For Dad...

Since February 17th I have been feeling very guilty...February 17th is my Dad's birthday, and I didn't send him anything- not even a card!!! I could make an argument that I was REALLY busy with a bunch of different things, but the truth is there's no excuse!!! I did call and talk to him and wished him a happy day (that makes me feel a little less guilty) To add insult to injury, my Dad called me from Idaho and told me that he bought my birthday present...HELLO, my birthday isn't til July! I couldn't come up with the perfect thing to send to him. I know he would appreciate anything...but, I like it to be special and I was coming up empty. As the days have turned into weeks, I finally decided to make a post dedicated to my DAD. He continues to be a huge influence for good in my life and the lives of my children. So happy belated birthday Dad! I love you!At the end of January my parents came to town and took all of my siblings that live here in Cali to the musical Fiddler on the Roof. It was such a fun adventure. This was my Dad's birthday gift from my Mom. (just to add to my guilt, if I had really been on top of things I would've given him a gift while he was in town) My parents spent a couple of nights here in Pleasanton. It was fun to hang out with just my Mom and Dad. The kids would go off to school, Wayne went to work and we played all day--starting off with breakfast on Main Street. We discovered a fun fabric store in San Jose and went shopping at the Great Mall. The day spent in San Francisco was a lot of fun. It was fun to spend an evening with my parents and all the adults. Bethany and Britt were back at my house watching the younger cousins.

I spent a lot of time going through my scrapbooks and picking out some of my favorite pictures of my Dad. I decided to scan the ones that mean a lot to me and at the same time show what an influence he has been in my life. I am a firm believer that every little girl should believe that her daddy can do anything...I am lucky enough to have a dad who CAN do anything!!! I credit both of my parents for my love of music. There was always music in our home. While my mom saw to it that I learned how to sew, my Dad was my teacher. I know that probably sounds backwards, but my mom will be the first to admit she doesn't sew--my Dad does and is AMAZING!!! While I'm no where near as talented as he is he has taught me a lot of tricks to save fabric, how to finish a garment. This may sound weird but he also taught me to IRON every garment!!! It makes such a difference on the finished product! Dad has made numerous things for me and my daughters. I love that my girls can answer the question "who made your dress?" with a very proud "MY GRANDPA DID!!!" That response always gets fun looks and more questions! Below is a picture of my Dad with Ally on her blessing day...he made her dress! Isn't it the sweetest picture?!?

Below is a picture of my Dad at Pigeon Point. I credit my love of photography to my Dad. He's always had great cameras...one thing that differs from my picture taking and Dad's is I like to include people in my pictures. Dad always had amazing pictures of scenery...no people! I always try to capture both!!!

For as long as I can remember, my Dad has loved scouting! I learned from both of my parents to support my spouse in whatever he loves. (mine happens to love fixing things!) My Dad always helped my mom and my mom did the same with my dad! One thing that has always stuck with me, for whatever reason is my Mom needed a Heart shaped cookie cutter and couldn't find one or didn't like the ones she found and my dad turned a tuna can into the perfect heart cookie cutter. (I told you he CAN do anything!!!) Below is a picture of my parents at a WOODBADGE event (I think) nonetheless it's a scouting event! I think it shows how much my dad loves scouts...he's in a kilt!!!

ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE PICS...My dad with Jay on the day Jay was ordained a Deacon!

Below is my Dad with all of his boys (minus Ben who was still on his mission!)...L-R Wayne, Matt, Andy, DAD, Tyler and Jon. These six men all served missions! Tyler is the baby and we were all able to be at the MTC to wish him well. (I'm glad we got to do this...I know families don't get that experience nowadays!)

Scouting turns 100...my Dad sat down with all these guys and gave them a collectors patch honoring the 100 years. He talked to all of them about the many celebrations that will take place this year!

Below is Dad walking with Jay. My dad was making a training video for his job in scouting and he had his sons and grandsons dress in uniform to capture some fun pics. I should mention that I got dressed up in my uniform for this day of pics too...that's right, I have a scouting uniform! I was the Bear leader for a few years. Now that I'm the Primary President I'm thrown back into the cub program again!!!

My dad is always adventurous! I wish I had a picture of me with my Dad at Lagoon...he always made us go on Colossus. I don't even think my dad likes roller coasters! Below he is with Jay again! This was our adventure after our day of scout pictures!

Dad at Temple Square...I don't know what he's doing in this picture, but I'm sure it was some sort of history lesson for the Grandkids...you can see at the bottom right hand side Jay & Britt listening!

Below is another of my favorite pictures... it will be included in Britt's wedding video! My dad made the flower girl dresses for the granddaughters at Tyler & Ann's wedding. I love that my dad has a pin in his mouth and is altering the dress to fit Britt perfectly!

This is a picture of Bella's blessing day. Pa Bob was busy sewing dresses for all of these girls. He made Bethy and Britt similar dresses and he made Bella look like the princess that she is! Pa Bob often makes everyone of the granddaughters dresses for whatever event is being celebrated. Ally loves the dress that he made her for her birthday it came with a homemade doll in a matching dress!!!

Dad rockin' out on ROCKBAND! My dad actually plays the real guitar...I wish I had learned that skill from him! (I was too lazy I'm sure!)

My dad loves gardening! Ally loves to go to Pa Bob's and water all the flowers! My Dad has an amazing garden. I have learned some techniques from my Dad in this area but, haven't come close to mastering the juggling of my time to even get to my yard! Wayne and I do always have a garden, and I give full credit to my Dad for that desire. I even can things in the summer!

Below is Dad helping Ally across a pond at Donut Falls. My family always went on day hikes and I love doing that with my kids! A few summers ago my dad came with me and the kids on a hike that I loved doing as a kid!

Sharp shooting grandpa!!! Pa Bob showing off his shooting skills...he didn't miss a thing! Jay was quite impressed and still brags about it!

Adventures with Pa Bob and Susie are always fun and looked forward to by everyone!

I have selfishly posted this post to ease my guilty feelings... MY TRUE DESIRE is hoping it's something my Dad will appreciate. He's one of those guys who doesn't need anything or buys what he needs or wants himself...hence my struggle to find the perfect gift!

I love you Dad and appreciate the influence you continue to have on my life!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!