Mark with our three kids: Jacob, Dylan, and Sarah.
I shot this on Mothers Day because I wasn't sure if Jacob would be here
today (he wasn't) or if I'd remember to get a group picture (I didn't).
May 11, 2020
As happens every several years, Mark's June 21st birthday falls on Fathers Day. This was one of those years, as he turned 52.
In honor of the double event, we had a little family party for him today. Jacob wasn't able to be here, although he plans to come up in a couple weeks to have a double celebration for his June 26th birthday and Dylan's July 1st birthday. And Chris had to work, so he couldn't join us, either.
Mark himself had to be at work by 4:00 today, so Sarah, Dylan, Jake, and I celebrated with him from noon until 3:30. We started with make-your-own sub sandwiches, featuring a wide selection including roast beef, chicken breast, Black Forest ham, turkey, provolone, cheddar, pepper jack, red onion, and tomato. Plus condiments, of course. Ruffles potato chips and toasted onion sour cream dip were served on the side.
Mark with his birthday/Fathers Day gifts. Dylan found it humorous
that the gift card and candy bar together spell out "Dad Satisfies."
We spent a lot of time before and after lunch visiting. One of the best things about our time together was that no one brought out their phones much. I didn't even request it, but it just happened. It seemed like we talked and shared a little more than usual. Or, as I told the kids, maybe I'm the one who talked and shared more...which is already quite a lot!
While waiting for our lunch to digest, Mark checked out his birthday/Fathers Day gifts. Dylan and Jake gave him a sturdy shelf to put Mark's TV on in his room (right now it's on a pair of stacked antique trunks). Sarah and Chris gave him a $50 gift card and a Snickers bar.
As for me, we may go to Mesa this coming weekend to be with Jacob on his birthday, which is on Friday. Mark has been wanting to get down to the heat, goodness knows why. Maybe to enjoy Jacob's pool? While there, I'll treat both Mark and Jacob to lunch at Golden Corral, and then we'll stop by Bass Pro Shops to see if there's anything there they'd like me to get them for their birthdays. They have some nice clothing there, among so many other things. Plus Jacob has been asking for some camping equipment.
Cake and ice cream for the family to enjoy.
At 3:00, we brought out the cake and ice cream Mark had chosen. Of course, nothing would do except the $20 triple chocolate Hershey's cake! Plus rocky road and cookies-and-cream ice creams.
Keto chocolate chip cheesecake muffins for me!
Last night I made myself some keto chocolate chip cheesecake muffins topped with raspberries and enjoyed two of them instead of the the sugary treats. I also passed up the chips and dip, and ate my sandwich stuffings on a plate with a knife and fork, without a bun. I lost 10.2 lbs in the first 21 days of strictly controlled low-carb eating, but this week has been a frustrating stall. Still, better to maintain until the loss kicks in again, than to start back up the scale. So I'm staying strong!
It was sad to have to end our party by 3:30, but Mark reluctantly got ready for work and we said goodbye to the guys. Sarah stayed until 6:00, when she had to pick up Chris from work. When we returned from dropping off Mark, we visited for about half an hour, but then Sarah and I both fell asleep in the comfy recliner-couch until just before six. Even little pup Willow slept that entire time. The excitement of our little party simply wore us out!
