always the dad

One of the hardest moments on my wedding day was saying goodbye to my dad as we left the reception. I think I rushed it so that no one would see my bittersweet tears welling (because who wants to see the bride cry as she leaves the party, right?).

He's always been the dad, and I was afraid that getting married would somehow change that.

But it didn't. Not at all. I'm still his little Charlotte, and he's still the dad. I still need him, and I always will. He'll always be the dad, and I love that. Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love being your daughter.

father's day 2010

I've been thinking a lot about what I want to say about my dad today. He's a wonderful man, a good man. He's a teacher. All throughout my life, he's taught me of God, of prayer, of hard work, of faith, of the Atonement, and of love (not to mention the pop quizzes in the car on classic blues and rock). Most importantly, however, he's taught me who I am and what I can be.

Something that I've most appreciated throughout my life and especially in the past year is the confidence my father has is me. He trusts me and my abilities and expects me to do the same. He encourages me to overcome my shortcomings and fulfill my potential. He sees my potential often more clearly than I can. He trusts me and my judgment, and I wish I could adequately express how much that confidence strengthens, supports, and builds me. My dad's love for me empowers me and exemplifies the love my Heavenly Father and His Son have for me. Because my earthly father loves me as he does, I know my Heavenly Father loves me. My dad, along with my mom, taught me who I am and to never doubt that.

I'm getting married in two months, and I know that this affects not only myself but also my family. I want my dad to know that because of his goodness I made the decision to marry Josh, that his example showed me what to value and look for in a spouse. In two months I'll be a Wilson, but I can still be a Wood girl, his girl. Forever.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you so much.

Happy birthday, Dad!

Hey, Dad!

It's your birthday, and I wanted to tell you that I love you. I couldn't ask for a greater dad. I love it that I always know that your family is your biggest priority, and I love the love you have for Mom. I know that I can talk to you about anything--I mean that. I really can talk to you about anything that's on my mind. Thanks for being there for me. I love you for being a worthy priesthood holder; that's helped define my life. There's so much more that I love about you, but this is what has been on my mind most recently.

Thanks for being so wonderful, Dad. I love you.

Love, your daughter,
Charlotte

Surprise!!

Emily and I orchestrated one of the most stellar birthday present surprises we've ever done. Over five weeks ago we purchased plane tickets for Denver and didn't tell our family, or anyone at home for that matter. We kept it a secret for over a month, practically going insane because we couldn't say anything. It paid off, however, when we arrived at the airport and sent a picture of the departure gate via text/photo message to Mom and Dad.

Mom freaked out, Dad jokingly said we were crazy, we were excitedly laughing in the airport as we waited to board our 9:15 flight. Rachelle picked us up (she was the only one who knew we were coming out), and we pulled up to our house around 11:30 p.m.

It was a marvelous weekend. Most of the pictures from the weekend are on Mom's camera, so check out her blog for a more detailed account of the weekend.

ShamWow, Em and I are good at surprises.

just tired

I'm at that point in the semester where I just want to go home. School-wise this semester hasn't even been so crazy (however, that may be because I've started implementing the 10-6 schedule); I like most of my classes, I feel productive, I've read War and Peace for cryin' out loud. So with school, this has been a good semester.

Looking at my social level this semester, sometimes I've been down. I'm not so social to begin with--I inherited the hermit genes to be sure. Usually I'm okay with my self-imposed hermitage, but sometimes I wonder if I'm weird. Of course I have friends, and I do things--I see people and friends on a regular basis--but sometimes I can't help but wonder if I'm just a little off from everyone else. Emily's been good at reassuring me in my supposed peculiarity: she keeps telling me that I shouldn't feel bad doing things I like to do, even if it's something like watching "24" on my computer and going to bed by 11 on a Friday. I am friends with several super social people, so I try not to make that perhaps-more-extreme social behavior the standard. I'm hoping more people stay in on a Saturday night than I think.

But I'm just tired. I think I'm getting enough sleep, but it's that kind of tired where you're physically, mentally, and emotionally spent. I have to remember that I'm in that part of the semester when you can see the end but that end is still just far enough away to not get excited about yet: I feel this unique exhaustion every year, and every time I just want to go home for a little bit, even a weekend. (Plus it probably doesn't help that I haven't heard from my family much in the past week--oh musical season.)

To satiate my need for some interaction with home, Dad and Sarah are driving out to Utah today (they obviously aren't coming out just because I want them to, but Sarah has a clogging competition tomorrow up in American Fork). I have seriously been living for today when I get to see my dad and baby sister for the first time in over two months. Maybe spending a mere thirty-six hours (probably less) with them can help kick me into gear for the last stretch of the semester.

I'm just so tired.

my dad

Monday was my dad's forty-seventh birthday. (He hates that number because it's prime--I think that's funny.) I love my dad--he is amazing to the max. He loves me no matter what. I love him back. :)

and I'm back

Thanksgiving was amazing. Emily and I went home on the 22nd and just got back today. I love being able to go home for such extended periods of time. I had a paper to write and a bunch of reading to do and some worksheets. Did I do any of it? . . . Nope. This is what I did instead.

Dear Dad,

Dear Dad,

I know Fathers' Day was a couple of months ago, so I'm a little late on this, but I wanted to write it anyway. Thanks for being so amazing. The love you have for Mom and your children is evident and undeniable. Even though some days are rough for everyone, I never doubt that you love our family more than anything. Thanks for loving me unconditionally. I know that no matter what happens, you'll always love me.

Thanks for working so hard. I know that employment has been something that has been hard for you and Mom to work out, and I've always admired your work ethic your determination to provide for our family. Sometimes finances are tough, but you always find a way to make things work out, and I've never wanted for those things I truly need.

I love how I can talk to you about anything: school, friends, church, and yes, even boys! In a way, I feel silly saying this, because it seems like such a duh when it comes to awesome parenting, but I'll say it anyway: thanks for being interested in my life. You ask questions about what is going on with me, how my classes are, how my test went, what is new with work and friends and church. I love telling you about my life, because I know that you're interested and that you care. Thanks :) You give some of the best advice ever. I can go to you with just about any problem, and you give me thoughtful, caring, comforting, and direct advice. Because I've never doubted your love, I know that the advice you give me is always for my good.

Thank you for being an honorable Priesthood holder. That means so much to me, and I can't express what a great blessing it was to have grown up in a home where my father honorably held the Priesthood and used it to protect, comfort, and bless our family. Thank you for keeping your covenants and for being such an excellent example to me of what it really means to be a disciple of Christ. I've never questioned your devotion to the Gospel; I've learned what the Gospel is the most through your example.

Thanks for putting up with my goofiness. I know that Emily and I dancing in the kitchen may not be the most convenient or, let's just say it, normal, but you laugh and let us ride out the goofiness. I think I would probably drive myself crazy if I had to deal with me. :) So, pretty much, you're amazing. I couldn't ask for a better dad. Thanks.

Love you lots and lots,
Charlotte