Happy Father's Day!

Daddy daughter date... long ago!

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me...

I find it interesting that even as we are wrapped up in our big infatuation turned love for our future husbands we all ask ourselves the question "What kind of Dad would he be?" For us that is a big part of our decision to actually marry him... if we indeed think he will make a great dad! Even before we have them we are ever concerned for our children! I guess that's what makes us mother's... the innate ability to put others before ourselves!

Anyway on this Father's day I would like to pay tribute to the two best Dad's I know... mine and my children's!

I was always close to my dad. I think it began because there was a part of me that would always and still does 'root' for the underdog! My dad was plain and simply outnumbered! 6 girls and 1 boy! Before my brother was born, or old enough to take over, I wanted nothing more than to be the 'son' my dad didn't have! I wanted to do whatever he wanted to do... play ball, go to rodeo's, go horseback riding, fishing, camping...whatever! I even took up lawn mowing, and would still rather do that than dishes!! My relationship with my dad was and is special. I can't think of a more talented and spiritual man. I have always looked up to him and known that somehow, he would make me understand my problems or at least help me know how to deal with them. I love his sense of humor, his twinkle in his eyes, and his teaching ability. He has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard! He taught us respect and love for our mother through his example. He is as they say "a man among men!" I love him dearly and am so thankful that he is my dad!

Now, knowing that I practically worship my dad, you would think that I would find someone to marry who was just like him... well not quite! They are alike in many ways, but not all! I guess if they were just a like that might be kind of creepy!! At any rate I married a great man. The first thing I noticed about him was, well besides his looks - let's be honest - was that he was very quiet. He took care of everything he needed to and just went about doing it without any fan fare. I know the moment i saw him that I would marry him. We met on a blind date! He has a strength of character that few have. He is so full of integrity and honesty. Sometimes I think he gives to much of himself to others with little in return, but then I realize that I would much rather him be that way than the opposite! He is the hardest worker I have ever known and is also the handiest person I have ever known. He is strong, funny, thoughtful (meaning he thinks a lot) not that he isn't thoughtful of me, but just not to the degree I would like him to be, he is still in training!! The great thing is that I always thought he would be a great dad and he is! All of my kids have been daddy's kids! He's not really huggy or cuddly at least he wasn't until he had a girl... they have him so wrapped around their little fingers!! But he would do anything for them... all of them, not just the girls. I am glad to have him for my children's father. They can learn so much from him! We balance each other out... he's quiet, I am not so much! We are rarely upset at the same time and we both want the best for our kids. We are both working on patience, but I guess that is a daily, hourly thing! Dang!

Thanks to the Father's in my life! May you have the best Father's day ever and know that you are loved and appreciated!