Happy Father's Day, Char!

Asher adores you.

It's obvious by the way he tries to imitate all your silly sounds or expressions.

It's apparent every afternoon just after 5 when you get home from work by his giddy squeal. No one can make him laugh all the different ways you do.

It's clear by the way he tries to please you and the thrill he gets when you encourage or cheer him on.

And I adore you.

I love that Asher is imitating you...watching you so intently because he sees what a man who loves the Lord with all his heart looks like...he's watching the way you honor me and how you treat him with gentleness and grace...and he'll oneday become a man who leads his family according to the Word because he's witnessed his Daddy doing it his whole life.

I love that there is joyful noise in our home at the peak times of 5:00 and 7:00 every evening. He loves his Daddy-time when you first get home...and you selflessly give him all your love, energy, and attention...even though somedays I know you're exhausted from a long day at the office. When I give him a bath, the giggles are just not the same...he loves the time after dinner the two of you wild boys share, splashing and squirting each other. Thank you for building him up...he's so secure in your love.

I love that he fears you...and is beginning to fear you more as you continue to discipline him. Thank you for training him in this at such a young age...it's amazing to me what this 16 month old understands because of your patient training...there will be much peace in our home because of this. I love to watch him repeat a behavior like throwing his dirty diaper in the trash over and over again, because he knows he is doing something to please you...he craves your affirmation. It makes my job much easier as I enforce these rewards and disciplines throughout the day. Thank you for training our son up in a way that will teach him the fear of the Lord.

You boys are so precious to me. I'm thankful for the man I get to learn from everyday in our home...and the little man that longs to be just like his Daddy. Happy Father's Day, Char! I'm so proud of you and love you with all my heart!