Great Guys

I was talking with my neighbor and friend Rindi the other day about my lack of faith and fondness for the male gender. I really can't trace this back to any episode in my life. If you've read my blog before, you know I was raised by one the best dad's ever. Women who were raised by less than kind dads probably have more affection for the male race than I do. Anyway, I DO NOT want to pass this feeling on to my girls. So I thought I'd better work on my own attitude toward the opposite sex so that they won't grow up like their mom.

My plan was to step back and really take a look at the men I know and to point out their better qualities. As I contemplated this issue, I was surprised at how many men came to mind. So here we go.

First of course there's my dad. Go here and here for my thoughts on this great guy.

Next, my hubby. Go here to check out my fondness for this one. Let me add that this is where my faith in the male gender resides. I have always thought the world of him. He is incredible. His good qualities have no end. He'd be like the guy Abraham showed God when God said "Show me one good man and I'll spare your city". No lie he is that good of a guy.

This is my brother-in-law Andy. Isn't he a cutie with his little girl P and he is also a great guy. A rare combination, I know. (sorry my less-than-fond-of -the-male-gender-attitude slipping in).

I have always loved my brother-in-law. He loves his wife, his children, and his dedication to making family- life work reminds me of his brother. There are also a couple of personal reasons why I'm fond of this guy. When I was pregnant with my first baby, he gave me his hand to help me out of the back seat of a car. I thought it was very kind. And then when I had this first child, he and his beautiful wife, and my wonderful sister-in-law Dori drove from Tulsa to Stillwater to see us. Jesse was wanting to take a picture of me and the baby and I said "Oh please don't. I look horrible". I thought Andy's response was very nice, "No you don't, you look beautiful. You're a mom!" Sweet huh? He didn't have to say such a thing to me but his kind heart put a smile on my face that day and still does when I recall that memory. So Andy here's to you! You made my list of great guys.

This next guy is one of my favorite. He is also my brother-in-law and married to Trev, Jesse's sister. For awhile, I thought MarySue (my mother-in-law) ran the market on raising good guys, then I met Mark. Mark has one of the kindest heart of anyone I know. Mark definitely builds my faith in men. He is an incredible husband and fantastic father. Hooray for Mark!!

This is Steve. Steve is my husband's best friend. I truly believe Steve and Jesse's friendship helped to make them both the men they are today. Jesse describes Steve as a true friend, honest, funny, caring, multi-talented, and any other good descriptive word you can think of. And I whole-heartedly agree. What I love about Steve is that Steve LOVES his wife and kids and treats Emily like a daughter of God should be treated. Steve is one of the best.

Okay. this is just the start. I plan on adding more guys over the next few days. I have thought of many, many more, I just need to round up some photos so you'll have a face to put with the qualities. How about you? Any great men you want to share to help me build faith in this gender?