Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for Fathers!

If you know that song "my dad's the strongest dad, my dad's the smartest dad" by Janeen Brady then you know my dad. I always knew my dad was the strongest, smartest, best dad growing up. All of my friends always thought he was THE COOLEST and so did I. Most of my friends still think he's the coolest, and so do I (most of the time). Plus...he's one COOL GRANDPA (especially with his faux hawk)! Although he's super busy and we don't get to see him enough, when we do get to spend time with him he always makes it fun. The best part of my dad is his willingness to learn from his mistakes and make a better choice. He's still teaching us valuable life lessons. He likes to joke that he graduated from the school of hard knocks...and he has. I still think I have the strongest, smartest & coolest dad around...and I love him!

For all of you who have the privilege of knowing my father in law I don't need to tell you why he's so great. I've never known anyone who is more loving and giving. As soon as you meet him you have a new friend, who really cares about you and what you're doing. He takes the time and effort to build relationships, and as a result of that I've never heard one unkind thing said about him. Richard is named after my father in law, and although it was not my first choice, I'm so glad we named him that. If he grows up to be even half the man his grandpa is, I'll be thrilled. Once in a while in life you meet someone who lives true Charity, that's him. I feel so blessed to be a part of his life, and to have my children grow up knowing their grandpa like I knew both of mine. They enjoy every moment they get to spend with him...even if it's doing homework (which he does almost everyday with them...I know, I'm spoiled) He is a true blessing for our family and we all love him dearly.

I can't forget my grandpa Ault & grandpa Herbert. While they could not be more different in personality, they do have a lot in common. For one, they are both so generous to those in need. Whether in their family or not, if someone needs help either one of them is always willing to do whatever they can to help. They are such a great example to me, and I am truly blessed to have grown up knowing and loving both of them. What's even better is that my children get to grow up knowing and loving two of their great grandfathers. What could be better!

And last but certainly not least Merrill. I've never been known to go on and on about what a wonderful man I am married to, and maybe I should. While he is not perfect (I know you're surprised), he's a perfect match for me. He's a little quirky, but I love how supportive he is to me (most of the time). I'm so glad he talks me out of some pretty mean things I've wanted to say to people when I was angry. At the time it just makes me mad at him, but after I have a chance to calm down and actually THINK about it...he's right. I'm so grateful for his ability to forgive me for all of my shortcomings. I often joke about my "12" year old, but he'll do anything for our kids...even if it means spending all winter teaching kids to ski at Park City so our kids can ski too. All in all...he's a pretty great guy and we love him...quirks and all!