Father's Day

It was a beautiful day yesterday! Warm, sunny, and just a little wind. The day didn't start out so good; at 6:45 AM we woke up to rain and hail! The hail was tiny, and lasted for just a few minutes. Tim had to work for much of the day . . . cows in heat need to be AI'd!

I made steak and scallops for supper, along with veggies and cheese-filled tortellini. I had some timing issues in getting everything done at the same time (or almost the same time), but it turned out yummy and everyone enjoyed it. It was the first time I'd ever made scallops. I browned them in butter with a little chopped garlic, garlic salt, and thyme. (I don't know why I picked thyme; a recipe I planned to follow called for tarragon, but we didn't have any of that.) Everyone enjoyed the scallops, so I'll make them again . . . tarragon is on my grocery list so I'll follow that recipe next time. It was nice to spend the evening together as a family.

I am so blessed to have Tim for my kids' father! When they were born, he told me that I'd have to take care of them until they were out of diapers, and they would spend free time with him after that. He was a little nervous holding them when they were babies (although he was always glad to cuddle with them if I put them on his chest), and changed maybe 2 or 3 diapers, total, for both kids. I didn't mind diapers, and Tim helped in so many other ways (including working hard enough that I didn't have to work outside the home) that I never expected him to change them.

Since the kids have been out of diapers, they've spent more and more and more time with Tim. He takes them to shows, sales, and to look at cattle in far off places . . . and as they've gotten older and could help at the ranch, they've all enjoyed working together (most of the time . . . remember, they're teenagers so sometimes hormones get in the way of common sense . . . ). Since we moved to the country a little more than three years ago, they spend time after school helping Tim, and all day most days during the summer.

They are so blessed to have such a close relationship with him! He's teaching them about life, managing the ranch, business, and so many more things. The most valuable gift we can give our children is our time . . . and Tim gives soooo much of his time! He is willing to put in many extra hours for them . . . a few weeks ago we took Morgan to a sheep show on a hot and humid Friday night. I know Tim would have liked to have been at home in the air-conditioned house, watching an episode of Law and Order . . . but he took the time and effort to go to the show with Morgan.

I don't think they realize how blessed they are to have such a loving dad . . . I don't know if any of us realized as children what a blessing loving, caring parents are (to anyone who didn't have "good" parents . . . I'm sorry. . . you were cheated out of one of the greatest relationships on earth. I hope you find those special relationships in other relatives or friends!).

And to anyone who experienced Father's Day without his or her father because he has died, I'm sorry. I can't imagine how difficult Father's Day is for you. I pray for God to give you peace and good memories.

My dad taught me more than I will ever realize . . . as I get older I realize how valuable his example, and lessons, and love, were and are. Thanks, Dad!