A Youngest Child's Guide to Father's Day Gift-giving

Sometimes picking that perfect Father's Day gift can be a real challenge.

You know the drill. There's only so many bad ties and barbeque-themed aprons that a guy needs. And then it's Father's Day and you're running off to the store and gift wrapping a jar of peanut butter (true story---saw it today).

It's too late for this year, but if you are a youngest child like me (and you know who you are!) here's a handy-dandy gift guide to keep that person from being YOU the next time Father's Day roles around!

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If your dad is the Outdoors Type, give the gift of allowing him to take your kids camping for the weekend. Nothing makes ol' Dad happier than getting to spend quality time hauling your kids around in the dirt while you have a spa getaway.

Does he like to eat out? Let him have the pleasure of treating you to a dinner at his favorite restaurant. Because if you weren't there, would he really take the time to go for himself? I didn't think so.

Have a Handy Man for a dad? Well, how often does he get a chance to really use all those tools he's collected from previous Father's Days? Make a fun list of things you'd like fixed around the house---trust me, Dad will be thrilled to feel so needed.

Is your dad the type that has lawn equipment with the words "Turbo" and "Charged" in the title? He's probably in the garage right now running his hands over their smooth finish and wishing he had somewhere---anywhere---to take them for a spin. Don't be selfish!----Call dad up and let him know he can use your yard any time.

Sports fan? Everyone knows that football can get a little boring after a while---spice his routine up a  bit with tickets to a spectacular ice dancing competition.

If your dad is an animal lover, imagine his joy when you allow him to pet sit while you jet off to Hawaii on vacation! I mean, there is no better companionship than a Springer Spaniel who's been left home for a week....He'll thank you later, really.

Is Dad a cook? Does he love to barbeque? Is his favorite channel the Food Channel? Give him the opportunity to showcase off his best moves by letting him cater a dinner at your house. For an added bonus, why not make it a party and invite a bunch of your friends over so they can see what an amazing chef your dad is!

What about the Green Thumb Dad? Well, what's the only thing better than one yard to work his magic on? Two, of course! Buy a bunch of plants---don't hold back, go all out (this is for Dad, after all)---and invite Dad over for a planting party. If you send the kids out to help him while you stay out of his way, so much the better. They will make memories they will cherish for years!

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These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity and thought, any youngest child can take Dad's hobbies and come up with a truly...amazing...gift idea.

I know my dad is amazed, anyway.




Love you, Daddy! 

Happy Father's Day from your little princess...

Best Mother's Day Present Ever!

I have a certain, shall we say, fondness for receiving presents. Just about any occasion will do.

And just about any present will do.

But this Mother's Day, my mom really outdid herself in picking the most sweetest, most special-est present for my sister and me. Well, at least for me, anyway. My sister was kind of a dud about it, but that's OK, because it gave me a temporary edge in the favorite daughter competition.

Long ago (exactly how long shall remain undisclosed), my mom made my sister and me matching dresses out of a pretty white fabric with strawberries on it. I LOVED that dress and was very bitter when I outgrew it---that happened with a lot of dresses back then, really, since I tended to forge deep and lasting relationships with my clothes. These days, I'm happy when they pass on because it gives me a reason to go shopping.

Fickleness, thy name is Tina.

But this dress I loved with a passion. I felt cute in it. I WAS cute in it.

And my sweet mother hunted down the same strawberry fabric and bought enough to make my sister and me each a big girl dress out of it.

When I opened the package, my mouth dropped open and I gasped in delight. Instant recognition spanned the intervening years.

When my sister opened the package she went, "You're making us....curtains?"

Tssssssssssst. Score one for the Teenster!

What a Difference a Month Makes...

In one month----from May to June----we went from this.....

To this....

I love spring! Even if I do spend two months of it afflicted with ferocious allergies.

Spring is worth every sniffly, snarfy, sneezy moment!