1. What's the best thing about your dad?
Golly, I love so many things about my dad. But one of the things that stands out to me is his exuberance for life and how whole-hearted he is. He never passes an opportunity to tell us kids how proud he is of us, how much he loves us, how God has blessed us abundantly. And that has made such an impact on me. I always want to make sure to do the same for my kids.
2. If you've got kids, what's the best thing about THEIR dad? (If you don't, feel free to substitute your grandfather or another father figure.)
Likewise, I love so many things about this man. But I would have to say how much he is invested in his kids. When he's not working, he's outside teaching them to ride without training wheels or flying a kite in the back field or playing a game or snuggling or whatever with them. There's no multi-tasking when it comes to parenting with him. Unfortunately, that's not something I'm really able to do while managing a home and trying to get things accomplished during the day while running a household, but I love that he is and that the kids' time with their dad is undivided.
3. What's the best advice your dad ever gave you?
I feel like most of what I learned from my dad was unspoken. But spoken his advice was golden. His best and most frequent advice (and I'm sure my siblings will back me up on this one ;^)) was this: "Slow down, and be aware of your surroundings." That's some pretty amazing advice that I am still working on every day. To slow down and truly be present with my children, with my husband, with my daily vocational tasks, and with God.
4. What's something you have in common with your dad?
A love of being in nature, and appreciating God's beauty in nature.
5. What's the manliest thing you know how to do?
I'm not sure if it's the
manliest, but I can wield power tools pretty keenly. And I can unload (and load) mousetraps like a pro. (well, at least not like a sissy)
6. Who is your favorite fictional dad?
Willow Ufgood. Hands down. My sister and I are always quoting him, in particular: "What a lucky father I am. I wish I could take you bobbins with me."
I would be remiss if I didn't also mention how thankful I am for this father-- The father I gained when I married. He is a loving and doting grandpa and a wonderful example of service and sacrifice and love.
AND... since this is the Father's Day edition, I also have to give a shout-out to the special lady whose birthday is today, and whom I also gained through marriage. Forget what you've heard about Mother-in-laws. I was truly blessed with this one and count her among my closest friends.
Celebrations all around!
Linking up with
Catholic All Year
We now have two training-wheel-free kids! She has been zipping up and down the lane, practicing her new skills every chance she gets. In her Movin' U Summer School class, they ride on the trail and around town every Friday, so she's had a huge motivation and was thrilled to join the ranks of the two-wheelers out there today. Go Abigail!
The kids have been loving their Summer School classes. Of course, they're all fun and games. What's not to love? Their favorite class is Birdwatching. After making bird nests and feeders and classifying and learning the calls of all of the birds that fly hither and yon in these parts, they come home and explore our property for nests and make their own nests out of mud and grass. They can be pretty sweet. 
These two kill me. 
The kids are having their first backyard camp-out of the summer tonight (Iris' first. And Opal made it about eight and a half minutes before asking to go to her own bed.)
