My dad was an avid supporter of his children when it came to sports. He went to all the competitions he could and he spent hours researching to try and help us become better. He was supportive in all our sports but I think he loved running the most.He was like a personal trainer for us. When my sister Angela started running there wasn't a good program in place so after researching different training programs he wrote up one for her. He did more than her coaches and they ended up using his running schedule. He was passionate about our running and you could sense his pride when watching him watch his children run. I will never forget the year that Angela was a state champion in the 1600 and 800. What an exciting event and just thinking of it now I remember the butterflies I felt while watching her run and win those events!
I will also never forget the year that the batton was knocked from my hand during the state 4x4 race. I was devastated and crushed. As I walked off the field I wanted to cry but I couldn't. I hate having people see me cry. All I wanted was my dad. Usually I would want my mom when I was emotional but this time I felt my dad understood more than anyone what I was going through. As I approached the gate where only athletes and coaches were allowed to enter there stood my dad. When I saw him I got choked up and as I reached him he embraced me and the tears finally came and he just held me. He didn't have to say anything but I knew he understood the hurt I was experiencing.
So this past January or February Angela and I expressed to each other how we wanted to run a marathon. She commented how cool it would be to run it for dad. After I found a marathon we could run and still have time to train for before I left for Chicago Angela also thought it would be cool to open the invitation to everyone in the family who wanted to participate in either a marathon, 10k, or 5k walk.So this past Thursday Mom, Heidi, Angela, Camille, and I ran/walked for our dad. Angela and Camille ran on hurt hips and knees and then came and ran the last 3 miles of the marathon with me to help me push through an aching knee and ankle. Although my dad could not speak to express what he felt, Heidi witnessed how proud he was once again as he watched and cried to see his girls run again and to know it was for him.
Right before I crossed the finish line I almost started crying. When I stopped running my legs turned to jello and I almost fell from weakness. And once again after running, I wanted my dad. As I approached him after the race I was emotional and met an even more emotional dad. For all the time, energy and commitment you gave to us before in all our activities, This ONE was for YOU Dad!!! WE LOVE YOU!
Spencer did what a baby does but his absolute favorite gift is a play mat or jungle gym thingy. It plays music and nature sounds and he just coos, kicks and smiles for several minutes which is great!
I'm not sure what Chris' favorite presents were but he did get two watches! I'm not sure if he'll take one back or not. I was excited to get him a nice Nixon watch and I guess Cherie had the same idea. We didn't realize we should have correlated. But if he decides to keep them both one's silver and one's dark. 
My favorite gift was a copy of several of my dad's journals (there's still more my mom wants to get done and add to the collection). I haven't yet had an opportunity to delve and relish this book but look forward to hearing the voice of my father through his thoughts before his stroke. Even as I type this I yearn and ache for my dad's loving words of guidance and comfort. I dearly love my father and can't wait for the day if it be this life or the next to have him tell me of all the experiences he's had after his stroke. I am so grateful my dad kept a journal so he can still speak to me through it. Elder Eyrings talk on remembering for your predecessors is so true and I need to follow my own father's example and keep a record of my life. That's why I'm glad for the blog but I need to be better on writing down spiritual experiences and other experiences that are too tender to be published on the web. 
My house was full of kids and laughter and tears and screaming! Jared wet his pants twice while there. I think he gets so excited and into playing that he doesn't want to leave the fun so he tries to hold it and eventually can't hold it any longer and has an accident. I guess it happens! 
I love being so close to family. It really is a blessing to have both our families literally about 3 miles apart so we can spend time with both on such special holidays. I'm grateful for this season, my wonderful family, and Christ. Merry Christmas to all, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas too!
