Thursday, June 18, 2015

to my kids: about your dad

Dear Lennon, Larry, Ruby and Thomas,

This Sunday is Father's Day and want you to know a few things about your dad.

The first thing you need to know is that he is crazy about all of you.  So crazy that sometimes at night we lay in bed and I tell him things you each did/said and little tears run down his face.  
You amaze him.

The next thing you should know is your dad is busy.  He owns his own business and while that sounds super important and cool; it's a lot of work.  It's a lot of responsibility.  It's a lot of ups and downs and right now he is working long hours.  Last night he got home at 1:30 am from work.  A few weeks ago, he worked until 5 am...from the day before.  He came home at 5, slept for an hour, then jumped up and got dressed.  Headed to Lennon's school where he presented at Career Day.



 Initially when he told me he wanted to present at Lennon's school, I wondered what on earth he could do/say about property management to interested 30 kids at a time.  He printed fake money, built mini houses out of boxes and showed the kids how property management works.  They were enthralled.  And after four hours of presenting he headed home and took you boys to a Father and Son's campout for church.  Didn't complain.  Didn't even complain when you got home the next day and I told him he was taking all three of you to Annie at the Smith Center.  Not one complaint, not one dirty look, just smiles and gratitude and love for you.

Father and Son's campout on one hour of sleep...
Dad and Ruby in Anaheim
Something else you should know about your dad: He loves your mom.  Right now it's summertime so I have four kids at home and a million boxes to pack for our move and messy closets and no adult helpers.  This morning before he left for work he suggested I start packing a certain way to which I replied, "I'm actually going to pack this house however the hell I want," to which he replied, "I love you," and laughed.  Sometimes when there are four kids screaming and the house feels crazy and I'm trying to make dinner and I can hardly hear myself think, he comes into the kitchen and grabs my hand and starts dancing with me.  Sometimes I pretend to be annoyed but really 100% of the time I love stopping everything and slow dancing with him while you guys run wild.  Sometimes it's important to enjoy the craziness and remember how we got here.

We planned a trip to Bear Lake (pictures posted soon) a few months ago but things got crazy...SUPER crazy at work just before the trip.  I told him he didn't have to go.  I told him my mom could come instead and help.  I told him I understood if he had to stay home and take care of some really important things at work.  He listened and then said he didn't care if it all burned down; he wanted to be with us.  I was relieved and thankful.

Bear Lake boating
The last thing you should know about Dad -- he loves God.  He has a lot of faith.  He sees things with clear eyes and knows what is important in life.  Every day he tries to obey God because he believes that doing what's right brings blessings.  He's shown me over and over that this is a real principle.  Most nights he falls asleep on his knees praying. Your dad is special.  He is happy even when life is hard.  He works hard and never complains.  He is always willing to listen and change.  He quietly serves people that you will never even know about.  Boys, I pray you grow up to be like your dad and have love and faith in your life.  Ruby, I pray you find a husband who will love you even when you're bossy and will trust God even when life feels impossible.
Dad and Thomas on first birthday

Happy Father's Day Tod.  We couldn't do this without you xoxoxo


4 comments:

IronLawGirl said...

Holly, you made me cry!

We are so luck to know you guys!!

Ryan McPhie said...

Seriously. Tod is probably the best guy I know and when I take a break from feeling like a failure for not being as good as him, I am just inspired to be better. You are a wonderful mom too, Tod's blog just hasn't taken off quite as well. PS-I really think you need to write a book. You are an exceptional writer. The content helps, but your way with words is fantastic.

Carol said...

We are teary-eyed and touched by your tribute to our son. We know he's not perfect . . . But he's perfect for you, Holly. You are incredibly patient and supportive. We are also proud of the man, husband and father he's become. Most of all, we are thankful for his love and faith in the Savior and the testimony he nurtures everyday. Thank you for being his better half and letting your children know what a good guy he is. You are both fantastic and wonderful parents to our darling grandchildren. Thank you!😘

Carol said...

We are teary-eyed and touched by your tribute to our son. We know he's not perfect . . . But he's perfect for you, Holly. You are incredibly patient and supportive. We are also proud of the man, husband and father he's become. Most of all, we are thankful for his love and faith in the Savior and the testimony he nurtures everyday. Thank you for being his better half and letting your children know what a good guy he is. You are both fantastic and wonderful parents to our darling grandchildren. Thank you!😘