Family Friday: Featuring My Son Jeffrey

It is week 21 of Family Friday and this is the first week that I'm featuring one of my own children. I have already introduced many of my handsome nephews but now I get to feature one of my handsome sons; in fact, I recently introduced Jeff to one of my friends who said to me afterwards, "you have really handsome sons." I think so too.

Jeff is a wonderful son; right from the very start he was such a good baby and then toddler.When he was a little boy I quickly discovered that he was a hard worker, I remember one day when he was just a four-year-old that he was washing the walls in the upstairs hall without being asked. He has always been very neat, tidy, and organized. As he got older (elementary school) he was also very particular about his appearance; his hair was always perfect and he liked his clothes to look nice too. As a young adult he would often have me do an "outfit check" before he went anywhere. I seriously felt it was a privilege that Jeff considered me someone whose opinion mattered in giving him the stamp of approval before he left the house.

Jeff has always been a good friend, and if you are Jeff's friend you are very fortunate. In high school he became friends with a group of boys that he played Jr. Jazz with, they called themselves the Fab 8. They are all the best of friends to this day, including their wives. Every one of the Fab 8 was in attendance at the temple when Jeff and Melissa were married. I am grateful that Jeff has had such good friends, I am one of the Fab 8's biggest fans!!

Jeff was the first to leave on his mission; The Fab 8 served missions all over the world

Jeff has always loved sports; throughout the years he's played t-ball, Jr. Jazz, little league, and soccer. Currently he plays in a softball league with his Dad and brother Jeremy. While on his mission Jeff was diagnosed with Leg Perthes Disease. At some point (now) he needs to have both of his hips replaced, he experiences a lot of pain, but he doesn't let it stop him from enjoying the sports he loves so much.

Anyone who is anyone knows how much Jeff loves golf. Last fall while visiting family in Kentucky Jeff spent three days at the Ryder Cup. I usually peruse the family blogs to lift pictures for Family Friday, but when I found this picture I came across a quote from Jeff that I couldn't resist: "I have a massive headache, my hips are killing me and I need a Coke as soon as humanly possible but besides that it was pretty much the best day of my life!"

Last fall Jeff also made his television debut as a sportscaster. His Father-in-law Scott nominated him as "Fan off the street" for KSL's Sportsbeat Sunday NFL Edition. When Jeff arrived at the studio he was given an NFL highlight (video footage) for which he was to write his own story and then report it on TV. Mike, Caitlin, and I were able to go to the live taping and it was really cool. Jeff did a fantastic job and we were all very proud of him.



Jeff usually sits back and enjoys the show when the family entertains, but every once in a while he jumps in and entertains us too. One year at our neighborhood eat-in-the-street he spontaneously got up and performed Ice, Ice Baby to everyone's delight, and at last years family Christmas party he was invited to participate with his nephews Adam and Zach in the talent show. Once Jeff got going there was no stopping him and he stole the show, he really has some good moves.
The greatest joys of Jeff's life are his wife Melissa and their daughter Avery. Jeff is a wonderful Father to Avery, I love it when he sings to her and you can see that she loves it too. Last Sunday Jeff called to tell me that while they were out on their family walk he and Avery were stung by hornets. Of course I was very concerned about Miss Avery and her traumatic experience and was expressing my concerns to Jeff and trying to relay the information to Mike all at the same time, when I heard Jeff on the other end of the line say, "I seem to remember telling you that two of us were stung." Yes, we were concerned for Jeff too.

Some things to know about Jeff: He is very tender hearted. He loves his family. He's loyal. He's funny. He's smart. He's generous. When he was 14 he visited England and Ireland. He was a runner-up in the Duchesne County baby show. President Spencer W. Kimball kissed his hand. He owns and operates two Leger's Deli's (and he hired his Mom). He's a great boss! You will always feel welcome in his home. He can lip-sync to the Osmond's like nobody else. He likes vinegar. He thinks of others. He was an excellent missionary. He's a Miami Dolphins and Dan Marino fan. He once spoke to Harrison Ford when he saw him coming out of Crossroads Mall. He takes his younger cousins to the golf course to hit balls. He's an excellent Uncle. He's a great negotiator. He's a peacemaker. One of his nickname's is Cubby. He once lived in a log house. He enjoys playing games. He's dependable. He serves in his church callings faithfully. He is supportive of family members activities. He is very family oriented. He has rhythm. He honors the Priesthood. He hosts the best Super Bowl party. He reads the obituaries. He's happy. I am so grateful for Jeff and I know that everyone else in the family is too, we all love Jeff.

Jeff's Family: Jeff, Melissa, and Miss Avery