Life Lessons

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful Dad and my amazing husband. I am so blessed to have such great men in my life, and so is Tripp. Every time I watch Gary with Tripp, my heart swells. I can't find the right words to explain what I feel when I see Tripp intently watching Gary's every move and smiling at his Daddy. Or when Gary comes in from a business trip and his face lights up at the sight of his son. I am so excited to watch you grow as a father and see your relationship with our son unfold. I know you will be an exceptional Dad, because you are already an exceptional man. Thank you for teaching us, making us laugh, feel safe and protected, and for loving us.Today I was able to capture a father son moment. One of many. 

Gary and Tripp watching the US Open. His first golf lesson. 

I also wanted to take a moment to thank the wonderful man who shaped my life. Dad, you have always been my safe haven. Mom and I relived the past laughing and sharing stories of a young girl exploring the world in front of her, headstrong and ready to take it on, but always aware of the strong man at her back. You always knew what was best for me, even when I didn't. I truly believed I was old enough and mature enough to do everything on my own, but you knew better. When we entered the big apple for my first viewing of a broadway play, my eyes were wide and my heart pounding. A preteen girl realized very quickly how grateful she was to have her Daddy by her side. I felt safe in the concrete jungle because your large hands held tight (and I was NOT letting go). In the Bahamas I tested my boundaries and went running into the arms of my father. No matter how old I am, I know you always have my back. I love you Dad. Thank you for always being there. 

Life Lessons

You may have thought I didn't see,
Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word.

Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It's written on my heart.

Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be
The woman I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.

I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
So here's to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kid.


By Joanna Fuchs

Handsome Men

Grandaddy came to visit! And he got his first smile from Tripp. It was wonderful watching my Dad play with my son. It is a glipse at what life might have been like when I was an infant. As I think back to my childhood, it is filled with love, laughter, and life lessons. But watching my Dad play with my baby boy showed me the softer side of my big strong military father. Hearing him laugh out loud because he is watching his grandson smile and laugh at his mother (daughter) and watching him get so excited at that special bonding moment between Grandaddy and grandson was heart filling. 

Laughing with Grandaddy 

Intently watching my Grandaddy 

Handsome little man 

Productivity Schmoductivity

How on earth am I supposed to be productive during the day? If anyone can tell me, that would be great. Because so far, I'm finding it impossible. I have an amazing little boy who captures all of my attention and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

One minute we are playing 

The next, he is sound asleep in my arms

Look at this precious face 

So I say, productivity schmoductivity. I'm spending the day just like this 

Big Shoes

Today was wonderful. How could it not be when the recipe called for quality time with my boys. My husband is wonderful and made sure I had a very special first Mother's Day, and that I did. Throughout the day, I would look at the beautiful baby in my arms and feel so amazingly blessed. He is healthy. He is beautiful. He is happy. He is mine, and I love every inch of him, inside and out. His personality is starting to shine, and what a sunny disposition he has.

There is a lot of pressure placed upon me to be a great Mom, what BIG shoes I have to fill. I have been greatly influenced by a woman who inspires me on a constant basis. She is strong, compassionate, loving, and patient. She is my Mom, and I love her with all of my heart. She has been my biggest supporter and continues to encourage me daily. I love you Mom, thank you for being my rock, my bestfriend and forgiving my teenage years. Thank you for shaping me into the woman I am today, and the Mother I wish to become. Your feet were once steps which I stood upon and learned to dance around the kitchen. Your high-heels were a source of entertainment which would take me to a land of make believe. And now, Those "BIG" size 5 shoes are yet again stepping stones for my life, my journey as a mother. I hope to be able to fill them one day, and be half the mother you were to me. I have high hopes, after all, I learned from the best. I love you Mom. Happy Mother's Day.

Sunshine

My absolute favorite time of the day is the morning. My little man wakes up so happy and we have 2 solid hours of blissful bonding time together. This morning, he was stirring and cooing so I rolled over with my face even to his and he returned with a huge smile. Nothing is more gratifying then having your child smile at the sight of your face. His smile makes my heart swell. Pure bliss.