Father's Day Weekend 2014

With Father's Day this Sunday, I wanted to take time on the blog to share a few of memories/thoughts about my two favorite dads: Dave (not my dad, haha, but a super important one in my life) and my own dad, Gary.

I thought I would begin with Dave today and then write about my own dad on Father's Day, Sunday.

Happy early Father's Day Dave and Dad!

I love you both to the moon and back!

Thing I Want Our Kids to Remember
About Their Dad

Dave and the kids, 2014.
(PS: This is hilarious to me, but 2 of my favorite impromptu photos of our family
include my BFF Whittney's son in them. LOL.)

* Your dad is the hardest working person I know.
He volunteers for all assignments (Clean the church at 7am on Saturday? SURE! Mow the neighbor's lawn? SURE! Help 2000 people move? SURE.). He works a full-day (and loves Adobe). He does the best work he can in all situations. And he doesn't complain. Whenever someone compliments one of you kids on how hard you work or how dependable you are, I know it's because your dad taught you this in action and word.

* He's a hands-on dad.

Your life is his life. He's there for all of it--and he's grateful to be there. He's the guy that goes to all the volleyball games and then ends up being scorekeeper when no one else will volunteer. He's the parent that's willing to play soccer in 100 degree weather. He's the one who taught you all to play volleyball and mow the lawn--and do it "right." He's the guy that takes you on road trips with very little warning (and possibly forgets to have you pack your bathing suit or tennis shoes). He's the one who drives you and your friends all over town for movies, shopping, and late Lagoon nights. He's the one you call at 1am when you've made a mistake or been in a fender-bender. And he's never mad. Or at least you won't see it. His reactions are always calm. (Well, unless you stub your toe or talk about your belly button. Those are off-limit topics for dad--due to some childhood traumas. LOL!)

* Dad is a fair.

Dad has an inborn sense of right and wrong. He's an incredibly disciplined person; and, he is very fair. He's also very generous. He never puts himself above others. He shows love to all.

* Your dad LOVES his family--and shows it.

I know YOU all know he loves you to no end. But I hope you always remember how much he loves his dad and mom and his siblings. Even as a grown-up, they are close to him. (Remember, he calls Uncle Pat every day. They are best friends. He cherishes that bond.)

* Dad loves ribs, chips, salsa, pizza with butter on the crust, guacamole, pretzel rods, apple pie, Nilla Wafers, a good steak, chocolate ice cream, and Diet Coke.
Your dad is a great cook. And while he's not a "foodie," he does have a few routine things he loves to eat. PS: The apple pie may come from his own pops (Who once served it to us for breakfast--which I thought was way cool.). 

* His perfect day would probably involve an audio book, a short nap, a walk with me/kids, laughing over some stories, some music, some NPR, some time throwing the tennis ball to the dog, and a West Wing marathon (with chips/salsa).

Dad is really good at being "in the moment." If he has put in a full day of work, he knows how to relax and just be. Remember that--because mom is NOT like that. But I think dad's way is better. He's more balanced and peaceful/content as a result.

* He takes care of his health.

Your dad is always aware of his health. He tries to stay fit and is willing to put in hard work to do it. He's willing to sacrifice things he likes in order to stay healthy. He's over-the-top with dental care (and never misses a day flossing). And he has a baby-face because of the way he takes care of himself. If any of you age like your dad, you'll live to be 110--but look as though you are 65.

* Your dad is a great husband/partner/friend.

I really believe your dad is one of the best husbands I am aware of--anywhere. He's an equal partner. I never ever feel not supported at home or work. (Who supports their spouse's dream of playing Survivor twice? Especially when it requires caring for 6 kids for 7 weeks ALONE!) I also want to make sure you know that when we were dating, he was over-the-top kind and thoughtful and loving. He literally wrote me a note or card or message every single day we dated. I would get in my car and find messages all of the time. (Sometimes on a dry-erase board he bought just for these messages.) There's never a time (even when I'm angry over some trivial thing) that I haven't seen him walk into a room and think to myself, "I love him." Twenty-plus years after marriage, I still believe we are soul mates. (And we both want that for you all. So look for it and expect it.)

* Your dad is disciplined and willing to make sacrifices.

I'm not sure dad would even call his actions sacrifices--because he just DOES what he knows to be right. But from my point of view, he is willing to do without, to give when it's hard, and to work when it's inconvenient. And ... I think it's worth mentioning that he gave his all to bringing each of you 6 kids into our lives. I won't lie, some of your adoptions were a roller-coaster-and-a-half, but dad was right there the whole time. And I think it's pretty amazing that he agreed to having a BIG family. (I think parenting 6 kids would pretty intimidating to most people. But dad jumped off the cliff with me--he was up for the challenge/thrill/joy of it. Tee hee.)

* He loves to learn.

Books. Talks. Other people. Radio. Classroom learning. He's an open mind. And if you love learning like he does, your life will be rich and full--and you will meet people and visit places you never dreamed of.

* Dad loves to travel.
I know we don't go to far away lands with our big family, but I do think it's important for you to know that dad values travel. He has been to probably more than 30 countries. Most of this travel took place before we were married, but even after you kids came along, he was able to visit China, Vietnam, Japan, Samoa, and the Philippines (the last two, thanks to Survivor).

* Dad's not afraid.
I'm not saying he never worries or loves hard things/times, but he truly does have a peace about life. He accepts that hard times will come and that hard times will go. He doesn't get rattled when you need stitches (He's not the one that runs you into the hospital glass revolving doors because he's in a panic. That would be your mom!). You can always count on him for stability and perspective. It's one of the reasons I was drawn to your dad: he believes good trumps the hard. No matter what.

Happy Father's Day Dave/Dad. I love you.

*****

PS: Oh! And here are some of this week's photos from Elder Meehan's mission:

It's not all serious missionary time--a photo of the missionaries serving in his immediate area.

Some bread we sent--it arrived in tact!

The sister missionaries in his area--while at a service project clearing a trail.

He said the sisters took his camera and when they returned it, it was filled with photos like this.
Funny.
PS: He also said the sister missionaries teach a lot of lessons.
People love the sisters and their ability to connect with people as they teach.

****

PPS: And just to document this for the history of it, here's what the first week's of summer has brought us:

Tomatoes.

Zinias.

Punkins.

Onions and leeks.

Basil.

Purple kale.

And pajama days!
(Okay, it's only 9:30am in this picture, but still ... late for kids who have been getting to school by 7:15am.)

LOVE SUMMER.

Oh, and cookies that AREN'T flat. This is like a miracle to me. I never ever make cookies that rise.
I have to document this--because I have no idea how it happened. And no idea how to duplicate it.