Before I get into today’s post, I wanted to apologize for the site being down a couple hours last night. WordPress just came out with the new 3.0 upgrade and one of my plugins didn’t take too kindly to the upgrade.

When they ask you to backup BEFORE upgrading it can rescue you from a whole heap of trouble. I had to restore from this backup, deactivate all the plugins and then re-install WordPress 3.0. Everything not only seems to be working properly, but the new look and feel of the dashboard, (kind of like a back office where I write and create content and pages) is very nice. Faster too.

So Cheers to WordPress and big Thanks for this very cool upgrade!

Back before either of our kids were born I remember hearing that “kids will change your life”.

You’ve probably heard it as well.

When we were expecting Brittany my brother-in-law told me he wasn’t going to waste my time telling me how much my life would change – words just couldn’t do it justice. But I’d know the day she arrived.

Truth is, he was right – I had no idea of the impact our two kids would have.

The first thing that comes to mind when Brittany was born, was “Holy COW! She looks just like me!” (The only difference between my first baby picture and hers was that mine was in black and white and hers was in color.)

Then nano second later it hit me like a ton of bricks – I understood.

It’s a feeling that you just can’t express in words. You have to experience it not only to understand it, but appreciate being a parent.

I knew that I was wired to be a father. Kids and I have always gotten along. I think the first time I recognized that I’d be good at it was in high school. I taught kindergarten Sunday school back then. I loved them – and they sure got a kick out of me. I also auditioned at a small dinner theater one summer and got parts in 4 children’s plays that year, one of them as an original cast member of a play called “Patchwork”.

While I nor the play never made it to Broadway, I’ve held a starring role as Dad the last eight years for “Schmopsie-Pooh” and Googley-Bear”.

It’s a role I not only enjoy – but cherish.

I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to spend the kind of time I do with my kids. Because I work from home and set my own schedule it makes me available to help with homework, projects, crafts and games. One of my favorite times of day are when both climb up into my lap in the recliner, one on one side, 0ne on the other to cuddle and watch their favorite TV shows.

They’re my pride and joy – and I wouldn’t give this job up for all the money in the world.

Once a year, we take time to either thank or remember our father’s. The role they play is invaluable to our development. I wouldn’t be who I am today without mine and I’m grateful for the roll he had in my life.

As a kid I didn’t always appreciate it. (We never do – do we?) As I get older and now have kids of my own, it’s made me more appreciative of the sacrifices, hard work, and time he made for me in my upbringing.

He’s now retired and enjoying life on the farm with my younger brother and his family. (Told me he retired and “bought the farm” LOL!) Doing what I remember him doing most as a family during the summer – gardening.

To all the father’s young and old who read this over the weekend – thank you for your contribution.

Happy Father’s Day!

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