Happy Birthday Dear Dad

July hosts the birthdays of two of my favorite men. Josh on the 2nd, as you know from the last post and my dad today on the 23rd. These men (and Jesus) have shaped who I am today, so here's a short list of things I wouldn't have been or done had it not been for my dad...(I saw this on another blog and thought it was a fun idea.)

Without you, Dad...
1. I never would have learned to throw a spiral football.

2. I wouldn't have as much loyalty and love for Baylor University as I do.

3. I never would have learned to juggle.

4. I probably wouldn't be nearly as free-spirited (what Josh calls "messy").

5. I wouldn't have seen how to encourage and build up others so well.

6. I might not know what it means to live out love the way you do.

7. I never would have waited for a guy like Josh had you not set the standard so high.

8. I wouldn't have been as comfortable getting up to sing or speak in front of people.

9. I would not be nearly as competitive as I am (or ruthless at Monopoly).

10. I probably wouldn't appreciate a good steak dinner as much as I do.

Happy Birthday, Daddy. Thank you for who you are and how you have loved me. I hope this next year is full of joy, laughter, hope, and God's nearness. 

I love you, 

Nat

In 1977...

Jimmy Carter becomes president of the US Most of the 10,000 Vietnam War draft evaders are pardoned by President Carter Elvis Presley dies in his Graceland bathroom Congress creates a Department of Energy New York Yankees win the World Series Oakland Raiders win Superbowl XI Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup Swedish music group ABBA passes The Beatles as having most records sold Star Wars is the top grossing film The Shining by Stephen King is published "You Light Up My Life" by Debby Boone spends the most time at the top of the US charts Three's Company premieres Orlando Bloom, Shakira, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Liv Tyler, Ludacris, and Josh Patterson are born

Today, Josh celebrates his 31st birthday. Lily must have been extra excited cause she got up a whole hour early this morning! We let Josh sleep in and Lily and I made his Breakfast Cake (recipe below). Tonight we're having the Birthday Feast at Babe's Chicken with his mom Carolyn (also her b-day!) and brother Jared. I must say, this pregnant lady is looking forward to some good southern cookin'! If you can, leave Josh a comment on his big day and check out last year's post for some pics of him growing up. Love you, babe! Happy 31st!

Breakfast cake

Mix together until the texture of meal:

2 c. flour 1 tsp. salt

1 c. sugar 1 tsp. baking powder

1 stick butter, cut into 5-6 pieces

Remove handful (1/3 to 1/2 cup) of this mix and save for topping.

Mix together in large measuring cup or bowl:

1 c. milk

1 Tbs. vinegar

1 tsp. baking soda

Add liquid mixture to dry mixture, along with 2 eggs

Mix well and pour into greased 9x13 cake pan or 10x15 jelly roll pan.

Sprinkle with topping.

Topping

Mix together:

Reserved dry ingredients

1-2 tsp. cinnamon (optional)

1/2 c. flour 1/2 c. brown sugar

Lump of butter the size of large walnut (2-3 Tbs.)

Bake for 25-30 minutes at 325 degrees.

This recipe comes from Noel Piper's Treasuring God In our Traditions (a great read). I've been making it for every special day in our family: birthdays, big holidays, etc. and it's already something that Lily looks forward to. It turns out kind of like a coffee cake. Enjoy!