Happy Birthday Kenny!

It's not very often I get to celebrate my dad's birthday with him. December 23th was a treat. He shares Joseph Smith's birthday which is quite significant since he lives close to those realms. When I was younger, I knew that my dad would be the prophet someday. That tells you how nearly perfect I thought he was.... and still is. He has done enough service in the church that makes me see he doesn't need to be the prophet to spread his influence far and wide. Here are some reasons why I love my dad.

*We have always known that we were #1 most important thing in my dad's life. He always put us first. He cancelled meetings to be at choir concerts. He left important events to be at our musical recitals. One time he drove all through the night from Arizona to make it just in time to coach my brother's basketball game. Whenever we were all together he made us aware that there's no one else he would rather be with than his wife and children... and now grandchildren.

*Besides wanting to be with us, he finds happiness in serving us. He always woke up early with us, making us breakfast, scraping the ice off our car windshields and starting our car, sending us off for the day. Even now we have to be careful what we ask him to do because we know he will bend over backwards to do it.

*We know how much he loves my mom because he tells us. He serves her and calls her several times a day to check in. He calls and checks in with all 6 of his kids several times a week. I enjoy my conversations with my dad. He buoys me up. He lets me know how much he loves me and tells me how great I am and what a wonderful job I am doing as a mom. Those are words I need to hear. With his phone calls he has counsel and spiritual thoughts to share... always needed and appreciated. Friends used to ask me what it was like to have a marriage/family counselor as a dad. We did have our share of "sessions" in the office when there was fighting or arguing going on. Dad would use his techniques on us. It made me wonder how other families got along without a family counselor in the home. He has offered much marriage counselor to all of his married children. Free and life saving.

*He is a peacemaker. He teaches that no matter what happens you should be the first to apologize and make things right. He is a living example of that.

*He has a sense of humor that didn't keep us pouting for very long. He made practicing the piano fun by adding his boom-chicka-boom to the bottom of our boring pieces. Wrestled even with his girls. Knows how to tickle and tease my girls to keep them in their place. Has good heart to heart talks with my children telling them how wonderful and talented they are. He takes the small moments to teach lessons. He lives everything he teaches.

*the master of all trades! I love it when he come to visit because he puts his work hat on and does little projects around the house. This visit he put in a larger light with more watts for our backyard. He fixed our sliding glass door! Thanks!

*The best dad ever! I love you!

Dad loves a good hot dog with sour kraut and chili on it. So, that's what was on the menu for dinner.