Thom...we've been through so much...and we have so much more to offer each other. I know our feelings will never change. Your birth day was a gift to the universe. I celebrate this day...and always will. Once my heart was weak but now it is strong...because you are in it. Happy Birthday Old Friend.

Always, Chris

Thom Happy Birthday! Bacon Norway Cousins

Meg

Happy Birthday Thom! It seems like only yesterday that we were cheating on Philosophy finals, you were getting consistently beaten in FIFA and NCAA Football, and I was giving you early morning rides to the airport where I thought you were going to puke in my car. Time sure flies....I appreciate everything that you have done for me (including letting me win on the PS3) over the past decade. I know I wouldn't have passed Philosophy without you. I hope you have a great birthday and I hope we have another great decade of friendship in the following 10 years.

All the best,
Phil

Happy Birthday Thom! One year closer to 30 and I have never seen you happier! From watching endless FIFA games to graduations to busting your brackets, you have made "growing up" interesting and fun over the years! This year, I wish you nothing but the best! Count your blessings in life. We count you as one of ours (awwww.....).

Love you! Angie  

P.S. When you and Caitlin come to LA I would like to discuss your decision to pierce your belly button. I did not know this about you.

Happy Birthday to our very, very favorite nephew! In your own Tommy (pre Thom days) way you redefined the dictionary: Inquisitive - Tommy was so busy exploring that the rest of us spent the entire outing looking for you. Rebel - temporary tattoo of sexy redhead on your skinny little 7 yr old arm. Instigator - You told your gullible Grandpa Pain that Aunt Sara had you permanently tattooed (See Rebel above). Tough guy - Cranking your jaw every night before bed and you never complained. It was killing me. Stubborn - The only thing you would eat was "beans." Now you're grown and we know you as a kind, thoughtful and wonderful son of my sister. We are so proud of you and the man you have become. We love you very much.

Love,

Aunt Sara and Uncle Butch (or should I say, Uncle Birch)

All I know is that Thom's rendition of glicerine by Bush always brings tears to my eyes! WHAT A VOICE! Happy Birthday Thom!

Andy Phippen

And all I know is that to me he is 'Thumb' and always will be :) I love you so much cousin, Happy Birthday!!! May you feel how special you really are on your big day!

Kendra Phippen/Phippsen

Thom..... We would like to wish you a very happy 29th birthday. Seems like yesterday you were going out with your high school friends when we would come over for dinner. Time does fly. You have grown into a wonderful and caring man. You will go a long way in this life. We think the world of you and wish you the very best in this next adventure in your life. Hugs from both of us.

Roy and Sue

Hey Thom, we hope you have a great birthday. Bob and I are so fond of you. Hope you have a great day, and know we wish you the very best!!!

Love LuAnn & Bob

Thom,

I remember you as a skinny little kid that always thought I was the coolest thing that walked on two legs!  Ha ha.  No, in reality, I was always slightly envious of the Thom Markeson-Austin Findley duo that existed for so many years.  First memories, though, have got to be the medium cheese pizza from Domino’s.  I believe I can speak for Aaron Weiss in that regard too.  Whenever we thought of Thom, it was always in conjunction with one of the two of us pulling up to 126 S 600 E (how’d the memory do on that?).

Thom, we’re all in favor of your choice of Caitlin.  She’s an amazing girl with a personality unlike no other on earth.  Take care of her, treat her right, and be prepared to join the ranks of one of the coolest clans west of the Mississippi--the Phippens--and you’ll be a great addition to the team.  Happy Birthday buddy!!!

BTW, I really would love an English Premier League or Champions League souvenir.  I wear a Large and I support Liverpool, Tottenham, and Barcelona.  Just sayin….

From Peter Phippen

Happy birthday to my son, Thom!

I remember when your name was Tom.

Raising you was never dull because
you kept things hopping without a lull
Escapades at school were creative, to say the least.
You started with snow blindness
and the trouble never ceased.
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry
when you pierced your belly button and the brow of your eye.
You died your hair purple and black, oh dear!
I fixed that and thought I was in the clear.
But no, you still had more tricks up your sleeve
and more power than you can imagine to peeve.

