To all of the Dads in my life...

Over the years, I have had many father figures, including my very own dad, who have played a big part of my life. They have molded me, raised me, cared for me, and even disciplined me at times. (Not that I needed much disciplining. I think I just heard my dad laugh.)

So in celebration of Father's Day, I would like to tell you about some of them and some of my favorite memories.

First there is my Dad. My dad is an outdoors man through and through. He is in his "element" whenever hunting for fishing. Some of my fondest memories of my dad were to go on hunting, fishing, and camping trips with him. My dad is a manly, man. There is no camping in trailers or parking our car at a campground, near some outhouse toilets! Oh no! We were required to hike difficult terrain, mountain sides, and glaciers, in order to arrive to our camp-out destinations. I have become an expert at going to the bathroom in the great outdoors. (Wiping with leaves and all)

The last time I went camping with him was when I was a newly wed and my husband tagged along. My dad claimed that the lake was only a "few" miles to hike into to. While climbing over boulders, several hours later, my husband whispered to me, "This is no several mile hike!" He was right. It was more like eight miles. But that is typical of my dad.

My dad also has a soft side. Yup, he can be a softy. He would tuck all of us kids into bed, even when we were obnoxious teenagers.

Some other tid bits about my dad are: he's a hard worker and a perfectionist (I blame him for my OCD tendencies); he helps around the house ALOT; he is a human encyclopedia (he knows every fact there is about every mountain and animal, known to man); he adores his grandchildren; he once tried to stop his 2 ton truck from rolling down a steep hillside, with his body and broke his leg in the process. (but he didn't go to a doctor for a week. He thought that if he refused to admit that his leg was, INDEED broken, it would heal all by it's self in a couple of days. Instead he shaved his leg because even his leg hair was hurting his leg too much. Hahahahahaha! Oh, good times! What a nerd.)

The most important fact about my dad is that he loves and cares for his family, deeply. Everything that he does and sacrifices, is for his family.

Smile Dad! The painting in the background is a painting of my dad pulling a handcart. He was in a movie about the Willie and Martin handcart company pioneers and there were artists there to paint scenes from the movie. The painting was displayed at the LDS Church Museum in SLC!

My husband's dad is a big guy! You don't mess with him, man!

I met my husband's dad for the first time when he was in bed in his undies, while I was dating Steve. Yup, in his bed. In his undies. (totally Steve's fault).

He also has a great sense of humor. He is the "root" of all of his children's naughty senses of humor.

I look up to him (literally), because of the way he has handled his life's experiences that he has had to endure. He lovingly cared for his wife, during her difficult struggle with cancer and then dealt with his parents death with in months after his wife's death. A few short years later, he watched his oldest child go through the same circumstances as her mother had, previously. Only to feel the sorrow of another loved one, returning to our Heavenly Father.

He is a pillar of strength and support to his family.

Grandpa and Conner!

I cannot complain when it comes to my Grandfathers! My grandpa, on my dad's side passed away when I was nineteen years old. My favorite memory of him, was whenever we had a family reunion, he was ALWAYS the first one to start a water fight. It was common to wake up to him standing over you with a pitcher of water. He liked to joke. He also liked to spoil us. He would hand us a 5 dollar bill and let us buy whatever junk food we wanted, while in a store with him.

He also enjoyed writing poetry. Something that I was unaware of, until he passed away.

My other Grandpa is a character! He was a hard working farmer in Idaho and loves to socialize. It is common to be poked on the shoulder or your head, and he claims, "it wasn't me!" Even when we are the only two people in the room. He has given almost all of his grand kids nicknames and teases us constantly.

He takes pride in his vehicles (old and new) and his life's work. He also has a loud and infectious laugh, which I love. He's a great Grandpa!

My grandparents, mom and her siblings.

Grandpa and Grandma with mom, her brother, and sister, on the farm.

I only knew my husband's grandfather for a short time. My fondest memory of him was when Steve and I stayed with his grandparents in Idaho for a weekend, while we were dating. Steve's grandparents adored each other! His grandma told stories about her husband, in his youth. He was a cheerleader, while in highschool, and apparently was quite the gymnast.

"He would do flips across the field! Mmmmmmm! He looked so good!" his grandma would proclaim. It was fun to see that they were still hot for each other!

On one of the mornings, while staying with Steve's grandparents, I had yet to apply my make-up or curl my hair. Not my most appealing moment. Steve's grandpa pointed out my "blemishes" and told me that I had better keep an eye on them so that they wouldn't become cancerous. I was touched that he was worried that my zits were cancerous.

Steve's grandpa's passing came at a time when we were about to welcome our first son. I often thought that our son was being carefully watched over by his grandmother, and great grandfather, while we waited for his arrival.

Last, but not least, is my main man. The father of my boys, my best friend, and my hunk of burning love.

There are times when I feel as if my heart will explode with complete joy, when I think of how blessed I am to have such a wonderful husband and father to my children.

He knows me better than anyone in the world and yet, still loves and accepts me. Despite my faults.

He still makes me laugh, after all of these years, and we still got "it". Butterflies in my tummy, and all.

He can change diapers faster and better than me and loves our kids, like there is no tomorrow. (I am jealous of his diapering skills)

One of my favorite memories of Steve, is when we were on our third date. He displayed his unique talent of performing the Chinese splits. It's true. Before I knew it, he plopped down on the floor in front of me and stretched one leg to the left and the other one to the right. It was magnificent! I believe that was the very moment that I knew he was the one and that he had to be the father of my children.

And then there were the moments when he first held our babies, after they were born. Pure happiness.

He makes me and my boys happy beyond measure and I truly, deeply, madly, love him.

I like to torture my three guys, by dressing them in the same attire.

Holy Hee Haw Honey, I married this guy!