For my Father...

So I decided to do what everyone expects on Father's Day.. and do as I'm sure just about every other blog on blogger.com is doing and dedicate this post to my Dad. :)

First off, I'd like to say that my dad JUST graduated from Pharmacy school. He is now a Doctor of Pharmacy. Seriously, how cool is that? He has always been such a hard worker! And that is such an amazing example to such a slacker like myself. I'm very lucky to have such a dedicated Dad. :) He taught me my love for learning and I got my good brain to learn with from him. I've never had any trouble with learning new things and I give him full credit! He always pushed me to do better. I KNEW that Dad and Mom expected A's from me. Because they knew that's what I could achieve. Dad was always willing to read one of my English papers or give me input on a project I was working on.. or help me with math. Without his encouragement and faith in my abilities... I wouldn't be the good student that I am today.

When I was little I remember Dad playing the piano. I remember waking up on Sunday mornings to hymns. I always loved this. Sometimes I was a little mad because I was being woken up... haha but I loved it all the same. Then as I grew older I remember him sitting down at the piano and asking me to come sing with him. I learned how to love music from him. And now that is such a HUGE part of my life. He was always my number one supporter where anything musical was concerned and I am so grateful for some of the opportunities he made possible for me. And I love that he is my number one accompanist when I sing in church. Performing with him is always awesome! Without him and his piano and his singing... I wouldn't be the musician that I am today.

When I was about 13 I realized I looked like my dad. I had these annoying little bumps on my arms. I had a long body and short stubby legs just like him. I had big feet and big hands. I had a smaller, girlier version of his big nose.. but his nose all the same. BUT I also had his amazing soft, luscious, silky hair. Dad, thank you so much for my hair. It is so incredibly vain, I know. But I love it. And this wonder would not be possible without your awesome genes. :) he also contributed to me being all chubby. That's right, I had an incredibly fat, awkward stage as those of you who saw this post know already. But I know that those years of being chubby and awkward and self conscious have made me a better person. I can't be too vain because I know what it's like to be the only 11 year old to be 5'4", wear size 9 shoe, and weigh 145 lbs. THANKFULLY I grew out of it and learned some awesome lessons as I did. Without my dad and his great genetics... I wouldn't be the confident young woman I am today.

Around 15 I dyed my hair red and dropped 15 lbs and gained a little confidence. Boys now thought I was attractive. And with this new development came a slew of new experiences that were scary and exciting and crazy! I had some good ones and some bad ones. I freaked out a lot and dated A LOT of boys. And through it all Dad was always on my side. Whenever I freaked out about a boy... he was always VERY willing to do anything he could to help scare him away so I didn't have to deal with it. When I liked a boy he tried his very hardest not to embarrass me and help me with whatever questions I had. Because of Dad's support and trying his very best to not kill all the boys I brought around... I am the dating machine I am today. ;)

Growing up me and Dad didn't always get along. We disagreed on a lot of things. And I always wanted to be more independent without any of the responsibilities that came along with it. We'd fight, and I'd be mad. But we'd always work it out. He's my dad. And I've learned so so much from him. Through some of our fights I learned so much about myself and about people and how to handle my life. I learned that forgiveness is a beautiful healing balm for all wounds. I learned that nothing is more important than keeping the ties strong in an eternal family. I learned that seeing your father reading his scriptures makes you want to read your scriptures too even though you're mad at him. I learned that after you read your scriptures and pray about it.. you can't be mad anymore! The gospel is such a wonderful part of my life and my dad taught me so much about living it.. in ways that he doesn't even realize. Without my dad's example... I wouldn't really have a testimony of the gospel and I would not be the happy person that I am today.

In conclusion I'd just like to say that I am very grateful for everything my dad's done for me. We moved a ton growing up but that helped me develop my personality. Things have been hard but I feel like everything has helped me become better. I love my Dad very very much and I'm lucky to have him. He's always been there to give me advice or just give me a hug when I needed it.

Happy Father's Day, Dad!