The Post of Father's Days Passed

Once upon a time, in honor of Father's Day, my siblings and I did the 

same thing as the year before.  The end.  

Every year for Father's Day for as long as I can remember, we would always do the same thing for my Dad for Father's Day.  It was always a scavenger hunt.  We would first decorate the house and put up cards that said things like 'We love you!' and 'Happy Father's Day!' and 'Best Dad Ever!'

One year, instead of 'Father' we accidentally wrote 'Fatter' on the card ... 

Then we would devise clues to a scavenger hunt that would lead Dad all over the house in search of his presents.  At each location, there would be a piece of a royal wardrobe ensemble for him to put on.  First was the royal scepter (aka pink duster), then the silken cape (aka red shag blanket), and finally the regal crown with family jewels (aka an inflatable crown that said 'Happy Birthday').  

After the crown got a hole in it, we started using Dad's baseball cap instead.

After reaching the final destination of the scavenger hunt, Dad would finally have his well-earned gifts.  Usually hand-made paper ties, school produced poems, and TV series on DVD.

One of the more memorable Father's Day gifts was a trombone.  My father played in high school, but hadn't since then.  It was quite the feat to acquire one and hide it and quite the surprise when he opened it.

Then we would all share in the cake/brownies/rice crispies/other dessert while we watched either Ben Hur or The Ten Commandments- two of my Father's favorite movies- depending on which one my Dad wanted to watch.  

Song of choice for the day was always "I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home."

Christmas Shots from Dad!

My father, the amazing transformer!  Most of my life, I remember my Dad being around 400 pounds,
but he lost a LOT of weight and looks more like the guy in the picture above this one.

Daddy's girl

My Father taught me the difference between a man and a boy.  He taught me that I should always do what I love and love what I do.  He taught me the power, joy, and emotion that comes from sharing my talents with others.  He taught me to always respect people, even if you don't agree with them.  He taught me that family is the most important thing I'll ever be involved in and it should always come first.  He taught me that no matter what the situation is, you can always find something good about it and it's not the end of eternity- life will go on.  He taught me that Mom is always number one and should be treated likewise.  He taught me love.  

Thanks for all you've ever done for me, Dad.  

And thanks for all the fish.

Mother, I Love You

Today being Mother's Day, I've thought about my mother a lot all day today.  She has done a lot for me and I am more thankful for her than for anything else.  In my opinion, she is second to none on this Earth, and second to only one in the eternities, our Heavenly Mother.

When my mother was my age, she went through a lot of the same things I have had to go through as a young adult, surprisingly enough.  The unfortunate part for her was her mother had already passed away by the time she was my age.  So, during those especially difficult times when I called my mother nearly every day, she had no mother to call.  Yet, she remained strong in her faith and unshaken in her beliefs.  That is strength.  That is my mother.

When I lived at home, I became the 'ward babysitter' almost every Friday and/or Saturday night.  Every night, when I would walk through the front door, she would still be up, just waiting for me to come home.  It didn't matter is it was 10pm or 1:30am, she was always there, sitting at the kitchen table, patiently and lovingly waiting.  That is patience.  That is my mother.

Whenever I would stay home from school and during the summer months, I would witness my mother's daily scripture study.  Every day, without fail, she would sit down and search the scriptures diligently, sometimes watching TV clips of BYU professors discussing doctrine and script, and other times referring to our modern prophets for clarity and guidance.  Her scriptures are marked through without cross references, inserts, significant passages, and modern parallels.  That is diligence.  That is my mother.  

When my mother had a calling in church, she magnified it to the fullest.  I remember her service in the Relief Society Presidency and helping her to make welcoming gift bags for the young women who turned 18.  I remember her service as a visiting teacher and going to visit the sweet sisters which she watched over and cared for.  Even now, as the primary chorister, she spends time each week, preparing for the music which she will share with the tender spirits of children and the simple truths she will teach them.  That is dedication.  That is my mother.

Each week, my mother writes an old fashioned pen-to-paper letter.  And each week, she sends it to her brother.  She never receives a letter in response, never a phone call, never an email, but she continues to write.  She tells him about our family, and their siblings, keeping him updated on all the news and happenings.  The last time she saw her brother was when their older brother passed away, almost five years ago.  At that visit, she saw that her letters were indeed reaching their destination and they were very much appreciated.  She hasn't heard from him since, but she continues to write.  Still no responses, and still no confirmation of receipt.  That is unconditional love.  That is my mother.

When I was born, my grandmother had long since passed away.  Growing up, my mother would tell me countless stories about my grandmother; her likes, her personality, her character, her appearance.  I feel as if even though I haven't met my grandmother on this Earth I truly do know her and I can't wait to meet her one day.  My mother, in anticipation of this day, has helped me to get to know my grandmother and recognize her spirit.  That is hope.  That is my mother.

