Week #24 - Dads and Birthdays - Mine and Not My Own

A week ago was Father's Day. This last week Adam turned a year older. Because of these two events happening, this week leads me to reflect on the dads in my life and the example they have been to me.

First, my dad, Jerry. My dad is a wonderful man. People say I am the female version of my dad. I not only look like him, but my mannerisms, personality, and especially, my emotions are just like him. I don't think there is a better complement for me than to me compared to my dad.

My dad is the smartest dad that I know, no really he is. You ask him a question about the scriptures, medicine, cars, sports, whatever, and he can change hats accordingly. He can not only answer the question you asked, but go into great detail about the answer. I don't know how he does it. He is a wonderful judge of character and has a true gift of discernment.

Second, my husband, Adam. Adam is a fabulous father and dad to our children. He is the one that takes the time to explain to the kids why things are they way they are. He is way better at appreciating them for who they are than I am. He's not a perfect dad, but he is most definitely the perfect dad for them. I love him and the dad and father he is to our children.

Third, my father-in-law, Leo. Leo is a kind, gentle man. He is a hard-working man. He spent many years working a young man's job, even when he wasn't such a young man any more. But, because of that, he provided a great example of a what a true work ethic is to his youngest son, my husband. He taught Adam how to work, what it means to work, and to do a job right, the first time. That work ethic made him a great provider for his family and our family through his example. I am grateful for this.

This past week, Adam "celebrated" his birthday - in Kansas, all by himself. I am sorry, my Love, that you had to spend this birthday away from the kids and me and couldn't celebrate it with us. But, in your honor, we ate cake and had a grand 'ole day celebrating your birthday for you. Next year, let's celebrate it together as a family, deal?!

I am grateful for dad and birthdays, they cause me to pause, if only for a moment out of my crazy day, to reflect on the impact they have on my life, whether they are mine or aren't my own.

Week #23 - Camping Out - Beach Style

I took the kids camping this week - to the beach - without Adam, but with my sister and her family and my sister-in-law and her family. We looked like a polygamist family I swear. There were 3 women, 10 kids and 1 man (my sister's husband). It was pretty hilarious to watch from the outside.

I was really anxious about doing this, even with the tremendous help that I had. Because, let's face it, even with help, there's usually not a good enough substitute for mom. As it turned out, it was one of the two weeks that we were traveling and the two weeks that Adam wasn't going to be in Kansas. Great timing, huh?

But, I must say, we had a BLAST! I can hardly wait for next year and am so excited to go again. Karina, my sister-in-law, has the whole "camping system" down pat. She helped this novice camper and get organized with a detailed list of what to bring, how much, menus, what we would be responsible for, etc. I think it was because of that coordination and organization that the trip went off without a hitch.

The kids got along together, played in the ocean for hours and hours and hours on end. The weather was PERFECT and so was the company and memories made. Most importantly, the kids are looking forward to going not only back to the beach, but camping again. Next time, we'll have to make sure that Adam will be joining us for the camp out - beach style.

Week #22 - Sisters - No Greater Bond

Today, is my younger (and littler) sister's birthday. As I look back on my life and think about all of the trouble we caused, havoc we wreaked, I can't help but to smile at some of the things we did.

Growing up, my mom would always ask me, "Janet, where's Mindy? Go find her!" It use to bug me as I seemed to be the one who was "responsible" for her and her whereabouts. But, really, I loved that people saw me and her together. Because it really was that way (or I like to remember it that way at least), wherever I was, she was there. Wherever she was, I was there. We were inseperable. It was great.

As we have grown up and are now married with kids of our own, sometimes I miss those days. I miss her terribly as she lives 2 states away and a solid 2 day drive to boot. I anticipate and look forward to the each summer when we load up the car and drive to Hailey, Idaho and spend those days with her. Yes, we talk on the phone at least 4 days a week, but there is something completely different than being there with her that makes me long for the days of being "the little girls" again.

I am excited to go see her again this year and to catch up with her. She's not just my sister, she is my friend, one of my best friends. I've often thought (and have even told her) that she may be my younger sister in this life - she's 20 months younger than me - but, in reality, she is my older wiser sister. Mindy has a unique knack for being able to comfort me when I'm emotional and to analyze things on the fly and with great precision. Through this analysis, she can calm me down and can help me to see things from a greater, better, and clearer prespective. We always have fun together, whether we are on the phone for hours on end, a 5 minute phone call, or the long summer days of the time that we get to share while we are together. Mindy is thoughtful, creative, strong, sharp-witted, funny, caring, a great mother, a wonderful friend, and an amazing sister.

So, on this day especially, and for this week, I am grateful for my sisters because there is no greater bond in a sibling relationship than that of two (or more) sisters. Love you, Mind! Happy Birthday!

Week #21 - Extra Days & Memories Made

I am grateful this week not necessarily for the extra day (although I am grateful for that) but that we got to spend together as a family, but also for the meaning behind the extra day we had.

I am so grateful for the men and women who have served this country and who have paid the ultimate price and sacrificed their lives to defend her. I am even more grateful for their families who let their sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, etc. serve this country and for the freedoms and liberties they defended in doing so.

The loved ones that have gone on and that I remembered this past week, I am grateful to know that one day I will be reunited with them. I don't want that day to come too quickly, because I have lots to do here on this Earth and lots that I want to be a part of on this Earth. But I am excited to know the truth that I will, one day, see them again.

I am grateful that Adam didn't have to travel to Kansas this week and we got one more extra day and memories made with the best husband and dad in the world.