Father's Day 2014

 

Yesterday was a good day to celebrate dads.

 

Father's Day last year was definitely tougher than I had anticipated it would be. And this year was still tough. I found myself getting choked-up looking at Father's Day cards and seeing ones that I would have chosen for Dad. I don't think it's possible for me to miss him any more than I do right now nor any less. I don't think I will ever be "used" to him being gone. I also certainly don't think Dad would want me sitting here all sad and pouty. There still is so much to smile and be happy about. He and my mom couldn't have given me a better childhood or a happier life.

 

And now Joe and the girls are continuing to fill my life with joy, love, and craziness. I'm thrilled that I will get to watch their daddy-daughter relationships grow over the years. I don't think any of them know just how incredible that bond is going to become. It's a blessing and definitely something to celebrate.

 

This year, we got to spend the entire day together as a family. We ate breakfast together, accompanied Joe to the couple of stores he had to do a little bit of work at, and then came home for lunch. We visited some open houses (just for fun, I don't think we are moving anytime soon, we just really like open houses.) and did some yard work/storm clean-up.

 

Joe acted as the fairy FEMA by recovering our flooded fairy garden. He also set up a drain system for future flash floods. (I tell you, this man was meant to have daughters.) Cece and I baked Joe a cake (and then went a little wild with the decorating). Cece had been talking ALL WEEK about baking this cake so I'm guessing this was the highlight of her day. And then before we knew it, it was time for the kiddos baths and bedtime.

 

 

I hope you had a fantastic Father's Day! Dads really are the best ; )

 

And I love you, Dad! I've looked up to you my whole life and I hope you know that I am still looking up to you.

 

We are lucky girls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genetically, C seems to have gotten a whole lot of her traits from her dad (such as her devilish grin, her penchant for ICE CREAM, and her desire to beautify the yard) . However, she and I have this one thing in common. We are both girls who can be proud anytime anyone says "You're just like your father."

 

 

 

 

"Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it."

-L.M. Montgomery

 

I miss Dad every single day. Whether he is in the forefront of my mind, or the back of my mind, he is always with me. Everyday, I strive to live and love in a way that would make him proud. It's been helping me to think that way.

 

It also helps to know that I managed to marry someone like my Dad (just slightly taller). Someone with a big heart and a generous spirit. Someone who makes life a fun adventure and who makes his daughter the center of his world.

 

I'm reminded of my dad and my own childhood anytime I see Joe teach Cece something new, include her in whatever he is doing, and talk about her when she's not around. Even at two, I see her becoming brave and confident. I see a special love between them and I already know that he is her hero. And I know that he would do anything for her.

 

 I'm also so lucky to have a such a fantastic father-in-law. I informed him that I might be a slightly needy daughter-in-law for awhile. And he said that's ok.

 

Give your dad (or any great dad!) a really big hug today!

June Happenings

The best parts of June:

With so much sunlight, we have been taking early morning family walks before Joe goes to work. We take along a coffee, plus Cece and the dogs, and it's been a great way to start each day.

Cece entering the world of big-kid food. No more formula, no more bottles, and no more baby food (well, sometimes those Gerber Toddler meals). So, our meals have gotten a little healthier, a little messier, and definitely more entertaining.   

Starting our veggie garden. We know it may not yield much this year, but Joe and I (mostly Joe) built those beds and shoveled the dirt in with enthusiasm. It's so satisfying to do manual labor with your significant other. And the construction all got done in ONE day. Joe said "Rome was not built in one day... but Rome did not have JOE."

And of course, celebrating Father's Day! Much love to my Dad whom I hope to see soon. To celebrate, we made Joe a pancake breakfast and gave him a few gifts, including an ice cream cake. If you know Joe, you know how he feels about ice cream cake. (He looooooooves it.)

I've also attended a couple photography seminars, been Zumba-ing as much as I can, and went on a Madagascar 3 date with the hubby. I must say, life isn't too shabby around these parts.

To all the papas out there...

Happy Father's Day!

Me and my pop on our east coast vacation when I was 12.

It's a special one. It's my dad's first father's day as a "grumpa" and my husband's first father's day as a dad. I hope everyone gets to spend time with their dad, grandpa, or husband today. Where would we be without them?