Every Thanksgiving we reflect upon the list of things for which we are most grateful. We stuff ourselves silly with incredible food, and give thanks for our blessings.
This year, I think I can sum up my gratitude for my blessings by saying this: I am thankful for miracles.
I am thankful for the miracle of successfully home educating my children. They are doing so well! Dot actually loves math and science again (yeah!), Wakko's learning to appreciate the classics, and Yakko's engorging himself in multiplication. This is a miracle to me.
I am thankful for the miracle of work. My sweetheart has a very good job that he really enjoys, and his employer seems to really be thankful that he's there. He's got great co-workers, a super short commute, and a decent wage.
I am thankful for the miracle of having friends. This is something that I took for granted too long. They say that you never know what you've got til it's gone... this sums up my appreciation for friends.
I am thankful for medical miracles. We experienced one of the most difficult trials in our lives this summer: we went through a miscarriage. I've been reluctant to blog about it, but the time seems right. It now appears that we may have either 1. not had a miscarriage after all, or 2. had been carrying twins and lost one... because I learned two weeks ago that I am expecting a baby and am now 14 weeks along! My heart has overflowed with love, gratitude, and joy for this miracle. It also aches for my dear friends who have experienced miscarriages without such a miracle at the other end of it. I may never know why this blessing happened the way that it did, but I am Eternally grateful for this blessing.
I am thankful for the miracle of loving extended families. I am blessed with caring parents, siblings, siblings-in-law, parents-in-law, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Life is good. So often we hear of people who feel all alone in this world; I know I'm surrounded by people who love me. This is a miracle to me.
I am thankful for the miracle of having "bounties of life". Our home, our comforts, our vehicles are so appreciated. When so much of the world goes without these necessities, I am grateful that we have what we do.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
No Flu For You: One Year!
We got our annual flu shots today. Wakko only complained about the shot after the fact: it cracked us all up! The kids got suckers and gift certificates for free kids meals, so life is good!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Fifth Folder, Fifth Picture...another tag!
This is from our cast party for "Savior of the World". My buddies (Kim, John, some-guy-I-don't know, Bethany, and Steve) are checking out a scrapbook of pictures from the performance.
I'm tagging anyone who wants to play!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Midnight Run to Denny's
So last night my sweetheart and I watched a movie ("As Good As It Gets") and we felt that there must have been some sort of sponsorship from a bacon manufacture because there were about 20 shots with bacon in them. Needless to say, it started working. By the time the movie was over, I was dying for some bacon.
Bacon is not healthy. Bacon is full of fat. Bacon is a no-no food.
I had to have some bacon. It was 11:34 p.m.
My sweetheart got changed out of his pajamas and took me to Denny's where we blissfully enjoyed some bacon.
Bacon is not healthy. Bacon is full of fat. Bacon is a no-no food.
I had to have some bacon. It was 11:34 p.m.
My sweetheart got changed out of his pajamas and took me to Denny's where we blissfully enjoyed some bacon.
Life's good.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Stinky Chicken Arms Dance
My darling children decided to "choreograph" a dance they called "Stinky Chicken Arms". It was just lovely. Actually, I think I laughed myself silly for 20 minutes straight!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Odds and Ends....
Just a quick clarification: my blog has had a security make-over thanks to my dear Kate. No, it's not listed as private, but you'll notice that I've removed my family's names and anything else that would make it easy to access.
My sister, Tiffanie, rocks! Thanks a million for the darling "new to me" winter wardrobe!
My sister, Kim, is amazing! I am so proud of you for making it through this ultra-tough trial in your life. You are a strong woman. Thanks for treating me to Chick-Fil-A. Can anyone say "yumm!"?
I am so dang excited for "Oklahoma!" next summer... it's like living a dream!
My sister, Tiffanie, rocks! Thanks a million for the darling "new to me" winter wardrobe!
My sister, Kim, is amazing! I am so proud of you for making it through this ultra-tough trial in your life. You are a strong woman. Thanks for treating me to Chick-Fil-A. Can anyone say "yumm!"?
