Today on this amazing day, my daddy turned 80 years old! Would you look at this man? He is the picture of health! He doesn’t look like a day older 69. We had a fun time surprising him with a party at the Family Search Library. Then we went to dinner tonight. I have spent the last few weeks putting together a “Warm Fuzzy” book for my dad. What is a “Warm Fuzzy” book you ask? Well, I contacted all the fam and asked them to write a nice birthday wish and thought to tell dad, grandpa how much they love him. Then I put them all together so he could read how we all love and admire him. I will be adding the pictures from today. Isn’t he a handsome gentleman?

Here is my “Warm Fuzzy” for my dad:

Dear Daddy,

How can I express the feelings of my heart? I will do my best.

I am amazed when I think of what a blessing a father like you is in a little girls life. I have always wanted to marry someone like you. In fact I remember asking you when I was little if I could marry you. Of course you said that Mom needed you, and I would find someone special just for me. And I did.

You have been the perfect example of a Christlike person. When I say Christlike, I don’t mean perfect, I mean that you are as close to being the very best person you can become, and you are always striving to emulate what Christ would do in life. As I have watched you go through difficult situations and handle them calmly. I know that you are making a conscious effort to think before you act. Your obedience to the commandments was my first lesson in doing what’s right, because it’s the right thing to do. Your love of the gospel and the scriptures has been so inspirational to me. I have a love of the scriptures and the gospel because of you and mama. Both you and Mom have taught all of us kids to work hard. For my whole life you have set a high standard for what a worthy priesthood holder looks and acts like. I knew that my husband would need to honor his priesthood just like you.

I want to do family history constantly! I have had to be patient and let the rest of my life take most of my time now, but you and Mom make it look so fun!!! Your creativity is inspiring. I love to show you the things I’ve created knowing it will make you proud. It means everything to me to know you are proud of me.

One thing that means more to me than you’ll ever know is our monthly date. I look forward to having you all to myself and talking about what is going on in our lives. You are always interested in what I am doing and how my family is doing, asking for specifics about the kids and Brett. It is fun to see you joke with the waitress and cashier.

I am so glad you have taken such good care of yourself and Mom. When I have seen a little pile of pills on the counter for Mom that make me happy knowing that you are making sure she gets what she needs. I tell all my friends that the reason why the two of you are so healthy is because 1-You both take a million vitamins and 2-Heavenly Father is blessing you both with wonderful health, because you bless others so much at the Family Search Library and the rest home.

One of your special gifts is loving others. Father in Heaven has blessed you with the ability to love, love, love! You emit love. It just drips off of you! I want to be a more loving person, because of the examples I see in you, and Mom. When I think of home I think of you and Mom, after all, you taught me what home looks like. “To be at home is to find yourself with those who put your heart at ease.” I am always striving to make the home I am the mama of like that.

Thank you for naming me Joy. I haven’t always appreciated it, but I know you were inspired to do it. I know that you were inspired to name me Joy, because I needed it. It has been a blessing to me.

I can’t imagine my life without you, and I know that I am truly blessed to have you as my daddy. I love you! Joy 

Yes, he is that amazing!!! I love him so and want to wish him a very Happy 80th Birthday!!!