Bless his heart. How he digested all of those tiny plastic discs, I'll never be sure. I'd make him a steak, corn on the cob and a baked potatoe. All in my mind of course, but my father had the capability of making me believe I was the best cook on earth. Besides my mother of course.

Looking back, I realize just how much he did for me by fueling my imagination. He would work all day, come home, eat my delicious meals and make me feel like a queen. As a working mom, I've come to realize just how much effort that really does take. But I also understand why he did it. All it takes is for me to look at my children's faces when I agree to play with them, or eat their freshly cooked meals, do a puzzle, or watch one of their favorite TV shows. It really isn't much for me, in the grand scheme of things. But for them, you would think I gave them the world.

When I was older, I got an Easy-Bake-Oven. I made so many cakes. My mother lovingly helped me prepare them, as well as the icing. I would proudly present these little cakes to my father. They couldn't have been much more than four inches across but the icing must have been at least 2 inches thick. Of course I had to decorate them. Mom had all kinds of stuff I could use.

Dad would always have one of those cakes (I imagine he had to gag it down, but I never knew) for dessert, and he would take one for his lunch. I'm still amazed that he eats my "real" meals at home when he comes to visit.

My folks taught me alot about what it means to be a parent. It only takes a small amount of time to make your child feel like they are the most important thing on earth. Dinner can wait just a bit. You can fold the laundry later. Does that floor really need to be mopped right this instant?

I don't know about you but I'm going to go get my fingernails painted by the girls. They tell me that neon green with glitters is all the rage right now.

Oh...and for my friend Rob, I'll make sure they paint my toenails red.