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| His very first Golf Bag! (He only needs 2 clubs because he's already that GOOD!) |
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| Always Keepin' up with the Kids |
What I really want this post to be about is my very own, wonderful and all-around amazing Dad, Chuck! You guys.... The man grew up loving every sport there was, played football through college and is nothing but ALL GUY! You might be saying, ya... we know!!!!??? But what makes me smile is that he grew up with 3 sisters, had 3 daughters, raised all female pets for the most part and is FINALLY getting another boy in the family! My Dad was the very first person we called to let know that we were having a little boy, because I just knew that NO ONE would be as ecstatic as he would be... and he sure was! I don't think he believed me or even knew what to do with himself! In thinking about what we were going to name our son, of course if you know me, I had a running list 10 months ago with about 20 names I liked..... A couple of people suggested that I had such a great last name (Maiden) that could be used as a first name if it was a boy! I honestly had never even thought about Oliver, but once it was brought up, it became a front-runner in my mind... Jesse and I talked many times about what we could name him and the only name he was totally 100% set on was Oliver! I thought it could even be used as a middle name, but NO... Jes was set on Oliver because he loved that he could grow up and be called Oli when he was playing sports! It didn't take much convincing, because I kept thinking that it would be so cool to "bring back" the name that I so dearly loved growing up with as a little girl! I must admit, it made me sad to think that there were no more boy "Oliver's" to pass along our family name, so being able to name our son Oliver is just a perfect way to keep it alive! Even though my Dad would be supportive with whatever name we chose, I think there has to be a feeling of pride he must have! A grandson with the name Oliver... How cool is that????
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| Goofballs ALL.THE.TIME |
Anyways, just like my Mom, I think us girls lucked out with the best Dad there is! From growing up with so much estrogen around him, I think God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave my Dad 3 daughters to raise.... He has this soft, gentle and sensitive side about him that always seems to do the trick when one of us needs help or is in a pickle of some kind! Just call Dad, and he'll know the answer, find out, or talk you through it! He is brilliant!!!! I mean seriously, he knows so much about so much if that makes sense! To name a few of his specialties: Sports, Money/Investing, Cars, Houses, Landscaping, Playing Craps, Fishing, Boating, Air Traffic Control :) and yes... even shopping (thanks to us!). I have had some of the most intriguing conversations about different things with my Dad! What I love is that he doesn't act like a "know it all!" He LISTENS!!!!! He likes for others to share their thoughts, ideas and even if it doesn't make sense to him or he disagrees, he will calmly shake his head, continue to listen and very sweetly discuss the differences of opinion. He is always respectful and I LOVE THAT about him! You could talk to my Dad all day long and never get tired of him!
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| Dad... Those are some mashed potatoes you got there, by the way! |
When it comes to dedication, my Dad is it! In every avenue of his life! Whether it be his family, job, house, yard, car, anything at all.... My Dad works his tail off! He is always striving to be the best at whatever he is doing and give us the best! I admire this about him because he puts forth the effort and tireless hours to be all that he can be! When my parents told us about an opportunity in Seattle for my dad to become the Assistant Chief, I wasn't surprised at all! I knew he was up for the challenge, and he's not stopping there either! His motto: You work hard, so you can play hard! Growing up I never felt cheated of time with my Dad. Even though he had to work a lot, he was always there for us, at our games and we were even able to take a few family vacations every single year! He is good at balancing everything in his life and he is smart about it too! His plan is to work another couple of years and then retire so he can really enjoy everything life has to offer: especially sweet little Grandkids! I look forward to that day when he retires because I just know he is going to LOVE it! As hard as he has worked and as stressful of a job that he has, he'll deserve every second of being a retired Gramps!
Finally, one of the things that I love about my Dad is the relationship he has with my sweet husband, Jesse. Most Dads are a tad bit sad when their daughters get married, but NOPE.... NOT MINE! He was so excited that he had a "son" now and could do "guy stuff" when we all got together as a family! Most of our family time before I was married revolved around shopping and strolling around "browsing" through towns, etc... Girl stuff that Dad got drug around doing! When Jesse is there now, Dad doesn't have to do that anymore! They can grab a beer and watch the game together! They can throw the football on the beach! They can throw something on the grill and enjoy each other's company. My Dad can give advice and Jesse loves to hear it! And I'll tell you that Jesse loves time with my Dad just as much as my Dad enjoys his time with Jes. I can't describe to you how overcome with emotions I get when I see the two of them just "hangin" together! It's so sweet and makes me a happy little girl to know that the two of them get along so well and have so much in common! Now, when my sisters get married, there will be 2 more guys around and I'm sure Dad will just love that even more! Finally some "men" around to do "men-things" with!
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| Butchy-Boy |
So, Dad..... I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK! I couldn't have picked a better Dad for us because you have the perfect touch with everything! From day 1 I was "Butchy-Boy" to you and am still proud of that name! HAH! People may not get it, but I know why that was my name! You know just when I need your sensitivity and gentle side and then you know exactly when I need a firm kick in the rear... And growing up, I needed a lot! Thank you for all you have taught us girls by being our Daddy- You were our #1 guy from day one and we'll never forget that! XOXOX
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