Harmony has no hobby.
That's right, she spends so much time doing good things for everyone else that she forgets to do anything for herself. This blog is here to change that, and I am hoping you will want to help. I have two propositions, one is rather shameless, the other not so much.
First, if Harmony has ever done anything for you, and you want to say thank you, this is the place to do it. Send in a story, or a thank-you, or whatever you would like. On her birthday (on January 10) I want to present her with this blog, which hopefully by then will have a whole lot of responses on it where she can see what an influence she has had in so many people's lives.
The second purpose here is a little more shameless: I want Harmony to spend time on herself, and I want you to help. Harmony has hinted rather strongly several times in the past few months that she wants this camera, a Canon Rebel XSi digital single lens reflex cam
era with an 18-55mm image stabilized lens. Some of the pictures she has created with a simple point-and-shoot have really turned out well. Harmony has a great eye for composition and for what makes a good picture.The thing is, photography is not cheap. Thanks to parental help, Harmony will get the camera for Christmas, and I am going to enroll her in a photography class at the local university where I work,but she will still need things like lenses, tripods, flashes, etc. to get her set up. Please do not feel obligated to more than the notes I am asking for above, but if you would like to contribute to Harmony's hobby, your contribution would be more than welcome, since I cannot afford to do it all on my own.
If each of her friends were to contribute $5, I think we could make a very nice birthday for her. I have this image in my mind of presenting her with a large stack of unexpected cards and letters, as well as a blog full of comments telling her how much we love her, along with them a nice gift from as many friends as I can contact. We have met so many wonderful people in our travels who have been such a blessing to us. I am sure Harmony has left a bigger impression on you than I have, and I would like her to know how much she is loved. I will be sending a note to everyone on her email address list, but if you know someone who knows Harmony, send them a link to this site.
You can post a note here, or send a card and/or a contribution to:
Jeff Packer
PO Box 603
Pleasant Grove, Utah
84062-0603
Thanks,
Jeff
Yippee, I'm the first to comment! Harmony, Happy Birthday! You certainly left a good impression here in Cincinnati. I totally agree with Jeff, you are a hard working,thoughtful friend and mom. You deserve a wonderful birthday. I hope you have a terrific day and know that you have lots of family and friends who care about you! Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHarmony! Happy Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteI hope it's a great day and the start of a really great year.
What a friend you've been to me. Thank you.
To my wonderful cousin Harmony,
ReplyDeleteI hope you have an amazing birthday! You deserve every happiness! I hope that the new hobby blossoms & you have fun with your new camera! Happy Day!
Happy birthday, Harmony! I hope it's a very special day for you! Jeff has certainly put together a great surprise for you! You are so loved and I hope you know it. Some of my favorite memories with you are playing games at Uncle Keith's and having a picnic at the Dinosaur park. I love spending time with you and think you're one of the sweetest people I've ever met, not to mention such a great mom! Thanks for being a good example to me and my family! I love you so much! Have an awesome birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Harmony! It was so great to know your family in Cincinnati. You are a wonderful woman and I am so blessed to have you as a friend. I hope you have a great birthday and that you have many peaceful and fruitful years to come. Love, Patricia
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Harmony! You are a great example to me as to what a great Mother should be! I really look up to you and appreciate your advice on parenting. I've enjoyed getting to know you as my sister-in-law and hope to get to really know you better now that we live in the same State. I hope you have fun with your new hobby and find and take time to enjoy it often. Thanks for always being a great example to me! You really are Awesome!
