Father's Day Appreciation Post In July.

I know it's been a few weeks since fathers day passed because of I know it's been a few weeks since fathers day passed but couldn't let my days go on without writing a little something about Jon. My father left when I was five which is why I never really write about him or hardly share anything about him. Last time I shared something about him was in this post and writing about that has helped me cope with the fact that he wasn't in my life. With that being out in the open we are so lucky to have this great guy who likes to have his picture taken and I love writing about him! Even after working 14 hr shifts, six days a week for the past two months he is always willing to take us to the places we love. Jon, thank you for staying and for working hard for our family. Thank you for always being there for us even when you're physically not (life of a city UPS driver). You truly are the perfect example of what a dad should be. Here's to more Father's Days like this with kids who are willing to do anything for you. You truly are a super hardworking dad!

a be-lated fathers day post.

As I was surfing Facebook this past weekend reading the statuses of various friends, and bloggers online wishing their fathers a happy Fathers day the look on my face would go from a frown to a smile. 

Reading all the wonderful things that were written with pictures of their fathers those frowns turned upside down...into a smile. Especially when I saw a collage of pictures that my own daughter made with her dad. 

As I was looking at her picture gratitude filled my soul, and I no longer felt sadness. I realized that even though I don't have a father in my life right now because my own left us when I was about six, and two of my stepfathers have passed away I have realized that I do have "father figures" in my life. They may not be blood, but some of them are the best dads I have ever met.

So many of these women who wrote things about their fathers, and husbands brings such sweetness into this life. How wonderful it is to have more that one amazing man in their life.

Me...I have to say I have three. My husband, his pa, and in a spiritual sense...my Heavenly Father. I have realized that Heavenly Father has a significant role in my life. I rely on Him so much in all that I do on a daily basis. I rely on Him to give me faith and hope in all things. I rely on Him in prayer to be a better wife, and mother, and overall a good person. He's the way in all of my living, and there is not a day that goes by where I thank Him every morning in waking up each day alive and well to greet my loved ones. 

Especially my husband. 

In the temporal world Jon works hard, prays hard, and is the most amazing person you'll ever meet. I am so grateful that my kids have a father who has stuck around for the past 18 years, and I know that he will be here for many more. He's also the goofiest! 

Oh...did i mention he is also a good cook, and a pro at grilling? I know it was Fathers day and all, but he insisted on grilling fajitas with all the fixings outside with our little smokey joe. 

And you know what...they were amazingly delicious. Don Pablos, Chipotle, and any other mexican restaurant out there, look out because this gringo can cook. 

This was also a sneak peek at what will be served at Sierra's graduation party next weekend! 

Hope everyone had a nice Father's day weekend and a happy Tuesday to y'all! 

To the Father of my Children...

Father's are wonderful people 

too little understood

And we do not sing their praises

As often as we should...

But Fathers are just wonderful

In a million different ways,

and they merit loving compliments

And accolade of praise,

For the only reason Dad aspires

To fortune and success

Is to make the family proud of him

 And to bring them Happiness...

And like our Heavenly Father,

He's a guardian and a guide, 

Someone that we can count on 

To be always on our side. 

This poem best describes you babe, and I am grateful that you chose me as your wife to be with for eternity. We have a special bond that can NEVER be broken!

You truly are my BEST FRIEND!!!

You are such a hard worker and no matter how tired you are, every time I feel the need to get in the car and just get out of Jersey, you don't question it... you just do it. We will pack in all the kids and drive all hours of the night. You do it because you know it'll make me happy, but most of all because I need it. 

You are the greatest example to our children, and to me. I can't believe we have known each other for a total of 20 years! You've taught me to be patient with others, and to let the little things go. You are teaching our daughters how to handle stressful situations as they get older and because of the kindness, patience, peace, and unconditional love you unveil...they are following that example. 

I LOVE that you have a strong testimony, and are not afraid to share it with others.

I admire the time you take in preparing and taking your calling as Seminary teacher very seriously...yet at the same time really enjoying, and having fun with it.  

You truly are rare, and there are NOT a lot of men out there like you.

I thank you for all the times you've listened to me vent about my day after having spent long hours at work.

 I thank you for the advice you give me when I need it.

 I thank you for always being there for Noah & the girls when I need a little time to myself. 

I thank you for always carrying your children on your shoulders no matter how big they get.

I thank you for helping me have beautiful baby girls..

 especially a beautiful son!

But most of all, I thank you for being like our Heavenly Father. Like Him, you are our guide as patriarch in this family, and I appreciate that more than you'll ever know.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY...MY LOVE!