The Definition of a Father

I know it's past Father's Day, but I feel compelled to say a few words on this subject.  People have complained that masculinity in today's society is frequently the target of attack.  Although I find myself agreeing with this statement, in my short lifespan I have seen that part of these attacks are not without merit.  It does not take much to be a male; this gets decided at conception.  However, to be a man is much more complicated.  

First and foremost, it takes a father to create one.  It takes a father to teach a boy how to be a man, who in turn will pass this on when he raises his son.  However, when a father is not there to do this the chain can be broken and the consequences severe.  The evidence of this is all around us.  Now this could've easily happened in my life, but fortunately there is someone who did decide to step in.  

In the short time I have been a father, I can tell that it is not easy.  In the life of every man, he must choose how he will respond to the call of fatherhood, to step up when others are too afraid to do so.  He must choose to either work hard or let others do it for him, to hide behind anger or demonstrate the courage to love, to put himself first or defer to the needs of his wife and children. Though men may gain the respect of their colleagues, it is of little value unless they have the respect of their wife and children.  Although my stepdad will be the first to tell you that he is not perfect, he has my respect, and that means a lot.  

Oh and here's a link hi-lighting the concept of fathering.  Every week the Church puts on their website a new video.  Check them out, they're great.  

Walking Woolies

  

She is not walking yet, but she is practicing.

Birthdays

Hmmm, as far as birthdays go, I've had better.  But they can't all be great now can they - especially when they are on Monday.  Actually this Saturday we are having a party that I am really looking forward to and that will be fun.  Actually I often have mixed feelings about birthdays - not necessarily that I am getting older, that seems to be present for me all year round (I know it shouldn't be), it's more that it has that Christmas afternoon anticlimactic feeling.  Like here it is, now what?  Shouldn't there have been more?  I think I always expect too much, and then things never quite live up.  It's foolish I know.   

I have to admit one of my most favorite ones in recent memory was several years ago where I was the emcee at our graduation party for graduate school.  It was a nice dinner provided by the school and me and two other students were in charge of everything: food, entertainment, etc.  Initially I thought I would let it get out that it was my birthday, but I was enjoying it so much I think to draw attention to myself would make it less than what it was: a fun party with good friends, good food and lots of fun.  

Anyways, I would like to add to a previous blog with some follow ups on the frog hunting adventure since it seemed to pique a lot of interest.  We did go back today (and also Saturday) and caught some frogs.  Today we also caught a little snake.  We had read up on frogs earlier and found out that frogs are carnivores, and will even eat snakes.  So Isaiah was hopeful and put the two together, but I think the frog had to be a lot bigger.   

Enjoy the pictures. I guess even a hum drum birthday is fun with these kids.