Mar-Kell, You are Great!

Mar-Kell is so fun to be around.

He is the comic relief of our family

and we have really missed him these past two years.

We are glad to have him home.

Happy 21st Birthday Son!

It seems like it was only yesterday when

he looked like this.

This facial expression is so typical of Mar-Kell,

always smiling.

No matter how upset I get at the things he comes up with, I can never stay mad at Mar-Kell. Let me tell you about an elevator incident I had with him that has scarred me for life. On our way to drop him off at the MTC in Provo to serve his mission, we stayed overnight in a Motel in St. George. Early the next morning as we were entering the elevator to return to our room after breakfast, Mar-Kell had the "great idea" that we should all jump. I instantly put a stop to that idea, so I thought... Mar-Kell quietly bounced up and down in the elevator behind me. My heart nearly stopped as the elevator came to an abrupt halt. I immediately gave Mar-Kell the look that only a mother can give. He smiled and made light of the situation. Having the entire family in the elevator I tried to put on a brave front, but my children saw right through it. Mar-Kay pushed the panic button. It seemed an eternity before they answered it. When they finally arrived they couldn't get the door open. The only way we were getting out of the elevator was to climb out. It would be several hours before they would be able to get the door open. My heart sank as I shot another one of those looks at Mar-Kell. He just smiled and spoke of what an amazing adventure this was. As they lowered the ladder, I had made up my mind that I would wait for the door to open. There was no way they were going to get me to climb out of an elevator. After all of the children had safely ascended the ladder, my son Tyrone came back down, put his hands on my shoulders, looked me in the eyes and said, "Mom, have faith, with the Lord nothing is impossible." Don't you hate it when you kids use your teachings against you? Now I had no choice, if I didn't climb out my children would think I had no faith. It was quite an adventure just as Mar-Kell has said. As I climbed out, Mar-Kell was there to greet me with that smile. My revenge came later as we were packing the car. A bird flew over him and pooped on his shoulder. Served him right for frightening away at least a year of my life. To this day, I am extremely hesitant to get into an elevator!

As a young boy he always wanted to be a cowboy until...

He was introduced to Star Wars.

After that his life revolved around Star Wars.

No worries, though, the force is

strong with Mar-Kell.

He has made right choices in his life.



He is a wonderful example to all that know him.
We are fortunate to have him as part of our family.

However, I WILL NEVER ride in an elevator with him again!