A HOLLA To Some Dads I LOVE!

Happy Father's Day...

I have the best dad ever. Seriously. If you think your dad is the awesomest, I'm here to tell you that he can't be, because mine is. If you have a crappy dad, I'm really, really sorry. I will share mine with you.
My dad put up with a LOT in raising me. I was not an easy adolescent. I was selfish, insecure, rebellious, sassy and demanding. I've improved a bit with age, but I have to credit him for much of my success. Something about knowing he believed I could do better actually motivated me to do so. He is patient, generous, and very, very funny.
I love you, Dad. A whole lot.


And then there's this guy... the dad in our house. I'm not sure if I've mentioned before how I feel about him, but, um, basically, I'm head over heels in love with my own little slice of awesomeness.


Today was mostly perfect. With five kids in the house, two of whom consider themselves "daddy's little girl", there was bound to be a bit of jealousy and bickering. But I think we rolled through it. My man called it the best father's day ever. Was it the steaks? The homemade strawberry lemonade? The UNBELIEVABLE lemon cheesecake? (click here for the recipe). Eh, that helped. But it was mostly how much love was poured out all over him.

Imagine if you loved your dad, but you were made to feel guilty for doing so. And now, you're with him on father's day, and you get to share that love with him freely. It was like a floodgate opening. Sam helped me in the kitchen with everything. She practically did the cheesecake on her own. She wanted the day to be perfect for her dad. And Jordan went out of his way to buy him some special presents, with his own money!! So thoughtful.


My kids love their father, and I wouldn't have that any other way. But we are blessed in that they love Skip very much as well. We have our bumps, like any normal family. And we have our extra bumps, like any blended family. But there is no mistaking that there is love in this home, and our kids are sustained by it. It is an answer to many, many prayers, and is the result of consistent, patient effort. I am lucky to have a husband who is willing to be a part of all that. He grew up with no semblance of a parental role model- father or mother. So all of the remarkable talents and qualities he has are because HE CHOSE to develop them. No one taught him to be nurturing, kind, loving, patient, or self-reflecting. He sought after those things, and found them within himself. Instead of following the dysfunction, he chose to become a strong, independent man with a heart of gold. I love him more every day.

Happy, happy fathers day to the wonderful dads who influence my life, and the lives of my children.