Father's Day is just around the corner!

"A father is a guy who has snapshots in his wallet where his money used to be."

-- Unknown

Funny but true!

Here's to Father' Day. I was crazy about these three simple ideas and I think you will love them too!

Father's are so important to the health and welfare of the family. My father is 86 years old and suffered a major stroke this year. I am so thankful to have one more year to thank him for the great father he was and is to me. Take time today to share in written form to your father...or the men in your life that have had a father's heart towards you:

1. Three things you appreciate about them.

2. Three wonderful memories you have of them.

3. Three memories you still want to make together.

Here is the note I mailed off to my Dad today!

Happy Father’s Day Dad!!       

Dad can you believe this is your 61^st Father’s Day!

I am sure it is amazing for you to think about. It is amazing for me to think of all the years of investment you have made in your children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren lives!

What a legacy you have given to all of us.

Thank you Dad for:

1. Loving the Lord and being a Christian example to us.

2. Providing a safe home for us to grow up in.

3. Teaching us that hard work matters.

4. Taking me fishing on Lake of the Woods.

5. Making the best bon fires and smores.

6. Fixing things around my house.

And mostly being committed to Mom all these years as well as loving your 5 children, 20 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Dad I look forward to many more of your:

7. Fresh garden grown tomatoes and onions

8. Eating some of your home made bread and butter pickles.

9. Reading the hand written letters you send the children.

You are loved and respected by your family Dad. I am honored that I once again get to wish you a Happy Father’s Day!  If I lived closer you know I would make you a homemade chocolate cake!!

Much love your number 5#

tammy

And of course what Father's Day would be complete without some fun food!

Home made Pretzels that spell LOVE to Dad!

What's better than hot, fresh, salty pretzels? Hot, fresh, salty pretzels shaped into letters that spell D-A-D! Or P-A-P-A or T-H-E M-A-N. This pretzel recipe is easy (the dough is ready-made) and kid-friendly.We've also included a quick and delicious honey-mustard dip.

Ingredients

• 1-pound loaf frozen white bread dough (such as Rhodes Bake-N-Serv)
• 4 cups warm water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

• Coarse salt (Morton coarse kosher salt worked best for us)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• HONEY-MUSTARD DIP
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

1. Thaw the bread dough according to the package directions but do not let it rise. Heat the oven to 450°. The dough will be easier to roll if it is at or near room temperature. Using a sharp knife (a parent's job), divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into an 18-inch rope on a dry, unfloured surface. If the dough is very elastic and difficult to shape, roll it as best you can, set it aside for 10 minutes, and then try again. Shape the dough into letters, pinching seams tightly.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the 4 cups of warm water and the baking soda. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Lightly spray a baking sheet (2 if needed) with nonstick spray and set aside.

3. Carefully dip the dough letters into the baking soda and water mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet(s). Brush them with the whisked egg and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until dark brown. Brush the pretzels with melted butter, if desired. Makes about 8 letters. Serve warm with honey-mustard dip.

4. To make the dip, stir together the honey and mustard in a small bowl. Keep the sauce refrigerated until it's needed. (From Family Fun Mag...Great resource for families I might add!)

Best-ever Barbecue Apron

I just loved this idea. I made aprons with my children for all kinds of events! Even the most serious griller will love this gift from his children. Great for a Grandfather's gift as well!

Materials

• White canvas apron, in Dad's size, available at craft stores
• Masking tape

• Fabric paints of different colors
• Paintbrushes

1. Mark off sections of the apron with masking tape, so each child artist gets his or her own tableau.

2. Kids can sketch out ideas on paper beforehand or go straight to canvas. Themes might include food on the grill, family selfportraits, or Dad's favorite things. Allow the pain to set.

Sweet and Sour Barbecued Chicken

What man doesn't like a grill? What man doesn't like grilled sweet and sour chicken!? This is a great easy recipe to serve the Father King of your life. I pair it with grilled corn on the cob and a large tossed cabbage salad.

Ingredients

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed through a garlic press
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• juice of 1/2 lime
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• red pepper flakes (the more the better as far as I am concerned!)
  
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half..pounded thin.
  

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the garlic, vinegar, lime and lemon juices, brown sugar, mustard, honey, and salt and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil (a fun job for kids).

2. Reserve two portions of the mixture for basting and for dipping sauce, then add the chicken to the dish and turn it to coat.

3. Grill the chicken for about 4 minutes per side or until the juices run clear. During the last minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with one portion of the reserved sauce to glaze it.

4. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley, if desired.