I am so dang excited for "Oklahoma!" next summer... it's like living a dream!
Into the Woods
This week has been unexpectedly insane, but so much fun it's crazy.
On Monday night my darling children, Kate, Laren, Kate's mother-in-law to be, and I went to Hale Center Theater's "Into the Woods". It was a spectacular production, and I loved every minute of it! The scenery/set was impressive to say the least. The music is memorable and was excellently performed. Speaking of the performers, Candice was hilarious! I really enjoyed the fun choreography as well as the excellent execution of the script; I loved all the jokes, the range of emotions, and the gorgeous costumes. I can honestly say that this was one of the best productions I've seen.
On Monday night my darling children, Kate, Laren, Kate's mother-in-law to be, and I went to Hale Center Theater's "Into the Woods". It was a spectacular production, and I loved every minute of it! The scenery/set was impressive to say the least. The music is memorable and was excellently performed. Speaking of the performers, Candice was hilarious! I really enjoyed the fun choreography as well as the excellent execution of the script; I loved all the jokes, the range of emotions, and the gorgeous costumes. I can honestly say that this was one of the best productions I've seen.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
One Hundred Fifty Things...
Thanks, Kate, for the fun tag!
Rules: Bold the things you’ve done. I can honestly say that I don't have a desire to do a lot of things that aren't bolded.
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said "I love you" and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb In Ireland. Very cute and pastoral.
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country I think so...not sure.
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe: We will before we have kids.
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theatre
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on a television news program as an "expert"
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life
I'm tagging anyone who wants to play. It was more fun than I anticipated!
Rules: Bold the things you’ve done. I can honestly say that I don't have a desire to do a lot of things that aren't bolded.
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said "I love you" and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb In Ireland. Very cute and pastoral.
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country I think so...not sure.
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe: We will before we have kids.
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theatre
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on a television news program as an "expert"
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life
I'm tagging anyone who wants to play. It was more fun than I anticipated!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Thanks!
Hey, Blog Readers! Thanks for being on board and supporting our switch to Private. I've beefed up the settings, so I'm hoping that this means that my cute kids' identities are protected, and I can be more specific on details.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Seven Things I Love
Kate tagged me to come up with seven things I love. I have to admit, it will be difficult to narrow it down to seven....
1. I love my family. I'm madly in love with Dad; he is my everything and I feel honored and blessed to be his wife. I adore my sweet kids. They are my purest joy, my greatest strength, and my most treasured people ever. I don't know what I'd ever do without them. I feel so lucky to have my parents and Dad's parents in my life. Your examples, love, and strength make me want to be a better person. My sibs... you are my dearest friends. You are the first people I call to share joys and sorrows. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives even now that we're no longer under the same roof. Melissa, you know that means you, too! I love that we have "built in buddies" by virtue of families; I think it's one of the greatest institutions ever, and that families are truly inspired. I look forward to the time when I can see my "extended" family again.
2. I love my friends. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by a network of amazing women and men that continually support and love me. I feel that true friends are the spice of life; and I like life spicy! My friends make the hardest days bearable: you mean more to me than I could possibly ever tell you in words. Thank you for being who you are and loving me for who I am.
3. I love dance and the performing arts. I love to dance, to teach, to choreograph, to watch others, and to be in shows. I guess you could say I'm a bit obsessed. Actually, I tried to squelch that love several years ago and let it be on a shelf for a while. It didn't work! Dance and the theater are too much a part of who I am! (I can't wait to see Kate and Yakko in "A Christmas Carol" and my dad in "The Nutcracker"!)
4. I love our country. I don't care whether or not it's PC to admit it, but I do have a deep love of our nation, it's founders, and what our country stands for. I love that we have the freedom to worship "how, where, and what" we choose. I love the democratic processes and the organization that the Constitution creates. I love that our country is doing what it can to help others. I am proud of our armed forces for being so brave to keep us safe.
