Charlie-12 weeks

Charlie is so fun to be around! She's always smiling and has finally rolled over! 3 months next week!

My deddy

My siblings will probably think this is a bit much, or a way to 'get points'. Oh well.

 

If I had to guess, the biggest cliche used on Father's day is "I have the best dad ever". The second most used cliche would probably be, "I know other people say that, but when I say it it's true." I'm not about to say either of those cliches, however I will say that my father has had a huge influence on me and the person I've become and I am grateful everyday for his example to me.

 

When I was young, probably 15-20 years ago people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Most kids would list fireman, policeman, doctor, or garbageman. Not me. I would always say I wanted to be a businessman, like my dad. Now as I grew up my desires changed. There were points in my life where I didn't want anything to do with what my dad did. In these times I would say I wanted to be a baseball player, professional wrestler, baseball commentator, nurse, dentist, orthodontist, ect ect ect. From about 15-22 I gave answers similar to those above.

 

The summer after I graduated from highschool I was working part time as a delivery driver at Pizza Hut. One morning my phone rang asking if I'd like to interview for a job at Sonoco. I was excited. My dad had gotten me the interview. I didn't think about the lack of desire to work in the corporate world because I knew that I had my mission to look forward to that would reset everything. I worked at Sonoco until I went on my mission. When I returned, I returned to Sonoco in the same job, found a wife, kids, and was then offered a full time job at Sonoco. I knew at that point I was stuck!

 

I tell this full story because although I didn't have a desire to work like my dad, but 15-20 years later I am working for the same company (in the same group, in fact!) as my dad. Instead of being unhappy, I love it! My dad and I get to enjoy lunches, walks, talks several times a week sometimes. There are other benefits that I will explain later.

 

My dad and I are closer because of these moments.

 

My dad is still a huge example to me. Throughout all those times when I didn't want to be exactly like him, he still had qualities I admired. My dad is the type that will drop whatever he is doing to help you. An example: I called my dad because the lawn mower wasn't working correctly. After troubleshooting a little on the phone, he told me he'd be by in a little bit to help out. About 30 minutes later he showed up and fixed the problem! I have had problems at work where I've wanted to talk. I remember one time calling him, knowing that he had mentioned having a meeting. I said, "Dad I really need to talk. Is there any way we can meet for lunch? I don't need you to pay, I can bring my crackers." He then told me that he'd reschedule the phone call so we could talk. Another time I was sick at work and needed a Priesthood blessing. Without calling my dad, I began walking to his office. I called on the way and he told me he was busy, but once I asked if I could stop by he immediately told me he was available. I stopped by and he gave me the blessing I needed.

 

My dad will drop things for those he loves.

 

Growing up my dad travelled a lot for work. It was one of the things I loved and hated at the same time. But one thing he always made time for were my sports games and matches. He was at most of my wrestling matches, soccer games, t-ball games, football games, track meets, ect. while I was growing up and throughout highschool. Although work is a huge portion and priority in his life, he again, always makes time for people he loves.

 

How could I leave church out? My dad has always been an example of solid church worship. He was my home teaching companion when I became a Teacher. We went every month no matter what. I haven't always been the greatest home teacher, but that attitude of home teaching has stuck with me, and I visit often. In his callings he gave 100%. I'm not sure of all the callings he held before we moved to Hartsville, but in Hartsville he's been Ward Mission Leader, Young Men's President, High Priest Group Leader, and Bishop. There may be more, but those are the ones I remember. In any of those callings, he gave/gives his all. You've never seen someone work so hard until you see the hours of time he puts in as Bishop each week. I get to see a little glimpse of that through my calling.

 

Church service always came first for my dad.

 

I'd be a fool to say that everything is positive, but we are all made up of things we excel at and weaknesses. The goal at the end of the day isn't perfection, it's to strengthen our weaknesses. My dad does that.

 

I'd like to think I do have the best dad in the world. And I know that everyone else says that, but I really mean it!

Charlie-11 weeks!

She is growing so fast! Charlie has been such a great baby. She cries on occasion, but that's out of hunger, discomfort, or a dirty diaper. Otherwise she is all smiles. When I do get to hold her she wants all the attention on her so we can smile at each other and talk with our whale noises.

She is so close to rolling over!

Charlie-10 weeks!

Okay so I'm a few days late but the photo is still legit! She is getting such a personality! She plays games, laughs, smiles, and loves being around people. It's interesting being a first time baby daddy. I have found myself making baby noises when she isn't even near! She is growing fast and around the 90th percentile in her weight. Her head is small though. Oh, and her feet sweat like nothing I've ever seen before!