Saturday, September 21, 2013

Happy, Happy Birthday, David Dear

Today David turns 33 years old - pretty amazing. When I married him, he was a very young 21. He has changed a lot since then, but he has stayed the same in all the most important ways. There are many things I love about David. My favorite is that he is truly the best dad in the world. He loves nothing better than to wrestle on the floor with his kids, jump on the tramp or make up elaborate stories to tell them. He's also great at giving foot rubs.

Rather than me list the things I love about him, I decided to get input from other people that love him - so here you go!

David's Mom - When David was on his mission he would write me and Frank wonderful tender exciting letters. We felt like we were with him on his mission. That was amazing. Then he would send us photos of the beautiful Italian country. My heart was filled with such joy that he would allow me and Frank to be a part of his beautiful life. We love him so very much. Love Mom 
My brother, Clark - My children all believe that they are his favorite! That is a great gift because he makes them all feel special. 

David's step father, Frank - David has done a lot for me. His first words to me after his mother and I got married in Houston were, "welcome to the family". It was his talk in Church on The Holy Ghost that brought the Gospel into my Life. With out that talk I do not know if I would have ever seen the Missionaries. Our shared mission when he was in Italy and I was Ward Mission Leader led to some great letters and Talks. 

David's Dad - I have an Uncle named HT. He has long passed. He was very tall and just the nicest man you would ever want to meet. All of his children are just the same. Any one of them will go way out of their way to help you. I will always remember him in a very special way. Anytime we were going on vacation my first thought was, I hope we get to see Uncle HT. I see in David my Uncle HT. I am am sure he makes a similar impression on all he comes in contact with. I should add, Happy Birthday, son. I love you very much. 
David's Grandma - Well, there are so many things about David that are so awesome it will be hard to narrow them down. I know he is a great dad, he is incredibly talented, he is a wonderful husband, he is a wonderful Christian, and he is incredibly smart. He has a great personality and I believe he can do anything he sets his mind to. I love you David and I am so very proud of you. Happy Birthday and by the way.... Your card is going to be late, I can't remember to get Jazmine to sign it. :-) 

David's niece, Ashley - One of the things that I love most about David is the way that he makes specific effort to take interest in the lives of the people around him. Even though I don't see David very often, when I do, he always takes time to ask me how things are going and to connect with me on a deep, personal level. I also feel that in talking about how great David is, I should say that his sense of humor rocks my socks. I remember thinking when he first joined the family that he was the funniest guy I had ever met. I still remember him wrapping a quilt around me and swinging me around in Grammy and Grandad's backyard until I thought I would cry, I was laughing so hard. David is one of the most genuine, sincere people I know, and I feel privileged to call him my uncle. 
My dad - I have always admired David for his courage to do the right things regardless. I also admire him for his positive outlook on any situation. He always seems so upbeat. He has a natural love for his fellowman that is unique. I love him because he loves my daughter and appreciates what a marvelous person she is. 

My brother, Erik - I've always loved his willingness to be a great uncle to my boys. 

My mom - I love how David follows the Savior and loves my daughter and their children. He is a good and honest man. We love him. 
Baylie and Jalen listed some of their favorite things about their daddy. (Nobody told them what to say.)

1. Because he does back flips on the diving board.
2. He has the Spirit with him.
3. How he plays with us and pulls pranks and makes us laugh.
4. He jumps on the tramp.
5. He plays a lot.
6. He tries to be funny.
7. Sometimes he goes to the zoo with us.
8. He likes to go on the jungle gym at the zoo.
9. He loves the gospel of Jesus Christ.
10. At Aunt Shanelle's we were playing and the Holy Ghost told him to come play with us and we had a happy ending.
11. He loves Jesus so much.
12. He tries to keep the Spirit in our house.
13. He teaches us to make good choices.
14. He reads us stories and the scriptures.
15. He teaches us primary songs so when we have bad dreams or are scared we can sing them and get bad thoughts out of our head.
16. He loves us.
17. He sings to us.
18. He makes us pizza.
19. He likes to buy things at the store.
20. He takes me to school.
21. He's there for us when we're scared.
Happy Birthday, Honey. I love you! (I would have said Happy Birthday, Lover, but you think that's embarrassing.)