Happy Dad. Happy Dessert.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,

and He delights in his way.

Though he may fall, 

he shall not be utterly cast down;

for the Lord, upholds him with his hand.

(Psalm 37:24)

As a little girl, I always thought I must be pretty special. How else could God have given me such an amazing dad like my papi. Always caring, sympathetic, and my shoulder to lean on. 

Then one normal, run-of-the-mill day, I found my "best friend", who decided he liked the title "husband" slightly better. And seven years after we tied the knot, he added "daddy" to his special titles when God blessed us with our little Daniel.  

Yesterday was Father's Day and many of us celebrated the men in our lives who are dads. We celebrated those deceased, and those still with us. Those at war, and those at home. The overworked, and those desperate to find work. The single moms doing both roles. The stepdads. Adoptive dads. Granddads.

We all know that an active father means the world to his child. But just how so? Research from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reveals that fathers play an integral role in the development of their children's well-being. The study states, "involved fathers bring positive benefits to their children." The study goes on to cite some of the immediate benefits including psychological well-being, social behavior, and academic achievement. But beyond the research, I'm always in awe of the pure, simple joy that children experience with their dads. The happy tickles and tackles.

So, in honor of my three favorite dads (hubby, papi, and big bro), and all of the other good poppas out there, we celebrated in pure man style. We fired up the grill, cooked up a feast and watched a game. Even papi, miles away in Florida, joined us via video cam. God bless Skype.

It was perfect man style happiness...
Eat.
Drink.
Watch game.
-Repeat-

Afterwards, I was determined to sneak in healthier alternatives for dessert. Bua-Ha-Ha!!! I asked the kids if they wanted dessert and they happily cheered, "Yeeessss!!!" as I served them their bananas and grapes.

Then, the moment came where hubby always reaches for his pre-packaged, preservative-filled favorite treats, Fig Newtons. I quickly intercepted and nervously handed him my version of a slightly better alternative - homemade Whole Wheat Fig Newtons. He eyed them suspiciously, nibbled a corner, then inhaled a few more. Ahh yes. Sweet Success. "These are David-Approved."

So here's to hubby, and all of the father's who celebrated yesterday. To those who savored old man-style traditions, and their loved ones who added new holisticish touches. Thank you for all you do.
And thank you for the simple happiness that you bring to your children.