Austin reached the milestone of 45 years old.
We celebrated with sticky buns, bacon and chocolate milk for breakfast.
We had manicotti for dinner with ice cream cake.
We gave him a shirt and a book from the blog I kept while he was the Bishop. Carly gave Austin a journal. (can't think of what the other girls gave him) We also gave him $$ to go to a team roping jackpot the night of his birthday - what else would he want to do on his birthday.
We also wrote 45 things that we love about him or memories of him.
* Dad makes everything fun. Extreme sledding on a cold windy Christmas party day is a prime example.
*On our first anniversary, we didn't have enough money to buy anything so you polished my shoes for me.
*You are like a bright light. You shine everywhere you go. I love that about you.
*I remember when dad called me out of class because he needed me to go drive around to find some kids that were skipping with him.
*Riding horses is the best thing ever. I love that you brought that into our family. It makes me so happy. Imagine if you didn't ride horses and you didn't save Doc, how different it would be. I'm glad you brought it into my life.
*I remember when I crashed the truck, I was so worried about what he would say, but he just said, "they make new trucks everyday." He knew I already felt bad enough.
*The best friend I've ever had and ever will have.
*Thanks for always being so kind.
*I often come up with great ideas that end up needing you to help me execute them. Thanks for going along with me.
*Thank you for letting me go on girl trips every once in a while. I really appreciate your support and that I never have to worry about anything at home while I am gone.
*You are so smart and intelligent. I am so glad that you are my dad. You're such a great example. You are so talented. I love that you don't give up.
*When you goat tied with us was so funny. Thanks for always be fun to be around.
*One time in college, I was not loving school because I had a group project in every class. You gave me a little speech about just enjoying it and not complaining. You were right.
*I was so thankful the day you showed up to my softball practice to help me coach because you knew it was not my favorite thing.
*Dad possesses the ability to make me happy when no one else can.
*You are the best at giving dad advice. You are wise and know just the right things to say. You are also really good at showing appreciation and encouragement to our kids.
*He is the hardest worker I know and finds a way to enjoy the task at hand.
*No matter where he goes or who he's with, he makes everyone feel important.
*Dad always find time to ask what I'm up to and how I am doing.
*He's probably the most supportive guy I know. Whether that be the stellar saddle cleaning company or going to med school, he's always had and gonna have my back.
*I remember at South Cache how when I would come visit you, you would always take me with you to walk around the school.
*Thank you for always helping me with anything and always being willing to help me.*Always encourages us to be the best we can be.
*Sacrifices time, sleep, and personal activities to make us better and help us grow.
*Dad always goes out of his way to help others.
*He always gives us advice and wants the best for us - no matter the situation.
*You are always so positive and never negative.
*I want you to have a great day. You're the best dad ever. Blow out the candle and make a wish and say hooray. Have a good birthday.
*I hope you have a happy birthday. I can't believe you're 45. I bet they have been pretty good years. I hope your 45th year is good.
*Thank you for helping me with poles and not getting mad when I knock them in rodeos.
*You are the best ever. Love ya lots.
*I remember the first time me and him and Hanna and Lucy were all riding around at a team roping jackpot in Wellsville. I think his proudness came out of his eyes for a minute.
*I loved that Dad would sing The River by Garth Brooks to us when me and Hanna were little. He would lay on the floor between our beds and sing that to us at night.
*Long live your Michael McLean concerts in my college apartment to me and my roommates. I have always loved your humor and I love to be with you.
*When you became a dad for the first time, I loved that you adored Jill. You spent a lot of time with her and have always been a complete hands-on, all-in-dad.
*You are my star. You are my light. You are the best. I hope you shine so bright.
*Thanks for always making me happy and for always being funny!
*I'm so glad that my mom married you. I can understand why. I'm glad you brought sports to this family - example basketball. Basketball is fun. It brings our family together. You're the best.
*Whenever I think of horse training I always think of when I used to cool down your horses with you.
*Thank you for helping me with sports.
*One time in junior high we were playing some game & dad went in the middle of the student section and started the "I believe that we will win" chant. He's great like that.
*Dad, you are like the Christmas spirit. You are so happy and kind, joyful. I love that you have a good atitood (Carly's spelling). You inspire me so much. You make me so happy. I can't imagine my life without you.
*I remember when dad used to take me to the gym with him and Alex Hansen in South Cache. I pretty much did nothing but I felt so cool for being there.
*One time in a tight game while he was coaching, we started to lose and we started to lose our momentum. Dad grabbed my shoulder and said, "Jill, they need you. Don't you dare my give up on me." I think about that sometimes when I want to give up.
*We have given you 45 reasons we love you, but we could think of a million more because we are so thankful for you as a dad and husband.
