Here's to FATHERS!

I think it's safe to say that no parent is fully appreciated until their children are parents themselves, which at that point most parents are past their desperate need to feel appreciated. (I guess this is Heavenly Father's way to keep us humble). Having recently jumped into parenthood, I am beginning to understand the enormity of it all, and finally, after 23 and a half years of life, I am beginning to truly appreciate my own parents on a deeper and more personal level! I know that I have the greatest support group and as it's Father's Day, I want to pay tribute to the GREAT fathers in my life!

My life began with my own father, so naturally I'll start with him! I just love my dad SO much! He has always been such a rock through all the storms he's had to battle! I look up to so many people, but he is right there at the top. Here's a few examples of what makes my dad so great!

• When Kayli and I were little, he came and pulled us out of bed on Christmas Eve in our nightgowns and slippers, and twirled us around in the falling snow! I remember that the snowflakes looked like glitter against the black sky, and we just laughed! Whenever anyone asks for my favorite childhood memory, this is one that always stands out in my mind, because I remember it in youthful essence, making it magical!


• When I was in jr. high and high school, I recieved some anonymous valagrams, and roses on my birthday. I still have the cards in my box of keepsakes because I recognized the writing! :)


• My dad always used to come into my room and read to me. He'd change character's names or the plot to something silly to make me laugh. Every year for Christmas we could expect to recieve a new book, just from Dad!

My dad has always been a wonderful example to me! He is so faithful, humble, smart, funny, witty, honest, kind, generous, and the list goes on! I have a quote from President Hinckley on my piano that says, "In all of living have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured". My dad's life exemplifies this quote because he doesn't just endure to the end, he makes the most of the gifts and talents that he's been blessed with. One of his best talents is making people smile and laugh, yet he still always respects and lives the gospel and has a strong testimony of our Savior!

I love you dad! I am so proud to be your daughter, and hope to someday have your faith and endurance!

I don't know how I got so Lucky, because not only am I blessed with the greatest parents, but also the greatest in-laws! My father-in-law, Rick, is also an amazing father figure in my life! From day one, he has welcomed me into his family and accepted me as one of his daughters. He is the most selfless man that I know, always wanting to help our family, and devote his time to being a 'papa' to our kids! He is also the most compassionate person, and I can almost physically feel how much love he has for his family. I love how he gets choked up when he expresses his love and gratitude for his blessings during family dinner prayers.

I'm also grateful for the father he has been and still is to Jesse. Jess is the incredible father that he is because he has had a wonderful example to look up to his whole life. I know that Rick is Jesse's best friend, and has shown him how to be a respectable man. Of this I'm deeply grateful for because Jack looks up to his papa the way Jess looks up to his.

Thanks Rick for being the wonderful person that you are! I love you!

Last but certainly not least, I have to pay tribute to the amazing father of my own kids! Wow, there is so much to say about Jess, and so little time! When we got married, our sealer asked us before-hand to write a letter to each other, which he read aloud when he sealed us. In my letter I said it was easy for me to love Jesse because he "loves the Lord, honors his priesthood, would never do anything to disgrace me or our family, and believes whole-heartedly in the family proclamation." This is what makes Jesse such a great father and priesthood holder in our home. He understands the importance of his role in our family and has helped establish a home of peace.

Jess, I am so grateful that we were led to each other and have the two most awesome kids! I know that only you could be the GREAT father in our family. Jack and Jayci absolutely adore you, and I know that someday Jack will be a great dad because he will have you to guide him! I truly appreciate you; you do so much for our family! Thanks for playing with, reading to, and teaching our children! Thanks for being the hardest working man that I know; I admire that so much! Jack, Jayci and I love you more than anything!

Happy Father's Day to all!