A few words about mothers from songs:

"Her plea to the father quiets all my fears"1 

"I know a ... glorious name, dearer than any other ... it is the name of mother."2

"Dear mother, all flowers remind me of you"3

"I learn how to love them, dear Mother, from you."3

"Your happy smiling face is such a joy to look at."4

"I'm so glad he gave me you." 4

"We like to help mother 'cause we all love her so."5

Like sunshine in the morning, that wakens day from night, 

Like flowers in the springtime, so colorful and bright, 

Like happy songs of bluebirds, that fill the air with cheer, 

A person bright and lovely is my mother dear.

-- My Mother Dear, Becky-Lee Hill Reynolds

Songs quoted in order: 1-Love is Spoken Here, 2-The Dearest Names, 3-I Often Go Walking, 4-Mother Dear, 5-When We're Helping

Coming Up For Air

Finals are DONE!!  Winter Semester is DONE!!  Just in time for spring term to start on Tuesday ... bought all my books today and am just trying to enjoy the lack of things to do before the storm begins!  So here's a quick little update to let you know that I'm still alive.

Also, my roomie is back!! :D Throwback Thursday on a Saturday in her honor!

July 2011

Also, I got a new job!  Well, a new position within the place I work- if that makes sense.  I'll be working in an office now working on a computer rather than on the floor dealing with ten missing employees all at once.  I started training last week, and the person who is currently doing it will be graduating in August so I have four months to learn everything! 

Fine By Me

We went to the Andy Grammer concert tonight!  It was so fun!!   He sang my favorite song and Jenna's favorite song and we learned some new songs that are equally amazing!  He's a fantastic entertainer and really interacts with the crowd in a way that gets everyone excited!

Waiting in line- two and a half hours before it started

Waiting inside the ballroom ... 

The National Parks opened and our impression of them has not been good, but tonight I actually enjoyed their music- our main problem comes from a stake dance in which they were supposed to play, but it took about half an hour for them to even get their sound equipment set up (well after the dance had started, by the way) and then they wanted all 2000+ of us trying to dance and have a good time to be quiet ...

ANDY!!!

We Love Andy Grammer!

Because of Him and 23 hours!!!

Because of him, no goodbye lasts forever and I can spend time with these wonderful people again.

also ...

ANDY GRAMMER IN 23 HOURS!!!!!!!  (not that I'm excited or anything ... )

This is one of my favorites- mostly because of one line "I'm looking for a love that's still alive and well in rocking chairs".  I mean really- how cute is that?!

Siblings and A Book

It's here!  My real live book which I wrote and illustrated!

As an assignment for my music education class, we had to choose a children's song and make a book out of it.  I chose "Bobby Shaftoe" and came up with a story to go with it and wrote some extra verses and voila!  I love it so much!!!

Apparently, it's also sibling's day again.  (Didn't this happen last year, too?  How often do I have to tell my siblings I love them?!)  So, a few commemoratory (is that a word?) stories/pictures celebrating those four crazies who I grew up with and couldn't live without.

One of my favorite things about my little brother (younger?  I guess he's not little and is in fact taller than me now as are all of my siblings except one ... ) is his hugs.  My little brother gives the best bear hugs in the whole world!  My last trip home, I surprised him by waiting for him after he got off work and surprised him with ... well, my presence.  His reaction to seeing me always makes me feel so important and loved.  Don't know how I'm going to live without this kid for two years while he serves his mission.  England, I hope you're ready for this boy!

Throw back to the first time I went back home after moving to Provo.  Saying I was ecstatic about seeing my sisters is an understatement.  I was absolutely positively thrilled!  We've had so many adventures and good times and I wouldn't trade them for anything!  I remember when my dad and brothers would go to Priesthood session of conference, we would throw a hen party and make brownies and watch Princess Diaries together.  So much fun!

My true partners in crime

My big brother and I have an interesting relationship.  We've spent most of our lives together as in, he's always been in mine since I was born and I've been in most of his.  One of my favorite stories about my big brother and I is only remembered by my mother and a photograph.  We had just moved to our new house and my little brother was only a few months old.  Jorel and I were outside playing with sidewalk chalk.  My mother looked outside and caught us drawing on each other instead of the sidewalk.  It was truly a hilarious sight, according to her.  Our entire arms and legs were covered in pink and blue and purple chalk.  I'm sure it was a blast.  And then when we were older, high school was more of an "ignore my annoying little sister" time for my brother ... but here's to more days of coloring together with chalk and less of ignoring each other!

An Andy Grammer A Day Keeps the Sadness Away

Andy Grammer is doing a concert at BYU next week!!  SO pumped!!  My roommates and I are all going in celebration of the last day of class, graduation, and because we love Andy. So, to help the internet world understand why Andy Grammer is so amazing, here's a "one-week-till-we-get-to-see-Andy Grammer!" post with one of my favorite Grams.