Yeah. I know. We’re not supposed to brag. It’s not “nice.” Doesn’t look good on us. Makes us sound, pretentious. But, I feel like there are times when it’s warranted. Like now.

You’ve heard me say it before, and I’m going to say it again. I’ll continue to say it until it stops being true. Don’t get your hopes up, it’ll never stop being true. My kids, are awesome! It’s a fact! There’s no denying it. They’re just, awesome! I think they get it from their Mom. Maybe.

It’s not often that I get excited about gifts. “Receiving Gifts” is not my love language. They just aren’t a big deal for me. So, when my kids told me that they were going to make my Christmas gift this year, I just smiled and said “okay.” In all honesty, I was less than excited. In my mind, I was rolling my eyes. At least, I hope it was in my mind.

As the weeks leading up to Christmas passed, I watched as the kids got more and more excited. This started to make me more excited. They made multiple trips to multiple different stores. They did most of their work, while I was at work. They commandeered the balcony and posted hand written notes on doors and windows saying “Off Limits.” The week before Christmas, I was given strict instructions to let them know when I was on my way home so that they had ample time to put everything away before I got there.

Christmas Day finally arrived and as usual, the kids were beyond excited. Initially, that excitement was directed toward their own presents. As usual, I had my own fun. The kids always pick out the wrapping paper they want their gifts wrapped in. This eliminates the need for tags. Of course, when I wrap one’s presents in another’s wrapping paper, there’s bound to be a little excitement.

The time came for them to give me the present they had been working on for weeks. Except, they didn’t give it to me, initially. They had a couple of other gifts they had bought for me, that I opened. After “all” of my gifts were opened, they informed me that there was a clue to my last gift located between two specific movies located on the shelf in the living room. I located the movies and found the “clue” that was waiting for me: a handwritten card.

I pulled the card out and began to read. It was all I could do to keep from tearing up. The card read:

“For our dad who makes us feel blessed every day! You always say that you are the one who is blessed. But having you as a dad is the best gift God could ever give us. We can’t imagine how life is like for you, being a single dad with two crazy kids. But you still lead us to God, you support us in anything we want to do, and you never fail to put a smile on our faces. We want to thank you for being the best dad ever and for loving us with everything you have. We really are the ones who are blessed. Here is something to remind you of the blessings we feel everyday because of our loving God. We also want you to remember with this present that we love you so much and no matter where life takes us, we will always be your Kiddo and Bubba. We love you with everything we have and we are blessed to have you as our dad! Merry Christmas Daddy!”

As I choked out those last few sentences, the kids jumped up and ran to their rooms to get the present they made for me. Needless to say, I was speechless. It was clear that they had put a lot of thought, time and effort into it. I couldn’t help but smile. Yeah, I have AWESOME KIDS! I just don’t know how else to say it. I am truly blessed to be their Dad.

Okay. I’m sure everyone has similar feelings and stories. So here is your opportunity to brag. I give you my permission. Tell me how awesome your kids are! Brag a little. Or a lot! Let it out! Now’s your chance. And…GO!