The Responsibilities go up!

     I am taking a quick second to let everyone know how excited I am!  I have a few post still to talk about the wonderful weekend we had but because I haven't uploaded my pictures I will get them up this weekend. 

     This week was very important, Quinn got to see her new school!  She starts Kindergarten!  She will be in the AM class.  Almost all of the schools now do all day, but the one she is in still splits it up.  Well Wednesday I took a a few hours off to go and see her new class!  Quinn, her Mom and I got to walk around and look at her class, drop off some supplies and meet her new teacher!  It was really nice because the kids got  view of what they would be doing and seeing some of their friends they new from pre-school.  Quinn had a blast, she got a good feel for the room and school, she played with some toys and just got settled.  Her Mom and I got to also see where we need to drop her off as well as we got to speak with her teacher and introduce our selves.  I can't wait to show yo pictures!  Yesterday I left work a little early to see her other school program.  Since Quin only goes 1/2 day she will be in a program run by the YMCA where she will take the bus to another place to learn and grow.  The program is great, we met her teacher there and saw her classroom.  They continue teaching and bring them outside to play.  We really liked this program because there were kids and things to do for smaller kids.  We also liked the fact that they continue to educate and Quinn will keep learning.  The staff was wonderful and Quinn played as we talked to her teacher and just looked around.

     This year is different however.  We will now have to pack her lunch!  Quinn will leave her school and go to her after school program where she will eat her lunch.  So now we get to pack her lunch, thing is no peanut products!  So PB&J is out the window lol...  She now has a cute backpack and we have to do some school shopping which is pretty much done but I am excited because everyones responsibilities are going up.  This next stage in our lives is very important, she starts school!  She now will meet more kids and have to start learning.  Her day won't just be filled with playing aorund!  (boy i miss those days)  Her after school program and her class have lots of activities and toys for the kids to well still be kids.  I can't wait to see this school year start and see what she is learning!  I also can't wait to update you and show you some pics of her room!

  As we start this school year off I hope all kids have a great year and had a wonderful summer.   Always remember an education is so important so please help them out and show them how fun and exciting school is!

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher  

A Daddy Daughter Dinner

    This past Friday I picked up Quinn and her and I headed to dinner.  Just the two of us, it was nice I haven't had dinner with just Quinn like that in a while.  We went out for a fish fry and had a blast, we talked ate and she even sat next to me.   She got a fish fry and we just talked.  I can't believe how big she is getting, holding down conversations, she has grown so much.   When I fist moved out years ago it was hard to go out and have dinner with her.  I had to watch her and keep her still, now she sits with me and colors or talks about school.  She is growing up so fast I can't believe it.    After dinner we headed home to relax and watch some TV.   As far as the rest of the weekend, well you will just have to wait and see...

For my single parents out there I urge you all to have dinner with your kids.  Take them out and have one on one time.  They will love it, going out with family and friends is wonderful but always remember going out with just them shows them you're taking the time to show them you want to hear about their day.  It will make all the difference...

Enjoy the cute pic!  

Always remember you are never alone...

Love

Christopher

A Mid Week Break

A Daddy Daughter Dinner!

Tuesday's Tip: Keeping Control

     Over the past weeknd I noticed my little one start to get bossy.  Over the past few months she has starteed testing the waters more and more.  Telling me no when I ask her to do things.  She also will question me or put up a fight.  This is just their way of seeing how far they can go and becoming older.  I haven't posted this weekends update yet but this past weekend Quinn would stomp her foot when she was mad and not listen.  Sunday was more difficult and usually is.  It is our hardest day becuase she has to go and her and I get sad.  She also just wouldn't go down for her nap and around 4ish she got very hard to deal with.  I did get a bath in however I didn't get her dinner, just breakfast and lunch. 

