Father's Day 2010

The longer I am married to Mark, the more thankful I am for his grandfather, Charley Armstrong and his father, Ernie Armstrong.  Mark had amazing role models as a young boy and he watched closely as these two men served and loved their wives and families well.  I honestly believe I am the most blessed woman on earth to have Mark as my husband and the father of our precious daughter.  Not a day goes by that he doesn't amaze me in some new way.  He is a selfless, giving, and loving husband and father.

Turner absolutely adores her daddy and wants to be where he is and doing what he's doing.  They have several special traditions - taking out the trash on Tuesdays, a nighttime bath ritual, Sunday mornings with pop tarts and Sid the Science Kid, discussing the fact that his "whiskers are not off", playing down the street in the sand and rocks (see picture series below - only a daddy would do this), and eating grilled cheese that only Daddy can make. I could go on and on.  But it's safe to say he's her favorite friend and playmate - she loves her daddy so very much. 

A funny...Turner helped me pick out Mark's Father's Day card.  And once the lady standing next to us opened one of those that play music, we just HAD to get one of those for her daddy.  So, we came home with a card that blares the song "That's What I Like About You".  It was neat because there was a space where we could record Turner saying something also, so we had a good time late last night making a special recording for Mark.  This was all good and fine - until Turner decided to tell Mark last night, "Daddy, we bought you a card!  And it plays music!  Mommy, can we give it to him now?"  (This was last night...)  Since she did the same thing on Mother's day I guess we've learned our lesson on who in this family can keep a secret!?

Here are a few of my favorite pics of them taken over the last couple of years.

It's safe to say that my Dad and I have a special relationship and he's always been my hero.  I honestly believed growing up (and still do) that he could do anything. For example, when I was in 1st grade the teacher said we needed an 8' by 8' spiderweb for Halloween and I replied, "My dad can build that."  So, my dad built it.  It's a running joke now that my go-to comment is, "Well, my DADDY can do it."  I love so many things about him - how he respects Mark and makes him feel as if he's always been in our family, how he still takes care of me and works tirelessly to make sure I have anything in the world I might dream of, and oh how he loves my child.  It is truly indescribable.  I am a lucky girl.  Happy Father's Day to you Daddy!