Good morning dear friends, it’s Tuesday and after a beautiful sunny day yesterday there is rain in the forecast here for today. Rich, Jacob, and Ethan have left for work, the dog is snoring at my feet, I’m on the couch with the news on mute and the laptop on my lap. Time to tippety-tap on the ol’ computer keys. Sarah told me the other day, “I like to watch you type” and indeed, I am very thankful I took keyboarding in highschool!

My nephew, Weston, spent the night last night. He and Seth (two peas in a pod) woke up early and made scrambled eggs for their breakfast two times because the first time they only scrambled 3 eggs and they decided it wasn’t enough for their hungry bellies.

How was your weekend? Mine was happily eventful with my parents visiting on Saturday morning, Sarah’s first piano recital that afternoon, and then on Sunday with a church gathering and baptism at our house. I’ll be blogging about these things but today I just want to concentrate on fathers day.

My darling father, May 2019

Rich took other photos that were more “picture perfect” this past Saturday, but this one made me laugh and laugh so it’s my favorite. After we took the photo Dad went outside and played football with Caleb and Seth. I loved watching him (all-time quarterback) whisper the plays into the receiver’s ears (Seth and Caleb took turns). Later on, I observed Rich and Dad lost in conversation leaning over the porch railing side by side, and in that moment felt such a depth of gratitude for these two men that God placed in my life.

My own father and the father of my children, by the grace and mercy of God, are both strong believers and willing to work and love hard for their loved ones.

After a fun-filled Sunday with church and then a gathering of church family at our place, Rich and I were flat on our bed together, very tired, when Ethan ushered the children into our room. I sat up and laughed in amusement to see them together with a card and a gift for their Dad. I had announced days prior that, for the first time, I would not be doing a thing to help them bestow gifts upon their Dad, they were all on their own this year. I wondered if they would come through, and they did. These seven ADORE their father and always rise to his defense if I dare say or do anything in opposition to his leadership. (as they should) They know their Dad’s heart is open wide for them in more love they can fathom. Rich would lay down his life for his family and for that I am forever on my knees thankful, and in tears. I am richly blessed to see (with the eyes of my heart) his fatherhood in action on a daily basis for the last 22 years since our firstborn baby was born.

Ethan’s handwriting

“Few things we can do in this world are so well worth doing as the making of a beautiful and happy home. He who does this builds a sanctuary for God and opens a fountain of blessing for men.” J.R. Miller