Dad...I decided to take a look into dad's past. I can't think about his past w/o thinking about his mother. Ione was such an amazing woman. Raising 12 kids on her own! There are so many things that would be hard; washing clothes for 12 kids, cleaning up after 12 kids, supporting 12 kids, homework with 12 kids but I can't even imagine feeding 12 kids every day and night! I decided to take a walk down dad's memory lane and also try to better myself by learning a new skill. I decided to attempt making grandma's rolls for my neighbors. OH MY ROLLS! This recipe made enough to feed the entire ward!! I just kept on rolling. The dough just kept on going! I seriously can't imagine feeding that many people each day! I also am not very good at making rolls. They were not light and fluffy. They were more like hockey pucks. but they looked pretty. She is my hero!
Dad is a master carpenter! He is so talented at what he does. He does his job with such skill and perfection. He is very detailed oriented. (Except when putting up the crown molding in the kitchen.) This year for Christmas, I decided to do something that would hopefully bring more meaning of Christmas to people as well as channel my inner dad by using my woodworking talents. We painted wooden nativity sets for my neighbors. I made little cards to go with each piece and gave one each night for the 12 days of Christmas. I really liked this because I felt like it gave me a chance to think about each person's (or animal's) role in the nativity. I even enlisted one of dad's biggest fan's to help me! It was a fun little project to work on with Grandpa while thinking of Dad.
Dad to me is a spiritual giant. He is such a great example of faith even thru endurance and trials. Growing up my parents went to the temple once a month. For a while dad even worked in the temple. This year I decided to focus on making sure I did my temple service once a month. This was easy back when we worked in the temple laundry last year. But this time I had to make sure it happened on my own with out some one else requiring me to make it. I not only went, but I tried to really focus on what I could learn each time. I wanted to "get" something that I didn't get before. It also helped me stay awake! Iv'e tried to make my prayers more meaningful and I've tried to really listen back after saying prayers. I had no idea how important this would be in my life until the week of Ryan's funeral. I am so glad I had been channeling my inner Dad for months. It helped me keep a good hold on the gospel when I needed it most.
I love you so much Daddy! Thanks for being such an amazing example to me and my children. We love you and we are so proud of you. Merry Christmas!
PS Dad, I sent you an email as well, check your email. :)
Great job Mit. As "wonder"ful as you gave me credit for being... We both know dad more than laps me so its great that he got double served this year!
ReplyDeleteAs quoted to me by Dad:
ReplyDeleteThank you my dear daughter. You are an inspiration to all of us as you open up your house to every Tom, Dick & Harry. How sweet you are to children's Great Grandpa. We want to let you know how proud we are of you for your temple attendance. Mom is speaking on temples on Sunday, and figured out today that we have been going for 32 years. We are thrilled that you accepted that challenge. Love, Dad