Stamper - My first rodeo: how three daughters, one wife, and a herd of others are making me a better dad

What a tremendous collection of thoughts, lessons learned, and heartwarming stories about life and parenthood! Parents, grandparents, and even adolescent kiddos will find something in My First Rodeo just for them. For fathers in particular, Stoney brings a clever perspective on the trials, tribulations, and comedies of learning to be a modern-day dad. From life-changing stories that will water the eyes to laugh-out-loud adventures that will bring even more tears, Stoneys first book is a great read!

T . M . R OE P ATTERSON, author of the book Crude Blessings and president and CEO of Basic Energy Services Inc.

From pineapple I love yous to a map to heaven, My First Rodeo is a relatable book for dads or any parents doing their best in todays complexity. A father of five myself, I place my title of Dad as my most sacred calling. Stoney gives insight into dad-hood in the best way possible: from the heart. Fatherhood is not biology; it is not words. It is actions. Three cheers for dads, and thank you, Stoney, for sharing your story!

S HANE D . P LUMMER , international horseman and an all-time leading breeder

Stoney Stamper not only makes me wish Id grown up on a farm; he makes me want to grab each and every person in my family and give them a great big hug. With colorful stories that include finding love, raising stepdaughters, and saving chickens, each chapter will leave you with either a smile on your face or a tear in your eye. And I challenge you to finish the entire book without breaking into a full-on sob!

K ELLIE R ASBERRY E VANS , co-host of the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show and co-host of A Sandwich and Some Lovin podcast

Stoney Stamper takes you on his journey from old-fashioned cowboy to modern family man in this heartfelt look at fatherhood, love, and life off the beaten path.

A LLY C ARTER , New York Times best-selling author

For any movie or television show youve ever loved, you probably loved it because the creators made you feel a personal connection to the characters. Stoney Stamper tapped into the same vein for this book. You will love it because he makes it personal and lets you into his family. Youll want to come back and visit.

J IMMIE T RAMEL , author and Tulsa World pop-culture writer

Fun, honest, and necessary. There arent many options for fathers and men out there sharing truth and keeping it real. Stoney manages to offer that in an engaging and hilarious way. We may have the new Rick Bragg with decidedly less grump.

K ALAN C HAPMAN L LOYD , award-winning author and attorney

Stoney has a way with words like no other. Having four kids myself, two of whom are daughters, I found myself relating to many of his stories and at times actually pulling for him, as I have lived some of these same events. Through changing diapers, changing hormones, and everything that comes with being a father to beautiful daughters, I am a fan. Stoney is to words as Robert Earl Keen is to music.

J OSH W EST, majority leader for the Oklahoma House of Representatives

As a happily married father of three who often feels light years away from the life I imagined and the one I have (in the best imaginable way), Ive found a companion in Stoney Stamper and his bittersweet book My First Rodeo. Stoney took me on a reflective journey filled with tangibly relatable anecdotes and markedly honest commentaryone where I found myself fully immersed in a parallel cathartic experience. Stoneys honest tone, subtle humor, and ability to capture the fragility of time and the power of love made this a refreshing and memorable read.

D ANIEL P ATTERSON, author of The Assertive Parent

My First Rodeo is a captivating story of one mans adventure in all things family. The author takes his audience by the hand, one page at a time, and reminds us that what we think we dont want just might be the best thing that could ever happen to us. Few authorsfew men, even, are so transparent and honest with the struggles, elations, fears, joys, and even challenges that encompass the journey of parenthood. Funny and emotional, My First Rodeo is a must-read. A story of love, maybe even of destiny, Stampers endearing tale will leave you wanting more and will evoke a deep need to find your own way back home.

V ERONICA H IX, executive director of ONABEN

This book builds the bridge between feeling normal and parenthood. Hilarious and relatable, Stoney captivates your attention as he walks you through the beauty and hardships of being the father of a blended family.

C ATRINA H ERMENET, blogger and creator of @mommystruth

M Y F IRST R ODEO

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Hardcover ISBN9780735291652

Ebook ISBN9780735291669

Copyright 2019 by Stoney Stamper

Cover design by Kristopher K. Orr; barn cover photo by Frank Staub, Getty Images; author cover photo and interior photos by April Stamper, 13:13 Photography

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Published in the United States by WaterBrook, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York.

W ATER B ROOK and its deer colophon are registered trademarks of Penguin Random House LLC.

Names: Stamper, Stoney, author.

Title: My first rodeo : how three daughters, one wife, and a herd of others are making me a better dad / Stoney Stamper.

Description: First Edition. | Colorado Springs : WaterBrook, 2019.

Identifiers: LCCN 2018041312| ISBN 9780735291652 (hardcover) | ISBN 9780735291669 (electronic)

Subjects: LCSH: FatherhoodReligious aspectsChristianity. | FathersReligious life. | Christian menUnited States.

Classification: LCC BV4529.17 .S73 2019 | DDC 248.8/421dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018041312

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To April, not a single word of this book would have been possible without you. My real life started the day our paths crossed again. You are the June to my Johnny, and I love you more than you can know.

To my daughtersAbby, Emma, and Graceethank you for giving me the only job that has ever really mattered in my life. Being a dad. Pineapple.