The Dad Fad

We've all seen these...

and these...

and even these.

But what are the qualifications for such a huge honor?  Well, for someone who has experienced them TWICE- and now, for the third time- first hand, let me tell you.

My earliest memories are of my Dad chasing me around the yard with his oversized camera on his shoulder.  He wanted to document my every move.  And you wonder where I got it?

(There are about 10,000+ pictures of Emerson on my memory cards.  And that's an underestimate. I share about 5% of them.)

I'll tell you what makes a great Dad.  It means making sure his kids never go hungry.

"No, Dad, you're supposed to take the brownie out BEFORE it goes in the microwave!"

And to this day I still mail him grocery lists when I'm coming home.

Sadly, this photo bears a striking resemblance to my usual list.

Being a great Dad means not letting a night go by that he didn't read a Bible story to us before going to sleep.

He was a unbelievable help with our homework and helped us study for numerous tests.  

Just don't ask him for help in that vocational class.

He ALWAYS, without fail, puts us before himself.

He plays all KINDS of games with us.

I love him for his constant jokes and laughter.

This is an actual shirt from his drawer.

He prays for us fervently and many times a day.

(Do you know that the greatest battles are won on your knees?)

He encourages us in EVERYTHING we've ever done, from the big things to the little ones.

"That's a nice worm you caught, Jay..."

His Bible knowledge is unmatched.  He knows the Bible more thoroughly than Bill Gates knows the design on $100 bills.

There are a million more reasons that I could name, but among the things of which I'm most proud, one of them is to call this man my Daddy.

Now, let me tell you about my father-in-law.  He ROCKS!  Glenn Moody smiles two seconds into a conversation, no matter WHAT it's about.

Your car window is broken? We'll get it fixed.

He has one of the best attitudes and is such a joy to be around.  Both of Ryan's parents have treated me like their own from the first time I set foot in their house.  And in their son's heart.  And on his nerves.

But I digress!

He is an absolute master of the grill.

If something is broken he can fix it (Emerson's chandelier fan and our garage motor are just a couple of things that come to mind).

He is a wealth of knowledge on many everyday things and has a way to tell us to do them.  I told him that I'm going to compile a book.

I have to admit it. 99.9% of the time he's right.  About almost EVERYTHING.  He knows it, too.

He has this preciously hilarious giggle when he watches Emerson do anything.

You tee teed on our rug?  Hehehe!

He (and my mother-in-law) raised two God fearing, good hearted boys, and seeing both sets of our parents become grandparents has been one of the greatest blessings of our whole lives.

And now for Ryan: my precious elementary school crush, high school sweetheart, first prom date, fiance, husband, and father of our tremendous Emerson.

From day one, he has been complete mush when it comes to his baby girl.

He has promised to care for, provide, and protect her all the days of his life.

He will even eat with one hand if that's what she needs.

He gives her imaginary car rides.

His ability to make her smile is unreal.

He enjoys every moment with her.

And he will always be her first love.

He is also the perfect balance to my over-the-top schemes and ideas, vocal speed rate, and just overall being.

Ryan's idea of a celebration.

...and mine.

And while sometimes work days and life's everyday mishaps are no fun I was reminded of how blessed I am when I came home to this one day last week.

This Father's Day was Ryan's first, so I wanted to make it extra special.  Emerson "made" him a book of reasons why she loves him, I had a special poem (don't I always?), and then I thought...'I want to do a really special Father's Day picture to celebrate our Dads and Ryan."  

Then as fast as I can burn meat on the stove an idea popped in my head.  I'd have them hold signs telling how long they've been fathers.  And off to Michael's I went for wooden boards and paint.

"How long have you been a Dad?"

Father's Day 2014 Tribute 

By: A sleep deprived Katharine

Being a Dad requires going with the flow,

Playing baseball outside and watching Mickey Mouse shows.

When you’re a Dad you must realize,

That someone is watching with their tiny little eyes.

It means grilling out on Sunday afternoon,

Holding your baby like a football and going, “Zoom, zoom.”

Being a Dad requires courage and trust,

Even if you and your wife sometimes get in a fuss.

This special title requires seeking God’s will,

And accepting a household with no peace that’s still.

Being a Daddy means sharing the load,

Playing sports, painting nails, and catching toads.

Removing a splinter from a finger or hand,

Mowing grass, cutting bushes, and the upkeep of hunting land.

