Dad’s Creed

I know it’s late but I have been pondering this subject for a few weeks and finally got around to writing.  Forgive my tardiness but not the message.

For the past 33 years I have had the privilege to wear a title that has become a defining tag for who and what I truly want to be.

Matt and Hayden wrestling with Grandpa

My little boy mind was constantly intrigued by the duties of a Dad (where does he go all day, how come he never has to do the dishes, where does he buy more kids?).  Admiration for my own Father was such that as the years passed (except for a few in the teens when my intelligence was…??? well, you know) there was a hope that my experiences would be similar to his.

Missy & Josh with a few vagrants from the street

 

Thirty plus years later I have a perspective that is unlike the wildest dreams of youth (which in the 60’s and 70’s could be pretty wild).   But the defining lesson of fatherhood came in the heat of a difficult time.

 

Becca and Katie in the park

When one of our children was struggling with life and it seemed there was no hope for parental success, an idea came to my mind.

Ellie meeting a chocolate cupcake

 

Logan consuming the cousin of Ellie’s cupcake

(Don’t you love the boots?)

 

There is never the option to give up, but the heart had become tired and weary and the mind was on the verge of ejecting all hope into the void of despair.

 

Little Emma and her Momma

 

 

And---the thought came to my mind that has buoyed me up and given me strength through five children and 12 (so far) grandchildren.  This was a true revelation; one that was accompanied by the comfort of the Holy Ghost and filled with the love of a kind and gentle Father.

 

 

Hayden digging in the ‘dirt’

 

 

The words formed in my mind and have come back, again and again, as a confirmation of my duty in fatherhood and an assurance that there will be help along the way.  The message was:

 

 

Parker really loves his food??!!!             Aubrey skating on her b-day.

 

You cannot give up on this child!! 

Katie learns to drive                              A young Pele' wannabe?  No, Bryce!

 

 

Because I have never given up on you.

 

 

             

 

That is the essence of a Dad. 

At least, that is the essence of MY DADS!!!

One Wonderful Dozen

Misery is a meeting that goes on too long but you can’t escape.

I am in misery RIGHT NOW!!!

There is an HR guy here and he is droning on about…..well, I’m not sure because I am typing this blog entry.  But it isn’t very interesting.

Here’s something that IS fun and delightful.

 

Introducing Emma Claire Whitmer

Daughter of Heather and Josh Whitmer

Grandchild #12

for

Teresa and Mike Whitmer

Vital Stats:

6 lb. 13 oz.  19 in. long

Heather seems to be recovering well and Josh is very proud of his new little lady.

Matt hasn’t really given an opinion as yet. :-)

The clan continues to grow and we are so proud (pleased if you listen to Pres Benson) with the fine people the Lord has sent to be with us. 

 

Pixilated Ideas

Some time ago we purchased a new camera to take the place of our aging Canon S1 IS.

 

We loved the old S1 but it was starting to have some issues so we replaced it with the newer SX10 IS.

Marvelous camera with lots of bells and whistles.  But it is also sort of large and bulky.  Not really an easy camera to carry around.
And I have been a little disappointed with the quality of some images (could be user error but all cameras should be smart enough to overcome that).

Sometimes I like to have pictures for my blog or lesson presentations but it is hard to have that big fella (camera) hanging around all the time.  I would also like to be able to get some pics of fishing trips and outdoor activities.

So I was thinking it might be nice if I got a smaller, more compact version of a camera that I could carry around wherever I went.  That would let me record events as they happened and eliminate the need to lug around a heavy, bulky “nice” camera.

Here are a couple of examples that I have found interesting.  They are supposed to be “proofed” against all kinds of problems so they might survive my falls and stumbles in life. Josh can testify that it would help to have something waterproof when we go out!!

                      

(This one is the Olympus Stylus Tough 6020)          (Canon Powershot D-10)

(And here is the Pentax Optio WS80)

Now, I know that some of you may think I am looking for a Father’s Day gift but that is not the purpose of this post.

My sole intent is to elicit any comments on the type of small camera I should be saving to buy to meet my needs.  Please do not limit your suggestions to those above…I really want something that will be small and workable.

I’m actually looking forward to new ties and socks or a new yard tool or something much more useful for Father’s Day.  This camera business is just ‘dreaming and saving’ fodder.

So, please take a few minutes and ‘review’ these and other cameras and give me your opinions on which you might suggest.

Anonymous

I read something the other day that said it is important to check your name on the Internet periodically.  The reasoning is that you might find something that could cause problems or indicate someone was trying to steal your identity. 

So, in keeping with wise counsel, I Googled my name and waited for something to come up.

And waited…….

And Waited…….

And WAITED……………………….

Sixty-Five pages later (yes, I became obsessed because I really wanted to see if I showed up) there was a reference to my name…………………

In a link to Josh’s personal blog that he hasn’t updated for quite some time. 

Not one link to my own blog or any other place where I might be referenced. 

Guess that shows how popular I really am!!

Maybe it’s a good thing!-----No one seems to be trying to be me. At least for now. (Hope this doesn’t jinx me). 

So, I am simply an anonymous person on the great worldwide-web.  And I’m pretty OK with that. 

Here’s to anonymity and the comfort it brings.