There are so many good things I could say about my dad. He is the most spiritual, most influential, most trusting, most giving and the most forgiving person I know. He has taught me everything there is to know about the gospel. If I have any testimony now, it's because he and my mom taught me from a toddler's age about what I should know. He taught me that paying tithing comes first. It's no secret that my parents have been through many ups and downs during their 31 years of marriage. They started out poorer than I could really comprehend. Sloan and Shaun slept in a folded up bed that looked like a suitcase when they first came home from the hospital in their one bedroom condo in San Diego. My mom was just telling me not too long ago that they didn't eat much. They didn't buy cheese, didn't buy anything extra. They are such great examples of selflessness. They put their children first from day one. My mom has ALWAYS stayed home with her children no matter the money problems they had. My dad is the most influential because I can look at the dozens of young men he's worked with and know how much they love and adore him. He's trusting. He trusts ANYONE anytime anywhere. My mom and I joke about this one particular young man he was over who was just called to be the teachers' quorum advisor. Rumor had it that this 15-year-old had gotten a girl pregnant. My dad assured us that it wasn't true and listened to his boy's word right up until the day the baby was born. My dad would give the shirt off his back, every dime in his pocket then look to my mom for any extra. I can't name or even count the number of people he's given to over the years that I've even been old enough to realize what he is doing with that brand new neon (literally) that he buys for a 16-year-old. And my dad is the best person at NOT holding a grudge I know. I could tell you numerous stories of times I've seen my dad not care if someone takes advantage, not care if he's "mad" at them (my mom too!), or just have an eternal perspective on almost every situation he is in. Regardless of his faults, like his obvious oblivious nature (mankind, rather male trait I have to say) or his "give me a knife" syndrome he has every so often, he is the best guy I know. I am so glad that Matthew has such a great grandpa that can teach him and be an influence past the great dad that Ammon is.
I posted these few pictures of my dad with some young men because this has been his focus for so many years...the youth.
This year for my dad's birthday, he didn't want to go out. He didn't want to do anything but grill a steak and have his kids and grandkids there with him. Good thing because Ammon was at work and Gina is on bed rest, but other than that, the rest of us were there. The kids always have such a fun time when they get together. Matthew loves them all for different reasons. We had a fun relaxing night, despite the fact that we had to pause the game to eat dinner and visit!
Forget the food, bring on the cupcake and ice cream!
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