Happy Father's Day, Dad

Happy Father's Day everyone! I feel like I should make this a two part post simply because I know TWO of the best Daddys ever- my Dad and Tyler. :) But I'm just going to be focusing primarily on my Dad for today. Since Father's Day is all about honoring your Dad, I thought one of the best ways to do that was to list all of the reasons I am thankful for my Dad.

I am so thankful for my Dad because:

--He taught me how important a relationship with God is. This is the most important lesson I have ever learned from my Dad. I can remember coming downstairs in the morning to see him reading his Bible in the living room. His faith is real and it was obvious to me then, and it is obvious to me now too. 


--He always has time for his family. Growing up, I can remember asking my Dad incessantly- "Daddy, will you play with me?" I'm sure I was really annoying about this after a while. :) My Dad would always make sure that he had spent quality time with me before I had to go to bed. And now, even though I'm out of the house, I know that I can call anytime at all and he will talk with me for as long as I need to. 

--He taught me how to throw and catch a ball. I remember COUNTLESS hours (and maybe a black eye or two :)) spent with my Dad playing catch. I never would have thought this at the time, but now I am so glad that my Dad shared his love of sports with me so I can do the same with Everett someday. 


--He taught me how important it is to do your best at everything. I was SO lazy growing up and would often try to do jobs or school projects halfway. My Dad gave me so many talks about how important it is to him, and ultimately to God how I do my work. I am more than thankful for that life lesson now. 


--He gave me a love for CU football. :) I absolutely loved getting to go to CU games with my Dad. I always had a list of instructions from my Mom about how much talking and how many bathroom trips or other distractions were acceptable because she knew Dad would never tell me he was a little perturbed at the frequent interruptions. :) (Mom always reads my Dad perfectly :))


--He gave me his "concentrated look." Now, he didn't actually KNOW that he was giving this to me. It's called genetics. :) For those of you how know both of us well, you know exactly what look I'm talking about. Or maybe you just know one of us well, but if you've seen "THE concentrated look" you know exactly what I'm talking about. :)


--He told me everything I needed to know about boys. He taught me how to be wise in looking for a husband, and he and my Mom both prayed for the perfect man for me since I was born. Prayers answered. :)


--He taught me about patience. I can't remember my Dad yelling at me- ever. If I was in trouble could tell if I had disappointed him by his face, not his voice. I have really been striving to be the same kind of parent to Everett as both of my parents were to me. They are both so wise!


--He didn't let me get away with anything. I am very thankful for a Dad (and a Mom) that didn't stop correcting me even when they were tired of it. 


--I am thankful that my Dad tried to teach me to love running. :) My Dad has run SEVERAL marathons, and many other races. I used to ride my bike behind him as he ran to train for those marathons. He loves to run! I ran a couple of Sunrise Stampedes with my Dad and one Bolder Boulder. My Dad genuinely loves to run, but sadly I just can't love it. I tolerate it. :) But I'm thankful he included me in things he loves to do. 

Basically, I can sum it all up by saying: I am thankful for my Dad's example.  He has taught me so much and he continues to do so. I could have never asked for a better role model in my life. I love you, Daddy.