Hey Dads.

Hey Dads. This post is for you. For my dad, my brothers who are dads (or yet to be them), to my grandpas, to my uncles, to the crazy seminary teachers who were just like my dad, to the dads I know, and to the dads to may not have had children on this earth, but are the example of a father. Here's to you. To the Men in My Life.

Papa Barnes

I'm pretty convinced (actually I know) that I've got the best dad in the history of ever. Honestly, he's as stubborn as stubborn can be, takes dad jokes to it's entire advantage, and has a knack for taking nature photos. (Quite extraordinary actually.)

One of my favorite memories of my dad is when my mom went back to work, and my dad first started working from home. I was in second grade and had no idea how to do my hair, (my mom was still doing it--judge me!) my dad decided to take on the role and try doing my hair for me...after a while he got frustrated because he couldn't get even a ponytail quite right. Finally, he asked if I could just wear a hat to school. Although he tried to do my hair, (it did look quite funky too) in a way he taught me to learn how to do my own hair. (Through his many a stumblings.)

Another thing my dad has always done for me, is when I'm having a hard day or a rough time I generally go to my room and think. He always seems to know what's wrong and I can't even say the amount of times he has taken the time to stick his head in and talk about whatever is going on with my life, or even just to say he loves me. I'll never forget that.

My dad is the best at advice. And I'm the worst at receiving it. It's in the short car rides we have, or when I'm getting ready in the morning where my dad has given me the best advice. He's taken his experiences and sincerely and truly wants something better for me. He works harder than I'll ever understand to make sure that our family, and I as an individual have a comfortable, happy life. 

Something I've always had on my list for a future husband is exactly what my dad portrays. My dad knows something about everything. I can ask him what that random plant is and he'll know exactly what it is! Little do others know, my dad hunted a lot when he was younger. He has a testimony of gold, and shares it with those who will hear. He's taught me to love the gospel and my Father in Heaven. For that, I am indebted to him.

They say it's the little things, and they're surely right. My dad is one of my best friends. (Haha also one of the most stubborn people I know!) He works hard to provide, is always there for a (cheesy) laugh, is more than an example to me, and has taught me so much about who I am and will become. I love you dad.

Joshy-Washy.

I can't really say enough good about Josh. He works hard to help others, and expects zero recognition for what he's done. I can see the way he loves his wife Kari and his two (crazy) daughters. He works hard to provide, and does what he can to serve others in any way possible.

I remember we were cleaning dutch ovens once, and it was my job to move them. My dad said, "don't take more than one at a time to move." Well I was going to show him. As I carried two, one slipped and I took a huge chip out of Josh's dutch oven. (Those aren't cheap either.) I was so upset for not listening, and didn't want to tell Josh that the dutch oven I broke was his. When I came to him upset and crying, he simply said; "That's okay Rissa. Just be careful next time."An example of how patient and loving that weirdo can be.

Jakers.

Every time I think of Jake I have to smile and laugh a little because to me, he's like a big teddy bear. Jake has always been an example to me of someone who is always looking out for others, even if it's hard. Jake is a very prepared man. He says he isn't a risk taker, but I think he takes more risks than anyone I know. He doesn't get the appreciation he should, but that's because he's Jake and does a lot for others "behind their back" just because he is a sincere person. I love how he does that.

I remember calling Jake when he was in college, just in tears. (Haha apparently I cry a lot.) I was upset because I felt pretty defeated by life and people, and in my 12 year-old realm of life I had had it. Jake let me explain what was going on, and talked me through it. He gave me honest advice, and helped me realize that even if it was hard, it wasn't the end and things will get better. 

Also, he let me call him at 6am...twice. To help me with registering for college classes because I hadn't a clue what I was doing. He rocks for that. 

Bendre the Boosa.

Oh man Ben. There's not many things I love to hear in this world more than Ben's laugh. Ben is the best at making the best of a bad situation. Even when he had his troubles with pains and surgeries with his legs, I never heard him complain once. My mom says he was her happiest baby and I believe it! He's always smiling and laughing, and trying to help others through a hard time with the good 'ol laughter medicine.

One of my favorite memories with Ben, was when he would babysit Adam, Andrew, and I. (Aside from the babysitting times when he would make me smell his armpit.) Ben would always let Andrew and I ride on his back and call him Boosa. Honestly, I don't know exactly was a "Boosa" is, but Ben would always be involved with us when he played or babysat us. Ben is always 110% in of what he has promised or dedicated himself to do, and I admire him for that.

A-dam.

Now let me be upfront, Adam isn't a dad yet. But I think he will be such a great father someday. Adam loves kids. He is always seeking to help someone out who is struggling or needing a helping hand. He's one of the best listeners I know, and he always is there for a (cheesy) laugh.

One of my favorite things about Adam is that even if his sense of humor is entirely cheesy, he uses his humor to help others when it's hard. He's really good at becoming best friends with strangers in a ridiculously short amount of time. He doesn't ever see a barrier and loves people for who they are. 

Botat. 

Oh Andrew. Alright readers, he is far from being a dad. He's serving the people of Ecuador right now, but I know for a surety he'll make an even better father for as great as a brother he is. Andrew and I haven't always been able to get along, but his example is so huge to me. 

When I was a sophomore and he was a senior, everyone knew Andrew. They would always say, "You're Andrew's sister?! You're so lucky!" I wanted to say, "Yes, I am Marissa, 'Andrew's sister'. Have you met the kid? He's wacko. We have different definitions of lucky it appears." But wait, I'm not an awful person! Because as time went on, I would see Andrew just as everyone else did. Andrew always had someone's back. He was always including others, showing Christ-like love, and always was treating everyone on the same plane--nobody was better or worse in his book. He truly loves others, he loves people. And I love that about him. He is a people person, and he's the best at it!

Hey Dads.

So hey dads, you're not perfect. But you're pretty great because we think you're quite up there and as close as you can be to perfection. 

Hey dads, you're crazy. You're wacko and nuts. You make life fun and tease us as kids constantly. But hey, we like it and wouldn't have it any other way.

Hey dads, you're funny. (Except for those dad jokes. ;)) You help us when we feel down, and surely use those dad jokes whenever possible. 

Hey dads, you work hard. Whether that's at out in the workplace, or at home helping with the kids, you work hard. It's not always seen or thanked for, but you work hard and you're proud of it. 

Hey dads, you're an example to us. You use what you've learned as a hardworking husband, father, and son and make life better for those around you. You put others first. 

Hey dads, the media doesn't treat you like you should be treated. You're intelligent, seek learning and knowledge, you work hard to become better everyday. The media tries to make you look like you're far from that, but hey. We see it and we appreciate it.

Hey dads, WE LOVE YOU!!! We don't always show it, we might be not very good kids at times, but we owe who we are, (at least the good things) all to you. You're crazy, funny, you work hard, are an examples, and a lot of what you do and say you may think goes unnoticed, but we love you for all you do.

And to a Heavenly Father who gave me these earthly examples so I can return to Him someday. 

So hey dads, here's to you.

Mostly Marissa