Happy Birthday Dad!

Alright, have I posted enough about my Dad yet or what? I can't help it though. I really like the man and can't get enough of him.

I sure miss him alot as he is living in a third world country at the moment. They didn't ask to live there, but when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints assigned them to live there for the next two years... they didn't even blink an eye. (Well maybe Mom batted an eye just a little, but that was it.)

My parent's received a phone call one day asking my dad to be the Executive Secretary to the Area President for the Church way out in the Philippines. Now to someone who isn't familiar with my beliefs, you might think this is crazy. In a matter of months(4), they settled their affairs and headed on out! (Sold cars, rented home, updated passports, immunizations, finances, practically took a leave from all responsibilities, let alone saying goodbye to their children & grandkids.) But because the gospel I believe in is the exact same gospel taught in all Churches of Jesus Christ across the world, they were happy to give of themselves and serve the people living in the Philippines. And for all of this, I'm very proud of my dad (and mom... but this is Dad's birthday post.) (...also you might find these statistics interesting)

Today, Dec 18th is my dad's birthday. Happy Birthday Dad, I'm happy you're alive!

Now, my dad is really good at not saying too much...but saying a whole lot all at the same time. Understand? Over the years I have asked my brother and sisters to remember some of Dad's all time quotes. Some are his originals and others are ones he's picked up along the way from people he admired. I'm posting some, along with a few pictures I really cherish.

Dad & me one day old and in our hospital garb.
"Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes permanent."

My Dad really loves me.
"Seek to understand before you insist on being understood."

He couldn't get enough of me, and taught me lots of stuff.
"You can't hear with your mouth open."

A Sunday morning.
"Be good because of the goodness in you, and not because of the goodness in them."

My baptism day. I was baptized by my dad.

At times, one of us kids would go up to Dad and ask if we were adopted. Dad's reply would be, "Yeah, but they brought you back."

I'm lucky to have you Dad. I love you, and thanks for always loving me.

Here is their mission blog.