I definitely think that Father's Day and Mother's Day should be simple, inexpensive gestures of appreciation - Cards, backrubs, breakfast in bed, that sort of thing.

I do, however, think it's important to show appreciation to my husband for the effort he makes as a dad. I will do this by helping my kids to come up with handmade presents and cards and by giving him a card myself.

I definitely understand the hurt feelings when spouses don't reciprocate celebrations. My hubby hates the materialism of holidays like Valentine's Day and Father's Day so he always tells us not to buy anything. And, worse, he doesn't see the point of doing it for me. For many years I have honored his request out of respect, but I always felt sad. So, now I follow my heart. Gift giving gives ME a warm fuzzy. And, why should I deny myself that treat! That said, I try to do it in a way that honors DH's frugality so we both feel good.

I think we will go to brunch.

I don't have the finances to give gifts to my Dad, FIL, grandpas... but DH was sweet and gave me flowers and chocolate for Mom's Day. So I wanted to reciprocate. He's the hardest to shop for (unless it's video games, and he has enough of those) but he desperately needs a few new shirts for church and some tshirts, as his are rags-in-waiting. So, I'm headed to Goodwill and the discount department store to see if there's something I can get for a good deal. I must keep focused so I don't start spending money on things I don't need! My in-laws and bro-in-laws are in FL til Monday, so my SIL and her husband are coming over tomorrow to help with mowing the lawn... my SIL and I are making Blueberry Custard Pie (my MIL's specialty) and Apple Pie and then we're going to grill steaks and watch House... a little Father's Day off with some family. I'm looking forward to it.

__________________

My dad will get a card. My dh gets cards made by the kiddos. No, I do not buy him anything and he does not buy me mothers day gifts. I am not his mother and he is not my father. We know that we appreciate each other, that is enough for us.

__________________
~Happiness is a large family~

Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. James 1:19

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24

I have three very cute black and white pictures of the kids (I'll try to attach) that I am going to print and put in a silver picture frame for DH. He works for the prison system and has a very stressful job so he likes to have pictures of the kids around to keep him calm


Susan

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...8/101_0766.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...8/101_0771.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...8/101_0671.jpg

__________________
finleyandjudemommy

Awww.....those are really cute pics.

Thanks!! We are actually going to be trying for #4 soon. Please pray for me

Susan

__________________
finleyandjudemommy

Very cute pictures

__________________
Check out my blog for freebies and money saving tips.http://barbainbabymomma.blogspot.com

those are sooo adorable! I'll pray that next Father's Day you can add to the group with a black-and-white newborn picture!

__________________

Since it's his first Father's day, I wanted to do something. He went all out for me Mother's day - I got two new hunting guns - but I just don't have the money for that!

So I made this. The frame has been sitting around for a while - it was $6 at the dollar store, so said the price sticker! I think he'll like it. I made him a collage of some of his hunting pics for Christmas and he went crazy over it.

The photos aren't as washed out as they look LOL. I took a quick snap of it before I "hid" it under a bunch of papers again

http://jstarkcreations.com/baby/terrybaby.jpg

I'll probably bake him a cheesecake too. He really likes cheesecake LOL!

I'll probably get some cards for our dad's. I put all of them up at the store, so I already know what ones I really like!

__________________