My Dad

It's my dads birthday and I'm so glad to take the time to really think about him and what an impact he has had on my life. That's right people, it's time for me to get vulnerable.

I have a really close relationship with my dad. This guy is so great. I have to list his top 3 qualities in my mind. He's smart: Whenever I have a big problem that I need a logical and smart approach on, my dad is one of the first people I call. He will make sure that he can listen to everything before jumping in with an answer or if he doesn't have time I know we'll talk about it later. I feel really lucky to have such a business savvy father. I know it's not just me because many times Nolan will ask me what my dad thinks about something.

He's spiritual: I'll never forget walking past his door in high school and seeing him read his scriptures, or all the time he spent on his callings at the church growing up. When Nolan asked to marry me he gave him a really great talk by an apostle and encouraged us to read it together with a prayerful heart. When I was graduating high school I was really worried about colleges. I remember breaking down and balling to my dad about how inadequate I felt and all the fears a graduating senior faces, and he lifted me up and encouraged me in a way I didn't know he could. He's funny: He can get into these moods that are so out of left field for his normally quiet personality that everyone around him can't help but be surprised. Whether he is cracking jokes, or singing in the shower he always makes me happy. The best is playing board games, sports, or the Wii with him. He's is quite the athlete and pretty competitive so he doesn't hide his pleasure when winning.

I don't know if I would have this close of a relationship with him if my mom had not passed away. I don't think many dads have to take their daughters bra shopping, or listen to the rantings of sister fights, or keep a close tab on what girls I am friends with and who is bugging me at different stages of my life. He puts up with a lot with all 7 of us kids, but he's never complained about the why. It is one of the heardest things for me to watch him go through. I can't think of many people that I respect as much as my dad. I sure love this guy.