He was a father at heart

My husband is someone who is a big jokester. It never seems like he is taking things very seriously. As we were dating I got to truly know him and the big heart he has. My husband is very understanding, forgiving, and incredibly loving. As soon as I got pregnant and we knew we were having a baby, he let his fatherly instincts show. He is the best father, he keeps a level head, but also worries about getting everything right, he has a sensible mind about discipline, yet wants to let his little girl off the hook, and he gives Ellamae all the love she could ever need. When many people would be freaked out that we were expecting again so quickly, he was incredibly excited and smiled saying I can't believe it. Then,he got down and kissed my flat belly. He treats the baby in my belly the same way he would Ellamae, and it melts my heart. We couldn't be more blessed to have him as a hubby and daddy. 

Yesterday, we enjoyed a huge summer grill out with Jake's family. I so many BBQ ribs that I didn't eat my usual three ears of corn on the cob. It was so good. Jake worked so that is all we had time to do with him. But will celebrate with just our little family of four on Jake's day off. (Those days are the best) happy belated Father's Day to all the daddies.

 (And by the way Jake's dad- is one amazing grandpapa!)

We love this guy and can't wait to spoil him on his day off. 

My Dad

When my sister and I were little girls my dad would tuck us in at night and tell us a story before bed.

BUT this wasn't any old story...it was a "when I was a little boy" story. Every story started out with this line. And if he started in without it we would interrupt and say..."dad, dad, when you were a little boy..." and he would smile and start in "...yes, when I was a little boy".

These stories were the best, they were filled with adventures of growing up a farm boy and of being one of four brothers. I remember sitting on the edge of our beds kicking our feet along in contentment and listening to his every word. They had some with adventure with daring moments and satisfying endings. I miss those stories, I am hoping he starts to tell his grandkids them soon.

Growing up he would also read us devotions, take us to church, and pay for us to attend private schools to make sure that we learned about Jesus. And most importantly he lives by example as a man of faith.

As we grew up we saw our dad look out for us in different ways. When leaving for a friends house he would check to see if he gave us some spending money. As we got to our college years, every time we'd stop home he wouldn't let us leave until he checked the oil, washer fluid, and would maybe sneak the car to the gas station to fill up on gas.

And these days he is the best grandfather, he comes up with nicknames for all of his grandchildren and he would babysit them every day if we let him. He loves kids, he is a grade school teacher and was the best teacher I have ever had. (Also how sweet is it that after having five children, he still wanted more.)

I love my dad.

A few of my favorite things

CBS News Sunday Morning. Yes, a regular recording on my DVR. When jake first saw it on there he asked me "Are you really recording the news?" I tell you it is not just news, well not the regular news.  It's news that you learn from, its news that usually makes you happy, and honestly it's something that I think I love because I have the heart of a learner. Each show has different sections or segments on entertainers, artists, world events, locations, national holidays, mini biographies, and current topics or issues. It is on every Sunday morning. With Jake working different hours all the time we attend church      at a different services many weeks. When we go to early service on Sundays, I can't watch the show live, hence the DVR setting. But, it is a relaxing Sunday, when we get to watch it that day. I'm telling yeah, give it a try. I am pretty sure Ellamae has her own dance for the little trumpet music theme song. Also really will can't get enough Charles Osgood, the host. Here is a little clip from you tube of the theme song :)

Sprouts in Spring

This week felt pretty successful. I have been waiting to find time to finish planting our garden and a few perennials and I finally found time.

This is the fourth summer we have lived in our house, so I have had a few years to learn a little more about gardening and what works for us here. 

our 2013 garden includes:

Green Beans (a must)

Roma Tomatoes (we love Romas over all others)

Cherry Tomatoes (hello yummy snack!)

Red and Green Bell Peppers (stuffed peppers anyone?)

Pepperoncini Peppers (a new addition this year...and hoping to pickle some for Jake)

Zucchini (not sure why/how but we grow HUGE zucchini)

Squash (baked with butter and brown sugar...hmm)

Cucumbers (pickles, pickles, oh and cukes  with sprinkled salt)

Pumpkins (our exciting experiment this year) 

Rhubarb (transplanted from my mother's garden)

Asparagus (slowly getting sprouts from planting it our first year)

Chives (thanks to the previous owners)

So as I mentioned we have two new items this year. I will be sure to let you know how our pepperoncinis are doing and especially our pumpkins. (Man, I hope those go well...because how fun would that be!) I have so many memories as a young child picking fresh veggies and fruit from my mom's garden. I am so happy Ellamae will eventually be able to have the same memories.