Mom First...: father

Saturday, November 23, 2013

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 23

My father-in-law Jim, like his wife, opened up his home and heart to me. He has always treated me as his daughter, and always with the utmost respect.

Dad - August 2004

My favorite memories of Dad include the annual Christmas trips to Chicago, the wonderful tear-jerker speech at our rehearsal dinner, dancing at our wedding, going to Amana's Tannenbaum Forest and most recently, going to Wicked. Of course, there's the dinners out to Rastrelli's and lots of time spent just hanging out as a family.

So today, on his birthday, I'm thankful for Dad.

Dad - our wedding - August 2004

Thursday, November 21, 2013

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 21

On this day in history, I agreed to exclusively date a guy I had met earlier in the month. I was slightly leery, since my divorce had just been final on November 1st. On February 16th of the following year (yes, less than 3 months), I moved in with him. On March 21st, 2 years later, he asked me to marry him. August 7th the following year, we got married.

It all started 13 years ago today. Lucky #13! We've been through our fair share of ups & downs... but through it all, he has supported me, defended me, given me everything I've ever wanted/needed and more. He's a fabulous father to our two gorgeous daughters, a great provider, and my best friend.

He pushes my buttons like only he can. He believes in me. He encourages me to be the best I can. He restored my faith in the institution of marriage. I love this man to the moon and back.