Happy 75th

Today is my dad's 75th birthday.  As long as I can remember I never thought of him as old.  I recall the day Elvis died and made the comment about him being "old."  My parents were in shock at that comment as he was only a few years older than they were.  Somehow, they were never old. 

When I see my daddy these days, this isn't the image that comes to mind, but I do remember the day we took this picture.  We all had pictures taken before going to church.  Mine was hideous.

 The day our family began.  Dad was probably all of 140 pounds.  He sure wasn't a very big guy.

 This was taken the day of Tony's farewell at Shawano.  This is one picture where I can see how much I look like him.

 Dad and Uncle Jerry.  They were married in a double ceremony by Jerry's father Reverend Bents.  It seemed like they did a lot of stuff together even though we lived in Gresham and the Bents family lived in Madison.

 This was taken when my dad was the Wausau District President.  At his side are two of his my loyal and faithful friends; his counselors Jerry Maass and Tom Growcock.  Each of them also served as the district president and later Tom was the first Wausau Stake President.  Tragically, both died much too soon from cancer.

 Just a photo from a trip to the West.  I'm thinking it was overlooking the Grand Canyon.

 A very special day in September 2011.  A day my dad came back to the fold of Christ.  It still makes me a bit misty to think about the long journey back.

 Our wedding day in January 1983.  My parents had three of us get married within 18 months. 

 I'm not really certain, but I think this was a cousin's wedding.  This is how I like to remember my parents together.  Happy!

 The one and only family picture we had taken.  I was 19.  It was just after first grandchild, Alison was born.

 I believe 1972.  It was a trip to Salt Lake City while Dad was the Branch President.  He and 1st counselor, Wayne Jeske went to request new pews for the old chapel.

 The one and only professional photo I recall my parents ever have taken.  We had a family photo taken the same day.  It was at the old Penney's store on Main street in Shawano.  The year was 1986.

My parents with Adam Robertson just before he left for his mission.  Taken in the old Marinette chapel.

My dad has always been my hero.  In my eyes he was the best man that I could ever imagine.  He never got angry and never disciplined us. (That fell to Mom.)  I recall one time the car wouldn't start and he taught me how to jump it.  When the car was started, I closed the hood and somehow killed the battery for good.  He didn't get angry.  He just said, "Let's go inside and eat some lunch."  He's always been a level headed, kind, generous, loving man.  I'm very thankful that I was lucky enough to have him be my daddy.

Nursery

Six active little children moved from the Nursery to the Sunbeam class at the beginning of the year.  That left one lone little boy in the Nursery.  Since the Sunbeam teacher was recently called to be a counselor in the Relief Society presidency, the Nursery leaders were moved up to teach the Sunbeams until further notice.  This left one little boy in the nursery with no teacher.  Being the Nana that I am, I couldn't bear to have my little Brocker suffer through Sunday School and Relief Society when he's used to being in the Nursery.

As if I don't have enough to do, I asked the Primary president if I could volunteer my time until who knows when.  Being so young and mostly non verbal, the lessons are very short and easy and very interactive.  Lots of pictures on a flannel board.  Little Jeffrey isn't 18 months for 6 more weeks, but his mom/dad have brought him in to play as well.  I'll admit, I miss Relief Society, but I figure it's a small price to pay so my little grandson gets to have his class.

I wanted to post a photo of his cute little face, but blogger wouldn't cooperate this morning. 

30 Years

Today is our 30th wedding anniversary.  The weather that day was pretty much like it is today.  Cool and wet but not frigid; kind of overcast and gloomy.  However, the wonderful family and friends we had with us that day in Washington D.C. were anything but gloomy.  It was a good day.

Today was a good day as well.  We went to Green Bay and ate at Red Robin. YUM!  Then off to the mall to buy me a new dress.  I got one.  We stopped at Jos. A Bank and scored a suit for Pat for $30!

In honor of our 30 years together, I am attempting to give 30 things that I love about my sweetie.
1.  He loves me unconditionally despite my weaknesses.
2.  He's supportive of all that I do.
3.  He wants to be with me always.
4.  He doesn't mind the excess weight that I carry.
5.  He's offended if I leave the house without kissing him.
6.  The insanely crazy noises he makes to get our babies/grandbaby's attention.
7.  He loves to shower me with gifts.
8.  He brings me flowers randomly.
9.  He likes me to wear one of the rings he's given me even though I remind him that the wedding band never comes off.
10. We created a beautiful family together.
11. There are never enough "getaways" with just the two of us.  (There really are.)
12. He looks at me as though I'm the most beautiful creature under the sun.
13. He's got great taste in clothing and buys some wonderful pieces for me to wear.
14. He thinks I actually look good in a swimsuit.  (It must be love.)
15. He likes to hold my hand.
16. The fact that he loves our house.  I'm talking about not only the home, but the physical structure.
17. The insights he receives from the scriptures and shares with me.
18. The fact that he asks for my opinion when he needs a level head.
19. He loves the Lord and serves in whatever way he is asked.
20. He takes me to the temple every month.
21. He loves and cares about other people.
22. He talks to our children about important things.
23. He's really handy and can fix a lot of things.
24. He likes to snuggle and talk with me in the morning before we get up.
25. He surprises me with personal gifts like our portrait of the Washington temple.
26. He listens to me. (Most of the time.)
27. He makes me a better person by challenging me.
28. He's a wonderful father.
29. He made it possible for all of us to Face Time with one another.
30. He believes anything is possible with the Lord.

It's a wonderful thing to spend my life with my one true love.  (I know I sound gaggy, but it is true.)  I've been blessed beyond measure by being married to Patrick.  I wish for my children to have a marriage like mine.  I always wanted one like my parents and I believe I found it.  I look forward to many more years with him and then on to eternity!
 

More Family Pictures

 Here are more pictures from our photo shoot with my amazing niece Liz of Timeless Touch Photography.  She wanted something in a Christmas theme, so I decided I wanted "Christmas morning" in P.J.'s as a theme.  I think we got it.

We always need Papa, Nana and the babies.

"Christmas morning" all looking at the camera.

 My "vestie" boys.

 My beautiful children.

 Silly husband.

 Finally a picture where my sweetie is really smiling!

 Love the Fillmores photo with Evie smiling.

 Brock looks unsure and Adam just plain obstinate.

Can't wait to get the CD so I can start making copies!