Feliz Cumpleaños

Awhile back and for two years in a row, I had the chance to speak in church on Father's Day. My assignment was, of course, to speak about Father's. In my research I found some pretty remarkable facts about some of the world's best fathers. Take for example the Emperor Penguin: Once an egg is laid, the father emperor penguin has the responsibility of protecting it. The father stands out in the freezing Antarctic wind and holds the eggs on his feet until they hatch. During this time the father penguin doesn't leave the eggs for anything, not even to eat and it can take up to sixty days for one of those things to hatch! That's a dedicated dad!

Take a look at this guy. . . 

That's right, he's my dad, and he has all the dedication that any emperor penguin ever had!

He loves his family and would do anything to provide for and protect them. Ever since we were just kids, he has been giving us advice to keep us safe and to keep us out of uncomfortable situations. I'm going to post some of that advice, so please know that this is your lucky day and you are getting these words of wisdom for free:

* Watch out for crazies!

*Don't sniff perfume in parking lots!

*Look in your car before you get in!

*Trust no one!

* Signal in plenty of time!

I could keep going, but just know that he is filled with wisdom and I have taken great heed to those phrases throughout the years.

Today (even though this will show on the 27th, I am really posting on December 26th) is my dad's birthday. What a great day for a birthday, right?! 

He was born at 12:33 am on December 26th missing Christmas by just 33 minutes.

My dad loves horses and farming and chocolate. I told you earlier that he has the dedication of an emperor penguin and that applies to all aspects of his life. He is able to do hard things, and tells us sometimes that we give up too easy!

I look up to him so much, and am forever grateful to have him as my dad!

Happy Birthday Herman, I hope your day was a great one!

-Maria

Five Years Old?!

I realize that this day is pretty much over, but I didn't want it to wrap up without writing a post for one of the most special people in my life. Madison is my first and only niece, my friend, and the person who seems to like me no matter what. She hugs me and tells me she loves me for no reason at all, and I'm sure she'll never outgrow that practice! ;) <--- wink

 Maddie loves anything with a screen and buttons and can operate any electronic device she can get her hands on! She also loves coloring, writing her name, singing, saying words that start with the letter M and she wants to be able to read so bad!

Madison and I seem to have a lot in common with exception to the fact that she requested the classic hot dog dinner to be eaten on the day of her birthday party!

I love Madison so much and am grateful to be her aunt!

Happy Birthday Chicken Lips! I hope your day was mmmmmmarvelous!

-Auntie M