A special card for my Dad...

Here's a card I made for my Dad. GASP... it's not all SU!

When I saw this lawn mower stamp from Hambo Stamps on Kirsten DuBosque's blog I ABSOLUTELY had to have it. We all know that good masculine designs are hard to come by. The lawn mower is really cute and I know any stamper would want to have this in their inventory. I have a personal "connection" with lawn mowers, let me tell you why....

Just a warning, I am going to do a little bragging on my Dad.

You'll notice it's an anniversary card and not a birthday card. Last week my father completed his 53rd year in business. In 1954, recently out of the army, my father started a little business in my hometown of Mission, Texas. He was 24! The company grew and grew, and today 53 years later MAE Power Equipment is the largest independent dealer of outdoor power equipment in South Texas. You can read more about it HERE. (My Dad is the gentleman on the far left in the photograph circa 1954.

My Dad's store has survived the invasion of mass retailer box stores (WM, HD and L). It's been tough but legendary customer service has pulled him through. His motto is: "We sell the best and service the rest".

Over the years he has received countless accolades, Texas Small Business of the Year and many others, most recently during his 50th year in business, the prestigious Dealer in Excellence Award from Yard & Garden Magazine, a trade publication. Here's a picture of my Dad and brother when they received that award.

My siblings and I all started working at my Dad's store as soon as we could walk and talk. When we were really young, it was our job to dust the lawn mowers in the show room, when we got older we were given other tasks. My Dad is now 77 and still goes to work every single day, he jokes that he only works half days now, from 7 to 7! All of us kids have moved on but my little brother Oscar (36) has stayed and the business will go to him someday.

Thanks for letting me share my Dad's story, I am really proud to be his daughter and I hope you like my lawn mower card!

Hambo has some adorable stamps, be prepared to giggle outloud as you look through their gallery. Monica, the owner is very nice-- please tell her I sent you!

Details about card: 53 from Whimsical Numbers (retired), Medallion from Wanted stamp set, Happy Anniversary from Hugs & Wishes stamp set, the stars and smoke blowing out of the lawn mower is from Haunting Halloween, and last but not least the lawn mower and mower sentiment are from Hambo Stamps. Also used: Dimensionals, Scallop Circle, 1 1/2 Circle, 1 3/8 circle punches, Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon, Real Red marker, sponge daubers, Creamy Caramel Classic ink pad, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Confetti White, River Rock Card Stocks. Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke Craft ink and Clear Embossing Powder.