ReplyDeleteDear Harmony, last year it was such a treat to see you during the Christmas hoiday at the mall. Even though it was for a few minutes it was a great memory to see you and your darling kids on the carousel. I have fun memories of visiting in Sparks, and Cedar. You are a sweet cousin, mom and friend. Have fun taking pictures, and posting them on our family website for all to see! Love ya, Allison
ReplyDeletei don't think I can ever thank you enough for being a fill in big sister. You have given me more advice and comfort over the years than I can ever appropriately offer my gratitude. I hope you have a spectacular birthday and enjoy the opportunity to spend a little time on you for you. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHarmony, it was such a blessing to have you as a "soft place to fall" while we were living in Cincinnati. I still remember the day you came to my house, cleaned my bathroom and floors, and then made lunch. It was such a thoughtful thing to do, and something I needed at the time. I have thought of it often, and hopefully, I have been a better friend because of your example. Even though miles and years have separated us, I still feel like we pick up right where we left off whenever we talk. Love, Kim
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Harmony! You were a wonderful "ground" for me while you were in San Angelo. I loved working and playing with you. A funny think happened the other day. I was on my way to a Presidency meeting and I turned onto your street and ended up at your house before I realized what I was doing! I'm very grateful to you and Ricki for letting me come to Photoshop classes with you. I'm still using it! Just don't have the time to make it as good as I'd like.
ReplyDeleteGod does send angels, and you are one of them. May he bless you and keep you wrapped in his warm embrace. We miss you. Love, Colleen
Hi Harmony!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to You!
I am truly grateful for your friendship and example. You have so many talents, and you serve others unselfishly. You are a dedicated wife and mother, and a great friend. Hope you know how much you are admired and loved!
:) Laurie
Hello Harmony!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday and best wishes for the coming year. I wish I had kept in better touch over the years but I too appreciate being able to "pick up" our friendship and conversations about where we left off. Thanks for being so steady and true. Hears wishing you happy days all year. Love, Heather
Hiya Harmony!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!!!
I just wanted to let you know how much you mean to me! When I was searching for the truth, I knew I could come to you with anything and you wouldn't make me feel silly for asking! It meant the world to have you during that crazy, but wonderful time in my life. You intoduced me to so many things and were there for so many firsts. I am so grateful for that!
You are always such a wonderful example of a mother. I learned so much from you and I don't even think you knew it. I hate that we're so far away now! I miss yoga and dinners! We always had so much fun! Who knows maybe someday we'll end up in the same place again! At least the same state would be great! I hope you have an amazing birthday, because you deserve it! You're a wonderful wife and mother! I hope you know how amazing you are and how much we all love you!
Shelley
Hi Harmony,
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, and I'm sending a little contribution so you can take even more great pictures of your cute kids.
Love,
Lisa Robbins Anderson
Harmony, You have been a great friend, visiting teaching companion (even when I have not been so good) and you have helped me a lot with the new calling. Thanks for all you do. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and if I can help you in any way with the new camera let me know.
ReplyDeleteSandy Blackhurst
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Harmony!
ReplyDeleteYou are such an great example to me. (and apparently to everyone else too)
You were so endlessly patient with me and Mercy the summer of '94, when Jeff was gone and we drove you nearly batty with our never ending craziness.
I am still touched by that day you just picked up the phone and called me - out of the blue - to make sure I was okay. (depression is a totally bummer!)
Taking the kids to the park, having the theater delay the movie for our girls night out, yummy ice cream, and standing out in the rain laughing until WAY TOO LATE ... FUN FUN
You are an amazing woman. I am grateful to know you and to have you as an example to me.
I'll be sending a small donation to the "camera necessities" fund, and I'm hoping in return I can talk you into taking a great picture of my family that I can use for next year's Christmas card.
Love you! I'll be anxiously following your blog to see lots of new pictures!
Jeri
Harm,
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!! I can't express what a great friend and influence you have been to me all my life. I especially appreciate how thoughtful you are, always remembering me. I particularly remember a letter you sent me on my mission with a scripture that buoyed me up at a time I needed it. That's just one of the many times. I'm lucky to be your brother. Here's hoping for a wonderful birthday and many, many more.
Love,
Adam
Hey Cuz!! Well Harmony, I hope you have a wonderful birthday and that this will blossom into something great and you will be able to post some of your pictures here so we can all see them. So of my favorite memories are from when the "Nevada" or "Georgia" cousins were coming to visit and all the time we would spend and games we would play over at Grandma and Grandpa Seegmiller's house. It was always such fun. Love to you and best wishes!!
