What Dads have taught me

My dad and niece Erika
(circa 2002ish)

One spoke out, “My dad is bigger than your dad,” to which another replied, “Well, my dad is smarter than your dad.” The third boy countered, “My dad is a doctor.” Then, turning to one boy, he taunted in derision, “And your dad is only a teacher.” There is one teacher whose life overshadows all others. When the boy heard the taunts: “My dad is bigger than yours,” “My dad is smarter than yours,” “My dad is a doctor,” well could he have replied, “Your dad may be bigger than mine; your dad may be smarter than mine; your dad may be a pilot, an engineer, or a doctor; but my dad is a teacher.” May each of us ever merit such a sincere and worthy compliment!

Thomas S. Monson

I am blessed to be surrounded by wonderful dads who are also teachers. My own dad taught me joy in service, love of the Lord, and tenderheartedness. The father of my children has taught me and them much about integrity, humility and priorities.

My son and son in law have taught me to take time time to have fun and enjoy the little moments of life as I have watched them love their little girls.

I thank my Heavenly Father or all these earthly fathers that help me to know Him better.

Comfort food

Having a rough day?
This dish makes everyone at our house happy.

See the recipe here.

What is it about food that changes the attitude?

This Date in History

Thirty-two years ago today an event took place that would have a profound influence on my life.

I didn't know it at the time, in fact I wouldn't understand its significance for a few more years. On June 10, 1978 I was totally unaware that about 340 miles north of me, Mark Zimbelman was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I'm so thankful that thirty-two years ago his heart and mind were open and ready to receive the truth when it was taught to him. After spending time in the redwoods pondering the meaning of life, he was prepared to act on the truths his friend and the missionaries taught him.

When he returned from a mission to Louisiana three years later he attended BYU.
We met there in our freshman ward... and well, the rest is history.

I have wondered if I had not been born in the church if I would have had the courage and integrity to stand up and do what I knew to be right. I hope that I would.
I'm so glad Mark did, and so thankful that he still has that same courage and integrity today.

The decision he made years ago has effected both of us for eternity.
And I am so thankful.

On (the) Board

from one of Jenn's friends.
Look Olivia, there's a spot waiting on the board for you right next to Ruby!

On (the) Board

thanks Mark for the quote.
perfect for the beginning of summer

Eviction Notice

To the snake in my back yard:

I realize that you have been hanging around for at least a week now. I know because we have seen more and more of each other lately. Apparently you didn't believe me the other day when I told you could stay as long as I didn't see you. I thought maybe we could make this work when you slithered off into the crack in the wood. And then two days ago you were in the flowers near the tree when I was trying to work on the sprinklers - I told you that you needed to move but you wouldn't budge. I tossed a rock at you and you just stuck your tongue out at me. You finally slithered off and I was able to get my work done. But today! Today was the last straw. I was trying to find and fix a leak somewhere in the stream. I looked around and didn't see you so I set to work. Imagine my surprise when I lifted a rock and there you were. (The neighbors didn't have to imagine it - they heard it.) And there you sat, and sat and sat and sat (or whatever it is that snakes do). I realize my fear of snakes is probably irrational, many people like to have snakes in their yard to eat stuff... or some other good reason I just don't understand. So go live there! Because of your stubbornness I am forced to contact my relocation services and evict you. Effective immediately.

thank you,
The management

PS Your family members that have now shown themselves will be soon be joining you.

18

Last week after Christian's graduation we went to dinner at PF Changs.

The restaurant was filled with graduates and their families.
One of Christian's friends came up to our table and said,
"Christian should get the award for the nicest graduating senior"

I think that most people who know Christian would agree.
He is an amazing young man.

He is amazing with kids.

Loves to create and figure out how things work.

Even though he hates snakes, he is always willing to "escort" them from the yard to their new home. He also emptied the mouse traps for me so I could go downstairs and make breakfast. Not a pleasant job.

Christian has a love for fast moving mechanical things.

Seems to enjoy being sandwiched in the middle(ish) of our family.
He gets along with everyone - age is not an issue.

Last year he watched some of his friends leave for school and now they are leaving on missions. It's amazing to see these boys he's grown up with growing up and leaving home but he's not far behind. Christian is the first of my last two. Five years between him and Rob.

June 3, 18 years ago I was overwhelmed with joy as I held my 9lb 3.5 oz baby boy in my arms. He was sweet and calm and happy. The nurse got permission to watch him in our room, checking his blood sugar regularly - he was a big baby. I was so thankful because I didn't want him to leave my side. Will I be ready to let go this fall? I think so, but mostly because I know what a bright future is in store for him. I look forward to watching him soar.