by Dawn Clear

Created on: June 16, 2009   Last Updated: June 18, 2009

He is the man that my children look up to, that they call dad. This requires a special gift for a special man! It is Father's Day and they do not want to just get any ordinary gift. They would like to show him how much he means to them. My husband and I are the parents of eight children. We have been managing gifts on a budget for years.

In our home, my husband has spent many hours teaching our children the proper technique in throwing a baseball. He has taught them the tactics of chess, spent endless hours repairing bike tires and is the master of solving math problems. He has also shown them how to care and love others while showing them the importance of volunteering for your community. In addition, he has illustrated his heroism in his job as a fire fighter. So, finding a gift fitting for such an extraordinary dad starts out as a project in itself.

Having a schedule of a firefighter does not always give us the luxury of celebrating Father's Day on the actual holiday. For example, this year my husband has to work on Father's Day and my children will have to celebrate it with their dad on the Saturday before, since he will be at work on a twenty four hour shift.

The day will usually begin with dad getting to sleep in as late as he wants, with no interruptions. Then once he is well rested, his morning will start off with a breakfast of French toast, a side of ham and a glass of orange juice to get him going. While dad is enjoying his breakfast, the kids always rush dad with their handmade cards. It is a tradition in our home that began in kindergarten that they never grew out of. We have children in their twenties and they still hand make their cards. They can range from absolutely hilarious to simple and sweet. It is in their own words with their own thoughts.

Dad will still wait anxiously throughout the day to hear from our oldest son that is in the Navy. However, it will be different this year, our son is out to sea so he will hopefully be receiving an email from him on Father's Day. To my husband, that is just as important to know that his son is safe and sound.

As the cards are looked at carefully one by one, dad receives his gigantic bear hug and the words that make the day worth waking up for, I love you dad! Some fun and easy Father's Day gifts are to make handmade T-shirts. Purchasing plain t-shirts, fabric paints, markers or iron on transfers that you can decorate the t-shirts. My husbands favorite shirt was the one with the kids pictures all

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