My Father's Day Top 10

Father's Day is this Sunday!

I decided a countdown would be an appropriate way to explain just why I love my Dad!

10. Lending a Helping Hand.
He has moved me, my stuff... and my clothes, and my shoes...AT LEAST 7 times. And this is probably a low guess on the number of times I have moved through college, and after getting married. Even better? Guess how many times Katie has moved!? I'm guessing 12 times, although this number may be low (Mom knows the exact number, I'm sure!). Guess who has moved her EVERY time? Mom and Dad.

9. #1 Fan.
Dad attended every gymnastics meet, every track meet, every football and basketball game, and every Nationals competition. Every sporting competition, camp, athletic event, shopping excursion, ballgame, concert, practice...you name it. Dad was there. Coaching and supporting me every step of the way. My Dad has always been my #1 Fan.

8. Hard Working.
My dad is extremely hard working. Since before my time, my dad gone to work to support his family. When he gets home from work, he works even harder to be the best Dad and Husband he can be. From being an intern at JM, my Dad has worked for the last 30 years to become plant manager. He has always worked hard to make sure my Mom, sister, and I are taken care of.

7. Two words = Oklahoma Football.
My dad is die-hard Oklahoma Football. I grew up watching and rooting for the Sooners. I have endless memories of my Dad and I driving down to Norman in the Sooner Schooner to watch the games and be part of the tailgating experience. Sitting on the little green couch watching OU Football is also something I can look back to and grin. Boomer Sooner!

6. Quality Time.
My dad has always been surrounded by women. Some men may not appreciate this, but my Dad loves every moment of it. He proves that every time he climbs into the car fully prepared to shop with us ALL day. Shopping wouldn't be the same without Dad there. He walks around stores with my Katie, Mom and Me carrying our bags and telling us how pretty we look. Dad will do anything just to be close to his girls. If this means sitting on the "Dad" bench outside of a store, he will do it, without a doubt.

5. Appreciation
This has been happening for as long as I can remember. Mom, Katie, and I know when it's coming, and we all sort of giggle when it happens. Every time my sister and I are both home (without Husbands), and we are all together my dad will always make the comment, "Isn't it nice having our whole family home together?". Yep, it always is. We love being together as a family, and Dad always points it out. My Dad values every second of family time he has.

4.  Simple and Sweet
It doesn't take much to make Dad happy. If he is at home, sitting on the back porch with a Diet Coke in his hand, a plate of cookies, and his family-he's happy. The simple joy's in Dad's life are Diet Coke, Mom's Cookies, OU Football, and of course, his family.

3. Right from Wrong.
One of the most important things I have learned from my dad is that it doesn't matter who is watching, you should ALWAYS do the right thing. The little voice inside my head? Yep, it's my Dad's. I know right from wrong, and that you should never go against your best judgment. I can also blame my Father for the overwhelming conscious I have acquired. Thanks, Dad.

2.  You Name it, He'll Do It.
I just can't say it enough. If Katie or I need anything, Dad is the first to come. It doesn't matter if he's in the middle of a business meeting or out solving the world's problems at the plant. Dad always answers his phone, and is always sure that we are taken care of, and always happy. If there is ever anything he can do for us, big or small, he will do it. Because it is his goal to make sure the 3 ladies in his life are happy and healthy.

1. He loves his girls.
My Dad loves his girls with all of his heart. I am so thankful to have such a great example to look up to. He has taught me so much, and I continue to live my life in the enormous footsteps he has made. My dad is the type of person that makes me want to be a better person.

Yes, I'll admit, I'm spoiled rotten. Thanks Dad!

And of course, where there is Dad- there is Mom! She's there every single step of the way. I didn't forget about you, Mom!!

This is my favorite picture of Dad and Me. He drove me down to Stillwater, OK for my first gymnastics camp. While we were there, he managed to not only coach me, but teach me to do my first backhandspring.

Family Vacation in Oregon

Dad coached me to win 2 Pole Vault state Championships. He coached me from the front row. 
See that green hat he's wearing? After I graduated high school he gave me the hat because it was his "good luck" hat. I never lost while he wore that hat.

Freshman year KU Football. Rock Chalk!

This pretty much sums it up.

Dad with Katie and Me at "The Shrine". 
Boomer Sooner!

What a great day!

Love you Dad, 
Happy Father's Day!!

My Summer Reads

I have been doing quite a bit of reading lately. I can't quite make my mind up on just one book or magazine, so I tend to start more than one at a time. Along with the book/books that I'm reading, I also add in my favorite magazines to the mix. I have quite a variety of reading material that I enjoy, here is just a few of my favorite books and authors (in no specific order- I love them ALL!).

1. Oxygen Magazine-
Workout ideas, Nutrition, Recipes, Weight Loss Tools, and Training Methods. Anything and everything. LOVE this magazine. Need encouragement and motivation? Start reading!

 2. Jamie Eason-
Great writer and fitness model. Inspiration for anyone that needs to get in the gym or start eating healthy. She has great recipes that are easy to follow, and always has a new take on nutrition and ways to make your food more fun. I follow Jamie on Facebook and love her messages. She is always a positive role-model, and is a great writer and fitness spokesperson. Did I mention she writes for Oxygen Magazine? She is a true inspiration.

 3. Tosca Reno-
Tosca proves that you can be healthy and fit at any age. She has written countless cookbooks and I own most of them. They give great ideas, and prove that you can always make a healthy choice, regardless of what you're eating.  Highly recommend her Eat Clean Diet Stripped book. She will motivate you and teach you at the same time. Great read!

4. Martha Stewart- DUH!
If you know me, you know I am absolutely in love with Martha Stewart. Seriously! What can the woman not do? I not only DVR her daily show, but I also receive her monthly cookbooks and magazines in the mail. She is an idol, and I love the fact that she knows how to do anything and everything. Need a crafty idea or around-the-house inspiration? Tape a few of her shows and you'll either be hungry, or ready to decorate your house or a birthday card. I heart Martha.

5. Slim and Scrumptious, Joy Bauer
Yes, I admit, I only know about Joy because of the Martha Stewart Show. When she was featured on the show, I loved her ideas and immediately ordered her book. When it arrived, I first cooked the ground chicken burgers and they were GREAT! Again, if Dale likes them, they have to be good!! This is a great cookbook for anyone that wants to eat healthy without moving out of their comfort zone. Simple and easy.

6. Better Homes and Gardens
My mom has always had this magazine at home so I secretly think I read it because it reminds me of her. I love to fantasize about a futre home that could even come close to the ones in the pictures. This magazine has beautiful pictures, and fun ideas that can change your home through each season. This is one of my favorites because of the pictures. I love folding down the pages and passing them on to Mom--just letting her know that I think this would be a good idea! Someday, I WILL have a garden like that!

7.  20 Something, 20 Everything, A Quarter-life Woman's Guide to Balance and Direction- Christine Hassler 

I just started this book so I can't give too much information. I heard about this book in a column dedicated to young professionals. The book is written to help young women make it through the professional world. It has been a very good read, and an eye opener. The book encourages you to answer questions about yourself, and really makes you think about life and the decisions you've made. I'll keep you updated about this one!

There are plenty more but this is a great start! If you have any other books you would recommend- please do! I am always eager to get into something new!