Clover and Elm: You Can't Listen to Van Halen Quietly: My Dad's Motto

This handsome photo bomber below is my dad, Craig. Since the day we laid eyes on each other, we have been glued at the hip. We play off of each other's humor throwing movie quotes back and forth like the obsessed Disney/Pixar fans we are. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful father in my life. Through good or bad he has taught me lessons that are crucial to the woman I am today. He still constantly drills in my mind the worth of my endless potential. He's a great cheerleader to have, and man, he looks good in those uniforms showing off the whitest legs to walk the Earth. Everyone who meets him just can't help but like him. Below I've listed off just a handful of lessons dear old Dad has passed onto me from his fountain of knowledge that is the Jensen brain. Enjoy.

Important Life Lessons from Dad

Bedtime reading is important.

Education is going to be your key to success.

Learning how to find a good tree/bush/rock to poop behind when you're fishing is essential to the experienced fisherman.

Just laugh it off.

Always carry a roll of toilet paper in your car. You never know when you'll need it.

Fishing must be done on all the days that end in 'y':

You can't listen to Van Halen, Metallica, ACDC, Pink Floyd, or Led Zeppelin quietly. It just isn't natural.

Always be respectful to other people. It doesn't matter who they are or what they're going through, be polite. Especially to your elders.

Don't follow the money, follow something you're passionate about.

If you blink your eyelashes enough, Dad will buy you a kitten.

Fridays were made for Slurpee runs.

Be the bigger person, and never be afraid to be the first to say you're sorry.

The most important lesson my Dad taught me is that I am unconditionally loved. If I need a shoulder to cry on, or I need to vent, Dad will always be just a phone call away.

Dad, if you're reading this, I hope I've managed to make you smile. I want you to know I will always be your little girl with the pink backpack as long as I live. I love you to the moon and back. Here's to more fishing trips, poop jokes, movie quotes, and laughter. Thank you for being the perfect dad for me.