Happy Father's Day!

On July 19, 1910, the governor of the U.S. state of Washington proclaimed the nation’s first "Father’s Day." However, it was not until 1972, 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official, that the day became a nationwide holiday in the United States.

Thinking of my Father today.  He passed away on May 2, 1972
   

 

Front row:  My Dad, my Mom and my brother, Louis

Back row:  My sister, Una Mae, me and my sister, Leona

 

 

I always read my hometown newspaper online when I get up in the morning. This morning there is a very interesting article about a STAY AT HOME DAD.  I would like to share it with you.

 

 

Dad Staying Home Works For Some Families

 



 

 

Troy Bradley coaxes Sam, 2, to eat a grape during breakfast at their Bismarck home last week. Bradley and his wife Mandy, an emergency room doctor at St. Alexius Medical Center, decided that Troy as a stay-at-home dad was a better choice than taking their three boys to day care.

Last week, as Troy Bradley was getting a ride home from a shop where he was having his vehicle serviced, the driver asked, "So, what to you do?"

It’s a question Bradley has been hearing for about the last four years.

"I stay at home," was his response.

Bradley is one of a growing number of fathers who stay at home with the kids while the mother works, financially supporting the family.

Bradley and his wife, Mandy, have three young sons: Ben, 5; Sam, who turned 2 Thursday; and Eli, 3 months.

An optician for 10 years in Beulah, Bradley returned to college at North Dakota State University, earning a degree in computer science in 2002.


Mandy Bradley is an emergency room physician at St. Alexius Medical Center, working rotating shifts. About the time Ben, their oldest son turned 2, their careers began to create some conflict.

Troy Bradley said his wife is scheduled to work today, Father’s Day, and the "boys" in the family have no definite plans.

He said his dad was planning to come down Saturday and build a sandbox and after that project, "We might go play some golf."

"We were pretty hit and miss for awhile," Mandy Bradley said. "It was hand the baby off and go to work."

With her income as a physician, they decided he would stay home to take care of their son.

Bradley said for the first year, he found himself feeling the need to defend himself as a stay-at-home dad when people asked what he did for a living.

He worked remotely from home for a few months until son number two, Sam, came along.

The Bradleys are making it work — with Mandy Bradley working shifts, her days off often come in blocks of three or four — and that means more time together as a family.

He takes care of the day-to-day around the house, chores, meal preparation and shopping.

He said his mother, Karen, was a stay-at-home mom, so he had a good teacher.

"I have gained a new appreciation for how she did everything she did," Bradley said.

He has developed what he thinks is a pretty good system during the course of the almost four years he has been "Mr. Mom."

"I’m a list maker," said. "I like to work on one thing, finish it and then cross it off the list."

That works for chores, but not all. "Laundry," he laughed. I don’t think you’re ever done with that."

He does find time to get away for a little time for himself, At the YMCA he’s met more than a few other dads who are in the same situation.

He said he golfs and fishes a little and plays in a pool league and mentors youth through his church.

Bradley said there are groups locally called M.O.P.S., mothers of pre-schoolers and there is an inside joke with other dads that they should organize a P.O.P.S. club, or papas of preschoolers.

He still dabbles in web design and other computer programming and once their boys are older, he will return to the work force.

But for now, he’s relishing the opportunity to be around his sons as they grow, being able to see those "firsts" that many dads miss.

Things like their first steps, their first words, their first hit in baseball.

"It’s hard to put a price on those," he said.

I just logged onto Facebook and decided to add this to my blog.  It is my oldest son, Garry, who has been a super dad to 4 children.  Sarah, Erica, Garry, Laura and Randy. Taken last Christmas at Lake Tahoe. 

 

Here is a SendOutCard for all Fathers

 

 

 

 

And if today, June 16th is your birthday, then this SendOutCard is for you.

 

 

 

Some famous people who were born on June 16th are:

 

James Maslow turns 23

Hilary Farr turns 51

Phil Mickelson turns 43

Abby Elliott turns 26

Rick Nash burns 29

Eddie Cibrian turns 40

John Cho turns 41

Kelly Biatz turns 26

Jim Dine turns 78

Joyce Carol Oates turns 75

Diana DeGarmo tuns 26

Laurie Metcalf turns 58

Eddie Levert turns 71

Joe Mcelderry turns 22

Joan Van Ark turns 70

Arnold Vesioo turns 51

Missy Peregrym turns 31

 

On June 16, 1978, the movie "Grease" is released, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

 

On June 16, 1996, for the first time since returning from retirement, Michael Jordon wins an NBA title.

 

SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT

 

 

Thanks for stopping by today.  Hope to see you again tomorrow.

 

Vel, Mom, Grandma, Great grandma

 











What Happens When You Blink?

A friend of mine, Charnell, answered that question best with pictures.........