ReplyDeleteBrigitte
Harmony,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that I know you. Spending time with your family and getting to know you guys has been great. We've really enjoyed it.
Working with you in Primary has also been great. I know I can always count on you, and your advice is invaluable.
After having said all this, I must say that I think Jeff is right. You do need a hobby. :) Enjoy your camera. Spend a little time on yourself. You are an amazing person. Thank you for all that you do for others.
Love,
Cyndi
Harmony,
ReplyDeleteYour birth was an exiting event in my life. You were the first baby I really got to care for, and "helping" your mom with you was the highlight of my 10-year-old life when you were new.
I still think of what an angel you were when you got to visit us in CA, and helped me when I really needed someone.
I have loved getting news and pictures of you and your family through the years. Keep up the great work you are doing, and remember that the greatest work is in the small things.
Happy birthday!
Love,
Aunt Lenore
Harmony,
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say? You are amazing. We are so glad your family came to Cincinnati. I appreciate your friendship, caring thoughts and deeds that you did for me and my family while we were there. I especially loved the last year we were there. It was so nice and convenient to have you downstairs. I knew I could always go just down a flight of stairs and you would be there for anything I needed. It was great to cook, talk, hang out, discuss the marvels of motherhood, and of course play games. I appreciated your friendship then and will continue to do so. Thanks for everything!
Love,
Christina
Harmony! Hi! Do you remember me from Columbia, MO? It was great having you here, and I miss getting to talk to you.I hope our paths cross again before too long. Have a wonderful birthday! I wish you happy trails and wonderful picture-making.
ReplyDeleteLove, Megan McKinstry
Hey Harmony, such a thoughtful loving wife deserves a thoughtful loving husband to do this for you. I hope you have a very happy birthday.
ReplyDeleteLove your favourite Canuck,
Jacqueline Baines
Harmony
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on reaching another birthday! Thank you so much for keeping in touch all these years. It has been great to see how your family has grown.
I think of our Summer Games trials and tribulations often.
Thanks for being my friend.
Love, Connie Nyman
Harmony,
ReplyDeleteたんじょうびおめでとう！
...and thanks so much for being such a wonderful friend!! You really are a great example to me. I'm glad I met you in Fukuoka and we are still keeping in touch!
I hope you are pampering yourself on your birthday!
Ayumi
Happy Birthday Harmony! Thank you for sending us your Christmas e-card. We enjoy hearing from you each year and seeing how your family grows. I think you have a very caring and loving husband who thinks of you dearly to set up such a fun surprise for your birthday. I also think this is a wonderful tribute to who you are and what you have chosen to do with your life. Your kindness and selfless nature have touched the lives of people all over the country. It is an honor to know you and to have spent time with you when we were all just starting on this journey of marriage and family. May the Lord continue to bless you with peace and much happiness. Take care. Love, Tammy Hunt BYU 1996
ReplyDeleteAi Suru Harmony-chan!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a super happy birthday! I will be thinking about you all day on the 10th and eating ice cream in your honor. You were such an amazing missionary in Japan and I treasure the few months we had together in Kumamoto. You were such a diligent missionary who worked hard. You have a heart of gold and would do anything for anybody. You were always so in tune and sensitive to how others were feeling and you always put others before yourself. I love getting your Christmas letters from time to time and your 4 boys are adorable! They are lucky to have you for a mom. Jeff is lucky to have you for a wife (and you to have him for a husband - what a sweet and very thoughtful birthday gift!) I hope we can meet up sometime. Do you still have relatives near Seattle? We are still here, so call next time you are in town. Anyway, have a most wonderful birthday and know that you are very loved and admired by many, especially me.
