One of my childhood memories is seeing my Dad leading songs at church. He would encourage the congregation to open up their hymnals and would lead them in worship. My Dad would sing with all of his heart. His smile and energy was contagious. It was evident in how he led, that he knew God and loved to worship Him.

The other day while visiting my Dad I played some old hymns for him. His eyes lit up and he smiled and began to try and sing along. It was a precious moment especially because my Dad has dementia and really doesn’t talk very much anymore.

My Dad may be non verbal but he still continues to teach me valuable life lessons by his example. He shows me that no matter what I face I should not let anything steal my joy. He may be quiet and not have the same energy level as he had before but he continues to smile despite the challenges he faces and that alone demonstrates his faith in God and the glad heart that he has.

For his 86th birthday we took him out for breakfast at the Disney Aulani Resort in Kapolei. The Ama Ama Restaurant at the Aulani is one of our favorite places to go to celebrate. Its less than 10 minutes from home and from the moment you arrive you feel the Disney Magic in how you are greeted and cared for.

I found a cute Disney themed gift bag to wrap my Dad’s birthday gift in, so naturally I had to make the card to match. “Matchy-Matchy” thats what I do!!

I used the classic “Mickey” colors for the card stock. They are Real Red, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White.

Here is a close up of the card.

I die cut the number 86 using my Big Shot and my Large Number Framelits. I then glued them to a Mickey shape that I created by using 2 Circle Punches. I embossed the Daffodil Delight card stock with the Scattered Sequins Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing folder to add texture. I then applied Twinkle Adhesive Backed Star Embellishments all over the front of the card.

Calls for a Celebration Mickey Card (inside)

Inside the card I stamped this sentiment:

“You are pretty much the greatest of all time in the history of ever”

When it comes to describing my Dad, this stamp from the set “Calls for a Celebration” expresses exactly how I feel about my wonderful Dad.

When Kalani and I went to visit my Dad the other day, he had just received this fun hat from my brother Glen as a birthday gift. When Kalani and I arrived my Dad was sitting on the couch, wearing his new hat as well as a pair of new sun glasses, inside the house. So Kalani or “Mr. K” as my Dad used to call him when he could talk, left his hat and glasses on too, so we could take this picture of the two of them together.

Kalani and my Dad have always been really close, so I know its especially hard on him to see my Dad in his current condition. I hope that like me, my kids will be encouraged by the way they see my Dad continue to stay positive despite the challenges he faces. It’s hard though, we all miss his stories so much.

I love my Dad so much!!! I am so grateful that I had another opportunity to celebrate with him. After all, turning 86 is certainly something that Calls For A Celebration!

Calls For A Celebration

Frosted Floral Birthday

Congratulations Kalani

Stamped With Aloha