service that uplifts...ideas that inspire
Father's day
A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail...
~ Unknown
Clarence
Norman
Nick
Fathers…
They are a part of all we are… our thoughts and our actions.
They show commitment… to give us stability and security.
They freely give of their time and intellect… the building blocks of that treasured storehouse of memories.
Their vision is expansive, high minded and honorable.
Their influence uplifts.
They model patience, tolerance and forgiveness.
We depend on their honesty.
They love us no matter what, understanding we will always slip and fall.
This love is our rock, fostering our resilience.
They are a guiding light… this gift is timeless.
Read With Dad
A Son Needs A Dad … (ages 4 - 7 years)
by Gregory E. Lang
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This NYT best seller is a truly touching picture book that beautifully depicts so many ways a father helps his son to become a man of character. The black and white illustrations along with their touching passages are inspirational for both mothers and fathers. A father's influence upon his son is critical. This is such a perfect springboard for engaging conversation.
Why a Daughter Needs a Dad … (ages 4 - 7 years)
by Gregory E. Lang
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This is a lovely companion book to WHY SONS NEED A DAD. It discusses values and morals that a girl needs to hear, so importantly from her dad.
The poignant passages accompanied by gorgeous illustrations talk about so many ideas; for example, how steadfast is a Dad's love, and that he will always provide that safe spot she can turn to so she will never be alone in the world. There is talk of kindness, too.. Spoiler Alert.. it can be a tear- jerker, but oh, so worth it.
My Papa Rides a Motorcycle … (ages 4 - 7 years)
by Isabel Quintera and Illustrations by Zeke Pena
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We love this story because it simply, but most meaningfully is about the uniquely special relationship between fathers and their children. Little Daisy can’t wait for her papa to come home because then she gets to ride with him on his motorcycle. They don’t go anywhere special, but just being with him and together sharing an activity he so loves to do, does it for Daisy. This award winning author’s words draw us in and the vibrant illustrations are the perfect accompaniment.
Dad By My Side .. (ages 3 and up)
by Soosh
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Here is another book that celebrates that most important relationship, the one between father and child. This little girl has a dad who is larger-than-life, or so it seems to the little girl. His shirts don’t quite cover his large belly, but he is so gentle and attentive. They love one another’s company whether they are playing make believe or warding off monsters under the bed. They teach each other. They are there for each other.
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Soosh’s drawings attracted 2 million views on Instagram and so this book was born.
I Love Dad With The Very Hungry Caterpillar (ages 3 - 5 years)
by Eric Carle
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Join the very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through this celebration of love and all the ways to tell your dad how much you care about him.
Dad By My Side (ages 4 - 8 years)
by Soosh
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Dads are always there when you need them, playing make-believe, making you smile, or fighting off monsters beneath your bed. This book celebrates the special bond between a dad and his daughter.
Hero Dad (ages Pre K - 2)
by Melinda Hardin
A little boy tells the story of his dad who is a superhero. Not quite the type we see in the movies, but about his dad in the military who wears "cool" night vision glasses and camouflage clothing. This is a sweet story about a father and his son that respectfully addresses military families that are so much a part of today's American life.
Afghani Lamb Marinade
One of my husband's favorite recipes is a marinade I got from a friend of mine for lamb. She got it from her ex-sister-in-law who got it from former Afghan rebels that stayed in her house. Originally for lamb, I've found that it's good for any cut of red meat. If the meat is tender then only marinate for 2-3 hours. If it's a tougher cut of meat, stab the meat with a fork or knife before marinating for 24 hours. Over the years I've fiddled with it until I got something I think is even better than the original!
It would be good to shish kebab and grill it for Father's Day.~ Maria
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More...
Following In His Footsteps
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As Father's Day approaches, and those long warm days outdoors, here's a “card” that your child can make to last for years and years. Using a few simple materials from your local craft store, you can create an artistic garden stepping stone that shows your appreciation for Dad.
All year round, you can let Dad know that you're literally “following” in his footsteps! If your Dad is no longer here, it makes a wonderful memorial stone for your garden.
What You Need:
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1 5-lb. bag of dry cement, available in craft or hardware stores
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1 cement mold (you can find plastic ones in many shapes at a craft store, or just use a sturdy corrugated cardboard base from a large pizza box, reinforced at the seams with a little duct tape!)
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Wooden paint stick for stirring
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Plastic bucket
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Chopstick or bamboo skewer for marking words in concrete
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Broken tile and/or round colored glass pieces (available at craft stores or, if you ask, at hardware or tile stores)
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What You Do:
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Find a sunny, protected part of your back yard where it's OK to mess around. Then, prepare your stepping stone “mold.” If you're using a plastic piece (available inexpensively at many craft stores), just place it on a level surface. If you're making your own, cut off the bottom of a sturdy, corrugated pizza box, and reinforce corners and open edges with a little duct tape.
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Following the directions on your concrete package carefully, pour the concrete powder into your plastic bucket, and then add the amount of water required on package directions. Immediately begin mixing everything together with your mixing stick. Don't be surprised if it thickens pretty quickly, and feels stiff. You don't want concrete to get too runny!
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As soon as water and powder are all mixed together, pour the mixture all at once into the mold. Tap the mold lightly to help the concrete settle evenly and to pop out any air bubbles. As the mixture evens out, make sure you rinse your plastic bucket thoroughly. Once the concrete dries, it's going to be much more difficult to clean up!
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At this point, your stepping stone is ready for the best part: decoration! Give your child a chopstick or bamboo skewer, and invite her to scratch out a message for Dad, along with the date of Father's Day this year. Then encourage her to break out her creative energies with tile and glass pieces! To mark this moment in your child's life, you might have her (and other siblings) to press hands or feet into the concrete, and surround them with jewels; or you can arrange tile pieces into a flower, star, or tree design.
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Your concrete may seem to dry fast, but do beware: it's not going to be fully ready until it has sat in a dry, sunny place for at least 2 days. When it has dried all the way, it will naturally pull away from the edges of the mold, and it will pop out easily. Present it with pride on Father's Day—and enjoy it in your garden for years to come.