5. I love knowing that there is a true and living prophet on the earth. It brings me great comfort knowing that God hasn't forgotten us, but loves us individually and gives us guidance today. I may not be a "Molly Mormon", but I do have a testimony of the LDS church.
6. I love to travel. My favorite places to travel: Cleveland, Disneyland, Dad's parents', Fish Lake, New York, Washington D.C.. I would do just about any thing to be able to go to Cleveland or Disneyland soon. I miss Nate's family so much... it's so hard to be so far away. I think of you every day, and am thankful for technology that allows blogs so that I can see your pictures every day.
7. I love education. I love to learn, to teach, and to be inspired. I love that I get to be such a big part of my childrens' education through home schooling. I love that Dad's going to school, that my mom teaches, and that so many others lift and inspire our minds. I love to read, watch educational programming, and to study. I love to learn new programs and tricks on the computer. I love the internet and the things it makes possible: like connecting with my friends and family!
Have I cheesed you enough? Please know that I am sincere, and that this has been such a joy to me: I've loved reflecting upon such blessings.
I'm tagging whomever would like to lift their spirits to list the seven things you love most.
1. I love my family. I'm madly in love with Dad; he is my everything and I feel honored and blessed to be his wife. I adore my sweet kids. They are my purest joy, my greatest strength, and my most treasured people ever. I don't know what I'd ever do without them. I feel so lucky to have my parents and Dad's parents in my life. Your examples, love, and strength make me want to be a better person. My sibs... you are my dearest friends. You are the first people I call to share joys and sorrows. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives even now that we're no longer under the same roof. Melissa, you know that means you, too! I love that we have "built in buddies" by virtue of families; I think it's one of the greatest institutions ever, and that families are truly inspired. I look forward to the time when I can see my "extended" family again.
2. I love my friends. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by a network of amazing women and men that continually support and love me. I feel that true friends are the spice of life; and I like life spicy! My friends make the hardest days bearable: you mean more to me than I could possibly ever tell you in words. Thank you for being who you are and loving me for who I am.
3. I love dance and the performing arts. I love to dance, to teach, to choreograph, to watch others, and to be in shows. I guess you could say I'm a bit obsessed. Actually, I tried to squelch that love several years ago and let it be on a shelf for a while. It didn't work! Dance and the theater are too much a part of who I am! (I can't wait to see Kate and Yakko in "A Christmas Carol" and my dad in "The Nutcracker"!)
4. I love our country. I don't care whether or not it's PC to admit it, but I do have a deep love of our nation, it's founders, and what our country stands for. I love that we have the freedom to worship "how, where, and what" we choose. I love the democratic processes and the organization that the Constitution creates. I love that our country is doing what it can to help others. I am proud of our armed forces for being so brave to keep us safe.
5. I love knowing that there is a true and living prophet on the earth. It brings me great comfort knowing that God hasn't forgotten us, but loves us individually and gives us guidance today. I may not be a "Molly Mormon", but I do have a testimony of the LDS church.
6. I love to travel. My favorite places to travel: Cleveland, Disneyland, Dad's parents', Fish Lake, New York, Washington D.C.. I would do just about any thing to be able to go to Cleveland or Disneyland soon. I miss Nate's family so much... it's so hard to be so far away. I think of you every day, and am thankful for technology that allows blogs so that I can see your pictures every day.
7. I love education. I love to learn, to teach, and to be inspired. I love that I get to be such a big part of my childrens' education through home schooling. I love that Dad's going to school, that my mom teaches, and that so many others lift and inspire our minds. I love to read, watch educational programming, and to study. I love to learn new programs and tricks on the computer. I love the internet and the things it makes possible: like connecting with my friends and family!
Have I cheesed you enough? Please know that I am sincere, and that this has been such a joy to me: I've loved reflecting upon such blessings.
I'm tagging whomever would like to lift their spirits to list the seven things you love most.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
VOTE
Alright, if you haven't voted yet... GO VOTE! Excuses like "it's raining", "I don't have a babysitter", and "what difference will it make" are lame. GO VOTE!