"Here is my first grandchild, Elly, born on September 25, 1995."

"And just as I blinked, here she is on June 8, 2013, graduating from High School."

 

Elly with her Dad and Mom

 

The same thing happens to me. I met Charnell when she was 3 years old. I blinked and now she is 65 years old.

 

I can't think of ANY reason that anyone would dispute the fact that TIME FLIES,  Especially when you are living a great life, you never want to stop living that life.  You probably strive to make it even greater and never, ever do you want to depart this world and leave this life!

So while you are living, why not make life easier. There are tons of people who are using SendOutCards to make their lives easier. You could do it too. You can send a FREE card right now. Just Click Here

One of my best friends, Pam, is having a birthay today, June 9th.  Here is Pam (right) with her husband and her daughter Kiarra.



 

I already sent Pam a card from SendOutCards,  so this card is for her and all the people who also have a birthday on June 9th.



Some famous people who were born on June 9th are:

• Johnny Depp turns 50
• Natalie Portman turns 32
• Michael J. Fox turnss 52
• Jackie Mason turns 77
• Matthew Bellamy turns 35
• Michaela Conlin turns 35
• Cole Porter (1801-1964)
• Mae Whitman turns 25
• Tedy Bruschi turns 40
• Lucien Laviscount turns 21
• Sebastian Telfair turns 28
• Miroslay Klose turns 35
• Mix Box turns 66

On June 9, 1973, Secretariat wins the Triple Crown.

On June 9, 1934, Disney's short film, "The Wise Little Hen" features Donald Duck for the first time.

Only 7 days to Father's Day.  Here is a card I like from SendOutCards.

You can include a gift for Dad from SendOutCard's catalog.  Here are just a few suggestions. A Barnes and Noble Gift Card, a Footprints Wallet Card or a box of Mrs. Field's Nibbla Cookies.

 

 

 

 

SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT

 

 

A small, short guy is sitting at the bar just staring at his drink for half an hour when this big, trouble-making biker steps next to him, grabs his drink, gulps it down in one swig and then."turns to the guy with a menacing stare as if to say, "What'cha gonna do about it?"

The poor little guy starts crying.

"Come on man, I was just giving you a hard time" the biker says. "I didn't think you'd CRY. I can't stand to see a man crying."

"This is the worst day of my life, " says the little buy between sobs. "I can't do anything right. I overslept and was late to an important meetiing, so my boss fired me. When I went to the parking lot, I found my car was stolen and I don't have any insurance. I left my wallet in the cab I took home."

He continues, crying even harder. "Then I found out my wife was having an affair with the gardner and my dog bit me. So, I came to this bar trying to work up the courage to put an end to my miserable life,...............

and then YOU show up and Drink the Darn Poison."

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Thanks for stopping by today.  Hope to see you tomorrow.



Greetiing Cards and Gifts Galore

SendOutCards can make card and gift purchasing easy and cost effective.

Easy - You can choose a card from their vast card catalog for the comfort of your chair on your computer!

     Beats........Getting presentable, coat, boots in the winter, drive to the store, choose a card, stand in
    line to pay for it, take it home, address the envlope, attach a stamp and take it to the post office.

Cost effective.  How much did you pay for the card your purchased at the store? $2, $4, $6. That same card would have cost you between $1 and $2 with SendOutCards.

Don't be afraid to try the FREE card offer. There is no pressure you ever have to join SendOutCards, that is all your decision whether or not you do. And if you do sign up with a subscription and you find it is not what you like to do, you can cancel with no questions asked.

Send a FREE card now. Click Here

If today, June 7th is your birthday, then this SendOutCard is for you.i

Some famous people who were born on June 7th are:

Prince tursn 55
Liam Neeson turns 61
Dean Maartin (1917-1995)
Allen Iverson turns 38
Tom Jones turns 73
Michael Cera turns 25
Bear Grylls turns 39
Amy Childs turns 23
Bill Hader turns 35
Anna Kournikova turns 32
Kim Rhodes turns 44
Mick Foley turns 48
Jenny Jones turns 67
Karl Urban turns 41
William Forsythe turns 58
Charlie Simpson turns 28

On June 7, 1975, Sony releases the Betamix video cassette recorder to the public.

On June 7, 1969, The Johnny Cash Show, a television variety show hosted by Johnny Cash, airs on ABC.

DON'T FORGET FATHER'S DAY, June 16.  Here is a SendOutCard just for Dad.  And remember, you can send a FREE card to your Father if you want.  Just  Click Here

 

If your Dad likes to barbeque on the grill, he might like this, Grills Dig Me cap from SendOutCard's  gift department.

SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT

If you can start the day without caffene,

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,

If you can understand where your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you an conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without alcohol,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs.

Then you are probably.....

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.....the Family Dog!

