Happy Birthday Wishes

It has been insane, as far as birthday's go, for the last few weeks. First Hillary, then Janelle, then Devin, then Dallin, and now we have my Dad and Tara! But don't worry, it doesn't end there. Bradley isn't far behind. But, first of all, I want make honorable mention of my Dad and Tara, since their birthdays were yesterday and today.

My Dad was born on April 1, 1947 to the proud parents Laura Leona Henry and William Arthur Henry Sr. (or Art as everyone called him) He has two brothers, Gary and Richard and he is the youngest. He grew up attending the Catholic church. He loved to ski (and still does) and won a few ski competitions as he was growing up. In high school, he participated in Basketball and Track and Field and ended up attending WSU where ran Track and Field. Upon graduating with his teaching degree, he faced a big decision in his life- try out for the summer olympics in the Long Jump or try out for the winter olympics in skiing? (Such a dilemma I would love to have set in front of me. :)) He chose the sumer olympics and made it to the 1968 Olympic trials, where he jumped against Bob Beamon, current world record holder in the men's long jump.

After the Olympic trials he started teaching at Pasco High School where he met Carolyn Mathews, a very cute cheerleader. :) The day after she graduated, they happened to run into one another and the rest, they say, is history. They were married on September 23, 1972. They managed a ski shop at Crystal mountain for about 5 years and then eventually moved back to the Tri-Cities to help my mom's brother in law with a new business venture. Meanwhile, my mom had had the distinct impression that she needed to share the gospel with my dad. He went through a good number of sister missionaries until finally, one day, he accepted everything they taught and set the date to be baptized. He was baptized on July 24, 1980 and then they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Seattle temple on July 28, 1981. Rachel, Nathan and Tara were all alive at the time.

Now, 6 kids, 6 kids-in-law, and 12 grandkids later, he has a successful business, a beautiful home, the gospel of Jesus Christ and 25 people who absolutely adore him. He runs or bikes almost everyday, collects golf balls, is in a bishopric, tells the corniest jokes and is an amazing example. My dad is my hero. He always has been and always will be. His faith and testimony are such a strength to me and I am grateful for him. I am truly blessed to be the daughter of this amazing man.



And now on to the Birthday girl! Tara Michelle Cobia. Mother of 3 adorable little boys and one beautiful, sweet, little girl, and wife of an awesome man. I have been told that Tara and I have the most similar personalities out of all our family members. I would venture to say that is probably pretty accurate. We can talk for hours and hash out details like it's nobody's business. But, I think Tara is a far better person than I am. She is totally selfless, accepts all she meets and is no respector of persons. She and David are the best examples to me of Christ-Like love. And they are so on track concerning the gospel. Whenever David goes on a business trip, they select certain articles out of the Ensign that they both read on their own, and then they call each other and discuss them over the course of his trip. When I first caught wind of that I thought, "wow, I have such a long ways to go before I get to be that good." But, to add on to all of that, Tara is an amazing dancer, amazing mother, amazing friend and is instantly loved by all. I am so grateful to her for all she has done for me; from letting me sleep with her every night when I was little, to talking me through difficult times as a teenager emerging into adulthood. I love her so much and admire her in every way. I hope that I can be half the woman she is. If I am, I'll feel like I'm doin somethin right! :)

Happy Birthday to both of you!! I miss you and love you!!!! See ya next Friday! :)