For the month of June we will be celebrating fathers. We are taking turns sharing our fathers and husbands with you. Please join us in our celebration, we would love to hear about the special dads in your life. (Keep reading all the way to the bottom to learn more.)

Father’s Day has brought up some weird emotions for me since I became a mom in 2004. I spent 6 years feeling like I failed my son because he only had “substitutes”. I am so grateful to those men who influenced him in those first years. Pappy, Grandpa, Papa, Kirk, Trevor, Aaron, I see their influences in who my first child is.

My husband, my baby brother, my dad, my big brother, and my brother-in-law

Then when he was 5 years old, we met a new guy. He knew how to win my son over – fishing and shooting guns at Bass Pro. Watching Chad be daddy to his kids and interact with my kid won me over and we were married by the end of the year. Watching my husband be daddy to all 6 of our kids is one of my favorite things!

The first fishing trip with the “new guy” and his kids

They say you marry your dad, and my mom and I have laughed over how similar my husband and dad are.

For the Love of God

Both men make church and serving God a priority in their lives and a priority for their children. This is something people can see in many facets of their lives

Growing up I remember always being at church, it was always a priority for our family. We invited friends. Any time the building was open, we were there. One of my fondest memories of my childhood is hearing my dad whistle as he worked. Most often it was “This World Is Not My Home“. This is something I remember my grandpa doing as well when we would go to visit.

My husband makes church a priority for our family also. And it is not just to attend on Sunday mornings and then get on with our lives. Church and God are a big part of our life. My husband “preaches” to anyone who works for him. He owns his own business and it is his ministry. He invites customers, employees, anyone who will listen, to join us at church. He also shares how God has been a part of his life and how he has shown Himself over the years. Several employees and customers have listened to him, and come to church with us. A couple have even stuck around.

This is a picture of my husband and two of our sons, it was the babies first week at church. I love watching him be daddy!

Seeing the opportunities for teachable one-on-one moments

One of my favorite memories with my dad is making breakfast with him. I was an early riser, so that meant I got to be with my dad all by myself. I felt so special when he would share his secrets for making great eggs with me. I still think of him as I make breakfast for my family.

My husband is so patient with our kids. When he has a task they’re interested in, he takes the time to teach them how to do the task. One of my favorite pictures is from an afternoon brake change.

 Work, work, work

I grew up on a ranch, actually a few different ranches. I treasure the experiences that gave us. My dad worked hard. But because his work was at our home we got to work with him. I was the second oldest and a girl so generally my older brother was the one who helped Dad.

However, I remember one particular occasion I was needed. I was terrified to drive my dad’s Bobcat skidsteer, but that was the task at hand. I drove it until I got to a hill, then I FROZE. So Dad climbed onto the attachment and drove the skidsteer down the hill for me. Then I continued on to where we were working that day. We were clearing trees out. I was taking down the smaller ones and my dad had a bigger machine for the bigger trees. One important role dads fill is to teach us to do the hard things. Sometimes we need a little push to venture out of our comfort zones. However, once we accomplish those tasks, we are given a boost in self-esteem. I was able to drive that skidsteer home!

Our kids love to go to work with Dad, at least until they get older 🙂 My husband allows them to help as much as possible. Teaching them to use power tools, pushing my comfort zone as to when I think they should. They’ve learned to use hammers and screwdrivers, wrenches, how to grill, how to fish and shoot guns.

Time for fun

Although the men in my life are hard working and spend much of their time working to provide for their families. They do find time to have some fun!

Family time was important as we were growing up. We would ride horses, fish, hunt, hike, and go camping as a family.

My dad getting a horse ready to ride for my daughter

My husband is the fun one, just ask my kids. Just today, we spent the afternoon on the creek. This is one of our favorite family fun activities. Some days we just go splash around. Other times we float down the river in canoes, kayaks, and tubes. He has also helped the kids build a tree house. He has coached basketball. He built a “supersled” and loves sharing it with the kids. These are just a few of the ways my husband makes sure fun is infused in our family life.

I am One Blessed Momma!

The dads and grandpas and uncles I am surrounded by have made me the mom I am. I am so grateful for how God has shown up in my life through these men.

I started this post with how I felt like I failed my son because he didn’t have a dad for the first 5 years of his life. If you find yourself in the same position, no matter the reason, don’t allow yourself to sit in feelings of failure.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 ESV

Even if you messed up and that’s the reason you are a single mom, God offers forgiveness. Take it, repent of whatever your part is, and move forward. If you sit in the failure feelings and the bitterness, you can’t be the mom God created you to be.

Some of the best advice I ever received was to not be both mom and dad. You aren’t, and you can’t be. Include male role models in your child(ren)’s life – grandpas, uncles, friends; find new ones if you need to. Don’t be negative about their dad in front of your children. Your kids don’t need the drama. If you need to vent, find a friend, not your child.