Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers in my life!

My father is an amazing guy, probably because he'd think you were crazy if you said as much to him. Everyone needs someone like my dad in their life, someone who loves you totally unconditionally, no expectations or judgments attached. I honestly can't remember many examples of my dad sitting me down and teaching me things as I was growing up, but so much of what I know today came from watching him work and serve. His testimony is borne everyday by the way he lives his life and serves him family.

My two brothers are also fabulous dads. It's so interesting to see their differing styles with their children but how they both have managed to raise incredible kids, who I'm so happy to now call my friends. Our favorite bit with my Guy is to ask him "Who loves you?" His first reply is always "Daddy." His 2nd answer is always "Uncle Paul and Uncle Tom."

My father-in-law is such a great example to us and so loving and caring to all of his family. You will never hear him talk about the sacrifices he has made to serve Heavenly Father wherever he's been asked, because to him they are not sacrifices. He has a fabulous way of knowing what each of his children need and does whatever he can to help and support his family as they work to accomplsih their goals. His testimony and example of service are a fabulolus gift to myself and my children.

The father of my children is my favorite person on this planet (obviously !) So much of what I'm able to accomplish everyday is because of what he does everyday. Because of some struggles that he has that most people do not know about, everyday tasks are much harder for him than for the rest of us. I know I should tell him this a lot more, but everyday in my prayers I express gratitude to him for all he does everyday for us. He is a such a tender parent, spoiling his children outrageously because he just can't stand to be the mean parent! (Don't worry, I pick up the slack there.) He's a pretty stoic guy, but you'll often see tears in his eyes if one of his kids has to be seriously disciplined. Most families will say they always needed to know where their mom was, but in our family it's a daily countdown to when Daddy comes home, particularly for my Guy, aka Daddy's Shadow. My kids are so incredibly blessed to be able to grow up with his loving influence in their lives.

So, I've been pretty serious and poetic today, but I seriously love all of these guys. Us moms usually think so much about our rolls, all the work we have to do everyday, all the pressures heaped on our heads, you know the drill. But these guys of ours labor daily under such incredible pressures. They are painfully aware of how much we rely on them, and how great their responsibilities are.

So, give your dad a hug today and tell him he did a great job . . . just look at how spectacular you turned out!