(The “more” being baby pictures)

June is almost over. As Fathers Day came and went this year, I did some reflecting on the kind of father I have, and the kind of father my children have.

Growing up, there was no doubt in my mind, that we (his family) were Daddy’s favorite people in the whole world. We spent countless hours just enjoying each others’ company, whether we were playing ball in the yard, pulling weeds in Daddy’s many, beautiful flower beds, sitting on the front porch watching a summer rain cloud roll in, or gathered around the table, drinking coffee. Daddy provided for us, but he also took the time to just enjoy us. I thought that was just normal, but as an adult I know that it was extraordinary.

I wish every child could have the childhood I was given. Not perfect, but idyllic in lots of ways, and precious in my memory… I know we’re talking about Father’s Day here, but I have to also give a grateful nod to my dear mom, because she was the other half of why my siblings and I grew up living the kind of life one tries to recreate for their children.

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I once heard a preacher tell a story of a son who persistently asked his father, a successful businessman, “ How much do you make in an hour?”

His father was reluctant to share such personal information, but the boy was so determined, he finally told him, 100 dollars.

The little boy went away disappointed, but shortly he came back. “Daddy,” he said, a little shyly, “would you give me 50 dollars?”

The father looked at him questioningly, but seeing his son’s pleading face, he opened his wallet, and handed the little boy a fifty dollar bill.

“Oh, thank you, Daddy! Thank you!” the little boy rejoiced, and ran happily to his room. Curious, his parents followed him, and found him pulling more money from under his pillow, and counting it excitedly.

The father’s first thought was indignation. “Son, what is this? Why did you take money from me when you already had all this money under your pillow?

His son finished counting, stacked all the bills together, and held them out happily. “Oh Daddy, I did have some money, but I didn’t have enough. But now I do! It’s a hundred dollars, Daddy! I want to buy an hour of your time! Daddy, could you come home an hour early tomorrow? Play ball with me? Have dinner with me and Mama?”

That’s where the preacher’s story ended, but I like to think the father’s indignation melted away, and that he got down on his knees and hugged that sweet little boy. In a perfect world, where there was no need for material provision, we might hope he left early every day, to take him fishing, and playing ball, and riding bike.

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Unfortunately, in the real world, fathers do need to make a living for their families, so quitting work isn’t a feasible option. I’m grateful for the provision Cory faithfully makes for us.

I’m especially thankful that in spite of life’s busyness, and the high demand for his services- he still prioritizes time to spend together as a family. There’s nothing in the world that makes me melt as quickly as watching him be a Papa to our children.

I love that he is almost unable to say no when little voices clamor, “Tractor ride, Papa? Will you take us on a ride on your tractor?”

Many a summer Sunday afternoon has found us putt-putt-putting down a gravel road somewhere, 12 miles an hour and loving every minute. He even has a special wagon that he secured an old couch and armchair to, because he thought riding the wagon was too uncomfortable for me when I was pregnant. 😅🥰

We may not be riding in style, but we’re sure riding in comfort. 🙂

I love that he’s silly and fun. My daddy was (and still is) silly and fun, and I honestly can’t imagine having one that isn’t. Cory is a deep thinker and can be very serious, but the children bring out the silliness and it makes me so happy. ((Cue the tickle fights and the dad jokes… for example, he almost always answers the famous “Papa, I’m hungry!!” with, “Well, hello Hungry, I’m Papa!”

When they say “Papa can you put my shoes on?” He makes a big deal of “trying” to put their little shoes on his big feet. The littles giggle, and the older ones roll their eyes, but they all love it. We are never bored when he’s around.

I love watching him fix bike chains, and blow up flat bike tires, and show Ollie how to clean the fuel line on his four wheeler. I love that he understands our one child who is a complete mystery to me, and can reason with said child when I have no idea how to proceed.

I love when he gets super invested in a story I’m reading to the children, and forbids us to read it without him. The most recent one was when I started on the Little House series, and Cory couldn’t help getting sucked into the stories. When I was done reading one night, he wasn’t done listening, and his late night YouTube search inspired us to binge re-listen to this version

It’s the whole series, narrated by a lady who sings all the songs, while someone else plays fiddle in the background. It’s been just wonderful, and we’re not going to know what to do with our evenings once we finish the last few chapters tonight or tomorrow night.

I love when its been a big day and I’m sitting on the recliner thinking “Ugh, I need to get up and clean this place,” and he comes in and instructs the children, a step at a time, ‘til in no time, they’ve cleaned up the mess they made of the living room, allowing me to continue lazily propping up my feet. 🙂

I love seeing the boys wanting to wear overalls to be like their Papa, and I hope they always want to imitate him.

I am blessed by the way he confidently leads us, by the example of his earnest following of Jesus. Of course he is human, like you and me, but he’s authentic and sincere, and those things are part of what makes him our very favorite human ever.

I do know it’s too late for a Fathers Day post, but I have never been big on arbitrary rules, so here’s my Fathers Day tribute to the two men who I love and respect more than anyone on earth.

So much that I named my baby after both of them. (You knew I wasn’t going to make a post and not feature Little Cory in it.)

Time for those baby pictures:

That’s all I’ve got tonight. Happy last few days of June. ❤️