 Thanks for stopping by today.  Hope to see you tomorrow. 

"Oh, The Places You'llGo!" by Dr. Suess

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, positives and negatives, and sometimes we all need some encouragement. This Dr. Suess classic has been a favorite for new grads, but it is full of great ADVICE for anyone at any stage of their lives.

Dr. Suess was born, Theodor Seuss Geisel on March 2, 1904 in Springfield, MA. "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" was his last book published before his death on September 24, 1991.

From Dr. Suess's book, Oh the Places You'll Go.........

"for the people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go,
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
Or waiting around for a Yes or a No
Or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
Or waiting for wind to fly a kite
Or waiting around for Friday night
Or waiting, perhaps, for his Uncle Jake
Or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
Or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
Or a wig with curls, or Another Chance
everyone is just waiting."

If you find that you, too, are waiting. Figure out what it is you are waiting for and then be prepared to stay in the waiting place for a very, very, long time.

The majority of the human race gets stuck in this dream and success killing vortex because comfortable and predictable is EASIER to deal with than taking control of what they want.

So......they WAIT. They wait to be acted upon rather than being the driving force that ACTS upon.

So, think about it. Are you one that gets comfortable in the mediocrity and misery just waiting, waiting, waiting?

Or do you believe and act on what Dr Suess exclaims later on in the book:

"NO!

That's not for you!
Somehow you'll escape
All that waiting and staying
You'll find the bright places
Where Boom Bands are playing!"

The reality is that our business, our character and our lives are a direct result of the decisions we make and the thoughts we allow to dominate our thinking. The great news is that YOU CAN change anything you want and YOU can live the life you want and YOU CAN make a huge difference in this world, if you THINK you can!

"So...

be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordeccai Ali Van Allen O'shea,
you're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waitng.
So..get on your way!'

　

Don't put off sending that card to Dad for Father's Day. Here is a very nice card from SendOutCards.

What about sending a little gift with the card.  Maybe  he would like this watch!

 

 

 

If today, June 6th is your birthday, then this SendOutCard is for you.

 

 



Some famous people who were born on June 6th are:

Ryan Higa turns 23
Abbie Cobb turns 21
Paul Giamatti turns 46
Steve vai turns 53
Jason Isaacs turns 50
Max Casella turns 46
Staci Keanan turns 38
Drew Mcintyre turns 28
Israel Dagg turns 25
James Munky Shaffer turns 43
Bjorn Borg turns 57
Amanda Pays turns 54
Ross Noble turns 37
Kim Hyun-a turns 21
Danny Strong turns 39
Harvey Fierstein turns 61
Aaron Sorkin turns 52

On May 6, 1933, the first Drive-in theater opens in Camden, NJ.

Don't forget to send a FREE card Click Here

FOR THE DADS WHO ARE IN HEAVEN

Dear Dad,

I thought of you today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.
All I have are memories and a picture in a frame,
Your memory is a keepsake from which I'll never part.
God has you in his arms, I have you in my heart.

Thanks for stopping by today.

　

Celebrating Father's Day

How did Mother's Day and Father's Day come about anyway?

Well, Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in Graton, WV. It became a recognized holiday in the United States in 1914 and celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Each person offers a gift, card, or remembrance to their mothers, grandmothers, and/or a maternal figure on Mother Day to honor and celebrate motherhood.


Father's Day was first celebrated in Spokane, WA at the YMCA on June 19, 1910 to honor and pay tribute to fatherhood. Sonora Dodd was the driving force behind the idea of celebrating Father's Day and the third Sunday of June was continued.

SendOutCards has some very special and impressive Father's Day cards. Here is one just for Dad.

 

Would he like a Gift Card

 

 

or a gift of Moonshine Hot Sauce?

 You could use your FREE card to send a card to Dad.  Just   Click Here

If today, June 3rd is your birthday, then this SendOutCard is for you.

Some famous people who were born on June 3rd are:

Deniece Williams turns 63
Rafael Nadal turn 27 (I love Tennis and am watching Rafael right now at the French Open)
Anderson Cooper turn 46
Michelle Keegan turns 26
Kerry King turns 49
Tony Curtis (1925-2010)
SeanBerdy turns 20
Lalaine turns 26
Kelly Jones tuns 39
James Purefoy turns 49
Lawrence Lessig turns 52
Yelena Isinbayeva turns 31
Mario Gotze turns 21

On June 3, 1965, Astronaut Edward H White floats freely outside the space vehicle, Gemini IV for 21 minutes.

On June 3, 1956, Rock and Roll music is banned in Santa Cruz, CA

On June 3, 1976, Queen's song "Bohemian Rhapsody" goes gold, meaning over 1 million copies sold.

SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT - Mom vs Dad

Thanks for stopping by today.  Hope to see you again tomorrow.  Vel