Howard Ray

Last but not least.

(I never really liked that phrase because I always felt like that means there is a least. No one is least.)

My dad is a very good dad. I would go as far as to say the best dad. Yep. It's true. The BEST.

And I am his only daughter. So if it's okay I would like to take this time to claim the title of Daddy's Little Girl. Because I am.

Anyways back to him.

He has passion. For government, sports, golfing, the University of Utah. If he loves something, he LOVES it. With all that he has. He exerts so much energy and time to those things that he is passionate about. He knows so much about those things he is passionate about. I love to ask him all sorts of questions about everything he knows. I love his passion.

He is funny. I love that about him. I hate it about him. First we will define why I hate it. Because sometimes I just want to be mad. And when I want to be mad I don't want someone to try to make me happy. And he is the one that tries to make me laugh in the midst of my anger. So really it is not a bad thing... it's a good frustration of mine. Other than that I really do like it when he makes me laugh. He is pretty funny most of the time, and even when he isn't his efforts make me laugh.

He is kind and compassionate. He respects everyone and is not one to judge. He is friendly and does his best to get to know people. He takes time to really learn about someone. I wish I could learn to develop that characteristic.

My dad has been an ultimate teacher to me, not only in school but in all life matters.

I sure love him.

Lisa Beth

My mother has taught me so much.

Especially about sacrifice.

She took on the stay at home mom role when we were little. Dropped out of school and supported my dad while he was finishing up his education. Then she supported her kiddos, including me, and taught us all we needed to know about life I guess. When we all got older and were in school she went back to school to get her degree in elementary education. During that time she donated her kidney to her brother in need.

Besides the huge sacrifices she has made in her life, my mother is also always the one to make the sacrifice so that we, as her children, can do those things we desire.

She is the one to leave Hebgen Lake early so Steph O can make it to his football practices.

She is the one to drive to and from Provo in one day so I can come home for Christmas.

She is one to spend numerous unpaid hours after school to make sure her lesson plans are done and ready for her other 2nd grade kiddos.

She is the one I hope I can be like someday.

On another note I like to call my mom a lot.

She gives me really good advice most of the time. But sometimes when I am freaking out over something that is probably dumb in the long run, but pretty important to me at the time, she sits on the other end of the line and somehow cannot control her laughter.

I have been in the "depths of despair and concern" many times and she has found it to be quite humorous. Mostly because she has been through it all too, so I guess she has the right to laugh. And in the end, looking back at the things I am most concerned about, I can see why she laughs.

That probably didn't make sense. Maybe my mother dearest will get it.

Jordan Ray

Jordan Ray is my older brother.

Yes. I do take my place as the sister in between two brothers.

It is great when both of my brothers get together and decide to full on tease attack me. They are relentless. And if it wasn't so funny I might go insane.

But it is pretty funny.

(Awkward Christmas Morning)

Things I remember about jord from our younger years include:

Watching him separate a bag of M and M's into color coordination. Then playing basketball with them.

Once when he was biking he fell off and skinned his knee so blood was running down his leg. I thought he was going to die.

We used to use this large mat he had that had a basketball court on it to slide down the stairs with. It was awfully slick which made it really fun. I don't think our mother appreciated it so much.

Jord had a hamster. Named him Lil Vince. Once he ran away and we set up a trap with food. He came back.

Then we got older.

Jord was definitely a cool guy in high school. I was always jealous of his ability to be social and funny.

He went on a mission to Montreal, Canada. In doing that he became such a good example to younger siblings, cousins, friends, ect.

He likes to wear his hair long. And in a ponytail. I have no words.

(Awkward Hand.)

Stephen Howard

I miss my family.

I kind of want to see them a lot.

Especially since I don't get to go home until August.

So the next few days are for them.

Stephen Howard would you like to be the first?

Okay perfect.

Stephen Howard was born two days before my birthday. I was about to turn four years old when he came into the world. At first I was a little disappointed because it kind of took away some of the emphasis on MY birthday. But in time I would get over that. Woosh.

Stephen got all the athletic ability that I didn't get. He can play pretty much any sport. And although that includes your general sports like basketball, football, baseball, and golf, it also transfers into the realm of non-common sports like water sports. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, wake-surfing, body surfing, trolling for sharks, he does it all and more.

