We can’t have a series about motherly life lessons without acknowledging some solid Dad-isms. This Dad of mine has a lot of gems to teach. To be fair, I was a little girl with curly bangs and a mild mullet… I needed a lot of guidance. Mom is the guide to ‘act right, eat your apple, and don’t steal my scissors’. Dad is the guide to ‘act right, watch this movie, and save me the last biscuit’. All very important lessons.
I love the people who raised me. Beyond!
Papa Says (or heavily implies):
I’m going to work literally aaallll night long because I love you and you require food and electricity. When I get home at 5am, I’m going to wake you up so we can make a pie together. You’ll moan and groan about it, but you’ll thank me later.
I know you’re six years old, and you can’t possibly understand the nuance and beauty of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, but we’re going to watch it over and over and over again. One day it will blow your mind.
Whole Wheat Fig Newton Cookies are dessert. (I still disagree with this notion, Father.)
Conversely, Carrot Cake is pretty much a vegetable.
Did someone say waffles? Let’s definitely make waffles.
If there is an ant in the kitchen, it’s a family emergency. Everyone UP! Out of bed! We’re getting to the bottom of this.
How many times do I have to tell you to rinse your dishes, to wrap up the bread, the clean up the cereal, to take out the trash, to clean up your room. How many times do I have to tell you? (Answer, Dad: you’ll have to tell me a lot of times… like A LOT.)
Don’t mess around with boys that disrespect you. I didn’t teach you to put up with that nonsense.
If you’re going to bring a boy home… well, he best address me as Mr. Wilson (and you really shouldn’t bring very many boys home).
You do not give the expensive canned tuna to stray cats. That is something you do.not.do.
Eat your vegetables. Your mother and I bought them for you and you will, you really will eat them.
I’m not going to raise my voice very often, but when I do, it will shake you to your core.
Your mother and I are on the same team and you won’t be able to get one over on us with your child-brain trickery. Did you Mom say no? I say no too. One exception: I will buy you that Gap sweater even though it’s not on sale.
It’s midnight. Let’s get doughnuts.
Whatever you don’t eat off your dinner plate, I will eat. Most specifically, if you want to save me a few bites of your chicken and biscuits… I think that would be great.
Pie is not pie unless it’s warm.
Life’s a beach, as illustrated by my fashion.
Maria @ Redecorate Blog
:-) This put the biggest smile on my face. Such sweet dad-isms. Dads are so special, aren’t they?
Lisa
Oh Joy, I just love these series. this post makes me want to have kids? and one day theyll remember these and write a post about them. My fav is “pie is not pie unless it’s warm”. word.
Jennifer @ Licious Food
I love this and makes me wish I had/have a Dad like this. I do however have a great Mom.- so that helps.
Candice @ NotesFromABroad
I loved this. I was reminded of being taken to Dairy Queen on a summer night, in my shorty pyjamas .. what a treat that was ! ( in North Carolina where girls went to Dairy Queen in their pjs )
Erika
That picture of you and your dad is just the best.
Thanks, as always, for the lovely post.
Claire
Your dad is the bomb.
Charlotte
Your mother and I are on the same team and you won’t be able to get one over on us with your child-brain trickery. Did you Mom say no? I say no too.
This is exactly how it was at my house. Incredibly frustrating for a kid who wants something, but now, as an adult, it is amazing to think there was never a time they weren’t a team.
except for curfew. my dad was a little more understanding when i’d come home late.
Susanne
Beautiful….makes me miss my daddy. He died when I was 16 and I cannot believe that I have now lived over half my life without him.
Heidi - Apples Under My Bed
This is beautiful. Beautiful.
Heidi xo
Priya Sreeram
really sweet ! they are one rocking parents I say
Lucia
Loved this post. When I was little my dad worked nights and I could never understand why he got to eat pie for breakfast.
He’s 95 years old now, not doing to well but still enjoying his pie! He loves the grocery store aple pie the best – go figure!
The life lessons I learned from him was never to fear going down a dirt road, usually looking for mushrooms or wild blueberries, because the road will usually end up at a Carvel Ice Cream Store!
Thanks for this post!
Terri
Joy, the picture is the best! You can see the love you both have in your eyes. My Dad & my daughter’s Dad are both heros to both of us. She now has a daughter of her own but still sends her Dad love texts, calls him when something she sees or hears reminds her of him & it makes his day! I’m so happy that you have such a special relationship with both of your parents. It’s because of their “life’s lessons” that you do. Very happy for you. Cherish every moment.
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious
Love it, being a dad myself makes me a little biased but I hope my kids grow up and have awesome memories of me. Tomorrow I’m going to have them help me make pancakes as per your inspiration :)
Sarah Beth
LOVE this post! You are awesome Joy. (And so is your dad!)
tracy
Mr. Wilson! I totally understand your thoughts about ants. I am the ant person in my family.
ALSO. My dad used to harass us kids about turning the lights off when we left a room and I am now that person.
You done good, Mr. Wilson. Your daughter is my favorite.