to all "my" men:

Father's day is a tender day for me as I think about my dads, the man who is dad to my kids, and the thought that I'm raising two future dads. Because it's one thing I can do at this point in my life, here is my tribute to the men in my life:

Dear Dad Pete: You are one of the strongest men I know physically & spiritually and yet you are graceful & tender at the same time. You can fix anything. You lead by example. You are fun. You are the most generous person I know. You don't hold on to things-you value people. You are so cute. You love my kids...a lot. You are playful & funny & would rather spend time with your family than anything else. You inspire me on a daily basis to do and be better. Thanks for loving & supporting us & believing in us.

Dear Dad Cleaver: You make me laugh. You are affectionate and always expect a kiss on the cheek when you see me. You are a sweet grandpa. You love history & making sure we know about your heritage. You are tenderhearted and sentimental. You work hard. You make the corniest jokes & laugh super hard at yourself-love this. Zac is one of your best friends. You'd rather spend time with your family than anything else.

Dear Zac: You are my best friend. You are tender with our boys & love to play with & tickle them. You are silly & make up songs & nicknames on a daily basis. You read books to them, watch tractor videos with them, stay patient when I am about to scream, and remind me often that they are just little still. You work hard for us & take Grayson with you when you can on the farm. You help me to keep a more reverent attitude about rearing children. You respect and love me & show me affection in front of our kids. You treat me well & expect our boys to do the same. You show everyone you meet kindness-especially your family. You share the responsibilities of raising kids with me...you change diapers, clean up puke, make & feed bottles, burp & soothe, etc. You work on being the best dad you can. You'd rather be with us-your family-than anyone or anything else. I love love love having you as my right-hand man in this crazy parenting journey!
Dear Grayson: You are a lucky boy to have these three men-and so many others-in your life to look up to. I am so lucky to have you in my life. It's a daunting task knowing that I'm raising you up to be a husband and father someday, but I know you will be amazing. You already are. You make me laugh and have more personality in your little body than I could ever dream of having. You are forgiving of my ability to get upset too easily & you love being like your daddy. You have lots of great men to look to as you grow & I am so thankful for your sweet spirit. You help me draw closer to Heavenly Father on a daily basis.
Dear Beckham: You are such an amazing little baby. You are so sweet and seem to be able to see right through your daddy and me. You love to smile at anyone and everyone. You are easily pacified, patient, and energetic! (: You move around a lot and love to be looking to where the action is. You love to be held and cuddled though, too. I have a feeling you will have an understanding heart & I look forward to seeing the type of boy you will become. You have an older brother who loves you and will teach you all sorts of good {and not so good} things & many other great men to look to for guidance. There are many days I wonder at my parenting abilities, but you are so sweet & loving regardless. You help me feel close to my Heavenly Father every time I look at you.
Dear Lance, Layne, Chris, Brad & Ryan: We have been blessed with exceptionally good brothers & love each of you dearly. You all have traits & talents that bless our lives and we are blessed to have you so close and to have you as examples in our sons lives. We love you!

Dear Grandpa's: (x4) Each of you good men have given us examples of Christ to live by. You love your families and your heritage. You love to visit with us, share stories with us, and hear about what we are doing. You give sound advice-which comes from lives well lived-and love to love on and spoil our children. We are grateful for each of you and the good men & women you raised who in turn raised us. We love you!

We've also been blessed with many amazing uncles & friends who have helped "raise" us in our adulthood. We are grateful for & celebrate each of you as well. Happy Father's day to these and all good men out there. I can't imagine carrying the load that a man carries for his family. I am grateful that my man takes his familial responsibilities so seriously and that we know we are his first priority. I'm thankful that I feel safe in the presence of good men.

Lastly, I'm grateful for my Heavenly Father. He is the reason I've been blessed with all of the above & for that I can't do enough to give thanks. He so selflessly gave His Son for me and allowing me to have children has helped me understand the pain that must have caused in the tiniest degree. I love Him, I love my relationship with Him, and I love that on a daily basis-no matter the circumstances-I can cry out to Him and He is there. This is invaluable to me and I'm thankful for the knowledge that He is my Father and He loves me.