Remember the party you threw at our home.
I thought I was okay to leave a fourteen-year-old alone.
But then I found out you were driving my car,
picking up friends, making our home a bar.
It's over.  You've grown up.  I love you my son.
You’re the best man I know.  You're number 1!
So again, happy birthday to my true pride and joy.
God gave me a wonderful gift when he made you my boy.

I love you.

Mom

Dear Thom, a timeline ...

August 12, 2011
A magical day that made all the difference in my life. I met you at the rehearsal dinner for my brother and your cousin's wedding in California. You mixed me my favorite drink, a White Russian, and I knew then there must be something special about you.

August 28, 2011
You came to visit me for the first time in NYC and we survived hurricane Irene together at the neighborhood pub.

September 16, 2011
I came to see you in NC for the first time. You accidentally blurted out that you loved me and I knew I loved you too. We became official BF/GF this weekend.

October 8, 2011
You carried me on your back when my high heels had become too painful to walk in.

November 24, 2011
We spent Thanksgiving in NYC with my parents, our sisters, and friends.

December 16, 2011
You helped me ring in my 25th birthday and surprised me with the best birthday present I have ever received ... a trip to Europe.

December 31, 2011
A trip to Seattle with Katie and Jonathan, we looked at the dental office that you have now bought, had great seafood and rang in the New Year three times that night.

January 6, 2012
You helped introduce NYC to two of my best friends.

February 2012
Our first Valentines day celebration.

March 1, 2012
We spent the weekend in Utah meeting each others family and friends.

March 17, 2012
St. Patty's day was celebrated in DC discovering the endless ways to use only two fingers (who needs the rest?)

April 11, 2012
This day has not happened yet, but it is your birthday. We will be in Paris and I will be so happy that I get to help you celebrate your birthday.

I hope this past year has been as great for you as it has for me, and the next will continue to get even better. Happy Birthday Thom!

Love always, Caitlin

Happy birthday Th-om, you can do my teeth anytime!

From Dom

Greetings fellow bloggers, it seems we have a common topic of discussion: our dear friend Thom is turning 29. As another year bites the dust, it's time to dust off the shoulders, and it seems Thom is doing just that. I hear Thom has a lot at stake this coming year, reinventing his life is no small feat. Let's hope that as Thom is getting older, he's also getting wiser. Just remember this Thom, you don't need to reinvent the wheel. So will our hero come out on top, or this time next year will we find that he's bitten off more than he can chew? Only time will tell, and I for one am looking forward to seeing how it all goes down. Happy Birthday Thom, hope you have one hell of a year!

Xoxo,

Gossip Girl

Was great meeting you at the wedding...We had a great time...look forward to seeing you again

Love Norma

Thom remember when you were here visiting in Fresno and we dyed your hair purple and sent you back to Utah...Your mom had a fit....Too funny. Happy Birthday

Love your cousin Levi...

Thom, but I remember Tommy, who only wanted to eat junk food.....Now I understand from your mom that you cooked the Thanksgiving dinner for friends. Hope you have a great birthday...love you

Auntie Cathy

Happy birthday Uncle Tommy-Bommy Silly Head! I love you. You’re the best uncle ever.

From Maren

Happy birthday, Uncle Thom. You are the best uncle and I can’t wait to see you again so that I can show you how I am doing a better job of brushing my teeth.

From Christian

Happy birthday Thommy! Hope you have an AMAZING time in Europe and we can’t wait to visit you in Seattle…Christmas at your place next year? ;)

From Sara and Alex

Hello Thom! I wish you many wonderful birthday wishes! Have fun. Be fun. And live fun.

From your new friend, Lee

Sweet Thom, thanks for the memories shared in NYC. You are a Scholar and a gentlemen. May your fondest dreams come true this year!

From Brandt Bernston

Happy memories on your birthday!

 From Joe Opak

Happy Birthday to a fellow Mongoose! It was good seeing you in NYC last month. Good luck on your cross-country move and go Jays!!

From Drew Knerl