Due to some wacky circumstances, we have decided to celebrate Father's day early in the Howland house. It's kind of a silly notion for me, and that's only because everyday is kind of like Mama/DaDa day in our home. I ran out and purchased some crafts for Ava bug; so she could make daddy her own gift this year. I was a little nervous about letting her play in paint, but I found a super "hippie" non-toxic brand, and all my worries about my little one eating that stuff went away. I spent over an hour in a craft store today. I seriously cannot believe how many DIY projects started popping out for me. I definitely have a lot of crafts to keep me busy these next couple of weeks. Hopefully I can find something less messy than paint, so Ava can help me out!

Anywho, this year I decided to purchase a canvas, a DIY mug, and a handprint card for Justin. I let Ava decorate the canvas in blue and orange (go Broncos!) and she just went to town. It was so fun watching her explore the colors and texture of the paint. She had a ball.. and she even managed to dump one of the paint bowls over. The aftermath wasn't too crazy, but we both ended up with paint all over us. Thank goodness I had my sister over to help. I really don't know how I would have managed without.

I'm pretty proud of the end results. Justin loved his gifts and plans on hanging the canvas up in his man cave. It really warmed my heart to hear him say, he's going to hang up everything Ava makes him. It really is the small things guys. I think we are going to move our father's day to the 11th of every June. I know it's isn't the "mainstream" holiday, but this day is so much more special for us. You really don't need a reason to make your father a card, or cook him a hearty breakfast. The best days we experience in our family are the "just because" days. I really hope that this is a trait we pass on to all of our children. Showing someone you love you appreciate them is a gift that can be given daily.

Here's a little scroll of Papa Howland's gifts. I really think a decorative mug is going to be a traditional thing for him. Last year we purchased a personalized travel thermos, and he still loves that thing! On a sweeter note, Justin decided to write us a little note letting us know he approved of his father's day!

Happy Wednesday all!

   ♥- Leilani

Justin

I know, I know. I write about him a lot. What can I say, he's kind of a big deal. Tonight he reminded me of all the reasons why I said yes two and a half years ago. If you were to meet my husband, the first thought that would come to mind would either be, he's cool... or he's down to earth. Both true. You would never guess he was a mushy gushy, romantic cuddle bug. Those types of behaviors he leaves reserved for me. Sometimes I wish people could see all that I do, but how special would that be? Tonight Justin is tied up at work (LOVE THE ARMY) the entire afternoon and evening, I keep getting random text messages from him. They all say: I love you so much it's crazy. I'm proud to be your husband. I wish I was home with you. You are the best mother to our daughter. You are my lovely wife. He's said all of those things to me before. I love it. But what I love more is the "just because" factor. I never have to FORCE him to do anything or say anything to me. He just does it, because it's Monday or whatever day. I don't remind him of my birthday, our anniversary, etc. He remembers. A lot of guys only feel it necessary to be extraordinary on the designated days throughout the year. Justin is extraordinary all the time. Nothing means more to me than a random act of sweetness from him. I honestly thought things weren't going to feel THIS GOOD for a little longer. Even though reintegration is a word I use less and less in this house, it's still happening. After seeing how I struggled the first month, I wasn't expecting to have our fiery love back on track so soon. I guess I underestimate our love at times. It's not generic. It's not replicated. It's our love. It's silly. It's romantic. It's honest. We are still considered "newly weds" and we haven't endured that 4,5,7,10,or 14 year storm that marriage allegedly presents, but I can say this... As long as we both wake up to one another each day, I can't see myself wanting to spend my life working or perfecting anything else on this earth (other than my faith in the lord of course) This man I have, man oh man. Thank you for always being exactly what I need honey.