Fathers

I have been so blessed to have my dad in my life. I know he loves me beyond words. He gives advice, but only when asked. He is intelligent, hilarious, gentle, compassionate, and so incredibly thoughtful. Because i didn't see him on a daily basis growing up, i think our relationship during my teen years may have been somewhat strained. (ha! what relationship during the teen years isn't strained?!) Neither one of us are huge talkers on the phone, but as i got older and understood this and understood him, our relationship has really grown. When i think that his own dad didn't say the words "I love you", yet i hear that from my dad all the time, i consider myself very blessed. I know he loves me. That i will never doubt. I have loved seeing him as a grandpa. He is so thoughtful. . . always thinking of ways to help us enjoy things as a family (camping, bike rides, playing in our backyard, beach time). He is such a proud grandpa and as i type that i also know how very proud he is of me.

I put one of my hair ties in my dad's hair ages ago.

Three years ago, another dad entered my life, my husband became a dad for the first time. I have witnessed an incredible transformation, one that i cannot put into words. His patience amazes me (and at times, i must admit, surprises me). The way he laughs with our girls and plays with them brings great joy to my heart. He does so much for Camryn and Jaelynne and loves them deeply. Seeing TJ as a papa is an amazing thing to witness. I love him more and more because of it. I get a smile thinking of our girls growing up with a papa that is an amazing role model of how to respect and love women and how to be partners in life (with household chores, money, and decisions). I really should be sleeping, so this is not the best attempt at putting all this into words. :)

TJ with his girls in November-

Alanis says it best in her song Princes Familiar-

Papa love your princess so that she will find loving princes familiar
Papa cry for your princess so that she will find gentle princes familiar
Papa listen to your princess so that she will find attentive princes familiar
Papa hear your princess so that she will find curious princes familiar
Papa laugh with your princess so that she will find funny princes familiar
Papa respect your princess so that she will find respectful princes familiar

My Perfect Birthday

After i got home from a short trip to school, i ate leftover cheesy potatoes and southern baked beans and then i headed out to the garden. I weeded, cut things back, sat in my swing, and pondered how to spend some birthday money. . . a hammock? A Pandora charm? A pair of Keen sandals? A free standing vine trellis?

Soon, the creeping Jenny will be covered with yellow flowers. The first couple popped open but there are thousands more to pop soon.



This place makes me oh so happy! I just love it!
When Jaely and Cami got home, Jaely made a cake with TJ. It was a texas sheet cake and it was delicious! It was made with a ton of love (and patience). TJ is such a patient papa.


Jaely sings me Happy Birthday.


Pure excitement on Jaelynne's face as the batter is poured into the pan.


My man also made me pasta a la caprese for dinner. Yummy!

Then Jaely brought me my gift. TJ was worried about frosting the cake, making out my card and wrapping my present. I told him not to wrap it since i would be tearing it off in mere minutes, so Jaely delivered my present.

(disclaimer- i do have shorts on. . . they just happen to be the exact color of my skin. . .creepy!)

I got a new Vera school bag!! My old one is falling apart! I also got a Life is Good mug for home for my chai latte.
Jaely said "Bye. I go to school now."






What a perfect day thanks to TJ and my two girls. I also got a number of cards, texts, calls, a delivery, and facebook wishes that kept me smiling all day!