Fathers Day 2014

Five days a week, sometimes six or seven, Jack works all day.  Sometimes eight hours, sometimes ten, sometimes from sun up to sun down.  He gets up at sunrise, tells me to have a good day and heads downstairs to start his morning.  When he comes home he waters plants, picks up the yard, takes care of the dogs, takes out the trash, plays catch with our son, takes a shower with our toddler, holds the baby so I can pee alone, listens to our girls sing or dance or share tween drama.  He tries to sit down for a family meal, listens to requests for his time and money and permission, and reads bedtime stories.  He pays bills and carries laundry and plays with power tools when I need them.  He gives out hugs and discipline and attention as needed. He helps draw baths and pour bottles and shoo kids to bed.  He listens as I unload all the adult things I have wanted to say all day that I have held in with the houseful of minors.  He does not mention any lingering messes or ask me why I look like I led a field trip to a vomit factory.  He tells me about his day and his plans and his interesting phone calls.  He gets into bed next to me, kisses me goodnight, turns on the tv, and is asleep two minutes later.  And eight hours later, he does it all over again. 

He is the best.  I am blessed to have him as a husband and our children are blessed to have him as their dad.  And two very important men raised us both with the set of family values that we have used to create this family.  So to my dad, and his dad - thank you for the example and for the role you continue to play as grandpas to our beautiful and sometimes chaotic children.  And to Jack - you are teaching our sons how to grow up to be good men, and teaching our daughters not to settle for anything less.  I love how the boys follow you everywhere you go and the girls run to you with their stories and our baby listens rapt when you speak.  Our kids all know that you love them and will protect them and that you find joy in them.  And so do I.  I love you for that and I appreciate all that you do in a day to support our family.  Happy Father's Day.