Way back in the day my room upstairs would get really hot in the summer months. So Stephen and I would pull out the mattress and sleep out in our basement. After watching TV for a little bit we would turn it off and one of us would say a familiar phrase "You wanna talk?" Then other one would quickly respond with "You go first." We would usually talk about Hebgen Lake and what we planned to do on our summer days. He would always fall asleep first. I loved those chats though.

Stephen fulfills his role as little brother by being the most annoying person on this planet. Just so you know.

But I love him anyways.

I miss him sometimes.

I miss watching him excel at sports.

I sometimes wish I could watch him in his high school years.

Love you Steph O.

Dear Dad,

Happy Fathers Day.

You want to know something. I seriously have the best dad in the entire world. For real.

He is funny and friendly and passionate.

He was my US History and Government Teacher in High School. But he has taught me so much more than History and Government.

For example...

He has taught me how to swing a golf club.

He tells me everything I need to know about football.

Through his example I know how important it is to be friendly to all (I mean EVERYONE) you come in contact with. He treats everyone with respect.

And soon I am going to learn how to drive stick shift. (Miata ride soon?)

I have fond memories of Fall football games, rib dinners, car lots, run to daylight, learning to waterski every day except sunday, taking country roads fast, and a night on a golf course.

Thanks for everything you do dad! I love you!

Happy Fathers Day.

Love Mallory

A Tribute to My Mother

Lisa Hart

Teacher

Librarian

High School Basketball Extraordinaire

Tends to burn the bread, but makes the best Cinnamon Rolls on this planet.

Hawthorne Champion of everything worth Winning.

Kidney Donor

Loves a good Book.

Enjoys time in the Sun

And most importantly...

Mother of 3

I love my Mother. She is the best.

Here are a few reasons to back up my claim.

1. When I was little I remember being afraid every once in a while. I remember especially being nervous in the night. On occasion I would sneak out of my bed and crawl into the space right next to her. It was in that spot where I found myself feeling safe and secure. Thanks you mom for letting me know where to go to feel secure.

2. I remember reading with my mother. A few of my favorites include Piggies, We're Going On a Bear Hunt, and The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear. I am thankful my mother spent time reading to us and reading with is. Thank you mom for encouraging the importance of reading and learning at such a young age.

3. I remember one mothers day I wanted to give my mom some flowers. So I colored and cut out roses. Just a couple of paper roses to stick in a home made card. It wasn't much but she was very thankful for my small acts. To this day I still try to do small acts to show my appreciation. I am thankful that she accepts my small acts as she continues to serve me with love as a mother.

4. I remember being asked to my first dance in High School. It was a homecoming dance and I was in need of a dress. She might have been more excited than I was because she let me try on every dress my heart desired. In the end we found a beautiful pink princess dress. That night I felt like a princess. I was thankful to take a shopping trip with my mom and without the complaints of the males in our family. I am thankful she let me feel like a princess.

5. I remember when I was trying to decide where to go to further my education. It was a very difficult decision for me. After a moment of tears my mom was willing to sit with me through more tears and bestow her wisdom and knowledge to my confused mind. I am thankful for her wisdom. I am thankful for the time she spent calming my fears.

6. I remember the drop off at college. I was sad. A couple of tears and she was driving away. I am thankful that she was able to let go. I am thankful that she instilled in me the belief that I could do college. I am thankful she had faith in me to make good choices and do what is right. I am thankful when she left that she did not leave me alone. Phone calls, text messages, and other forms of communication became a lifeline for me. I am thankful she was there for me when we were away from each other.

I love my mother. I am thankful for her this mothers day and everyday.

"Why have prophets taught the doctrine of motherhood-and it is doctrine- from the beginning of time? Because we must be clear about the issues that swirl around our gender. For Satan has declared war on motherhood. He knows that those who rock the cradle can rock his earthly empire. And he knows that without righteous mothers loving and leading the next generation, the kingdom of God will fail." -Sheri Dew

I am thankful for a righteous mother for she is helping to build the kingdom of God. I hope to follow in her footsteps that I too may be one to help continue to build His kingdom.