When we were deciding what Steve might like for his birthday, after much thought, Emily decided he should have a shirt. We went shopping, and this was the shirt. THE shirt. Nothing would bring her around to another shirt.
I think Emily probably went for it because it was a green polo, which Steve does wear, and because it had a horse on it, which she loves. But folks, if I were going to pick a shirt that was the exact opposite of anything my husband might wear, it would be this shirt. The bright orange, the big logo, the deliberately ragged sleeves, the 3 on the sleeve… if Steve had an evil, more preppy twin, this would be his uniform. AND it was originally $90! $90! For that! Thank God it was more than half off because it’s out of season. My girl has expensive tastes! Next time I’m taking her to Goodwill to shop.
However, I have no room to talk. I once got my father a neck chain made out of tiny golden naked ladies. I don’t think I realized they were naked. My mother gently tried to talk me out of it, but this was clearly the best present for him, at least in my eyes. And so, my mother paid for it and we gave it to Dad. He didn’t say a word, because like a good father, he knew it was the thought that counted. It’s like the circle of life, isn’t it?
This is the card that Emily made for Steve. Clicking on it will bring up a larger version, which I have labeled. I particularly like the way she included comic book elements to the “pop” graphic.
Emily was really, really anxious about the flame on the candle and told us she wanted to lock herself in the bedroom while we lit it and blew it out. She hasn’t been this nervous in years gone by, but the last few birthdays she’s been more and more concerned about fire. She thinks we’re going to have an accident and burn the house down. Alternately, we might burn ourselves down, and she wants well away from that. We’re not taking her with us in our madness, thank you!
In the end, we forewent the candle and each had a cupcake. Steve’s a good sport, and a good dad.
Ah, I love it when I get to open up a new ink pad for my stamps. They’re so crisp and strong. It’s the little things in life.
