Happy Father's Day!

I've been very lucky to have some really great dads in my life.  On this day of remembering all that they do, I'd like to pay tribute to all of them.

My dad- We often joke in our family that my dad pretty much ruined all of his girls for all other men.  How is it possible that he makes all four of us feel like we are "Daddy's little girl?"  He will do anything he can to help us out and is always available for anything we need.  When I was in the hospital, he was there every chance he could and came when we called him in the middle of the night twice and joined us right away.  He definitely defines the strong and silent type.  The older I get, the more I realize that while he doesn't express a lot of things to us, he loves each of us and would do anything he could to make our lives and pretty much anyone he knows' lives easier, too.  Photo 1- My dad at pumpkin carving, I loved his face in that photo- that's pretty much how my dad is all the time. Photo 2- My dad now owns a Santa costume and will provide free "appearances" throughout the holiday season.

Gerald, my "surrogate grandfather"- It's pretty hard to classify Gerald, as he's pretty much been a part of my life since I was born, been at every major life event, demanded Jason ask permission before he would approve of us getting married and more.  I can call and ask him anything and he will happily and thoroughly take care of it.  He came to talk to my students the last two years about serving in West Germany during the Cold War and put a lot of effort into preparing his presentation by unearthing photos and maps to share with my students. He was also happy to speak at JJ's services and did a wonderful job of bringing us comfort at that time. Photo 1- Okay, so apparently, I don't have a decent photo of him.  He's the one on the right. That photo was taken at JJ's services. Photo 2- as a young man in Germany. He's the one on the right again.

Papa- Papa passed away three years ago, but I still have lots of memories of him.  He was definitely the fun, playful grandpa.  He loved to spoil his grandkids and we all enjoyed that!  From him I've learned that if you love something, enjoy it!  If you love cooking, by cooking books and take cooking cruises.  If you love Boy Scouts, go camping, lead songs, fundraise, do anything you can to help them out. Photo- this was taken at the Greek Festival Jason and I went to with him right before we left CA.  He's eating calamari and that's why he's so happy.  We had nothing to do with it.

 
Great Grandpa Curtis- Amazingly enough, this man, at 98 years old, is still alive!  He has been a great example to me of hard work and endurance.  It wasn't until the last 5-10 years that he's slowed down at all.  He still goes to church every week, he still visits my grandma every day, if he could he'd probably do all the grocery shopping and laundry too! Photo- I have other photos of him, but this is my favorite since we're all with him.  2007 at Papa's funeral.

Grandpa Johnson- Grandpa Johnson has a few simple needs. Pigeons, food, and pigeons.  He can appreciate a meal like no one else.  My mom always jokes with him about having a hollow leg to store all of the food he eats.  He has taught me to keep life simple. Photo- I chose this one because you can see how excited he is about what he's looking at.  Grandpa is fascinated by tools and good food.

Jason- Jason's proven himself a lot more resilient than me and loves to be around babies (I still can't do it).  Seeing him with babies makes me cry but also brings me great peace to know that one day he will be a great father to our children on this earth.  My husband won't do anything unless he can do it well.  Sometimes that drives me crazy and I call it paranoia or stubbornness, but it is reassuring to know that your husband will be prepared no matter what for anything that happens no matter what.  For example, last year at Girls Camp, we had a great time laughing at all of the stuff he made me bring with me, but when I was the only one who could roll up her sleeping bag, because he'd made me practice at home!, we weren't laughing any more.  :-) Photo- taken in the hospital by the non profit organization, please don't mind the four day beard. 

Jason's Grandpa Hapeman- Marvin died two years ago, and I only knew him for a few years before that.  But in that short time I knew he was a great man.  He loved his wife so much (I never was able to meet her) and that was evident in everything he did.  He always made me feel so special and loved.   Photo- taken at wedding with Jason and his mom.

My father in law- Larry loves hugs.  It's a pretty interesting phenomenon because my family isn't very affectionate, so to marry into a family all over the hugs has been weird for me.  Larry always makes sure to hug me when he sees me, when he leaves and at least once in between. Photo- I love this photo of Larry! I swiped it off my brother in law's camera, but I love how happy he looks in it.  I have no idea where it was taken.  Grand Canyon maybe?

Bishops, Home Teachers, Other Leaders- I also remember all of the other great priesthood holders, righteous and loving men in my life.  I am so grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who has placed these great men in my life in times of need.

Thank You, Dads!