BUILDING

Happy Father's Day

Anyone need a whisker rub? He had the look long before it was a fad.
 ("Whisker rubs" were usually reserved for anyone being cranky.)
And look at that twinkle in his eye.

Dear Dad:

Naturally, although we have never seen you do it, you can walk on water - right? I mean, why "sink or swim" if you can "walk on water"? From you (and mother) we learned faith. When we have faith, and turn to the Savior, we can walk on water.

1991 Mission to Los Angles, California, building the "kingdom"

You were always building something, but I think the most important thing you ever built was a family. You are a solid foundation each one of your family depends upon.

Trailer built on rear axle and bed of an old truck

And with a good foundation, anything can be built, and when needed repaired.

Repairing spring horse,
 but there sure was a lot of teasing about looking like this pony dumped you. 

We watched you.
We learned if you get "bucked off" just try again.
You can always try again.

How many pancakes have you made over the years?
How high can we count?

And of course a pancake, made with 'Cackle Berries' and 'Moo-Juice' was a great way to start the day, once you were 'up-and-at 'em,' and had 'that mattress off your back.'

And most of the other important lessons of life we heard as you worked and sang about "Swingin' on a Star:" Set our sites on the stars, don't be as stubborn as a mule, stay in school, be clean, have good manners, work hard, learn to read and write, those that are "slippery" will get caught, and of great importance - ALL the monkeys aren't in the zoo! Beware that we're not acting like a monkey!

Quilt, by Kimber for 2007 auction

What does it take to swing on a star?

SWING ON A STAR

Would you like to swing on a star?
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
And be better off than you are
Or would you rather be a mule?

A mule is an animal with long funny ears
Kicks up at anything he hears
His back is brawny but his brain is weak
He's just plain stupid with a stubborn streak
And by the way, if you hate to go to school
You may grow up to be a mule

Or would you like to swing on a star?
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
And be better off than you are
Or would you rather be a pig?

A pig is an animal with dirt on his face
His shoes are a terrible disgrace
He has no manners when he eats his food
He's fat and lazy and extremely rude
But if you don't care a feather or a fig
You may grow up to be a pig

Or would you like to swing on a star?
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
And be better off than you are
Or would you rather be a fish?

A fish won't do anything, but swim in a brook
He can't write his name or read a book
To fool the people is his only thought
And though he's slippery, he still gets caught
But then if that sort of life is what you wish
You may grow up to be a fish

And all the monkeys aren't in the zoo
Every day you meet quite a few
So, you see it's all up to you
You can be better than you are
You could be swingin' on a star