Father's Day Part 2

I couldn't let today pass by without also bringing some attention to the man that is the father of my boys, Philip.

There are so many reasons Philip is a good dad, one of them is that he is so intentional with them.   I hear the conversations that Philip has with Parker and Camden.  He is always trying to teach, encourage and lift up these boys.  He makes sure that they are learning without even realizing it.  One of my favorite things he has done with Parker as he gets older is tell him Bible stories. He makes it something that Parker not only enjoys hearing, but remembers too!  He can tell you David and Goliath, Jonah, Daniel in the Lions Den, Jericho, and Samson.  (With a little Prompting)  You should hear those two boys up there in his room.  Sometimes I wonder if the roof will come in on top of me as they march around Jericho all 7 times!

I also love the creativity he has when playing with them.  Just the other day Philip told Parker he was going to take him swimming.  This was a big deal. They got dressed, got all the things needed together, and as they stepped onto the pool deck, thunder rolled.  Philip had to explain to Parker that it was too dangerous to swim, and the devastation that came across his face was heartbreaking.  Philip quickly turned the moment around and suggested that they swim in the tub, and that was sufficient for Parker.  The two of them spent a good half hour splashing around and "swimming" in the tub.  Trunks, floaties and all. :)

Not only does he know how to play with and teach them, but Philip is so good at showing and telling the boys that he loves them.  I know that this is hard for some men to do, but loving his boys comes so naturally to him.  His boys know that he loves and cares for them, and I am so grateful for that.

One of the most important things that I see Philip doing every day for our boys is being a Godly example for them.  I am so grateful that they get to see how a man of God should live in this world.  The ways they should treat other people, their wives and their kids.  He is constantly teaching them the importance of respect and honor towards others, including mommy.  Something we try to be conscious of is that we are raising future husbands and fathers, and we want their wives and kids to know that they will be cared for in the way that God intended.

After a long day at work, I am sure crawling on the ground and changing dirty diapers isn't the number one desire of his heart, but you would never know. This guy doesn't miss a beat! Many times I ask myself how he does it, but I know that his strength comes not from himself but our heavenly Father.  I am so glad that my boys have Philip to model their lives after.  And as you can see, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree :)

Happy Father's Day!

With Love, From Charlotte

Father's Day Part 1

This is my dad as a young'n

Every time I look at this picture all I can think about is how much my brothers look like him.

Am I right?  Anyways, on to what I'm really here to talk about, and that's my dad.  It's Father's Day, and I want to honor the man that my dad is.  I have so many wonderful memories of my dad it's hard to even begin, but one thing that really stands out in my mind is our rides to school, Kindergarten through 5th grade.  My dad has been an elementary school teacher, and an incredible one at that.  I can say that because he was my 4th grade teacher.  No, I didn't call him Mr. Plumb, I called him Dad, and no he wasn't easier on my cuz I was his kid.  In fact he was probably harder on me because I belonged to him, but I only remember getting detention in his class once, but that's because he wanted to give me a hard time.  That was tough on this teacher's pet over here.  That's right, I'll admit it.  

So, back to our rides to school.  The drive to school consisted of many things.  We would sing. When we were young it was a lot of the days of the week and months of the year songs.  Along with a song that he made up to help me learn how to spell my middle name.  We could also be guaranteed a round of You are my sunshine, with our names inserted. "You are my Angela, my only Angela..." you get the idea.  And to finish it off, he would pray over each of us as we were sent off to school.  When I was a kid, I thought this is what all kids did with their dads.  I didn't realize just how intentional and loving my dad really was.  This takes a lot of thought, time and effort, and I am so grateful that he instilled those values into each of us kids.  

Something else that I love about my dad is his love for other people.  Growing up, we went on mission trips to Mexico on a regular basis.  My dad has such a heart for these people, and he has such a gift of helping other people feel comfortable and enjoy serving others too.  If you have ever been on a trip to Mexico with my dad, or had a conversation with him about it, you know that he is called to help these wonderful people and he is fulfilling that call incredibly well.  

Not only does my dad have a heart for missions but he has a heart for his family as well.  My dad really values the time that we spend together and always has.  Another thing that I took for granted as a kid was the fact that both of my parents were teachers.  So, every summer we went on these really fun, sometimes very long, road trips.  We always came away with a good story for sure.  Not only did we follow the Oregon trail one summer, but we also drove to and from Ohio several times, (one time at the last minute straight through because Isaac got the chicken pox and we could no longer fly) and one summer we were in between houses so we traveled around the north west part of the country for 2 months straight, camping and riding our dirt bikes.  These are just a few of our family vacations.

I have so enjoyed watching my dad become a Papa, let me tell you, he was made for this.  He brags on his grandkids every chance he gets, he spoils them (in a good way) with fun treats and adventures. He does a great impression of Donald Duck, and is animated and exciting when reading and telling stories even if it is through face time.  I know that each of our kids will know that they are loved by their Papa, and will be so grateful for their relationship with him.

Thank you dad for loving on me, my hubby and our babies.  We are so grateful for the ways that you are so intentional and thoughtful. You have taught us well, we love you and Happy Father's Day!

With Love, From Charlotte