Being a Dad means being brave enough to change a diaper,

Even the ones that are ten or so wipers.

When you’re a Dad you must have a high tolerance for stink,

And you’ll be an engineer when it comes to car seats.

Daddys require skills with tools,

And they’re known for being strict if you break the rules.

Being a Dad is sometimes scary,

Almost as frightening as the day you got married!

Being a Dad is unique to all,

Especially if you have a deer head on your wall.

When you’re a Dad each day you should ask,

Did I show Jesus today?  Did I complete my tasks?

Because when you’re in Heaven and your work is through,

Will those who knew you say they saw Jesus in you?

We thank God for each man here today,

Even when they believe that their ideas are the right way.

For your constant dedication, encouragement, and love,

You reflect our Father in Heaven above.

Our number of days together we do not know.

But with you in our hearts each day we will go.

I completely acknowledge that when it comes to Dads I hit the jackpot.  I also understand that not everyone has the relationship with their Dad that I do with mine.  Some parents and children don't get along, some fathers have passed away, and some are not part of their childrens' lives. But my message loud and clear is that Father's Day is for EVERYONE.  Why?  Let's talk about the ultimate father/child relationship.

It was a fatherly relationship that started it all...that created the Universe...that gave you life.  I don't know everyone's circumstances, but even if your earthly father has failed you or is not a part of your life there is a Father who loves you and wants you to invite Him to be part of yours.  He cares about everything you've done- not just the artwork on the refrigerator, but the big things and the little things.  He cares that you're struggling in your job or your relationship.  He cares that you feel sad sometimes for no reason.  He cares that you are battling a disease or have a grudge in your heart.  Aside from Uncle Sam, the man who wants YOU the most is Jesus.  And he wants it all.  Your whole life.  Sunday-Saturday.  Not Sundays only, not on special occasions. and not when everyone else is looking. It means doing things and living your life in ways that show him you love Him.

It also means bringing JOY to Him in all that you do.  Sometimes literally.

Lifesize Joy pictured 2nd from right.  The taller one.

Joy and I got to spent lots of much needed time together on Father's Day weekend, and on Saturday night I came over and played the piano for her grandmother Ruth.  These ladies had front row tickets to the "concert."

The two tiniest concert goers are on probation for their conduct- hahaha!

I'm not sure how you celebrated Father's Day Sunday in 2014, but each day we should bring glory and honor to THE Father, no matter the earthly situation.  And if you do have a father in your life, give him a call, hug him, ask to borrow his wallet, tell him you love and appreciate him, and thank him for everything he's done.  365 days a year.

Malefi-KART

Some events in history are so major that we remember where we were and what we were doing when they happened.  Like...

1) The first time you heard Britney's "Baby One More Time" on the radio.

Like it or not, it's stuck in your head now.  Admit it.

2) The OJ Simpson Bronco chase

Built Ford tough.

3) That time Janet Jackson performed at the Superbowl

'Twas an unfortunate accident, but we're making the breast of it.

And May 30, 2014 marks a new day in history when both Mario Kart 8 and Maleficent were released- on the SAME DAY!!!  

That's more exciting than pouring Mountain Dew in all the fountains at Disney World.  (I cannot be held responsible if anyone actually goes through with that).

I have mentioned before my obsession with Princess Aurora and the Sleeping Beauty movie. It was absolutely everything I could have imagined!  

Quick: be a magical fairy!

If you haven't seen Maleficent, for Heaven sakes DO IT!!!

And Mario Kart 8 is AMAZING!  A Valium is recommended before gameplay, because it is sensory OVERLOAD with the colors, flying objects, and bright lights.  That, or we're all getting old.

"In my day the only kart we had came from Wal-Mart.  And it was called a Buggy."

For six years since the last game came out we always refer to the ultimate Mario Kart champion.  This honor goes to the person that wins during the first new game, because they are all new races that we don't know.  CONGRATULATIONS, JAY!!!  I'm sure your new Philosophy professors will take such an honor very seriously.

Should I throw this blue shell now, or wait until the last race?

To continue the fun, June 4th marked another anniversary for us.  The number three had special meaning this year:  I had a huge crush on Ryan in the 3rd grade, and we celebrated our third anniversary as a family of THREE!

Ryan & I had a delicious dinner at Blue Marlin that evening while Mother Teresa my coworker, Jeannie, offered to keep Emerson (in addition to her triplets!!!).

