We had a lovely Father's Day. Joel is a constant, loyal presence in our lives and I think sometimes we take that for granted. What I remember of the morning is a peaceful, relaxed feeling as the kids helped make him the breakfast they were so excited for and the presents they eagerly anticipated giving. Then Joel spent time with them sorting through DVDs to put in his new case, and to my recollection, they read a few stories. The kids also remembered their grandpas that day by taking special photos for them.
It was a happy day to remember the very wonderful men in our lives. I am grateful I can write that word in plural--to have not only one good man in our lives, but multiple.
First is Joel. Joel is a great father, and all who know him agree. He is kind and patient and I know the kids are not scared to make mistakes in front of him. They are totally comfortable being themselves because they know Joel accepts them and loves them 100%
Everett made this gift at school and saved it for Father's Day. I love this picture because it looks like Joel is just lounging in bed. (Those of you who know Joel well know that he does love his naps.) But Everett really tried to illustrate Joel reading stories. They love listening to Joel read to them at night. They've had many adventures together via the talents of Roald Dahl, J.K. Rowling, and other remarkable authors.
In case you can't read that (Everett is far too important to worry about spelling), this says:
1) To make you a present
2) Not sleep in your bed
3) To listen to you.
This was the morning after Joel arrived to join us in Utah. The kids had not seen him in over two weeks and were thrilled to see that he appeared overnight! How did they show their excitement? By jumping on him, of course.
And despite his late night of flight delays, they didn't let him sleep in. Joel is such a good sport that he didn't even mind.
James especially missed Joel. He latched onto him and hardly wanted to let him out of his sight. Joel took it all in and really loved on James. Sometimes it is nice to feel appreciated. I think they both felt appreciated by each other.
The kids think Joel can do anything. They know if they ask him to help them with any sort of problem, he will have a solution.
They also love that Joel is not afraid to be silly with them. I cannot count how many times I have gone to tuck the kids in bed and they ask me to sing a song, "like Papa does."
What this means is that the lyrics to an already-familiar tune are made up on the spot and are very entertaining.
I can never perform as well as Joel can, much to the kids' disappointment.
Joel is fun-loving and teases the kids often. Sometimes they complain but then grins creep onto their faces and betray their real feelings of delight.
Joel likes to tease me, too. But I like to tease him right back. It is a part of our relationship that I think we both enjoy almost more than anything else. Joel is my constant companion and best friend. I don't know what I would do without his love and positivity. He is always boosting me with heartfelt comments about how he loves me and why, or why he thinks I'm neat.
I try to do the same for him but I am afraid that I am not as good at it as he is.
Joel is certainly one-of-a-kind. I love being with him. I would be happy doing anything with him--I would enjoy sorting trash with this man!
The kids are lucky to have great Grandpas as well.
(My Dad and Ashley hiking together this past summer)
My dad is wonderful in so many ways. I treasure many memories of him that are unforgettable in the best way. I was just reading the journal I kept as a young teenager and I write constantly about things Dad did that made a difference in my life. One was a family home evening lesson he gave on the Atonement. I went downstairs to my basement bedroom after that and had one of the most powerful, personal, spiritual experiences of my life. I always knew that if everything else in my life fell away from me, my Dad would still be there for me. He always knows how much counsel to give and when to give it. My ears always perked up when I heard him give advice. I still love to hear what he has to say. One of my favorite things about my Dad is that he has a great sense of humor. Teasing is a little bit like the icing on the cake layers of our family--it holds us all together and sweetens the deal. My dad is my champion and I love him dearly. My kids feel the same way about him as I do.
I count my blessings daily that I married into such a great family and have a wonderful Father-in-Law as well.
He is laid-back and always easy to be with. The kids had fun climbing on him last time we visited. One of the first indications I had that I would appreciate my father-in-law was when Joel and I got engaged. He joked about not wanting to stand in the wedding line and I told him we'd get a life-size cardboard cut out of him so he wouldn't have to. I enjoyed having this joke with him. Joel and I appreciate his constant, reassuring presence in our lives. Whenever we have a question, we think of calling my father-in-law. We love to hear his trademark chuckle when we tease him. I also enjoy reading the scriptures with him and Joel's family when we visit. My Father-in-law carries with him a soothing spiritual presence without being ostentatious. He constantly does what is right without asking for recognition. He is loyal and unpretentious. Joel inherited many wonderful qualities from him and I am grateful for that every day.
In short (too late--hah!) we had a great Father's Day because we have great Fathers. I hope my sons will one day be great like the fathers they know.
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