A Father’s day tribute

It’s Father’s Day, Ya’ll! And in honor of that, I’d like to just tell you a little bit about why I love my husband.

1-He loved me first. Yes, he might tell you stories of how he knew I was the one for him way before I left on my mission. I wasn’t so sure, and it took some convincing that he was the one for me. But, he did it. And I’m very glad he did. But he always reminds me that he loved me first, as if that somehow makes his love better than my love. But I still love him for it.

2-He can fix about anything. If he wants to. There is a certain scooter that’s been sitting in the garage for a long time that he hasn’t even tried to fix, but we’ll not talk any more about that. He’s fixed countless VCRs, a few tv’s (the one in our bedroom was his parents tv, and we’ve had it for roughly 14 years ourselves), computers, toasters, toys, vacuums, and many other things. He just has the “I can take that thing apart and probably fix it” mentality. Which is a good thing.

3-He’s a GREAT FATHER. Ryan loves playing with the kids, he changes diapers, he puts kids to bed, he can get them dressed, etc. I’m glad that he’s a capable father and could take care of the kids in my absence if he had to. Not that I’m planning on going anywhere, mind you, but I do enjoy the occasional night out.

4-He’s pretty willing to go to almost whatever strange concert/movie premier/try to win a car/event that I may win tickets to. Since you never really know what kind of stuff you will win when you call in for radio contests, I’ve won a lot of crazy crap. We’ve gone to a demolition derby, some VERY dumb movies that I’m really glad we didn’t pay for, I even entered him in a father’s day lawn mower contest once, where he had to run around a little course with his bubble mower and compete for a new lawn mower. No, we didn’t win, he came in a very close second. He competed with me and two kids in the “Amazing Shopping Race“, and although we didn’t win the trip to SanDiego, it’s been a fun memory for Cole and Megan, who ran that race with us. He even snarfed up a whole pizza! He did draw the line at Barney live and the Doodlebops. No way was I getting him to go to those, but that’s ok.

5-He grills up some pretty awesome meat! I have to thank our neighbors for giving us the amazing marinade recipe, but he does a great job with the grill (which I can’t even get lighted, by the way).

6-He loves our kids.

7-He has a job, and keeps a job and supports our family financially. I’m so thankful that I am able to stay at home with the kids. I can’t imagine trying to be the mom and work full time outside the home. I think that would be so much harder, and I would hate to miss out on so much of the excitement that is raising children.

8-He hardly ever complains about what I fix for dinner.

9-He’s helpful. He’s fixed countless computers, helped others with their wiring, and recently made a whole bunch of water bottle launchers for people just to be nice. He’s just an all around great guy.

10-He’s a faithful father, doing his best to honor his priesthood and be a righteous member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.

“A father’s calling is eternal, and its importance transcends time. It is a calling for both time and eternity. Harold B. Lee truly stated that, ‘the most important of the Lord’s work that you [fathers] will ever do will be the work you do within the walls of your own home.’ …

“Your homes should be a haven of peace and joy for your family. Surely no child should fear his own father. A father’s duty is to make his home a place of happiness and joy. He cannot do this when there is bickering quarreling, contention, or unrighteous behavior. The powerful effect of righteous fathers in setting an example, disciplining and training, nurturing and loving is vital to the spiritual welfare of his children.” ~ Ezra Taft Benson