BTW, since this is my blog, I'm going to let ya'll know that:
I ADORE SARAH PALIN!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Today is Dad's 34th Birthday! I feel like I'm the luckiest person ever because he's mine! We celebrated his Birthday all weekend long, starting with a date (thanks, T and A for tending!) on Saturday night.
I made his crepes on Sunday morning. I think he enjoyed them.
We had my side of the family over for dinner. Dad picked chicken sour creme enchiladas, cookie salad, Olive Garden style green salad, and chips and salsa. He chose a white cake with vanilla pudding layers and Cool-Whip topping for dessert. It was a hit.
Kim promised Dad a batch of sugar cookies, and my parents gave him a coupon for a restaurant. The kids and I got Dad a snow thrower and some new shoes for work.
In keeping with our tradition, here are my top 34 favorite things about Dad:
1. He's so incredibly handsome! Yamba!
2. Dad loves our children. He is an amazing dad and has an incredible relationship with each of the kids. They know they are loved to pieces by him.
3. I love his sense of humor. Although you really have to get to know Dad before he'll show you that side of him, he's freaking hilarious! I really think he could be a comedian professionally, except that he refuses to perform.
4. I love that Dad is worthy to fulfill his Priesthood. It's so comforting to know that he is there whenever we need him (which is a lot!).
5. Dad is a very hard worker. He nearly never has "down time" where he'll just sit and do nothing. If it's light outside, you can pretty much count on him working. If it's dark outside, he's probably fixing someone's computer or doing home work.
6. Dad can fix just about anything. He's amazing!
7. Dad is a multi-talented artist. He can draw, paint, and design just about anything. All our flower arrangements are works of art by him.
8. Dad is a talented builder. When we built our house in Hurricane, Dad did the excavation, back filling, electrical (all of it), finish plumbing, finish carpentry, texturing, painting, and decorations. He is also an amazing landscaper.
9. Dad loves to do yard work. (I don't.) He keeps the yards clean, clear, and beautiful.
10. Dad has a beautiful singing voice. Good luck ever getting to hear it, but trust me: it's awesome.
11. Dad is very supportive of my choices. He is fabulous.
12. Dad is a great gamer. He loves to play Monopoly with Yakko, and it's something that I know the kids will always cherish.
13. Dad's an awesome cook. My favorite dishes he prepares: bbq (anything), chocolate pudding cake, and pancakes.
14. He is always willing to give service.
15. Dad loves the youth.
16. His big hands.
17. I love Dad's gorgeous eyes: they're green on most days, and blue on other days. When he was a child, they were hazel.
18. Dad is a wonderful painter. I love his oil painting the most.
19. Dad is a great listener.
20. Dad gives his 100% in his work.
21. Dad leaves work at work.
22. Dad is an excellent student: he is sporting a 4.0!
23. Dad is always on a quest for knowledge. If he doesn't know something but needs to, he won't stop until it's conquered.
24. Dad's an excellent fisherman. It's so cool to watch him fish!
25. He's also a great teacher. I have no idea how many people Dad's taught to fish, accomplish a task, teach the gospel to, taught chess to, or lead by example.
26. Dad was a wonderful missionary. He was a leader throughout his mission, and served honorably.
27. Dad's not afraid to be himself.
28. Dad has a ton of pride for his family, and chooses to always find the best in us.
29. Dad has great taste in movies: we can always agree on what to watch.
30. He's a great sport, even when the kids beat him at a game (which is rare, but occasionally happens).
31. I love Dad's serious side, too. He's very insightful, and always has great advice.
32. Dad is tall. It's so wonderful to snuggle up to him and feel his warmth. That has to be what Heaven is like. The kids just about disappear in his hugs, and they love it!
33. Dad is willing to try just about any food. Since we've been married, he's learned to love Mexican cuisine, has tried Thai food, eaten shark, and ventured away from always picking the same things when we go out to eat. He'll always eat what I prepare, and has a great system of letting me know what he likes and doesn't without ever hurting feelings. That takes talent!
