Just Another Week . . . Yeah, right?!?

So it is Monday, August 6th and I have lived 48 August 6ths before but this Monday starts a different week for us as a family. This Saturday, Shelbi, our oldest trades her name in for one that comes alot earlier in the alphabet. It is true, Shelbi Brooke Turner will become Shelbi Brooke Ellison and Mrs. Mark Ellison. Holy freaking cow! our baby is getting married! And . . . it is a very good thing.

I spoke about Mark earlier here so I will not rehash that all over again. I will say once again, how thankful and proud we are to have him as a part of our family. This past few months (about four or so) Sondra and Shelbi have been in wedding prep mode. Actually I think they both had been thinking through alot of plans prior to the engagement and just put most of that plan into action in April. To watch those two has been a blessing in itself. A little background will help you understand that last statement. Both Shelbi and Sondra are "planners". They make lists of lists of things to be accomplished. They are efficient, detailed and incredibly focused on getting tasks done. They look alike, think alike, act alike, walk alike and work alike. She is her mother's daughter for sure. At times they can be a little short fused, determined and can dig in. (I am not speaking out of turn or throwing either of them under the bus.) Through these past few months they have worked together beautifully. Sondra has been the ultimate Mom in planning and making sure her daughter's wedding will be what Shelbi wants. It has been a beautiful thing to watch. I know that Shelbi is aware of and thankful for the care and detail that Sondra has taken.

And, . . . I know my place. I can be somewhat of a jokester, antagonist, interjector of sarcasm, etc. and I have chosen to refrain from that and wisely so I might add. I have discovered that a dad's role is to provide the budget, give lots of hugs and generally do what he is told to do. (I don't mean that negatively either.) I get to play a pretty big role and in fact already have. A daddy is to love and protect his daughters. He is to listen to their heartaches and their joys and he is to unconditionally love and support. He also gets to teach them to throw a ball; ride a bike; dribble and shoot; and to model how a man treats his wife and shows honor and respect. He hurts when they hurt; encourages; cries and laughs with them; and feels a little sad when that one young man comes around that he knows will become the man that his daughter loves and makes her husband. But that dad is also very proud when that young man loves God and his daughter and that little bit of sadness is mixed with great joy.

There are a few things left to do this week before 2p on Saturday. In the mix of those things is some good time with family and a whole lot of thankfulness. So many things to reflect on; to celebrate; and to be thankful for this week. And we are thankful that we get to share it with many of you.