Love,
Barb (Hansen Shimai)
Harmony,
ReplyDeleteI hope that your birthday is the best ever. It just might be after receiving this present. Isn't it nice to know that you have so many friends who think that their lives are better from knowing you? I'm glad that I could be one of them. I'm so glad that I found you again after so many years. I will always count you as among one of my best friends from my childhood. (I know that seems like ancient history now!) Thank you for helping me thru that first semester at BYU, too. I can't wait to finally get together and talk over old times. I am glad that Jeff is forcing a hobby on you. My husband believes that everyone needs a good hobby. Thanks for being my long lost and recently found friend.
Love,
Melissa
Heeeey* HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARMONY!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Harmony, wow another birtday a new year. Here's wishing you even more happiness and joy on your day and through this year. It's wonderful to see you doing so well, smiling with Joy and of sound mind with all you do! Occassionally I'll find myself smiling and looking goofy as I remember the days we use to walk, play date and just give each other a listening ear. You my dear are one friend who will Never be forgotten. God's continued Grace and Covering over your family!
Happy Birthday!
Telisha
Harmony, you are an amazing person. As one of your previous Bishops, I had the privilege of knowing about your many hours of selfless service and ongoing concern for the sisters and families in the BYU 171st Ward, BYU 8th Stake. It always amazed me that you could handle so many responsibilities so well. Your compassion and sensitivity to the needs of others was (and I am sure still is) legendary. Whenever people spoke of you a spontaneous smile would cross their faces. There are many who have very fond memories of you, including my wife, Jane, and me. I consider it a privilege to know you and to be called your friend.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
Ryan & Jane Beuhring
Hi Harmony: For some reason my message didn't save. Lets try again. Happy Birthday Harmony !!!! I hope you have a great day. Thanks you for your friendship and the moments we shared with your family during the time we lived in Cincinnati.
ReplyDeleteMy best wished to you and your family.
Ercilia @ Robert Cole
I've always appreciated your friendship,advice and recently many baby supplies! I've admired your ability to put people at ease, and show real interest.
ReplyDeleteHobbies are great things. When we do things that we enjoy, we are happier, and balanced. (Tell Jeff reading is a hobby too).
I wish you the best on your Birthday.
I couldn't ask for more in a sister-in-law!
Happy Birthday!
Jerilynn
Happy Birthday Harmony! We hope you have a wonderful day, and it continues throughtout the year. We've really missed you and your family since you left. I always appreciated your insight in our discussions. I think of you guys every time we have green jello. Once Adam and Ryan were at our house around lunch time. We have green jello if anyone wanted some. Adam was horrified. He always got green jello when he was ill, and he was well!
ReplyDeleteWe'd loved to see you if you ever come back this way.
April and Rob (and family)
Hey Harmony,
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! What a fun surprise to get all of these birthday greetings! Way to go Jeff!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday. I sure miss all of our fun times together in San Angelo. You and your family sure made our time there fun and feel like we had "family" there. I miss all of our birthday get-togethers, dinners, park dates, presidency meetings, Joy school planning (not Joy school, just the fun planning times), and just hanging out. I knew I could always count on you when I needed help or whatever. Thank you so much for being such a good friend! Hopefully we'll get out to Utah soon so we can meet up again in person! I sure love you tons!
Love, Kari Townsend
Wow Harmony 34+ posts! That in and of itself should tell you how much you mean to this world. Very sneaky of your husband!
ReplyDeleteI was a little worried at how well we would blend in here in San Angelo. In our last area it was a little dissappointing. But your family really made it great for us. You were always very kind and welcoming. I loved how real you are...no muss nad fuss kind've girl. It was nice to be real with you. I am glad that we met and that we and our family are friends. I am so very thankful for all the commonalities we shared and for all the testimony shared at the craft table! :)
I hope you enjoy your gift and that you have a very special birthday! We love you too!
Happy Birthday! We hope you have a most wonderful day. It is a testament to how sweet and kind you are to see how many responses have already been left. I am grateful for the chance we had to know you, even for such a short time, and glad we've been able to continue contact. May the Lord continue to bless you in your life.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Katie Pender
Happy Birthday Harmony! You have a good husband there. It's plain to see that he loves you a lot! Thanks for being such a great friend in Cincinnati. I'm so glad you ended up being closer to "home". I hope you have a wonderful day & enjoy your new hobby!