34. Dad loves unconditionally.
Happy Birthday, Dad! Our family loves you more than words could ever express, and we're sure glad that you were born!
I made his crepes on Sunday morning. I think he enjoyed them.
We had my side of the family over for dinner. Dad picked chicken sour creme enchiladas, cookie salad, Olive Garden style green salad, and chips and salsa. He chose a white cake with vanilla pudding layers and Cool-Whip topping for dessert. It was a hit.
Kim promised Dad a batch of sugar cookies, and my parents gave him a coupon for a restaurant. The kids and I got Dad a snow thrower and some new shoes for work.
In keeping with our tradition, here are my top 34 favorite things about Dad:
1. He's so incredibly handsome! Yamba!
2. Dad loves our children. He is an amazing dad and has an incredible relationship with each of the kids. They know they are loved to pieces by him.
3. I love his sense of humor. Although you really have to get to know Dad before he'll show you that side of him, he's freaking hilarious! I really think he could be a comedian professionally, except that he refuses to perform.
4. I love that Dad is worthy to fulfill his Priesthood. It's so comforting to know that he is there whenever we need him (which is a lot!).
5. Dad is a very hard worker. He nearly never has "down time" where he'll just sit and do nothing. If it's light outside, you can pretty much count on him working. If it's dark outside, he's probably fixing someone's computer or doing home work.
6. Dad can fix just about anything. He's amazing!
7. Dad is a multi-talented artist. He can draw, paint, and design just about anything. All our flower arrangements are works of art by him.
8. Dad is a talented builder. When we built our house in Hurricane, Dad did the excavation, back filling, electrical (all of it), finish plumbing, finish carpentry, texturing, painting, and decorations. He is also an amazing landscaper.
9. Dad loves to do yard work. (I don't.) He keeps the yards clean, clear, and beautiful.
10. Dad has a beautiful singing voice. Good luck ever getting to hear it, but trust me: it's awesome.
11. Dad is very supportive of my choices. He is fabulous.
12. Dad is a great gamer. He loves to play Monopoly with Yakko, and it's something that I know the kids will always cherish.
13. Dad's an awesome cook. My favorite dishes he prepares: bbq (anything), chocolate pudding cake, and pancakes.
14. He is always willing to give service.
15. Dad loves the youth.
16. His big hands.
17. I love Dad's gorgeous eyes: they're green on most days, and blue on other days. When he was a child, they were hazel.
18. Dad is a wonderful painter. I love his oil painting the most.
19. Dad is a great listener.
20. Dad gives his 100% in his work.
21. Dad leaves work at work.
22. Dad is an excellent student: he is sporting a 4.0!
23. Dad is always on a quest for knowledge. If he doesn't know something but needs to, he won't stop until it's conquered.
24. Dad's an excellent fisherman. It's so cool to watch him fish!
25. He's also a great teacher. I have no idea how many people Dad's taught to fish, accomplish a task, teach the gospel to, taught chess to, or lead by example.
26. Dad was a wonderful missionary. He was a leader throughout his mission, and served honorably.
27. Dad's not afraid to be himself.
28. Dad has a ton of pride for his family, and chooses to always find the best in us.
29. Dad has great taste in movies: we can always agree on what to watch.
30. He's a great sport, even when the kids beat him at a game (which is rare, but occasionally happens).
31. I love Dad's serious side, too. He's very insightful, and always has great advice.
32. Dad is tall. It's so wonderful to snuggle up to him and feel his warmth. That has to be what Heaven is like. The kids just about disappear in his hugs, and they love it!
33. Dad is willing to try just about any food. Since we've been married, he's learned to love Mexican cuisine, has tried Thai food, eaten shark, and ventured away from always picking the same things when we go out to eat. He'll always eat what I prepare, and has a great system of letting me know what he likes and doesn't without ever hurting feelings. That takes talent!
34. Dad loves unconditionally.
Happy Birthday, Dad! Our family loves you more than words could ever express, and we're sure glad that you were born!
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