I wanted to give a post-Father's Day shout-out to the Fathers I was with on Father's Day - my own Father, and the Father of my children.
.
.
My Dad can be silly and serious.
One of the things I love most about my Dad is that he can be very funny and make silly faces and do silly things. You don't expect these things from a grown man sometimes, but he has a wonderful sense of humor and is quick to laugh. I will never forget the image of my Father riding a shopping cart through the parking lot -because it goes faster that way! He's quick to play a game, or crack a joke. But all silliness aside, I know I can come to him with any problem I have and participate in a serious conversation with him. He will thoughtfully advise me and guide me. I appreciate that he is so well rounded and good-natured.
Integrity
When I have to think of one word to describe my Dad, I think "Integrity." He is honest in all of his ways and communication. He is an employer - a boss over many people. He exemplifies integrity in his dealings with others and expects the same in return. From accurate work expenditures to exact time cards - I remember growing up and observing his integrity in the work place and wanted to emulate it in my own professions. You don't clock in if you aren't working. Do an honest days work for your employer. I still remember one time in Batavia, he had the option of taking a limo to the airport when he had to travel for work. It would be paid for and arranged by the company. He decided he didn't need to charge the company such an extravagance and instead I think I drove him to the airport. He taught me the true meaning of having integrity when no one is watching. He is someone you can trust - and that means a lot.
When I have to think of one word to describe my Dad, I think "Integrity." He is honest in all of his ways and communication. He is an employer - a boss over many people. He exemplifies integrity in his dealings with others and expects the same in return. From accurate work expenditures to exact time cards - I remember growing up and observing his integrity in the work place and wanted to emulate it in my own professions. You don't clock in if you aren't working. Do an honest days work for your employer. I still remember one time in Batavia, he had the option of taking a limo to the airport when he had to travel for work. It would be paid for and arranged by the company. He decided he didn't need to charge the company such an extravagance and instead I think I drove him to the airport. He taught me the true meaning of having integrity when no one is watching. He is someone you can trust - and that means a lot.
Spiritual leader
I grew up being known as the "Bishop's daughter." At times this was an annoyance. :) Serving as Bishop 3 separate times growing up, he was often gone on Sundays and busy helping members of our congregations. But I was able to observe my Dad as a wonderful Bishop and a spiritual leader. I learned a lot watching him care for all of God's children - no matter the type or circumstance. I saw him worry about others and get called away at the most inconvenient times. He has always fulfilled his Priesthood duty. From being a consistent home teacher, to participating in High Adventure, from setting up chairs before a meeting to giving me a Father's blessing. He was a spiritual leader in the home and abroad.
I could write a ton more that I admire about my Father. It is wonderful living closer to him now and seeing him grow into the role as Grandfather. What a blessing it is in my life to have such a Father.
I grew up being known as the "Bishop's daughter." At times this was an annoyance. :) Serving as Bishop 3 separate times growing up, he was often gone on Sundays and busy helping members of our congregations. But I was able to observe my Dad as a wonderful Bishop and a spiritual leader. I learned a lot watching him care for all of God's children - no matter the type or circumstance. I saw him worry about others and get called away at the most inconvenient times. He has always fulfilled his Priesthood duty. From being a consistent home teacher, to participating in High Adventure, from setting up chairs before a meeting to giving me a Father's blessing. He was a spiritual leader in the home and abroad.
I could write a ton more that I admire about my Father. It is wonderful living closer to him now and seeing him grow into the role as Grandfather. What a blessing it is in my life to have such a Father.
.JPG)
And now I turn to the love of my life - Jeff. He's officially been a father for 21 months now...and he's great at it. :)
Playful
Something that attracted me to Jeff was his sense of fun. This has translated gloriously to his fatherhood. He is playful with the girls and has a lot of fun with them. He will get down on the ground with them and let them crawl and slobber all over him. :) He laughs and makes faces with them and they in turn love him for it. Just yesterday he was on his hands and knees being a "horsey" for Brielle. He's not afraid to get his suits dirty or a little wrinkled from sticky fingers. Making memories with the girls is his priority and it's wonderful that he's got this attitude so early on in his parenthood.
Something that attracted me to Jeff was his sense of fun. This has translated gloriously to his fatherhood. He is playful with the girls and has a lot of fun with them. He will get down on the ground with them and let them crawl and slobber all over him. :) He laughs and makes faces with them and they in turn love him for it. Just yesterday he was on his hands and knees being a "horsey" for Brielle. He's not afraid to get his suits dirty or a little wrinkled from sticky fingers. Making memories with the girls is his priority and it's wonderful that he's got this attitude so early on in his parenthood.
Kind
When I was thinking about marrying Jeff, my Bishop at the time gave me this advice: "marry someone who is kind." I have since learned that this is a wonderful attribute and am grateful to say that Jeff is one of the kindest people I know. He is always focused on my happiness, and now the girls' happiness. He is kind to them, and cares for them deeply. He doesn't like it when Brielle cries in the night, and is quick to comfort. While I try to feed the girls healthy foods, he is quick to give them Doritos. I see this as a virtue of his kindness. He is kind to their appetites, and apologizes often to Rosalyn when he sees me feeding her peas. ha ha. :) He is soft with the girls and doesn't like to see them get hurt. He cares deeply for the girls and is kind to them. A very important quality that I'm appreciating more and more.
When I was thinking about marrying Jeff, my Bishop at the time gave me this advice: "marry someone who is kind." I have since learned that this is a wonderful attribute and am grateful to say that Jeff is one of the kindest people I know. He is always focused on my happiness, and now the girls' happiness. He is kind to them, and cares for them deeply. He doesn't like it when Brielle cries in the night, and is quick to comfort. While I try to feed the girls healthy foods, he is quick to give them Doritos. I see this as a virtue of his kindness. He is kind to their appetites, and apologizes often to Rosalyn when he sees me feeding her peas. ha ha. :) He is soft with the girls and doesn't like to see them get hurt. He cares deeply for the girls and is kind to them. A very important quality that I'm appreciating more and more.
Provider
Jeff works hard. He works long hours and comes home and works some more helping me with the girls. He works hard to provide us with the necessities and niceties of life. I am so so so grateful that he works so hard so that I can stay home with the girls. It is a wonderful blessing that many people in our pricey area cannot enjoy. We are lucky to live off of his income and he works hard to provide it. He takes his role as provider seriously. He plans carefully for our retirement and makes sacrifices now so that we are taken care of now and in the future. He has the financial well-being of his family often on his mind and he's so good at it.
I'm grateful to have spent Father's Day with these two great men. What blessings they are in my life and in the lives of my children.
Jeff works hard. He works long hours and comes home and works some more helping me with the girls. He works hard to provide us with the necessities and niceties of life. I am so so so grateful that he works so hard so that I can stay home with the girls. It is a wonderful blessing that many people in our pricey area cannot enjoy. We are lucky to live off of his income and he works hard to provide it. He takes his role as provider seriously. He plans carefully for our retirement and makes sacrifices now so that we are taken care of now and in the future. He has the financial well-being of his family often on his mind and he's so good at it.
I'm grateful to have spent Father's Day with these two great men. What blessings they are in my life and in the lives of my children.
No comments:
Post a Comment