Family, Friends & Father's Day

It's been a week since I've posted here in blogville. Life has been full with lots of fun family time, friends and the wedding of a very special couple in our lives.

First of all... I didn't get to post anything for Father's Day, so I will once again say a special "I love You" to the three men in my life. First, my Dad....I snapped this shot of him when we were together for a fun family camping trip last fall. I love this picture of my Dad...it captures "him" perfectly! His gentle eyes and smile, his quiet strength, his casual laid back personality, his love of family and spending time with us...of the simple things in life...and of camping! What wonderful memories of our times together. He is a patient teacher and is so talented in doing things with his hands. Evidence of his artistry and skill is scattered throughout our home...from a beautifully hand made wooden cradle that rocked our three babies to sleep...to the stones laid in our fireplace. Dad is a do-er and a giver. He has been a wonderful example of a godly father and husband to each of his six children. I love and appreciate this loving man and am thankful for the blessing of having him as my Father.

I am also thankful to have Brad's father in my life. Brad's parents have been married 53 years and counting! Dad clearly shows love for his family and the time he is able to spend with us. Even though we don't get to see our families as much as we would like, we know that they lift us up in prayer each day. Dad loves to golf, listen to classical music, sing (he has a wonderful voice), go on walks, and play cards with the family. He is always ready to make us laugh by sharing jokes with his unique sense of humor. Now that he has a new lap top computer...I think he is enjoying finding his way around the world wide web! I am so thankful for the wonderful job he and Mom did in raising their son to be the kind and loving man I have had the privilege of sharing life with for the past 28 years.

God has been gracious to Brad and I in giving us strong and godly men as examples in our lives. We love you both!!
And last, but certainly not least... To Brad, my husband, the father of our children and the man I am privileged to share my life with these past 28 years. In fact...today marks the 31st anniversary of the first day we met...so many years ago!! How could the time have flown by so quickly?? I am thankful that the Lord brought us together and has given us the blessing of expanding our family to include our three wonderful daughters. Thanks for being a godly husband and father, for the example you have set for our girls, and now our sons-in-love. I have always appreciated how you put your family first, yet at the same time you have been an amazing provider. I respect you and I am honored to be your helpmate in this journey we walk together. Thank you for choosing me! Thanks for being a great father to our girls. I love you! Brad got a little extra spoiling from Ashley and Megan on Father's Day. They made him a tasty breakfast and we were able to spend some time together before Ashley and Casey had to head to the airport for the trip back to PA.

We really enjoyed having Ashley and Casey here for 7 days!! The wedding festivities went beautifully and we were blessed to enjoy special times with dear friends over the weekend. (More on that later) It was wonderful to get to spend so much family time together! We even brought out Casey and Ashley's wedding cake top from the freezer for the traditional one year tasting. We were all amazed at how good it tasted!! It was really neat to have them here.

Megan also came back into town over the weekend for the wedding and to see the fam. This was the first time we'd seen her since she moved in May and it was fun to get to spend some time together. It ended up that she had to put her car in the shop on Monday...so we got to spend an extra "unplanned" day together with Erin. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch (with lots of laughing) and a bit of shopping. The house seems pretty quiet now that everyone is gone. I hope to get a chance to visit my friends in bloggityville this week...but for now, I'm basking in the memories of fun family times!