Fathers Day 2014

Fathers Day 2014, Austin and Alec with Dad

The greatest gift I ever had
Came from God; I call him Dad!
~Author Unknown

 

Today was going to be a no brainer for me. I decided very early on I was going to be better than the best Anita I could be. I was going to try and be more patient, more loving, more organized and more prepared to create the best Fathers day I could for Andy.

I had a couple exciting things to help make the day special for Andy.
I can not control every detail of the day, like my children fighting, arguing, talking backing and all the typical preteen and teenage characteristics.
But I can give some great gifts that just might trump sibling rivalry. I can make some kicking ribs that just might disguise the boys wrestling physically and verbally. And I can make the house spotless in hopes it will trump me having to be that nagging mom with the high pitched voice that no one likes to hear.

1. I worked with the kids all week to make a canvas picture for their dad.
2. I bought him a new Garmin 220!

Fathers Day run  Selfie!

We opened gifts after church. Andy LOVED the canvas prints that the boys made, Austin's print made Andy cry.  I have always told the boys that tear effect lasts forever. Andy loved them both and can not wait to have our own home to display them.
The Garmin 220 was like the cherry on top. At first he was like "No, No, You shouldn't have..." That lasted about a half of a second, then the watch was out of the box! He was like a big kid, he couldn't get it out fast enough.

I knew Andy was going to want to play with his new toy. I couldn't run the distance  Andy was going to go. I stayed back and prepared the food and house for our family. Mom, Dad, Andy's brother Matt and his family were all coming over at 4:30. I really didn't plan anything because of all the chaos this week has brought.
Andy came back home after running 5 miles and I joined him for the last 4 miles. Monumental days are my favorite running days. Running with Andy on Fathers Day makes the day for both of us very fulfilling.
I would lie to you if I said I had no knee pain. It came on at mile 3, making mile 4 a perfect place to wrap it up.

Matt, Dad and Andy

Mom and Dad arrived shortly after we returned home. I was able to wash up good enough that I didn't offend.
Soon enough my brother in law and his 8 kids arrived.
We had the best time. We had so much food and fun.
I think we pulled off a GREAT Fathers Day, me and the Boys. The boys were even less bratty than normal which in turn helped me not have to unleash my annoying mom voice. That all said mixed with tear effect and a new running watch...I think it was near PERFECT!

Rundown:
Distance: 4 miles, Intervals, 5:1
After everyone left,  Austin and I went for a 6 mile bike ride. It really stirred a lot of memories for me.

It was a Great Day. I have a lot to be grateful for. Even in Loss there is still so much joy to be received. I lost my father at 11 years old. There are many out there who do not have a father or do not have a relationship with their father.
I pray you were able to have the strength and courage to conquer any thoughts that may have high jacked your day.
I pray that you could find some joy, some smiles, some tears that helped you heal.

Anita

Sheba enjoying Fathers Day too!