Our Best Daddy

Tommy celebrated his 37th birthday this week, though if you asked him, he would tell you he's 34.  That's what happens when you get old.  You forget things.

 I love this picture with all the kids, but especially Lucy's bed head in this shot.  We had to wake her to celebrate with all of us. 

 We tried to use the trick candles on the cake to surprise him, but he knew as soon as they were lit and began sparking.  I made his favorite, usually made by my Mom, carrot cake!  But, I need to whip the cream cheese icing longer and add more powdered sugar to make it thicker.  Next year!

The kids got a kick out of how many breaths it took, and this isn't his first time blowing out those candles!

Our best Daddy.  He sacrifices every day, waking up early to catch a train for about an hour to get to work.  He works in DC, where the pressure is high and sometimes the people are not the nicest.  He takes a train home, to come to a house full of little people - full of noise, full of love, and sometimes (very often times) not so clean.  It's usually a quick dinner, then off to an activity: exercise class, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts (usually bringing one or more children along).  He has added an extra item to help out at Patrick's school.  His evenings are busy, but he always finds time to give each child a slice of himself.  He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Eucharistic Minister, and Jail visitor.

And, if 5 children to love isn't a big job by itself, he has me.  I call with crazy questions, text him incessantly, cry for ridiculous reasons and am always worried.  About everything.  He will answer my calls, laugh at my jokes, hug me when I am at my craziest and help get me on the right path to Heaven.  He has so much love for God and keeps our family together with his love.

My husband works so hard, gives with all of himself, and keeps all of us together.  We love you so much, our Best Daddy, and we thank you for all you do!!!!