Happy Father’s Day!

In honor of Father’s Day, I want to share a few of the things I’ve learned from my dad over the years.

One of the most important things I learned from my dad was to serve. When we were younger, my dad would take my siblings and I to the homes of elderly neighbors. We would visit with them and hear all about their children and grandchildren and life stories. And then we would mow their yards and do whatever housework we could help out with. Truth be told… I really didn’t like this growing up. But… truth be told now, I am so grateful for it. My dad introduced me to what it really means to serve those in our communities. To look after the widows and helpless. To love and serve and listen without expecting anything in return.

I also learned from my dad that it’s never too late to follow a dream. He was in his 40′s when he left his career managing restaurants and went back to college to finish a degree he had quit on 20 years prior. It was while he was in college in his 40′s that he and my mom decided to move our family overseas.

I’ve heard it said that the best way to show love to your children is to love their mother. And he does that. My mom could certainly hold her own when we were growing up (she wasn’t exactly a damsel in distress waiting for dad to do the disciplining), but Lord help the child who spoke disrespectfully to our mother in front of our father. He loves her, defends her, respects her, and cherishes her.

My dad isn’t a super emotive kind of man. He doesn’t cry much or get overly exuberant. He’s steady and often quiet. Unless of course you start talking about God or China… in which case he has plenty to say. I will say, that watching my dad become a grandfather has been fun. Where he might have been more reserved before, he acts silly in order to get a laugh from a grandchild. {exhibit A: the pink furry scarf on his head // exhibit B: all six of his grandkids}

My parents with their five children, three son-in-laws, one daughter-in-law, and six grandchildren.  {I know I use this family picture all the time, but it just makes me laugh so much… can’t help it, haha!}

Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

I know him!!!

Remember in the movie Elf when Buddy hears that Santa is coming? In case you don’t, here’s a refresher:

Right so… that was definitely my reaction when I saw Paul Mitchell, a guy I have known since he was a gangly teen, on America’s Got Talent last night! Did you see him? If not, check it out:

It was so surreal to see him on that stage! I can’t even tell you how proud I am of him. When Christopher and I used to be involved with a basketball outreach ministry, Paul would come and play. Christopher kind of took Paul under his wing and coached him. I can’t tell you how many times I had to ride in the car with those two very smelly boys after several hours of basketball, haha! But it was great. Paul was always one of my favorites and as such, I would tease him plenty. And now, all these years later… he’s on AGT and headed to Vegas! So proud!

Kid Food

So several weeks ago we had “kid food” night with my teen girls. I’m not sure how I didn’t get around to posting about it until now. It was their last Thursday of exams and I felt like they needed a little throw-back to earlier days. So before you start judging me for buying, preparing, and serving unhealthy junk food… let’s just remember that whole “all things in moderation” thing.

We started off with some Penguins {like “Goldfish” but cuter!}

 And of course you have to have the classic orange-powdered Mac & Cheese.

And chicken nuggets in the shape of DINOSAURS!

And of course these adorable little corn dogs which are so easy to make. Just pour corn bread mix into mini muffin man and put a small piece of hotdog in the centers. Bake like normal for muffins, then serve! {original recipe here}

Are you sensing a trend? Yes, indeed, it is ALL the same color! Mac & cheese, “Goldfish,” chicken nuggets, french fries, and corn dogs.

And for dessert… what could be better kid food than Jello?

A couple of my girls tease me for always making such healthy food all the time so they were more than a little surprised when they walked in the door to all of this. To tell you the truth, I was a little surprised myself. I’m not sure why, though. Honestly, I grew up eating wholesome homemade dinners so quick-and-easy lunches that included things like Mac & Cheese and Chef Boyardee (ravioli and dinos were the BEST!) weren’t really the end of the world. I certainly turned out alright.

And since we’re having a throw-back moment… here’s me as a little.

Happy Friday, friends!