Stuff I Admire About Dad

• I have to think hard to remember a time I heard him complain about anything.
• When he had the chance to move to Samoa, he took it. (Despite having a very young family of five.)
• He made sure we had a boat so we could have something we could do together as a family.
• He can quote large portions of Joseph Smith history and certain sections of D&C.
• He is a walking encyclopedia with extensive sections in (transmissions, cars, gospel, church history, general wisdom, morals, family management.)
• He followed the personal revelation that he should serve a mission despite not being an active member of the church in his youth.
• He was a powerful, effective, compassionate, and forward-thinking missionary.
• No matter how big or small, he has always risen to the occasion and magnified his church calling.
• He is a great leader.
• He grew up in Southern California in the 1950's. (Okay, maybe this one is more envy than admire.)
• He is his kids and grand kids' biggest fan.
• He is amazing with Abby, it is so fun to watch them interact.
• He always makes a big deal out of his kids' birthdays.
• I've learned from experience that he will always be MUCH stronger than I am.
• He always has time to help, or listen, or just relax together.

Happy Birthday Dad! You are the best.

365 Days of Abby

Abby turned 1 last Friday. I made this movie for her, and I'm just getting around to posting it now.

Ode to My Better Half

Natalie turned 26 years old this morning. I was asleep when it happened. In fact, we all were. The lights were all off and Abby was asleep in her crib. I have decided that to commemorate this momentous occasion, I will give her an ode:

Good Natalie,

O Natalie, thou child of the festive season
How I love thee and thy gentle ways.
Beauty and pure love flow from thee as
The garden hose used to water thy beloved begonias.
Thou art loved more soundly and deeply
Than any Gilmore or Gossip Girl could imagine.

I am the Dwight to thy Michael Scott,
The Buddy to thy Jovie.
Thou art the Ketchup to my fries,
The talk button on my cell phone,
And the sustain in my guitar.
Life is easier, more functional,
and more enjoyable with thee.

From the depths of the Wendy's
to the tolerability of Convergys,
My life improved as I moved closer to thee.
Once, twice, thrice was the charm,
I dared to persist, persisted to dare.
The maid with the blue ribbon
Consented to hang out with me.