It’s hard to put a dad on paper. Father’s Day is always laced with stereotypes that never quite seemed to fit the image of the dad’s in my life.

Growing up, I was definitely daddy’s girl and we were always close. I think what they say is true, daddy is a daughter’s first love and the measure for every other man in her life. Marriage, motherhood, and becoming an actual grown-up has changed our dynamic more than I could have ever imagined, but there is no way I would be the same woman, wife, or mother without his guidance and love.

In honor of my dad…some of my dad-isms:

Drink more water. (Whatever the ailment, this was the advice.)
Work hard. If there’s something you want, go after it. just be prepared to work hard to get it.
Time is valuable. Appreciate it.
Some things are a lot of trouble, but the trouble is totally worth it.
Sometimes it is better to be silent and thought a fool, than to speak up and remove all doubt.
Appreciate the classics. (Usually this was in reference to cars or John Wayne, but it applies to so much more)
If you borrow something, return it in the same or better condition than you got it.
Think through your actions.
You don’t need another person to complete you.
Wear your seatbelt.
Have a plan B.
Look people in the eye.
It takes a whole lot of “at a boys” to cover up one “awe sh@*t”
Nothing good is going on at two AM
Your parents love you and always want what’s best for you.

I’m so thankful for Dad.

I watch Man with our kids sometimes and I’m just baffled and amazed at how at ease and content he is just being dad to our kids. He does so much for our family and has been such a great parenting partner, you just can’t put that to paper. He’s definitely my sons’ hero and my daughter’s twinkle.

The past six years have taught us so much, and I find myself relaying Man’s own dad-isms.
Be present with your kids.
Don’t fret, kids are resilient.
Calm down.
Before you freak out, consider the severity of the problem as a graph…Rise over run.
Keep it simple.
Never allow anyone to hurt you.
You can always talk to your parents. Even if it’s something they don’t want to hear.
Look forward to each stage of raising children. Each stage is amazing in its own way, so enjoy it while it lasts.
It’s my job to keep you safe. (Insert mom-ism “it’s my job to worry”)
Just be honest. It’s so silly to lie.
You’re caught, just own it.
Be grateful.
You can never say “I love you” or “I’m proud of you” too much.
Some times they really are just being kids (or boys).
The inevitable will happen, so don’t worry about what could happen and live each day to the fullest.
Don’t say can’t because you can.
Know where the exits are.
There’s not a lot that country, fishing, or hunting can’t fix.
Take time to stare at the moon & stars.

I’m so thankful my kids have Dad.

My father-in-law is his own force of nature, but with the grand kids there is a marshmallowy spot. While I worked, he helped cover the little pockets of time between one parent leaving for work and the other coming home. He still is more than happy to Man the grill, co-host a sleepover, or work on a kid project. When his boys were younger, he went to practices, and school events, and games. He fussed at the coaches and cheered in the stands. Nowadays, he comes to practices, school events, and games. He fusses at the coaches and cheered in the stands. He makes chocolate peanut clusters and meatloaf. He blames it on grandma, but papa is an equal contributor to rottenness around here.

I’m not sure if these are dad-isms, but they are lessons none the less.
Don’t be afraid to speak up. Or speak your mind.
Make an effort.
Play a game.
Kids need a buddy.
Laugh with your family.
Most things you can probably just fix yourself.

I’m so glad Man has a dad.

Happy Father’s Day y’all.