Happy Birthday to the BEST DAD!

 Today we get to celebrate the birth of our amazing Dad.

What can I say that conveys the depth of my love,

my honor,

my respect

for the man who has led and directed

our family for so many years.

We have looked to him for strength.

For guidance.

He has been our example of HOW to love.

How to honor and respect and adore your eternal companion.

Now, and always.

Together our parents have loved each of us.

Taught us the things we need to know to be successful.

I remember him teaching me to change a tire on

Old Sara the Chrysler.

How to whistle with your fingers or a blade of grass.

(I totally failed. I still can't whistle. Can I even

call myself a Stoddard?????)

He taught with hands on.

But also by example.

His quiet strength is felt by so many of the lives he has touched.

I remember him taking time from his job to go

to the Hinman's ranch and help out.

I don't know how long he was gone.

Long enough for him to grow facial hair.

Possibly the only time in his life he has done so!

His years as a calming force at his job.

His years serving as a Bishop and shepherding his ward family.

His years serving on High Councils and Stake Presidencies.

And the countless families he faithfully served as a

Home Teacher and Ministering Brother.

And he still made time to take our family on weekend

trips to Jumping Pound, Waterton, back east,

 and  the Toe of the Glacier

(no idea what it's really called, but we laughed for

hours about the toe kicking out a loose tooth of one of

us girls... not me!)

The pride in making it to the top of The Hump.

Teaching us about nature and the peace you can

find while quietly walking a trail.

Identifying plants that are good to eat.

And those to stay away from.

And the beauty in a simple rock.

Getting down on the floor in the front room and

letting us "ride" the horsie.

Building a tree house in the willow tree.

And the swingset that lasted throughout our childhoods.

The hard work and rewards of the family backyard garden.

We have been so blessed to call ourselves

Kent's girls. (And boy)

We love you Dad.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!