ReplyDeleteJoelle
Happy Birthday Harmony! I hope you have a wonderful day and that you really enjoy your new hobby. I am so glad that I got to know you in Cincinnati. You've been a great friend. It's been interesting that you lived in Missouri somewhat close to our friends, the Isom's, and now you live next to Cherish. It's such a small world, isn't it? Anyway, have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteJoelle
Liebe Harmony,
ReplyDeletealles gute zum Geburtstag von Deinen Freunden David, Anja, Lea, Fleur und Finn.
We shall ever remember the time we spent in Berlin.
Harmony,
ReplyDeleteI can never, ever truly express how grateful I will be to you for taking Jeff off of our hands. Growing up we thought his chances of finding someone kind, caring and generous enough to marry him were next to zero. Despite knowing him for more than six years and being the first and last girl he took on a date, you found a place in your heart for him.
We love you and hope you have fun with your new hobby. I'm officially jealous.
Nate, JoLynn and the boys
Happy Birthday Harmony
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of the work you do on behalf of the our city's Library. I look forward to working with you in the future. Have fun with your new hobby.
Roselle
Happy Birthday Harmony! It looks like you have lots of friends. I expect to see many more family photos from here on out.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Harmony! You have an adorable family and lots of friends. I hope I will see many more family photos.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Class of '88
Hey Harm,
ReplyDeleteRemember when we were young and we'd fight and Mom would to tell us that when we grew up and lived away from each other we'd become good friends? Of course it is not really amazing that she was right!:) I am so glad! I'm so happy to call you my sister AND my friend. You are an amazing person. Look at the people's lives you have touched! I hope you have an incredible birthday and that your new hobby brings you happiness and fulfillment for years to come!
Love, Mercy
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARMONY!!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new equiptment. We look forward to watching your portfolio evolve. We still live in Cincinnati. I often fondly think back on our days on Wilshire Avenue. You and the boys were a real source of peace and fun during an uncertain time for me. Thanks for being such a good friend. Have a great birthday!!!
Cathy
Harmony,
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! You may see two other entries from me because somehow I don't think I saved it right so I keep on trying. I hope you have a wonderful birthday. Your friendship has meant a lot to me over these years. As I look back on how faithful and loyal a friend you were to me, I am amazed. Not only were you a great friend but a great VT. You would faithfully visit me monthly and go on walks. As a special touch, you gave me a pair of expensive sissors which, by the way, have been used to make dozens and dozens of quilts and clothing. You are the best and I hope you feel spoiled this day! Let's get together!!!
Okay, Harmdime, better late than never right?
ReplyDeleteI have known Harmony since the 5th or 6th grade when they moved to Sparks, Nevada. I was so glad to have a friend at school that I could play with. And play we did. Harmony's house was so close to the school that we would go to her house for lunch and play skip bo! I am impressed always by how very smart she is. Every time I see the Spelling Bee on TV I think of her. She is very smart in all ways. She was the first person I "personally" knew that could do the rubik's cube. She was also very smart and spiritual in the gospel, what a great example...I think I was jealous of her great testimony.
We had fun times at Girls Camp and even got into trouble together. We rowed way to far away from the shore and people came to find us. We were having a blast though! We built sand castles together at camp...the one I have a picture of is a toilet.
Harmony and I even went to prison together...okay just a field trip to Alcatraz, but they put us in the cells and that was scary enough.
Harmony and I played basketball together, went roller skating in Cedar City, and actually went skiing together. I even had history class with her at BYU. She probably didn't know it because I left early so often. I passed the class..barely.
I am so glad that Harmony has been blessed with 4 beautiful children and that's another thing we bond together with. Having all boys. That and we both like peanut M&M's and Nacho cheese dorito chips..well that used to be our favorite.
