Happy Father's Day!!!!!!

Growing up I had a wonderful relationship with my father. He would always listen and give good advice. He was supportive by being at all of my dance recitals and we even had all kinds of father/daughter date nights together. He is hardworking with an incredible work ethic. He has supported his family, taught us responsibility and shown us a ton of love. My dad taught me how to change a tire, protect myself and about the man I want to marry (one like him). He is a wonderful father and I love him very much. I am very grateful for everything he has sacrificed to support us, all the love he has shown us and the lessons he has taught me. I wouldn't be the adult I am or the parent I am if it weren't for him. Below is a picture of my mom, dad and my little boy :)

When I was 17 I met a man that is very much like my father and I couldn't help but fall in love with him. He is hardworking, dedicated, loving, caring and an incredible father. He supports his family in many ways. He is a kind man that opens doors for people, helps complete strangers and would give the shirt off his back if somebody really needed it. He is a loyal husband, a source of strength and my best friend. I love my husband and I am thrilled that he is the man that I have started a family with. When I look at my husband I think that he is definitely the type of man I want my son to be. He is a great role model and I am very lucky. Below is a picture of my husband with our little boy :)

Now my husband wouldn't be the man he is without the guidance of a very special man. My husband's father is technically his stepfather. Often times I think that stepparents get a bad reputation because of all the stories with evil stepmoms and kids always complaining about their stepparents. In reality they are a loving adult that is choosing to raise a child that is not theirs by blood and yet they love them, guide them and cherish them all the same (the same with adoptive parents). That is exactly what my husband's father did. He treated my husband like he was his flesh and blood. He was there for support, advice, guidance, lessons and to provide a ton of love. If you ask my husband this man is his father no ifs ands or buts about it. Below is a picture of my husband's mom, dad and our little boy :)

It is nice to give some recognition to all the things the dad's in your life have done. Sometimes they don't get enough of it. So make sure you tell them you love them and thank you! Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day...

Father's Day is coming up on June 17th of this year. Now if you are like me then the men in your life are the hardest ones to shop for. It seems that they either buy what they want or they want something that is totally out of my price range like a new electronic gadget or tool (which I typically know absolutely nothing about). Since this is my husband's first father's day as a daddy I wanted to figure out something special to get him and it has made me think about different basket ideas.

Have you ever noticed during a gathering, party or bbq that the men are always either gathered around the grill or the alcohol? I don't know if this is just my family and friends or if it happens with yours too but that is what I have noticed. So how about a bbq basket with a new grill set (like spatula, tongs, grill brush), apron (with maybe grill master on it), their favorite bbq sauce or seasonings, a meat rub and cookbook. You could get them a shots basket which includes small bottles of different alcohol, shot glasses and recipes or a basket with all the makings of their favorite beverage. Then they can share all their new goodies with the other guys at the next gathering.

Most of the guys in my family like various sports like football, golf, fishing and baseball. You could make tailgating baskets filled with their favorite snacks, some beer and maybe tickets to a game. If they like fishing you could buy a bunch of fishing lures and some new fishing line and put that in a basket. You could set up a golfing basket and include golf balls, tees, pencils, set up a tee time at a course they love and some money for some drinks at the clubhouse after.

Now you could always just make a basket filled with all his favorite things. You could include his favorite cologne, snacks and drinks. If he loves the movies you could include movie tickets. If he loves electronics include a gift certificate to his favorite gadgets store.

Just remember that guys like that sentimental mushy stuff too...sometimes.  But also remember that you have to lighten it up with a joke of some kind too (you know guys and showing their emotions).

Make sure that whatever you get that special dad in your life it expresses how much you love him and appreciate everything he has done for you. Dad's are hardworking, loving, giving and deserve to feel loved too. As always let me know if you would like a basket by emailing me at CaringExpressionsGiftBaskets@gmail.com