In Honor

Well, this isn't starting off so well.

All it took was uploading the pictures for this little post.

WHY. WHY do I cry so much ???!?

Everyone, this is my Dad.

Hi Dad!!

You didn't think you were going to get out of a sappy little Father's Day post, did you Dad?

This is me telling the world about you.

World, this is the man that swept me off my feet when I was a little girl, gave me his last name, and let me be his "Irrigation Eerineer"; scooping me up in his arm on the golf course where he was Superintendent up to the irrigation control and letting me think that I really was in charge of all those exciting sprinklers and making sure that everything was watered and taken care of. I thought it was the best gig ever.

All the while I was the one being watered, and he was the one making sure that I was growing as strong as he could help me be.

And while he was and is a man of few words, when he did say something, I listened (see, Dad, see, I really did!!).

He showed me that I should have no fear in the kitchen, that I need to try new things, unconventional things, and introduced to me the appreciation of escargot, fresh pico di gallo, and a litany of other creations that are now what I blame for my spoiled tastebuds.

He taught me to challenge myself, to never settle with knowing enough when there may be more to learn, and to form my own opinions, not just go along with whatever someone else said. He persevered through those lovely (ahem) teenage years of mine where I can pretty much guarantee I'm the one that made him loose the majority of that hair.

He has devoted his life to now telling others about the power and love of Jesus Christ, and while the sacrifices are great, I know that the rewards and legacy are so much greater.

He is loved.

Happy Fathers Day, Dad!!!

This intimidating fellow is my Dad-in-Love, Dave.

Hi Dave!!

I will not be telling the world about you for fear that you will make me drop and give you 20, after which I will convulse, hurl, and pass out. 

I kid I kid!! (Not about the passing out part).

This is the man who, on the first time we met, when I was already engaged to his son, (listen, it was six weeks, we just didn't have time for the whole meet-the-parents thing...) ushered me in with a smile from ear to ear, and immediately put my young, nervous, newly engaged heart at ease.

He has a work ethic that beats anything I've ever seen. He has raised three boys that could each take home the medal for Heart of Gold. He is faithful, and when I say he walks with the Lord folks, I mean he walks. He puts Scripture into practice daily, and it has inspired me from the time I have been lucky enough to know him.

He is the one that I credit with teaching and modeling for Ben what a man after God's own heart is; what a wonderful husband, father, and friend can be.

He serves our country, and I can't even begin to tell you how good his is at doing that either. So good that we like to brag on him, though ;)

He helps these pesky kids of his with endless home repairs, puts up with all of our crazy on family vacations, and much to my delight and to the Three Musketeers (also known as his sons') frustration, sides with me in our great debates, and it tickles me to no end.

He's golden.

Happy Father's Day, Dave!!

And this, this is the reason I breathe.

This is the guy that I have a hard time finding words to describe. He's just that good.

He's the father to our child, the keeper of my heart, and my perfect teammate in life.

Becoming a father and seeing just how good he is at it took him to another level of wonderfulness in my book. 

Kaelyn, we are a couple of lucky women.

Happy Fathers' Day, Benj!!! You studmuffin of a father you.

Hope the rest of ya'll out there have a sweet day,  love on that Dad of yours! ;)

xoxo dae