Fathers Day!

First, I would like to wish my daddy a Happy Fathers Day... it's been a little over 3 years now since my dad passed. Today, when others are giving greeting cards and spending time together, I am thinking about how Fathers Day used to be, and how it is now.

My dad was a strong man, he didn't have a whole lot to say, unless he had something that fired him up - then if you didn't agree with him, well he'd keep talking until you either agreed with him or stopped disagreeing with him. He wasn't always accepted by others, probably because he had strong opinions and a standoffish appearance (thanks Dad, I got that from you & the premature grey!) but deep down my dad was a caring, generous man who loved his kids, even though we might not always thought so, he wanted the best for all of us. I remember growing up, I thought he was mean because he'd never let us run the streets with our friends, gave us an ridiculously early curfew, if we were even let out, and expected us to do our best in all we did. What a hard ass right? Yeah, I felt that way until I had kids of my own. It was then I realized, all he did, he did out of love. He was an overprotective daddy who tried to protect us, I for that I love him.

So today I celebrate Fathers Day with my adoring husband who has been a wonderful step-dad to Joshua for over 2 years now. This year is his first Fathers Day with Gabriella and I am trying to make it as special as possible... I really don't know what I could possibly do to show him how much I love him, how grateful I am to have him as the father to my children, and how awesome he is as a dad. He loves with his huge heart unlike anyone I have ever seen. He is kind, and sensitive... and would do anything to protect the thing he loves most, his family.

I would write it in the sky if I could, "Stephen, You are the best!" Both Joshua and Gabriella really couldn't ask for a better dad, a better role model, a better example of what it is to love, unconditionally. I think this is one of my favorite pictures, it is so sweet and you can see how in love he is with our little peanut. I have no doubt that she will use her cuteness to best of her ability to wrap daddy around her tiny little pinkie, and if the HOA allowed it, she'd probably have a pony for her first birthday!

Happy Fathers Day to all those men out there who love their children, who aren't afraid to be hands on dads, who love to spend time with their kids laughing and playing, and showing it's ok to be sensitive and give hugs and kisses. Joshua and Gabriella are incredibly lucky kids, because Stephen is an awesome dad. I would like to add that Stephen had the perfect example, and Jerry should be so proud to have raised such a wonderful man, it is because of him, Stephen is a wonderful husband, father and son.

If you think your kids aren't watching, think again... lead by example parents, they are indeed watching, listening and learning from you, and actions speak louder than words! I better finish, Stephen is folding the laundry & that isn't something he needs to be doing on Fathers Day!!!