Lots of love to you Harmony on your birthday. I can't wait to see the fun pictures you take with your new camera. Mike is jealous. I think he wants the same one.
I am soo glad to still be her friend today. I have a few pics of Harmony that I am emailing to Jeff that I hope you will enjoy and laugh about.
Sincerely,
Wendy Moss Morley
Wendy, I will post your pictures tomorrow, after Harmony has seen the site. I will make sure Harmony also posts some pictures here from her new camera, so stay tuned. Thanks to everyone for the comments.
ReplyDeleteJeff
Dear Harmony,
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to You!
I remember that first day you sat in my Family Living classroom. I remember from the first day we seemed to hit it off as friends. I was so impressed when I read your autobiography and as you talked about how many times you had moved you always had such a positive attitude. You made change sound so adventurous and so fun. One of your great qualities. You were a good firend to a new teacher.
I remember how excited you were as we had our first babay and how willing you were to help us out by tending our kids. Even years later and after we had moved you still were there to help us with our kids.
Now we have come full circle and my kids are tending your kids and my little boys are friends with your little boys. It is great the connect has moved on to a new generation. You are loved by our family.
You are a great person and you deserve a great day so enjoy today and have a very Happy Birthday. Let me return the favor and if you need someone to watch your little ones while you are taking your photography class I would be willing to help you out. Have a Happy Birthday and know that you are loved by the Dorius family. Happy Birthday!
Love Guy and Vicki Dorius & family
Hi Harmony,
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! No one is more deserving of this than you! What a great gift your husband has organized! I'll never forget when we lived in Cincinnati, you were among the first to make us feel welcome--invite us to play dates at the park, etc. And then when Todd was always at work, I remember how fun it was to have F.H.E. with your family. I'll never forget that. You're a great friend!
Love,
Laurie
Happy Birthday Harmony!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get on to read the late birthday wishes! You are such a great lady! It's always scarey to get new neighbors, but boy were we blessed! We couldn't have picked anyone better. I hope that you are having a great birthday.
Love,
Cherish
Harmony,
ReplyDeleteMore late birthday wishes for you! I hope you have a lot of fun using the new camera. It's been great reading your blog (your other blog) the last few months, catching up on what you and your family are doing. I'm glad we got to be roommates all those eons ago, and I'm glad we're still in touch, because you're one of the best people I know. Happy birthday!
Love, Tamary
Sorry, sorry, sorry,
ReplyDeleteder 10te kam einfach zu schnell.
Alles, alles Liebe zum Geburtstag.
Toller Blog, tolle Kamera. Ich liebe otographie!
Als 16 jährige war ich in Paris und habe wie ein Profie links und rechts geknipst. Leider habe ich dabei nicht bedacht, das der Eifelturm dann schief auf dem Bild ist. Die Diashow mit den Eltern war witzig. Jedenfalls die immer anders schiefgelegten Köpfe :-) Aber aus Fehlern lernt man. Inzwischen hab ich schon ewig nichtmehr fotographiert. Ich vermisse meine alte gute Spiegelreflex.
Wir haben alle flachgelegen mit einer bösen Grippe. Jetzt geht es langsam wieder.
Wir vermissen euch immer noch. (besonders im Kino)
Alles, alles Liebe
Eure Metzigs
P.S.
Wann kommt ihr mal wieder nach good old germany???
Happy Birthday, liebe Harmony :)
ReplyDeleteEs kommt einen Tag zu spaet aber trotzdem von Herzen. Wir wuenschen dir viel Gesundheit und Segen. Viel Spass beim Fotgrafieren.
Meine Firma plant, eine Firma in SLC zu kaufen. Ich hoffe, es gelingt, dann gibt es vielleicht oefter Gelegenheiten nach Utah zu kommen. Wir wuerden gern zur naechsten Generalkonferenz fliegen, wissen aber nicht, ob was draus wird. Mal sehen.
Viele Gruesse auch an alle Packers und Seegmillers :)
Love,
Thomas, Esther & Family