Father's Day

Being that the only children we have are furry and don't talk, Father's Day is still all about our dads this year.  Its days like today that really make me sad that we live so far because for me all i'd like to do is spend the day with my dad.  Instead we skyped and now i will reminisce a little before i put in the next load of laundry.  

My dad was always hard working, taught me valuable lessons, provided me with incredible opportunities, and protected me like a great dad should.  But strangely i didn't become a "daddy's girl" until i graduated from high school and went off to college.  Maybe it was because he stopped working so hard and started having more fun, or maybe i was finally old enough to see how great he really was. probably it was a combination of both, and either way i am grateful.  

We watched football and drank beer, i taught him what a keg stand was and he took pride in being a "Phi Sigma Sigma Dad".  He talked me out of several compulsive changes of my major and he took a genuine interest in my life at college.  My newfound closeness to my dad gave me that extra push to go home on long weekends and en excuse to get excited about the homecoming football game.

When it came time to plan my wedding, it was my dad that was the most excited about hearing all the little details.  He came to almost every appointment, not just to write a check, but because he was actually interested in what the flowers would look like or what the food would taste like.  He made sure he got to invite all his friends and that there would be an open bar so that it would be a great party.  he said all the right things when i showed him my dress or talked about the favors.  

Marrying Mark was clearly the best thing that happened that day, but walking down the aisle and dancing with my dad were some of the best moments i've had with my dad.  So cheers to you dad, you party animal and you big softie, I love you tons and wouldn't trade you for any other dad in the world.  It may have taken us a while to figure out our relationship, but its a damn good one.

For the love of Sunday

Sunday is becoming my new favorite day.  It's usually calm and it's rare that one of us have to work so we have the whole day just to ourselves.  When we only have one full day to spend together as a family we do whatever we can to make it a good one.  

Yesterday was a great example of a perfect family day. After sleeping in and cuddling with the fur babies, we made a big breakfast and lounged on the couch with coffee.  Then it was time for a walk with the pup, who gets so excited about going for a walk that once I put my socks on he runs around in circles barking at the door.  We did over 3 miles in the canyons that loop around our house, they are so pretty and the dog obviously loves the terrain.

After the walk it was lunch and haircuts...yes haircuts, in my living room, every week, thank you Marine Corps. I'm getting really good at a "medium fade", just saying.  

Somehow i got my husband to agree to go to church with me, and afterwards he said he actually didn't mind it!  So we are now a church going family.  A little quiet perspective on a Sunday evening isn't a bad thing.  Not to be too bragadocious, but I made an awesome dinner last night.  Chicken, fried rice and broccoli (recipe below), with a glass of wine and left over cheesecake for dessert.  All finished off with a few competitive games of Clue :) 

So that was our perfectly simple, family Sunday.  Filled with quality time, free activities and great conversation with lots of laughs.  I hope you all had an equally lovely Sunday! 

Chicken Marinade:

Soy sauce

Sherry wine

Ginger 

Garlic

Brown Sugar

(i don't measure things and i cheated with powdered garlic and ginger)

I cooked the chicken on the stove in some of the marinade so that the chicken stays moist and then the marinade caramelizes and gets all gooey and sticks to the chicken. yum.

Fried Rice:

Rice

Green Onion

Corn

Egg

Garlic

Soy Sauce

I used the same pan from my chicken (with the leftover marinade goo) and sauteed the green onions a little then add some corn, i had one ear of steamed corn left over so i cut it off and threw it in the pan.  Then add an egg or two depending on your taste, throw in the precooked rice, a little more soy sauce and some garlic powder, cook until mixed.  

Broccoli:

Steamfresh Broccoli

Put the bag in the microwave and press 5 minutes

:)