this whole derby thing is a huge deal in our family as the hubs's brother competes in almost every one held in the state of utahrr. i wasn't raised redneck, really i wasn't. but somehow when i married into the hubs's incredible family, my inner redneck has blossomed. we now not only go to demo derbies; we also go to the rodeo in his home town; we go four-wheeling; my kids have ridden horses and dirt bikes (i still have not); and our back porch is covered in red-neck camouflage ie: tons of kid's toys, wooden beams, and yes, even a couch. after writing that list i sound like i should be a *gulp* republican.

maybe i wouldn't have been so grumpy had we not spent the whole afternoon shopping all over the place. i really shouldn't complain, my husband only shops about once for every 30 times that i drag him along. but i'm a tired, grumpy, pregnant woman after all; and i did NOT get my mandatory nap.

proof here again, that E seeks out father figures

thanks to all of you that have been riding my emotional rollercoaster. everyday lately i've been up and down, and back and forth, and even spinning in a corkscrew. so HUGE kudos to those of you who have kept your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times and are using proper restraints. ;-D



so i really did start this post with the idea that i would do a list of all the wonderful reasons i heart my husband as a daddy.

** i adore that he is so much bigger than me, because of all of the physical things he can do with our kids. he'll lay half way onto the bed and soar each of the kids over his head onto the bed behind him. of course he gently places our princesses, but for F he just throws him, much to F's delight.

** every night he reads from the scriptures to our little family. he lays on his tummy on the floor or bed and the kids take turns riding him like a horse. well, they don't really take turns, they mostly all clamor onto his back and jump as high as they can until someone falls off. and he patiently continues to read.

** he teaches my kids the importance of loving all people. he's friendly and outgoing to cashiers, janitors, and all laborers.

** he can hold all three kids at once. it might not be easy, but when situations arise that it's a necessity, he does it without a grunt.

** he supports me as a mother. when things have gotten really rough with E he'll sit her down and explain how much i love her, how much i do for her, and firmly encourage her to be nice to me.

** he also from the beginning of our marriage has insisted that i be a stay at home mother. even during some really tight months, he would never even suggest that i look for work. which is fantastic because i really don't want a job! the one i have is hard enough!

** when he comes home from work he'll often break out the paints and art supplies for the kids, let them get messy, and use the time to teach them shapes and math skills.

** he sets such a great example of what a man should be. which has been imparitive not only for my own children, but for my brother as well.

** and i love, love, love to watch him play with my friend's kids or our neice and nephews. he treats them like his own. some guys are weirded out by the bodily fluids of other people's kids, and i won't say that he isn't. but the hubs will just find a tissue or a diaper and treat them gently. so sweet.

he is the all around man. tough enough to work, fun enough to play, humble enough to teach, and soft enough to love openly. i feel so grateful to have such a fantastic man to love me and our children.