My Dad...

Being the oldest of two, I was the one most like my dad and his family. Those who know us, would probably agree I should have been the one to carry on the "family name," instead of my brother, Ron, ...who takes after my mom's family. ;)

And did you catch the name similarities??? ...Rhonda & Ron

Yeap, we were named after my dad...Ronald! ...or Big Ron, as he is called now!

Not that he is "big," I guess it is just his presence.

My dad was a traveling salesman, for most of my childhood. So during the week, many times my mom was left to fill both parental roles. She was a wonderful, stay-at-home mom, and I'm sure at times, it must have been stressful for her, but she never let it show.

My dad was very outgoing, and could be a lot of fun. He wasn't a cold person, but he didn't show or tell of his affections often. But you could "read between the lines" of his actions, and know that you were loved. He showed it in his own unique way. Some of the best memories of times spent with him, were fishing trips, in which he would bait my hook with worms over, and over, and over... What time he wasn't getting my tangled line out of a tree, that had become snagged in the branches. ...or taking a slippery fish off my hook!

My dad was also a member of the country club. But this wasn't a fancy, high maintenance, high fees country club. Our community was based around a paper mill, and the county club was just a simple, local hang-out on the afternoons and weekends. My dad often let me go with him, to drive him around in the golf cart. He was pretty forgiving when I almost ran us both into the ponds around the course, more times than my pride will allow me to remember.

When I was in college, we both caught the antiquing, junkin' bug! No one appreciates "our junk," we treasure, as much as we two do. And our family claims we are not good for each other...instigating the other at auctions and such...any where a deal can be found! LOL! This has created a firm bond between us, and we have often been deemed, "Sanford & Daughter!"

The pictures I am sharing of my dad and I, are all from my wedding, 15 years ago.

Telling Kevin..."No, she's yours now....you are not bringing her back home to me..."

(He really said this! LOL!)

As the years pass, and we have children of our own, we come to appreciate our parents more. Times when we thought they were being unfair, we realize as we are faced with similar parenting scenarios, that they did the best they could...and at times find ourselves acting in the same manner they did. I know I do! And as we ALL get older, the bridge that connects us turns into a friendship, and we realize that we are a lot more like our parents, than we would have ever imagined growing up!

I learned alot from my dad, and until I married Kevin, I thought he was the smartest man in the world, "smiles" ...I say that because Kevin is a pretty smart fellow & great dad, too! LOL! But the most important thing my dad taught me, he did so without saying a word. He taught me to pray! When I was a little girl, I went back to my parent's bedroom one night, and my dad was on his knees, by his bedside, praying! This was humbling for me, an image I'll never forget! This is still a nightly ritual for him!

I feel blessed to still have my dad. Kevin does not, and we all miss his dad, Bill!

Although he will probably never see this, I do wish my dad,

a Very Happy Father's Day, with love~

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Awards...

I am always humbled each time a fellow blogger honors me with an award! I have had two new awards this past week, from two great ladies...and I THANK YOU, both.

The first is the Arte y Pico Award, from Mrs B. The first time I saw her profile picture ....Leopard Print shoes with pointed toes, I felt a kindred spirit, and knew we would be friends! LOL! Mrs. B. has a beautiful home, filled with love and three children. She has a wonderful eye for decorating! ...especially her children's rooms. She is always so encouraging, insightful, and kind! ...she has a great sense of humor, too!

The second award, Best Blogging Buddies Award, was given to me by Kathi, at Feathering my Nest! Kathi has a wonderful blog, and incorporates scripture into her post. I always feel as though I have had a devotion, after reading her blog, which I need and appreciate! The home she shares with her four beautiful children, looks like a wonderful, fun haven! She features events and activites with her children, on her blog, that are inspiring to me. She is a sweet soul!

Thank you both!

I'm so glad to call you both friends, you make my life a little brighter! :)

Hope everyone is having wonderful weekend, I'll forward these awards on to some of my friends next week!

~Blessings & Hugs, Rhonda ;)