~HaPpY hApPy BiRtHdaY dAd~

Today is a very special day! Today is the day we get to celebrate and pay tribute to my Dad! Today is the day, 76 years ago that he was born in a little log cabin in Vernal, Utah. There is so much that to say about him and his life and his accomplishments, but most of all I want him to know how much I love and appreciate him...

SO... In honor of his big day-here are 76 things I love about my Dad...

1. He's the most kind & consistent person I have ever known.
2. He always worked so hard to provide for us, allowing my mom to be home with all of us kids.
3. He loves the Lord and is such a good example to me.
4. He is the biggest BYU fan you will ever meet. (I mean seriously, hardcore)
5. He was always our biggest fan. He never missed a soccer game or piano recital...even though he was so busy.
6. He is a perfectionist and likes things a certain way (pretty sure my OCD comes from him)
7. He's not afraid to show his emotions.
8. He is so wise. He always has good advice and I appreciate it much more as I am older than I did when I was younger.
9. He is very athletic, he alwayed played ever sport and even played football in college.
10. He is adventurous...it doesn't matter what it is...cliff-diving in Powell, Parasailing, Sky Coaster at Lagoon or hiking Mt Sinai at 2am....he is always in!
11. He's kept running even as he's gotten older. He's always on top in his age division.
12. He loves to travel and experience new things. I got my love of travel from my parents.
13. He is organized and meticulous.
14. Traveling to BYU football games used to be our family vacations when we were younger.
15. He rarely drinks soda.
16. He has devoted much of his life to service...service to his country, church service, community service, and more service.
17. I see my grandpa in him. They are a lot alike.
18. He is such a great grandpa. He once had a license plate cover that said "Grandpa's my name and teasing's my game". The kids all love grandpa.
19. Mr & Mrs. Dillyfunkle.
20. He is open-minded.
21. I see him in my older brothers.
22. He always gives me a hug and tells me how much he loves me and how proud he is of me...EVERY time I see him. He's my biggest fan.
23. He got to seal/marry me and Chris. One of the best days of my life. How lucky am I?
24. He's always had the best garden and yard.
25. He's genuine.
26. He's likeable.
27. He has been married to my mom for almost 51 years.
28. I get my memory of misc stuff from him.
29. I remember spending time with my Dad at the ballpark from the time I was very young.
30. He has high expectations of people ("Single File... you dirty, rotten, thieving little cusses")
31. He is the best resource if I ever need material for a talk or lesson. He has great stories and ideas.
32. He genuinely loves my husband.
33. I am pretty sure that I am his favorite daughter (sorry, girls)
34. He doesn't hunt or fish....thank goodness! He golfs instead.
35. He eats sooooo slow....he is always the last one at the table.
36. Once, we even left him at Sizzler and went back for him later.
37. He gave up over 5 years with his family to serve the Lord in the Philippines.
38. Who's uncle caught on FiRe?
39. He does all the laundry and loves it. My mom is so lucky!
40. On Christmas morning, he would always go down first and without fail, even this year he will say..."Well, it looks like Santa didn't come this year!" as he is turning on the lights and Christmas music.
41. If any of us or the grandkids would say "I'm tired" or "I'm hungry"...he would quickly reply..."Well, Hello Hungry...I'm Ray, nice to meet you"
42. He is very handsome and always has been.
43. He always told us to "Remember who you are" every time we left the house.
44. He snores loud!
45. He gets up early, really early....I got it from him.
46. He loves sports and used to go watch high school games even if he didnt know anyone playing.
47. He used to take us to the Ream's turtle for 10 cent ice cream cones.
48. Tubing! With the real big black inner tubes. Dad knew the really good dangerous hills! So fun!
49. Summers in Park City
50. He has a great smile!
51. He LOVES BYU Sports...did I already mention that? :)
52. I think he looked like "Dennis the Menace" when he was a little boy.
53. He still tries not to miss games and recitals of the grandkids as well.
54. He is always willing to help anyone. Both of my parents have spent many hours up helping with our house.
55. He sometimes drives a little crazy and fast.
56. He used to fly airplanes.
57. He met my mom "Cruising Center" in Provo...I love that story!
58. He is a bargain shopper.
59. He reads his scriptures every single day (because he gets up so early!)
60. He has always loved me unconditionally and supported me even when I made bad choices.
61. I am his favorite (just trying to see if any other sibs read my blog)
62. His lectures are infamous even with his grandkids.
63. He is sincere in all that he does.
64. His prayers are really long (but really good)
65. He is the most Christ-like person I have ever known. We always thought we should have WWRD bracelets made...What would Ray do?
66. He wears his emotions on his sleeves and gets choked up easily.
67. We know that he loves his family and is proud of us, because he tells us.
68. He loves movies, even though he doesnt remember them for more than I week (I have the same problem)
69. He has always been great neighbor
70. He is a great big brother, you can see how much his siblings love him.
71. He is a loving husband, he is good to my mom
72. He is a devoted dad... we are very lucky!
73. He is the best grandpa, I can't wait to have kids of my own
74. He's BYU's #1 fan...
75. He always taught by example.
76. He doesn't seem a day over 50.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!

I hope the year ahead is your best yet! I love you very much!