I think the highlight of 2004 for the DeBirks was the marriage of John and beautiful Lynda (now DeBirk) John, Dan, and Larry had worked night and day to finish John's home/cabin near Oakley in time for the wedding. The setting was absolutely gorgeous! I'm so happy for John and Lynda -- they both deserve some happiness!

As to my own family -- my granddaughter (Callie), husband (Matt) and 2 little boys, Luke (3) and Charlie(1), have moved to Lakewood, Colorado (suberb of Denver), after Matt graduated from Temple University Dental School in Philadelphia. He joined a dental clinic in Lakewood, and loves earning some money, so he can start paying back his college loans. They can drive to SLC in a day, so we're fortunate to see them more frequently. My son Scott and his wife, Lori (Luke and Charlie's Grandpa and Nana), who have been living in St. George, have built a beautiful new home in Washington, UT, and can now accommodate the whole family when we come to visit. They are doing well working off 3 Internet sites, all of which they created.

My daughter, Sally, and I traveled to Minneapolis, MN, in July, where she participated in the U.S. Transplant Games, and garnered 3 more medals to add to her collection. November 2004 marks the 11th year since our transplant surgery, and we're both doing great! What a blessing this is for both of us! Also, Sally and I accompanied my son, Todd, and his wife, Marianne, on a quick trip to Tacoma, WA, to watch Abbie play soccer for the U. of Puget Sound; she's now a sophomore. Abbie's my youngest granddaughter. Her sister, Amanda, is a senior at SUU (Cedar City). We're looking forward to seeing everyone at Christmastime!

Again, thanks to Dan and Dee for hosting the annual DeBirk Family Christmas party. It's wonderful to keep this family tradition; Bill would be so happy to see us gather together, and we feel his spirit with us -- especially when I pass out the "Dutch chocolate letters!"

Happy Holidays to all of you!