek Romer, DeAnn's son, is contemplating which lucky girl will stand here with him one day!

Several more photos taken at the temple and the subsequent reception are included on Mark's Flickr set, Rachel's Wedding. You can see some more fun photos on the Rach Bec Hep and Redd Family blogs.

God Bless and Good Night!

Mission Call!

Elder Ryan James Dixon has been called to serve in the Slovenia/Croatia Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will enter the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, on July 30th to learn the Croatian language and prepare for his work for the next two years.

What a thrill it was for family and friends to gather at our house Thursday evening when he opened the large envelope from Salt Lake City.

The Slovenia/Croatia mission encompasses six countries that comprise the former Yugoslavia:

• Slovenia


• Croatia


• Serbia


• Bosnia and Herzegovina


• Macedonia


• Montenegro

These links will take you to articles about each country on Wikipedia. Other valuable information is available on the CIA World Fact Book.

The mission home in Slovenia is located Ljubljana, which appears to be a beautiful city.

God bless you, our son! Go forth and serve with honor!

Amy's New Home

Our niece, Amy Redd, has been living with us for the past few months while establishing herself in the Arizona area. She works as a claims adjuster for Farmers Insurance and transferred from Southern California to Mesa a few months ago. Amy is a BYU graduate and served a mission in the Texas Houston East Spanish speaking mission.

After looking at many potential homes, she finally selected a great house within walking distance of Angie and Myron's home in Gilbert. She is excitedly waiting the closing date later this month. A week ago, Amy's parents and brother visited us from California to see the home and help Amy plan for her move-in. We drove together to her home for a personal guided tour.

Doesn't Amy look excited at the prospects?

Amy and her family are standing in front of her new home.

For more Dixon family photos, please visit Mark's Flickr page.

Bicycles!

David and Rachel frequently show up at our house with kids in tow - literally! Dave and Rachel ride their bikes, with one of them towing Devlin and Eve in a little trailer. We worry a little bit about their safety on Mesa's busy streets, but applaud their efforts to get exercise and enjoy the great Arizona weather we are having this time of year.

You can see more Dixon family photos on Mark's Flickr page.

Congratulations, Mark and Holly!

Mark caught up with Claudia in age today as he celebrated his 55th birthday. You might say that he entered the world of senior citizenship today! We celebrated by having a family dinner on the back patio, complete with a low-carb "cake."

In the evening, we attended a special meeting at the stake center just prior to the General Young Women broadcast, to honor the young women in the stake who had completed requirements for the Young Womanhood Recognition award. Holly was the youngest girl in the stake this year to achieve that award.

We thought you would enjoy another couple of photos of our wonderful grandkids.

There are many more family photos on Mark's Flickr photo page.

Spring has Sprung

We're enjoying the nice spring weather here in Arizona, although today is unseasonably chilly. We are grateful for the rainy weather this winter that has filled our reservoirs and provided the water we so desperately need in the desert. This little cold spell will pass soon.

Our flowers are blooming, weeds are growing and the yard is beckoning. This colorful bed of flowers outside our front door makes us happy every time we step outside.

Petunias are blooming on the back patio ...

... sweet peas are climbing the fence ...

... and we have a gorgeous yellow rose.

"... even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." (Matthew 6.29)

Please visit Mark's Flicker photo stream for more family photos.

Good night, and God Bless!