Happy Birthday to the Best Dad!

Today marks a special day. It is my dad's ** (age omitted to avoid any repercussions!) birthday! So as my thoughts are turned to him today, I thought it was only fitting to pay him a special tribute.

It seems with each day, each month and each year that I realize more and more how very special I am to have such a great dad. My dad and I have a very special relationship. Growing up I enjoyed going and doing things with my dad that often made me feel like between my sister and I, I was more of the "tom-boy." (Don't get me wrong, I was also very girly). Case in point, I went hunting with my dad. (I've never gone again, but, I went!)

December 2004

My dad is so fun to be around. One summer, my dad and I decided we were going to find the best bagel shop in town. We loved going and getting breakfast together and trying out all the different bagel shops in town. It was really fun--definitely a lasting memory for me. However, since my "original" was always a plain bagel, warm, with butter...it's hard to think that there could really be that much variation between the different bagel shops. :-) We decided that Bruegger's Bagel's was the best, unfortunately they are no longer in business. :-( Til this day, my dad still asks me if I want to go to breakfast every time we see each other--I truly love this daddy-daughter time (but Isaac has since changed my desire to get up early to go...) :-)

Cancun 2004

My dad is someone I admire. He has taught me a lot in regards to spiritual growth. I am truly so grateful for his example in my life. I have several memories of my dad teaching me, whether it was at home in his study, at the dinner table, through an email, by his example, a phone conversation, or by seeing him teach in Church. My dad has been a large influence on the growth of my testimony because through his words and example, he has helped me discover and learn so much.

Cancun 2004

I love my dad. We have so much fun together. I love all of the family trips we have been able to go on. My dad is truly a selfless person. I can only imagine how our house got at times--three girls to one guy. But yet, through it all, my dad ALWAYS would sacrifice his needs and wants for his family. While I didn't always see it like that at the time, I have noticed and realized it so much more since I have gotten older, gotten married, and became a parent myself. As I realize this I am humbled and grateful for the love and sacrifice my dad continually shows his family. I just hope and pray that while I may not have always recognized or vocalized my gratitude and appreciation to him growing up, that I may always continue to do so now.

And yet, another Cancun 2004

I think something so great that my dad did was show his love for my mom in front of us. We knew that he loved my mom and we saw the sweet things he did for her. His example and actions have taught me several things about marriage; such as, love, respect, equality, teamwork, communication...to name a few. I remember when I was dating Taylor, I would call my dad several times to tell him how I was feeling about things and seek his advice and one thing he told me was when he and my mom were dating, a big indicator to him that he loved my mom was when he wasn't around my mom but even the thought of her would bring a smile to his face.

Debutante Ball 2004

A special memory of mine was when my dad and I were a part of the Debutante Ball in 2004. We got all dressed up and even learned to dance the Waltz. It was such a fun night and one that I will never forget. My dad again, was always willing to sacrifice to see his family happy.

Wedding December 2005

This is the only wedding picture I can get on this computer...I wish I had one from the daddy-daughter dance, but I don't, so this will have to do. My dad was a huge contributor to my desire and testimony to have an eternal family. I know that I was able to and had a desire to get married in the temple to a worthy priesthood holder because I was taught correct and true principles at home. My parents taught me so much and were such good examples to me. I am so grateful that I was able to share this special day, the right way, with my family. (Both families for that matter...)

My dad is such an awesome Papa. He loves Isaac so much. He can just hardly wait for Isaac to get big enough to go play with Papa. My dad's dream right now is for Isaac to be big enough to ride on his own John Deere tractor (has to be at least 3) and my dad to ride on his John Deere tractor and then they can both wear matching John Deere hats. :-) Doesn't get much better than that!

I love you, Dad! You are the best dad a girl could ask for. You are such an example and a respected person in both mine and Taylor's lives. I look up to you so much and treasure everything you do and say for me. I am so grateful to be your daughter. Happy Birthday, I LOVE YOU!