Big D

A little over fifteen years ago, my family ended a painful chapter of our lives, and we started an exciting new chapter of life. On March 11, 2000 my mom married Dave.  I wish I could go back in time, to Mom  and Dave's wedding, and smack my little 11 year-old self across the face. I treated Dave so poorly during his courtship with my mom. I didn't want my mom to move on. I didn't like the fact that a new guy was coming around and stealing my mom's time and attention. I didn't like that he demanded respect. I didn't like that he was moving our family (again). I feel so horrible for the way my siblings and I treated Dave in the early days of our relationship.  

Thankfully my attitude has changed for the better. Dave, AKA Big D, is the greatest example of what a husband and father should be. When he married my mom, he had already raised six kids of his own.  Im sure the last thing he wanted to do was raise six more young kids. But he did. I have never even heard Big D complain about raising my siblings and me. Big D stepped in and became the only steady father figure in my life. He financially supported all of us kids so my mom could stay at home and raise us.

Big D provided opportunities that only a loving father can provide for his kids. He took me on daddy daughter dates. He taught me the importance of work and a good education. He taught me how to respect those around me (especially my mom). He was a huge support in gaining my own personal testimony of the church. He taught me to never settle for anything but the best. He supported me in every tennis match, piano recital, violin concert, and academic night I ever had. He sat through hours upon hours of Young Women recognition nights, and always congratulated me whole heartedly at the end of every event. He was my biggest cheerleader throughout my teen years.

This post wouldn't be complete without mentioning Big D's goofy side. If you know Big D, then you must know something about his humor. He is quite possibly the most hilarious man I have ever met. Now let me share some inside jokes/stories about Big D:

• Pet Pinecone
• Highlighter love notes
• Reusable trash bags
• Milk and bread for breakfast
• Jumping up and down for joy with me
• "Hey Rach. I need you to empty the dishwasher. Like now. When do you think you can get it done? I need it done now."
• Hearing the dreaded footsteps upstairs followed by, "Hey Rach. Your mom and I have to talk to you. Can you come up here now." After which you have to sit in the much feared floral chair and have Dave have a stern talk with you (all of which are scripted by mom on one of her notebooks.)
• "Big slugger"
• "Holy H"
• "What's the scoop?"
• Mowing the lawn with his Jazz hat that looks like it might fly away at any given moment.
• He taught us through example what the true meaning of "frugal" is. 
• Driving with his head laid back on the seat. 
• Looking at lots and lots of rock formations
• A joke about a blind eye
• Pretty sure he has the best story about bubble gum
• Being awaken by his screams at the TV during a sporting event

Today is a great day, today is Father's Day. When I think of the word "father", my step-dad Dave comes to mind and I am so lucky to have Big D as my dad.

PS: I thought I would leave you all with a picture of mister GQ himself. ;)

Another Jon Post

This is going to get mushy. Like really mushy. You have been warned…. continue with caution.

Read the quote above. Everything about that quote reminds me of Jon. Jon makes me immensely happy. I am beyond blessed to have a best friend and husband wrapped up into one. He makes life so much fuller and brighter. I am one lucky and blessed girl to have Jonathan Hughes as my husband.

Upon returning home from his mission back in the early 2000’s, Jon dated like crazy in hopes to get married. He continued to date like a madman for 10+ years. He often wondered why marriage wasn’t happening for him. He was doing everything he was supposed to be doing in order to meet and marry a nice young lady, but it never happened for him. Then, one day through a strange series of events, he met me. We had an interesting first date that eventually led to an eternal marriage. Every day I wake up next to the most amazing man, and every day I thank my lucky stars that no one snatched him up during his 10+ years of dating.

Jon and I are quickly approaching our one-year anniversary of marriage. This year has been eventful to say the least, and has flown by. I can honestly say I love Jon more today than the day I married him. As I look back at this year of marriage I am reminded of just how awesome my husband is. Here are some examples:

Jon is a loyal and dedicated employee. He just celebrated his ninth year with his company. Jon aspired to a particular position at his company, and actually earned this dream position a few months before we were married. He was great at this position, and he absolutely loved it. However, a few months into our marriage Jon quickly realized this position required quite a bit of travel and time away from home. After much thought and prayer, Jon decided to step down and take a less demanding position so he could be more available for our family. In fact, this new position is a work-from-home position.

So, within just twelve months time, Jon went from his jet-setting dream job and bachelor lifestyle, to a work-from-home stay-at-home-dad. With his new work-from-home position he was able to take Hadley to preschool, pick Hadley up from preschool, eat lunch with Hadley, and put Hadley down for a nap while I was at work. His huge career sacrifice may not look super impressive in the eyes of many, in fact, it may look like a down grade to most, but for Hadley and me, we think it is the most commendable thing anyone could have done. Hadley and I depend on him so much, and are continually grateful for this huge sacrifice he has made. In the eternal scheme of things, Jon is making major deposits in our eternal family bank account.

Here’s another example of how great my hubby is. Earlier this year we learned that Hadley needed oral surgery. Since I was out of personal days at work, Jon volunteered to be by Hadley’s side from start to finish. If any of you know Hadley, you know how dramatic she can be. To put it lightly, Hadley was less than perfect at the doctor’s office. Jon handled the whole situation like a pro. He was so kind, loving and patient with Hadley. In fact, one of my coworkers happened to be at the same doctors office that day with her child and she commented that she had never seen a more loving and patient dad. She couldn’t believe Jon only had less than a year of parenting experience.

Here are some other things I love about Jon:

• ·      He does all the dishes. I have not touched a dirty dish since last year.
• ·      Jon wakes up early on Saturday morning and cleans the whole house with me.
• ·      Jon takes me on a date every week, without fail.
• ·      Jon coaches Hadley’s little league soccer every single week with a huge smile on his face, and they are not an easy group.
• ·      Jon gets up with Hadley every single morning, so I can get a few extra minutes of sleep each day.
• ·      If I have a problem of any kind, Jon helps me solve the problem.
• ·      Jon gets down on the floor and plays with Hadley every night. Whether it be Barbie’s or wrestling, he does it all.
• ·      About once a month I have my Mia Maid group come over for an early morning breakfast. Jon usually ends up making most of the breakfast and cheerfully welcomes my big group of teenage girls into our home.
• ·      Jon encourages and inspires me to be the best mom, wife, teacher, and Young Women leader I can be. 

Just like the quote above says, Jon loves me. Jon respects me. Jon honors me. Jon is true to me. Jon allows me to fly. Jon is kind and thoughtful. Jon is the hardest worker I know. Jon is honest to a fault, and Jon has an unshakable faith. To sum it all up, Jon is my prince charming. 

We may not have a fancy house with fancy things in it, and we may not be able to get away to an exotic island for our anniversary, but what we do have is worth so much more than any vacation or fancy item. We have each other, and we have an unbreakable partnership. Our life is not easy, in fact we have been bombarded with several trials and unexpected bumps in the road this past year, but I know that together we can get through anything that comes our way. I love you Jon. Thank you for the best year of my life and here’s to many many many more years together.