Happy (belated) Father's Day!

We celebrated Father's Day early with Ricky before the kids left for a family vacation with their dad's family. Kalyn and Sheldon wanted to take Daddy Ricky out for supper so we met him for some yummy Mexican food in Elgin. We even ordered some sopapillas...they were so-o-o-o good!!! Once we got home the kids gave Ricky his gift...a "Daddy" decoration for his office that holds pictures and the movie, "Faith Like Potatoes" (it's pretty good once you get into it and understand the storyline). Ricky, we cannot tell you enough how blessed we have been to have you in our lives. Kalyn and Sheldon adore you and love you so much...thank you for being involved in their lives and loving them as they were your own kids. I love you!

I went to San Antonio after the kids left and was able to spend some time with my daddy at Cambry's 1st birthday party (can't believe she's already ONE!). Carie and I know how blessed we are to have Daddy as our father. He has always been such an important figure in our life. Some of my favorite memories with Daddy include riding in the white pick-up to Llano on Saturday mornings, going to the Deaf track meet when mom had to stay home with Carie when she got sick, learning how to drive at the ranch, golfing (yes, even though I don't like the sport at all), and great heart-to-heart talks through the years. There are many, many other memories that I hold dear to my heart!! Daddy, thank you so much for being the father God designed you to be. Your love, wisdom, support, and guidance through the years have molded me into the Christian wife and mother that I am today...I love you!

I was blessed to know my father-in-law for a short time before he passed away in October 2007. Larry was a very special man who is loved and missed by so many people, especially our family. Ricky and Brad have many fond memories with their daddy as I do with mine. Ricky and Larry shared a special bond with their interest in hunting, fishing, and trapping. I am sad that Kalyn and Sheldon didn't get to spend much time with Pepaw, but I am so thankful they got to know him well enough to know what a special grandpa he was before he left us. I have no doubt in my mind that Ricky is a great dad to Kalyn and Sheldon because of the example Larry set for him. We love and miss you very much Larry/Pepaw!

Another blessing in our lives is Pappa Springer. Kalyn and Sheldon love their Pappa so much! Their favorite things about Pappa include the following: reading books in his lap (he really knows how to bring a story to life!), his fun animal noises, getting neat gifts and pennies for rewards , playing in the kitchen at the bar with Lincoln Logs and cowboys/indians, etc, and getting a special phone call the night before Christmas. There are many other special things that Pappa does with the kids, but most of all I admire his love for his family and his strong Christian example. Kalyn and Sheldon are lucky to have you and Nanna in their lives...we love you!