Sunday, June 15, 2008

My Three Favorite Fathers

In honor of Father's Day, I want to do a short post about the important men in my life who are fathers.

First, of course, is MY Dad! He is one of those people that everyone likes. He is outgoing, creative, diplomatic, funny and smart. One of my favorite stories about my dad was when he was 19 and serving a mission for our church. He served for two years in upstate New York. While on his mission, he spent a lot of time knocking on doors trying to share a message about the gospel of Jesus Christ. More often than not, this resulted in doors being slammed in his face. At one house, the lady that answered the door was particularly rude and unfriendly. After the door slammed in their face, my dad and his companion quickly ran around to the back door and knocked again. The same lady answered the door. Before she could speak, my dad smiled really big and said, "Whew am I glad to see you--that lady at the front door was so grumpy!" At this the lady softened and invited them in for a drink of water.


Red Hair buddies--My dad with Rustin

My dad with newborn Kaydence--It's hard to believe she was every that tiny!


Second is my husband, Jayson. He is such a great father to all our children. The minute he gets home from work, he steps right in and helps with the babies. He is usually the one that reads to Riley and Kaiya and tucks them into bed at night. He even gets up in the middle of the night (more often than I do) to move fussy babies into "solitary confinement" (pack-n-plays in places like the closet and storage room where babies can fuss without waking up the whole crew). He has a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He also puts up with all my imperfections, which is no easy job.



Riley and Jayson

Ryder, Rustin and Jayson. This picture was taken in November--I can't believe how much the boys have changed!


Third is Jayson's dad, Kevin. I appreciate the example that Kevin has been to Jayson throughout his life because it has helped make Jayson into the wonderful person that he is. Kevin is also a terrific Grandpa. When Riley was two, he took a week of vacation to take care of Riley so that Jayson and I could go to Hawaii with my family. Since the babies have been born, he has come by himself a couple of times to help with the babies. I don't know a lot of father-in-laws that are willing to use their vacation for babysitting.

Kevin with Kyndall, Rustin, Kaydence, Kassidy and Ryder



Kevin with Kyndall. I think Kyndall looks just like her grandpa (only cuter)


Share/Bookmark

12 comments:

Cassaundra said...

AWESOME and AMEN!!!!
Three very wonderful dads!

Buggles said...

What wonderful fathers. I grew up without a father, or male figure, so I often get "jealous" of people with dad's. In a good way though.

I laughed so hard about the lady who slammed the door in your dad's face!!!


As usual, the babies are SOOO cute!!! Can't believe they will be one very soon!

Anonymous said...

I have a question about Rustin's name. I like to find patterns in everything and one pattern I noticed is that all of your kids have a "K" or "R" name and they all have a "Y" in their name, except Rustin. Why isn't Rustin's name spelled "Rustyn"? Did you consider that spelling? Just curious.

Rachelle said...

Cindy--

My older children are Riley and Kaiya, so we gave all the boys "R" names and the girls "K" names to tie everybody together. The "y" thing was a coincidence---when we realized that everyone but Rustin had a "y", we considered the Rustyn spelling, but it seemed a litte feminine, so we decided against it.

The Queen Vee said...

You are absolutely right, they are all fabulous and truly extraordinary dads. I appreciate that you honored each of them today on your post.

The Dragonfly said...

What a sweet tribute to the daddies in your life! I want to frame that picture of Kevin with Kyndall - they are little twinners and it is so cute! I'm glad she has that special connection with him and that Rustin has the red hair of your dad . . .yeah, I'm still totally jealous about that one! :)

Elyse said...

Looks like you have some AWESOME guys in your life :)
~Elyse~

Grandpa Sparky said...

What a great tribute to your Dad, your husband, and me. I am so honored to be among the men in your life. I was touched by your comments and the fact that you would list me in the same category as your great Dad and awesome husband.

Crazy Granny said...

Two out of three of those Dad's are my favorites as well. although I agree that you have a most awsome Dad. Aren't we lucky?

Tobi said...

Great tribute Rachelle. I love that picture of your Dad and Rustin.

Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke said...

i've never met your dad, i didn't'knowhehad red hair. and i loved learning about solitary confinement:) you andyour husband make a great team!

Starla said...

Go Cougars! I love the BYU shirts!