This is why I'm going to have 50 gazillion kids, Father's Day Edition 2011

There is a saying that "if momma's not happy, nobody's happy." I've been trying to think about what expression would really do justice to what Gil brings to the life of our family, and haven't been able to come to one. None of them really explain how exceptional a father Gil is.

Gil is simply a remarkable man, husband and father. He's one of the most intelligent, most principled, and funniest people I know, and he only seems to be getting better with age. The ten years we've spent as a couple and 8 1/2 we've spent tending to our brood of barbarians have been better than anything I could have ever hoped for. There aren't words to describe what it's like to watch my husband's eyes light up when our 5th child starts to play her toddler games, or to see a father giving batting advice to a 2nd grader with a two year old on his shoulders.


My children are so lucky to have such an excellent man for their Dad. Because my husband is strong, our children are strong. Because my husband is gentle, our children are kind to each other. Because my husband is steadfast, our children know peace.

If every father were one quarter of the man that my husband is, the world would be a better place. I am a better mother for being his wife, and I love him more than words can express. I am so blessed, and my children are so blessed, to have an engaged and loving Dad leading and caring for our family, and surreptitiously pricing 12 seater vans even before we've outgrown our current vehicles.

Happy Father's Day, Gil! I love you more than I'll ever be able to say, which is probably another reason as to why we're going to have 50 gazillion kids.