Happy Father's Day!

Tomorrow is Father's Day, and I can't help but use today's post to pay tribute to four very special fathers in my life.

Growing up, I was the luckiest kind of girl. I had a Dad who tucked me in every night, who gave the very best hugs, and who showered me with love in all kinds of ways. He taught me to ride a bike and to drive a car. He rode the tilt-a-whirl with me and loved every minute. I always knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was treasured. I was proud of my dad. I still am. Today he is Papa to my kids, and I couldn't ask for a more loving grandfather for them. They love that twinkle in his eye every bit as much as I do. I am so thankful that just over a week ago I got to feel one of those world-class hugs, and in about a month I'll get to enjoy another one. Happy Father's Day, Dad! I love you so much!

Like all princesses, I grew up dreaming of finding a prince to carry me away to his castle. One of the most important qualities I prayed for in a husband was someone who wanted children, and who would be a good father. My prayer was surely answered. We don't live in a castle, but we have a great little family that I wouldn't trade for all the jewels in the Tower of London. Chris is an awesome dad. He is wise and caring and fills us all with love. He has taught our kids to ride their bikes, and before long he'll teach them to drive a car (yikes!), and yes, he rides the Tilt-A-Whirl with them, too (it's a good thing, since I can't anymore!) He helps with their homework, lets them help him with chores, and teaches them things I'd never think to show them. He is exactly the dad I grew up dreaming I'd find for my children. Happy Father's Day, Chris! Words can't express how much I love you, and how thankful I am that our kids have you for a dad!

Marrying Chris 14 years ago brought another dad into my life. I have loved my father-in-law, Bliss, since he was just "my boyfriend's dad". Now I love him for so many reasons! I have always been grateful to him for raising my husband so well, from adolescence to adulthood, and giving him the tools to become a good dad himself. And now I appreciate what a wonderful grandfather he has become. I love to watch him watching his grandchildren, so proud and enjoying every minute. My children are blessed to have a Grampie like Bliss. Happy Father's Day, Bliss! Lots of love from "the best of the lot"!

Less than two years ago, my baby brother became a dad, and I'm so proud of the dad he has become. I always knew he would excel at the role of father, especially after I had my own kids and saw how much he enjoyed them. I did have my doubts about how he would handle diapers, but he is a pro. He plays with his daughter, cares for her and disciplines her. Somehow he transformed from "my bratty little brother" into "a really awesome dad". How did that happen? Hailey is the luckiest kind of girl, just like I was, to have Brad for a Daddy. I guess he must have learned from the best! Happy Father's Day, Brad! I love you, and I love watching you be Hailey's Daddy!

These are the four special dads in my life, but there are so many others that I know who deserve a tribute this Father's Day. I don't think there are many men reading this blog, so I will address this to the women in their lives. Please do something special for all those dads this weekend. Remember how blessed you are to have them in your lives!