What Dads Really Want

“Dad, what do you want for Father’s Day this year?” I’m pretty sure I asked this question every single year of my life while my Dad was still here, and his answer was always the same… "time…and a homemade card.” This is my first Father’s Day without my Dad. Yes, it makes me miss him terribly, because I’ll never get those special moments back. However, it also makes me feel extremely blessed and grateful that I was lucky enough to share all those special moments with such an extraordinary Father.

This would be the last photo of us ever taken together before my Dad’s accident. Naturally, it’s now one of my favorites for so many reasons. One of which, is the parallel between life and a dance…it’s beautiful, it’s messy, it’s meaningful, it’s fleeting. I couldn’t write anything about Father’s Day without mentioning my Dad, even in some small way…but I know, without a doubt, he would want me to be happy and to cherish the little moments with my own family, the way he cherished them with me.

My girls are fortunate enough to have an amazing Dad, who works hard for his family and his country, but never forgets the importance of listening, playing, and being there for them. Wouldn’t you know, when I asked him earlier this week what he wanted for Father’s Day, I heard a very familiar answer…”time…and maybe something made by the girls.” Now, I love a good gift guide (as you’ll no doubt gather if you follow along this journey with me), but there’s no substitute for what money can’t buy.

In keeping with my better half’s request for a handmade gift, I’ve rounded up a few ideas for ways you can help your little ones create something memorable for Dad, free of charge.

There are so many awesome and free printables online. Who doesn’t want a coupon book filled with one hour nap coupons?! The printable below, from The Beaufort Bonnet Company, is one that we use, in various patterns, every year. It’s fun to keep them after as a keepsake…to look back at what the girls thought Daddy’s favorite things were at different ages.