Happy Father's Day

Dad, me and Mom. My dad, John Frank Sanders, Jr., became a father on February 29, 1964...that's the day I was born. After me would come Beverly, John, Wanda, Robert and Danny. My dad worked for the State of Nevada from 1963 until he retired in 1996. Because of dad's work we grew up in the mountains of southern Nevada, Mt. Charleston. I had my parents all to myself for 4 years and I'm sure I was a tag along as much as I could be. I've spent time with my dad riding in plow trucks, knocking rocks off the highway and plowing snow. I've been snow skiing, sledding, hiking, fishing, riding bikes, horseback riding, boating, camping, hunting and bottling fruit with my dad. Dad taught me how to drive and when I was 16 he brought home a beautiful blue camaro with a white top and I thought it was for me..nope, it was for HIM! That's okay though, he did let me drive it and eventually it became mine. My dad has stood in front of me, beside me and behind me for all the events of my life and many times he carried me...especially when I was this little. My dad has given me several father's blessings of which I am eternally greatful for. I just spoke to my dad today and apologized for not sending him a card, his words were, "I'd rather speak to my daughter than have a card." That's my dad! I've laughed with him, learned from him and cried with him. I was taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ by him as well as my mother. I value his oppinion and know that he values mine.

Dad and IDad was raised in Fairview, Utah. He helped his own father in the coal mine from a very young age and drove a coal truck. He's returned to Fairview with mom and they live in the home that Grandpa and Grandma Sanders built and lived in before they passed away. Dad enjoys fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, bottling, helping people, being with his family and now is the grandpa of 29 grandchildren. I know my dad has been a pretty good artist as well, I've seen some of his work, but not seen him pick up a paint brush and canvas since having children..I suppose his masterpiece is his posterity, at least that's the way he makes us feel. I love my dad and feel priviledged to be the daughter of such a humble, strong, supportive leader.

This picture was taken at our first family reunion. It was in 2002, held at Mt. Charleston. This photo was taken in front of the home we grew up in. This is the last time we have all been together at that home. There are more of us now, but this was a pretty good size group and we stayed at the Farrer's home for that weekend. It was great. We've had a few other family reunions since and enjoy being together.

This was taken at our last family reunion in September of 2008. From left to right..Danny, Robert, John, Dad, Mom, Inez, Beverly and Wanda.

Finally, I love seeing my dad interact with his grandchildren. I appreciate the time he spends with my kids and I know they love him. In the hospital when Neal was in NICU he received a check up by a pediatric opthamologist. The concern was that Neal's eyes were so light blue and his hair was so light. The doctor asked me if I had anyone in my family that had light blue eyes. I told him my dad was a toe head when he was little (he's white now!) and his eyes are light blue as well. So from then on the nurses called him "Grandpa's twin" So far Neal has checked out perfectly each time his eyes have been checked.

Happy Father's day dad, I LOVE YOU!

Eric became a father on September 12, 1995 when Spencer Eric Kern was born. We had been married just a little over a year and Spencer changed both of us. We became parents and knew a whole different kind of love. Eric has always helped out with each baby as much as he can..but he doesn't get up in the middle of the night unless I really wake him up..he's a great sleeper! I love Eric with all my heart and I am so thankful that he is so good to his children. They have alot of fun with him and he loves to TEASE each of them!

Eric and Spencer for President's day...we ran a preschool back then!

Eric, Camilla and Spencer in the Historic Tabernacle on Temple Square.

Eric helping to take care of Neal when he was very sick. Neal LOVES his daddy. Eric really does have a special way with Neal. It's fun for me to watch them together. Eric, thank you for being such an amazing dad.

Happy Father's Day Dad Kern! Eric's dad came to visit us yesterday and we all had a great time together. He brought his dogs and the kids LOVED that. Neal warmed up to grandpa and they enjoyed playing together. Each of the kids work hard to get grandpa's attention. I'm very thankful for Eric's dad and all the love and support he continually give us. He's a good man that works hard, I've enjoyed seeing the remodeling jobs he's done as well as the items he's made out of wood for my kids. I've seen him go through personal loss with strength and perserverance. I've witnessed his faith in God and I appreciate his faith in me as the wife of his son and mother of his grandchildren. I love this man and I'm thankful he too is my dad.

I'm also very grateful to know I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and I love Him. I'm not sure I can describe my feelings for Him in words. I know He hears and answers my prayers and I know He has given me all that I have. I know that through His Beloved Son Jesus Christ I can return to live with Him again some day. I look forward to the day I can see Him face to face again. My own father has given me an idea of what that will be like because I love to see his face and be hugged by him and know that he loves me and I love him. I have never doubted my dad's love for me and I do not doubt that Heavenly Father love me and knows me better than anyone else. I strive to honor Him as His daughter by following His Son, Jesus Christ, and by being the best wife and mother I can be.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!