Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my Dad's birthday so me and the boys went over this morning and made him breakfast--a gourmet meal of course--eggs, toast and a two-bite brownie with a candle in it!

There is nothing my Dad ever wants--his usual response when you ask for gift ideas is a "bouncing ball and spinning top." For many years, he just responded with "a hug and a kiss", which I'm sure was met with many an eye roll. Having kids myself, I now appreciate his response. I can remember when he turned 40--I was 5--and of course thinking he was old. My Dad is an amazing man and for those of you who know him, I don't have to tell you that but to me he has also been an amazing father. I can remember when I was little and always wanted to follow him around--maybe because he was always doing something ("idle hands are the devil's workshop") or maybe b/c I have my own fierce case of ADD just like he does. Once I followed just a little too closely and he ran me over with the lawnmower. I can still hear my Mom's scream. I'd busy myself in the cold basement just to talk if he was working in his workshop, or walk around the pool when he was cleaning it. Regardless of the location, I have always enjoyed his company and appreciated his humor. He taught me to read, encouraged me, afforded us the opportunity to travel, took us out of school to go on trips with him, took an interest in my interests (when I was young these interests had to do with Brownies, Cheerleading, ZTA,....all things most Dads would not find interesting.) My Dad however painfully sat through Cheerleading competitions, attended HS football games, (he did have headphones on though listening to Penn State football, but I digress) and can tell you that Zeta was founded in Farmville, VA. There are millions of little things I remember but most importantly is that he has always made me feel special and loved. Even if I am the 4th of 5 kids and nothing I did was ever "reinventing the wheel". I guess you don't fully realize that until you become a parent yourself but I appreciate him more everyday and especially on his birthday. There's not much more you could ask for. Happy Birthday Dad--you are loved!