Happy Birthday, {Dad}!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!      It's that time again - birthday time!  And in honor of my dad's birthday, this post.       My dad has always been there for me!  I know that we don't always see eye to eye - never have, and most likely never will - but I know that I can always count on him to support me and be there for me to turn to when life gets hard.  Our relationship now is stronger than ever, and for that, I'm eternally grateful. He's a strong, caring, loving, funny family-man and role model.     No matter the situation, my dad gets the job done - whatever that may be - and keeps pushing forward.  With the things going on in his life lately, I know he has rough moments that I can't even fathom in my short 24 years of life experience.  BUT, I know that he's strong, and he has an amazing relationship with his wife (my mommy!) whom he can push forward with, and together, they do.   Looking back on those short 24 years, I have so many amazing memories with my dad that I will truly cherish forever.     From those camping trips growing up...   

...to little league games...

 
...to family holidays...

Infamous Thanksgiving bonfire! 

Making stew with his daddy!

Cutest Christmas Couple

Never a dull moment :) LOVE IT!

...to 'farming' life...

 
...to the special moments with my dad at my wedding...

 
...to making sausage for the first time...  

  ...to the countless crazy family moments...

...to visiting home on the weekends...  

   ...to every special family moment that I will cherish forever...  

    ...to every one of those moments when I just needed a hug from my dad.    My dad is a very influential person in my life and always has been.  I love him more than words could ever express, and I'm truly thankful for being blessed with such an amazing father.  He's taken care of scraped knees from my toddler years up to high school sports (softball comes to mind here...).  He's blocked our internet access when we misbehaved (yes, we 'sometimes' misbehaved as kids...) and sometimes even when we didn't.  He's shown me what it's like to live a life for God and to have a loving marriage.  He's shown me strength and courage and hope and how to go after your dreams.     But greatest of all, he's shown me love.  Even on those days that I disappointed him - and I know there are many... - he's shown me his love for me.  Especially on those important days, such as my wedding day, he's shown me his love.  He's loved me since the day I was born and I know that he will continue to love me, no matter where life leads us, until his very last day.     Well dad, I know I don't say it near often enough, but I LOVE YOU!  I've always loved you, and I will continue to love you forever.  You're an inspiration to Colten and I's marriage, and you're a role model of a parent.  Thank you, dad, for all that you've done for me and for my siblings.  You've always loved your family, made us feel important, and shown us that love.  Because of you (and mom), I'm the strong woman that I am today.  Life throws us curve balls, and all too often, it's so easy to get caught up in the negativity that we're presented with, but you've taught me that as long as I have love and faith, I will get through the bumps in the road.  You've taught me that as long as I have my family by my side, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.  I know that I've put you both through a lot (isn't that what a child is supposed to do to their parents?? hehe), but in all seriousness, I thank you for everything.  I thank you for not giving up on me even if it seemed easier to; I thank you for giving and showing me your love; I thank you for being you and for sharing your life's experiences and lessons with your family; I thank you for supporting me, even if I failed.   thank you, daddy.  I love you! ♥    &&    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!