Thursday, June 18, 2009

Father's Day Came Early This Year

The kids and I surprised Gabe yesterday by celebrating Father's Day a little early. We will be in Arkansas this weekend, so we decided to show our appreciation to Gabe before our trip. Isaac and Julia worked hard all morning making a book of artwork for Gabe. The front cover listed 10 things that make Gabe the best Papa ever! Here is what Julia and Isaac came up with.....

1. gives the best hugs
2. wrestles with us
3. gives good kisses
4. lets us help him
5. eats peanuts with us (Peanuts with Papa)
6. has Bible time with us
7. spends time with us
8. tells us "I love you"
9. does good things
10. is the BEST, BEST Father!!


We bought him a French press and framed some pictures of myself and the kids for him to keep at work. The biggest surprise came when we showed up at his work to pick him up and took him to Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner. (blindfolded on the way so he would truly be surprised) What better way to show the man you love how much you appreciate all he does as a husband and father than to feed him a plate full of wings. YUM!


This is what he looked like when he discovered where we were and what we were doing

Trying to listen to the Hoops and Yo Yo card we got him

Julia helping her Papa open some gifts

WINGS!!

Our first attempt at a family picture

Second attempt - little better

I feel extremely blessed each and every day because Gabe is apart of our lives. He is a loving Papa who parents with a firm gentleness and enduring patience. He takes time for the kids and does not hesitate to show his love for them. He finds ways to make them feel special. He leads our family spiritually in purposeful and quiet, subtle ways. He seizes the moment and often relates situations our family experiences to God's Word. He points us to HIM!

He is my partner and supporter in parenting. He patiently lets me "vent" and guides me with his wisdom. He stands on my side. We are a united front. I am a better mother because he is such an awesome father and husband. What a precious gift it is to be married to and experiencing this life with my best friend.

Happy Papa's Day, Gabe. You are definitely the BEST Papa Ever!!!

Gabe holding Isaac right after he was born

Gabe holding Julia right after she was born

2 comments:

Lisa said...

God has blessed all of you mightily to haven given you each other! This little guy coming into the world soon has no clue what a great family he is getting!

Chattyb said...

Amen to the above comment.

Gabe, you have not arrived at this point in your life by chance. (I know that you know that.) From early on you set your sights on making good choices; you have followed God's lead in so many areas and you sought His wisdom in finding a soul mate for a wife. You have determined to be the best father you can be. No luck here; just one man seeking God's best and enjoying the results. Thank you, Jesus, for claiming Gabe and his family as your own.

Cheryl, I've always enjoyed the concept of "belonging" to someone. You all belong to God, to each other, to Don and me, and to the rest of the family. And, it is such a blessing to know that my grandchildren live in a home where both parents are dedicated to living for Jesus and bringing up their children to live for Him also?