Kickin' It With Quincey

A letter for Father's Day:

Dear Quincey,

I decided to start this blog for you. Essentially, it's supposed to be a 21st century baby book that you can look back through when you're a big girl. So today I wanted to write a letter to you about papa.

This last weekend was father's day. It was your papa's FIRST EVER father's day. You don't know it yet but I want to let you in on a little secret.... You have the best papa in the world. God created you especially for him and he was created especially for you. That's pretty cool isn't it?

You see, a little girl's daddy is a very big deal and a very important person. Every little princess needs a good papa. There is no one else in the world that can imitate or recreate a father figure. He plays an absolutely essential role in your life. So, it makes sense that there would be one day a year dedicated to the celebration of a father. You just happened to have the best one! As you grow up you will realize why he's the best.

I wanted to create a list of some of the reasons why you have the best father ever!

PATIENCE: Your papa has a very patient soul. When your mama is about to jump out of her skin, papa remains cool and calm. He is always willing to invest the patience and time necessary to deal with a situation. When mama was bawling because it seemed like you would never be born, he would just hold mamma and remind her to be patient. When mama wants to rush rush rush, he reminds her to take a deep breath and slow down. When mamma is just overall being *NUTS* he is always patient. And finally, when you are screaming and inconsolable, he is patient and understanding. This is a virtue that he has in spades and you will do well to follow his lead here.

INNOVATION: You papa doesn't see what is in front of him. He sees what could be in front of him. Mamma does a really good job of coloring inside the lines but papa... papa sees the lines and figures out a way to recreate those lines so he can color a whole different picture. Papa never sees a problem, he sees a solution. Even if that solution is outside the lines, he will find a way to change those lines to achieve that solution. This is a gift that you need to watch closely. Learn how to be innovative. Watch papa and you will learn to ask "how". May sound simple but, most of us settle for what we're given and don't see beyond that. Papa always sees the how. He always sees what can be. Not what is.

BRAVERY: When there is a massive mountain for papa to climb, he never tries to find a way around it. He figures out how to climb it. He is never scared to ask the tough questions and face the scary monsters. Once, he told me that he never wants our family to hide from monsters in the closet. He told me that no monster stands a chance when we face it together. Now that's bravery. And, he's right. Don't run away from those monsters in the closet. Be like your father and face them with courage and bravery. Be confident that you can conquer them. And, if you can't conquer that monster alone, I assure you, your papa will be honored to slay that monster with you. All you have to do is ask.

CARING: Papa has a very big heart. Luckily, you stole his heart the minute you were born. That means that he will do whatever he has to in order to give you all that you need. You watch... because he loves you so much, he will always put your needs before his own. He will move mountains for you. Papa cares about you so much that he will always be your biggest cheerleader.

WORK ETHIC: Everyone has work ethic. Papa just happens to have amazing work ethic. Papa takes great pride in his work. I can't count the nights that papa has gone above and beyond what is required of him when doing a job. He combines all the virtues listed above and uses them all when he is working on something. I'm not just talking about his job, although his work ethic has carried him far there, but no matter what task he starts, he always sees it through. Lots of things can be hard work. Your job, your friendships, daily responsibilities, and relationships. Nothing is always easy, but papa will show you how to always put in the work necessary to be successful in any area of your life. He will teach you how to never take short cuts, how to use your innovation, your bravery and your patience to have a job well done. Mamma's first reactions has always been, "I can't" but papa has taught mamma how to say, "I'll try. And, I can!" You're lucky to have a papa that will teach you that!

HUMBLENESS: Your papa is very good at many things but you will never ever see him brag or boast. He will be the first to pass on an opportunity to puff out his chest. You see sweetie, if you are really confident in who you are, there is no need to impress others by finding any opportunity possible to exploit your talents and strengths. Your papa has the confidence to let his talents speak for themselves and doesn't require the accolades others do in order to feel good about himself. Be this person. Don't be boastful. Do things for yourself, not for what others will think of you. Don't worry, just papa and you will see how.

Finally, Papa will show you how you deserve to be treated. As a little princess, you will have many suitors. The first example you will have of that is how papa treats your mama and I'm proud to tell you to watch very closely. If you do, you will no doubt know exactly how a man should treat you. Papa will show you that you deserve unconditional patience, support, and love. He will show you that a man should always respect a woman. He will show you that you are worthy of being cared for, of being supported, and being loved unconditionally loved. He will show you that, even when the going gets tough, a man that truly loves you, will always be on the same team as you, no matter what.

Quincey, to sum it up, watch papa closely. You will not only learn the importance of good virtues but you will learn your worth. Mama continues to learn hers from papa every day.

Don't ever forget that you have the best papa ever!

And, I couldn't be happier to share this life with you and him.

Love,

Mama.

What a beautiful Sunday us Schroeder's had in the mountains. We wanted to get out of town but it seemed like the rest of the town had the same idea. Part of the fun of going to the mountains is to go where no one else is but it looked as though we would be creeping along the road with every other car. Until... Joe found a side road that we thought we would explore. I had literally just told him that we needed to find our own little secluded spot that no one seems to know about that we can always go to. He said that would be pretty tough in mountains lying between cities but, leave it to my husband to find just that. It was absolutely amazing! We drove for miles without a car passing us, pulled off to examine things, and barely scratched the surface of our new found get away.