Father's Day is coming!

Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil war veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington State. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent.
The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across America other people were beginning to celebrate a "father's day". In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Jonson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.

Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's Day.




I used to think father's didn't deserve a beer let alone a holiday. I mean, after all, they didn't suffer the pain and agony of delivery, lose even a wink of sleep during the endless months of baby days, have poop thrown at them or even been puked on. They never had their hormones messed with or their bodies turn into something from a horror movie. All they had to do is watch the woman go for the wild ride.

I've come to realize that they deserve more than I thought. They're built differently. They may not have to suffer the physical pain but it may be harder for their testosterone driven bodies to watch and endure their sweet women doing it. I can only imagine how hard it would be for me to watch one of my babies give birth. I bet I'd fall apart. Yet, there they are, still and solid. They endure it and move on.

I've spent so much time trying to get him to care when maybe, just maybe he's not supposed to. I mean, maybe he's built to be our rock. Without our man to take care of us and our babies, would we emotionally capsize?

And what about those emotions? Woman know perfectly how to nurture a boo boo or what to do when your 5 year old is grumpy as can be after not getting much sleep. We have those built in thermometers in our lips and can detect a stinky diaper a mile away. Men just look at the kid and go blank. Maybe they aren't dumb as a doorknob after all.

So, for all the father's that are there and put an effort into their family, they may not be perfect or even claim to be. Honor them with a hug, a back rub or that dagone beer. Give them something for being your rock, even if they stare at you blankly.

Craft Supplies

We have decided that we are going to start selling craft supplies. The demand is there and I don't know why we didn't start sooner.

If anyone has requests, please let us know. All the requests will be put into a drawing and the winner will recieve a prize in June. Check back for updates.

Memorial Day Desserts

This memorial day you can have a fun and relaxed time, enjoying those around you. If relaxation is key, take it easy with no fuss meals.

Hot dogs and hamburgers are classic for sure. But here are some quick yummy tips for dessert:

Flavored Iced Tea
Make a cool drink by sending a pot of water through your coffee pot with 8-9 tea bags inside where the coffee should be. Strawberry or blueberry is great but plain tea is fine too. Next, add the pot of concentrate to a large pitcher with one cup of sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add enough ice to fill up the pitcher. Cold water is fine too, you'll just have to refridgerate the tea an hour or so. For the finishing touch, add some frozen blueberries or strawberries!

Patriotic Smores
For smores that are sure to be a hit, buy the strawberry marshmallows this time. When the marshmallows are melted, simply dip the edges in blue sprinkles. This is great for kids and a lot of fun.


Red White and Blue Cake:
We have all seen those cakes with strawberries and blueberries on them in the shape of a flag. They are extremely simple and my favorite dessert.

For Cake Pan:
Cut an angel food cake in cubes. Add all of the cake to cake pan, squeezing them together for a tight fit and even top. Next, pour pudding mixture over the cake. Refridgerate 2-4 hours.

Spread cool whip on top and arrange blueberries and strawberries in flag shape.

Pudding Mixture:
1 package of pudding
1/2 pack of cream cheese
1/2 small tub of cool whip
1/2 cup of milk

For layered glass dish you can use the same recipe but layer it instead. Or you could make two batches of jello, 1 blueberry and 1 strawberry (with frozed berries added if you'd like). Make sure you follow the directions for Jello Jigglers on the box. Layer the cake and jello and top with cool whip.



You could also, simply add them to clear plastic or glass cups for everyone.

End of SCHOOL

I am so excited for the end of the school year. I would say more excited than my children. ;0)
I can't wait to take them to the park, swimming and go on picnics. The big treat for Ryan and I is NO MORE BEDTIMES. We always hated having to be back home in time to get them to bed. Although I'm not being fair, getting them to bed wasn't the problem...it was waking them up! My kindergartener would stretch that time as long as he could and just lay there. It was almost like he was in slow motion just to aggravate us. Lord help us in those teen years!

Those popsicle and pool laden days are coming, but for now, here is a project you and your children can do to thank those wonderful teachers for taking care of your babies.

Flower Pens:

You will need:
One pen or a pack of pens
Green floral tape
Scissors
Fake flowers

Cut off a flower making sure that you leave about 1 1/2" stem. You may add more than one flower or leaves as well.

Remove the cap from your pen. Starting at the bottom, of the pen (not the tip) put a piece of floral tape up and over the end just to cover it (about 1-2").

While holding the end tape in place, start wrapping the piece with the tape still on the spool. Wrap it tight a few times only. (do not rip the tape)


Next, add your flower stem or an arrangement against the pen. Continue wrapping the pen with the tape. Keep note wether or not you want to go the whole way to the tip or just above the grip.




Continue wrapping the pen upwards, going around the pen one last time. Rip the tape and smooth at the top. Voila!

You can now add a ribbon or little note or even make a whole bouquet! They are so adorable and very useful. You can also decorate a bucket or flower pot. Fill the flower pot with floral foam and hot glue some moss to the top. Then, with caps on, push pens inside for a beautiful arrangement.




If you don't have the time to make them, stop by the store. I made a bunch and you can buy just one or a whole bouquet to send.

Fun this FRIDAY NIGHT!!!!

This Friday we will be hosting live entertainment at 7pm.

New Pictures of our store