Happy Father's Day

We had a great Father's Day this weekend and it really got me thinking about the men who I know and that I respect and admire. I think it is very interesting that other than my own husband the men who I respect the most as fathers just happen to be the husbands of the women who I love the very most. So here is a little tribute to them.














My dad has been the most influential in my life in these last few chapters. He has been there to support me and encourage me as I have made the most important decisions regarding who I am and the future path my life will take. He has not backed off on his parenting responsibilities and setting an example, but rather he has increased his devotion to me and seen me through some of the most important phases of my life. My dad has written and published 2 novels, traveled the globe on many humanitarian projects, written a musical play that will be performed this summer about the Mormon Batallion, hosted and funded every family vacation, and even out biked me on the road up to Snow Basin. Of everything he does for me my most cherished attributes of his are knowing when to give me that extra little push, and when to back off and praise me for a job well done, even if I didn't meet my exact goal. He is Emma's hero and she prefers him over anyone else, and that is reason enough for me to have him be father of the year.

















Todd is married to my sister Stacey. He is a full time firefighter that has opportunities for extended time with family. If he were like most men he would take his 48 hours off to put himself first. To focus on his hobbies and do what is in his best interest. Instead he comes home from a very demanding job and continues working at home. He is so quick to help keep up on the house work and to be very involved with the kids and their activities. He does the family's grocery shopping and all the yard maintenance around the house. He happens to be very sensitive to others and also to the spirit, which is funny since he is such a big burley man. I have always thought well of him but his ability to go above and beyond what is required of him when he's home just makes him a hero to me.













Ryan is married to my oldest sister Jamie. My sister is his first wife and they were made for each other. Ryan took on 3 children and some heavy responsibility. He could have married someone young and naive but he chose to marry a strong willed woman and take her for all that she comes with. He has adopted my 3 nieces and nephews with more love and devotion then I have seen many biological children be given from their own parents. He has such an energy and enthusiasm for life and I am so truly thankful to have him in our family. He brings something to the table that nobody else in our family has to offer. He truly has a heart of gold.














Cody is married to my sister Sara. They have 2 little boys together and from the time their boys were born I have seen him take the initiative and responsibility that most father's don't place upon themselves even when they're asked. He has never tried to skirt his role as the parent on to Sara's shoulders and I so admire his attitude about parenting, life, and service in General. He has a "it's no big deal" motto and it is so refreshing for me to be around him and remember that I just need to chillax and enjoy what life has to offer. Perhaps because of the closeness in age, or the fact that we started off so much alike when we first got married, but Cody has always been like the older brother I secretly always wanted. In fact he and I look more alike then I do with any of my sisters. I'm so glad to have shared a roof with him and his family, even if for just a year.













Then there's my sweet husband. He was raised to crave a baby, something that is so foreign to me and always will be. From the time Emma came out in the hospital he took over and pretty much baby hogged her. He did most of her feedings and all of her bathings, and nurtured her better than any of my instincts could even compete with. I know she still gives him butterflies and she alone can make a tear come out just by snuggling with him or when he hears a song on the radio and thinks of her. I am so thankful to the Bundy family for raising a son to cherish the sweetness of a newborn, and then to see that love and affection all the way through. Ryan is so good to do whatever I ask of him and he never complains, he is just so happy to help. I love to just sit back and watch the 2 of them together. All though she tells anybody that asks that her daddy is her best friend I never feel threatened or jealous (not usually) and I'm so glad to see their little bond develop.





































She's not crying in this picture, she is just hugging him real tight.



















Emma sings "I'm so glad when Daddy Comes Home" and sings it with such spunk and enthusiasm. This is the part in the song where she says... "And give him WHAT?!"