Jeannie's wings and halo were at the dry cleaners during this picture.  The boys had the BEST time with her and were apparently asking all day when their little sister was going to arrive.  I suppose that was news to their Dad- hahaha!

Once Emerson hit seven months old she has skyrocketed in ability.

To infinity...and beyond!!!

Aside from crawling around and charging like a rhinoceros (resulting in a few accidents, followed by cuddling) she is completely pulling herself up and standing like a pro.

I actually had to sign an incident report at daycare last week, because she keeps standing on everything and gets so excited that she doesn't know what to do and falls over.

IIIIII keep on fallin'...

And just this week we received (drum roll, please) her transition papers, meaning that developmentally she needs to move up to the next class.

We're movin on up!!! 

I absolutely adore her daycare and the staff.  They are phenomenal, and at this point they can still divert her attention when I leave for work.   I will be HEARTBROKEN the day when she understands that I'm leaving and cries while asking me to stay.  And I might just do it.

When we're at home and she sees me walk away she will sometimes have a meltdown, which is a stark contrast to Ryan's reaction when I leave the room...

But we're all entitled to our not-so-fine moments.  Take last week for example when TWICE in a row the meat I bought from the grocery story went bad in a day, sending me to the Chick-Fil-A drive thru on a rescue dinner mission (do you hear me complaining?) 

The second time I told Ryan not to worry; I'd take Emerson with me for the ride.  That idea was about as good as interrupting someone's wedding vows...because just before I turned into the parking lot someone in the backseat started screaming her head off.  Have you ever tried to place an order with a siren going off in the car?  It sounds a little something like this:

"Hi, how may I serve you today?"

"Yes, I'd like the - WWWWAAAAAAAAA -  chicken nuggets with WAAAAAAAAAA!!!!"

"I'm sorry, what was that to drink?"

"A medium WAAAAAAA!!!!!!"

"Any sauce for you today ma'am?"

"Yes, please, the WAAAAAAAAAAAAA kind!!!!!!!"

"Okay, ma'am, your total is ten- WAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!"

Interruption.  We all know how that turns out.

"I'm gonna let you finish, but these are the best chicken nuggets OF ALL TIME!!!  ALL TIME!!!"

But as I always say, at least she saves the majority of her meltdowns for the family.  She is always such a wonderful host.  She just wants to be part of the action!

She had her first trip to Sumo this past week, with Poppy and Uncle Jay present.  But while the chef was juggling spatulas, slicing vegetables into animals, and creating fire with his bare hands Emerson was more interested in the guy cleaning up the table beside us with the big broom.

She's her father's child!

In other news, I finally figured out what the iPhone 4 "S" stands for.  Spiderweb.  Because THIS is what happened when I dropped my phone on the concrete last weekend.   Each email and website has looked like a mosaic painting for days while I wait on my new phone to arrive. 

Last weekend was full of sweet fun, as usual!!! Saturday afternoon was Anna's much anticipated dance marathon recital.  It was great and would have been even better with a concession stand!  (Future idea for next time.)  Snacks: they make the ballerinas world go 'round.

Saturday evening was an awesome engagement party for Emily and Myers.  I've got to come up with a celebrity-like combo name for them.  Think Brangelina or Bennifer.

"Mirely" has a nice ring to it.  Mirely we roll along.  Mirely mirely mirely down the stream, life is but a dream...

Can you tell that I go on two hours of sleep some nights?

So when our families come to visit they graciously stay up with her at night for us.  Thank GOD for grandparents, uncles, and great grandparents!  We had lots of fun at Nanny & Papa's this week.

We were SO happy to have Uncle Jay accompany us to the Doctor's office a few days ago, where we found out that baby girl has her first ear infection.

She's fine and is taking an antibiotic that smells like this:

It's good to know that although Gak, old Nickelodeon shows, and Lisa Frank stickers are no longer around the Bubblegum medicine has stood the test of time.  Seriously, I used to ask my parents REPEATEDLY when it was time for the next dosage.

This weekend is going to be SUPER sweet, since tomorrow is THIS GUY's first Father's Day!

My next blog will be devoted to Father's Day, what it means to me, and how it's extra special this year.  To the Dads in my life who are an equal mix of loving, awesome, and STRANGE, we love you and hope your day is one you won't soon forget!