It's Father's Day.
I suppose the first thing I should note is that Tom let me go to the last day of my quilting class instead of being home for Father's Day. Of course, he wasn't here for the first part of Mother's Day, so I think we can agree that it's pretty much a wash.
It's always tough to figure out what to do for Father's Day. We're not much for big gifts on that day, but we like to do some sort of thoughtful token. And as the kids get older, I like to have them involved.
This year? We made jam. When the kids found out we were making a surprise for their dad, they dove right in. Neko and Shep cut every strawberry, and took turns squashing them. They supervised from a safe distance while it cooked, and all three kids happily volunteered to test out the results. Later, Neko drew a picture for the lid and wrote out each word while I spelled.
Making these gifts is getting more and more fun. The first few years it was just me who made an effort to tell Tom what a fabulous father he is, but now the kids are getting in on the act, too.
So it might just be a pint of jam, but it represents a world of love and appreciation for all the things Tom does as the dad around here. While I know I provide loads of good experiences for the kids, he teaches them in ways I never could. From robot voices to spinning vinyl, he seamlessly fills in the gaps, and helps to make our kids these whole, amazing people that they have become.
I'd be remiss to not mention my own father, who deserves just as many props on this day. Thank goodness he realizes I've got my hands full guiding my own kids through their first experiences with this holiday, and was happy with just a phone call. Hooray for dads who get it and understand.
Happy Father's Day to you both.