Happy Father's Day

It's Father's Day, a day I have always loved.  When I was a child, I loved making cards and gifts for my dad.  I loved cooking dinner for him and spoiling him.  My sister and I would make him breakfast in bed.  I'm sure it lacked in flavor, but he always lovingly and gratefully ate it and complimented our efforts.  He was my whole world and such an amazing example to me in so many ways.  He is still a great man and I recognize even more the incredible influence he had in shaping me into the person I am now.The last few years, since I've been married and had a family of my own, Father's Day has changed for me.  Now, I get to focus my efforts in my husband, the father of our children.  The kids and I like to make a big breakfast and a fancy dinner.  We love to make all of his favorite things and spoil him all day long. 

Jared is an amazing father.  He works hard each day to provide for our family in many ways.  His love for the gospel and his faith in Jesus Christ shines through in his actions and in his love for us.  I so appreciate his ability to connect with our children.  He works hard to make time for them and show them his support for the things they love and are interested in.  He can be found playing ball with Ethan and Abby, dancing or swinging with Sadie, discussing history and current events with Jenna and laughing with all of them.  The kid's eagerness to share their lives with him is a testimony to their knowledge of his love for them. 

He also loves me.  He makes my comfort and happiness his top priority.  If the saying, "The greatest thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother" is true, then Jared absolutely exemplifies this.

Pres. David O. McKay said that no success can compensate for failure in the home.  Jared takes his responsibilities at home seriously.  His actions prove it. He is truly an incredible husband and father.

Happy Father's Day, babe!  We love you everyday!!!

Our Walker Family

We spent last weekend in Idaho visiting with Jared's side of the family.  Our niece, Ceciley Walker, was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Our nephew, Walker Gasser, was blessed.  We also took some time to remember  Grandma Walker and her passing from this life one year ago.  

We had a fabulous time with our Walker side of the family.  The kids all loved being with their cousins.  I mean, really, who doesn't love a fun weekend surrounded by cousins. 

Jared's mom passed away one year ago, June 13.  We ate her favorite cheesecake that night and we all talked about things we remembered about her.  All of my kids remembered sitting in Grandma's chair with her.  Jenna remembered Grandma rubbing her back, knowing how ticklish Jenna's back is, to make her laugh.   They all remembered her hugs.  It made my heart so happy to hear them know of her love for them. 

Grandpa Walker with nine of his ten children.

Grandpa Walker with almost all of his grandchildren.  (Two grandsons are on missions and two others are in California.)

 All of us Walkers who could make it!

Jared's mom was a mother to ten children.  She was an only child herself, so I was always fascinated that she had such a large family.   She, like most mothers, loved her children fiercely.  She loved The Lord and instilled that love and testimony of the gospel in all of her ten children. She loved her family and passed that legacy to her children as well.  At her funeral, many friends and ward members shared experiences of service and kind things she had done for them.

So, last weekend as we celebrated a new nephew in our family, the first covenant made on her path back to Heavenly Father for our niece, and the life of a blessed mother we were profoundly grateful for our eternal family.   I feel certain that Grandma Walker was with us and loved seeing us happy together.  While we will always miss her, we are so grateful for the time we had with her.  We love you, mom!