     I have noticed over time as she get's older she is starting to get mad if she doesn't get her way.  In the morning we were playing and she didn't understand the game and decided to stop and storm off.  It was cute and funny. (Never let them know that)  She just said she was not palying and walked away.  I talked to her and explained we can try to learn it again or we can play something else.  She gets that from me so I really can't do much but deal the best I can.  My tip is how ever to always keep control.  If your child is throwing a fit let them know they need a time out or a minute to cool down.  Make sure how ever they are cleaning up and doing their share as they get older.  I pickup to help but mainly I tell Quinn we don't go out or move on till her toys are put up and the room is clean.  You don't want them to think that when they are done you will do all the work to clean up.  Quinn has gotten so much better and she puts up her toys now when she is done.  She has gotten better at bed time to.  She walks up and doesn't get mad or cry.  She says good night and we head up.  I took the time this weekend to not watch to much TV becuase it was nice out and Sunday mornning it was not easy.  We went outside but she really wanted her TV.  I have just stayed strong and told her we would watch some later. 

     Always remember when you say something, mean it!  Don't cave or give in because you will loose and your child will see that weakness.  They will know if they scream or complain or just keep asking you will cave and they will get their way.  If Quinn needs a time out I put her in her room for  minute and talk to her when she cools down.  By the way Quinn doens't like her door shut so I really haven't had her slam it, she may shut it here an there but I know the door slamming days may come.  I don't care who you are, I think almost everyone in the world slammed a door once in their life!  Slamming a door just tells the other perons you are mad and you are gonna show it!  Well the weekned was wonderful and I really learned a lot.

     I learned to just keep control by making sure what I say i follow up with and that talking to her in a soft tone will work.  If she misses her nap we may have some issues but sometimes they still just need a time out.  If i get very uspet becuase of how she is acting I put her in her room and let her be.  Parents have to remember children will bring us to a boiling point!  They push our buttons, and just get us to the point of asking "why won't you just listen?!  I also find when she keeps asking why, I follow up with, "because I said so".  That is because I need you to do somehting and I don't need a reason!  Remember we as parents can give reasons and that is a good thing, but also sometimes we don't.  We are the parents and for now, what we say goes. 

     To just recap, keep your cool and talk to your child in nice tone.  Have the childs father, mother or your spouse or a friend that maybe over talk to them if you feel you are very upset.  You don't want to scare them or make them feel sad.  Another person can tag in and talk to them while you take a time out and relax.  If they won't listen to anyone, then keep them contained and controlled.  Keeping them safe, but in their room will not cause harm and show them when they are ready to come out listen they can. 

     Let me know of anything else you may use for tips!

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

A last weekend,weekend update...

     I know I got behind on this weeks post so here is Dave's and Jenn's Party pics from last week that I talked about.  It was last Saturday and we had a blast.  Dave and Jenn are getting married next fall so they had everyone over to celebrate.  The day was so much fun I love spending time with them and we always have a blast.  Here are some of the pics!

Here is Jenn! (not exactly with who)

Dave, Jenn and both of Dave's Grandmother's

Dave, Jenn and Dave's Parents

Here is Dave, Jenn, Jake Josh and my self.  Josh, Jake and I are in the wedding!

Awee....

Dave, Jenn and Jenn's Dad and Stepmom 

Here we all are again this time including Mark, Dave's brother who also is in the wedding!

Dave's Mom and I!

     Sometimes when wedding things come up I remember my own days of going through my old marriage.  Over the past few year's as my life adjusted I now enjoy seeing weddings, it was hard in the beginning but seeing Dave and Jenn just make me so happy.  It was good seeing Dave's family and meeting Jenns family.  Dave's Mom and I have worked on other parties for Dave so this time we got a pic, as you can see.  The day was just so nice I am so excited for the weeding and I can't wait to show you all more pics.  Love is beautiful thing and even a divorce can't keep one bitter for ever.  I was so happy to be there to share their special day.

     I can't wait too see the the next year go as they get ready for the wedding.  I can't wait to keep you all posted as well.  The wedding is planned for next September and next summer we have a stag party to get ready for!  I can't wait to update you on this weekend's update!  Talk to you all soon!

Always remember,

You are never alone.

Love,

Christopher

A Mid Week Break

Just because I wanted to steel the show.  

A Daddy Daughter Mid Week Pic.  

Tuesday's Tip: Keeping Track of traveling Items

     I named this post traveling items because it is about items that our children will move from one home to the other.  When I pick up Quinn she usually wants to bring something over and this is totally fine, untill it's time to go and we can't find it.  For a while it was her bunny, we always misplaced that untill i started telling her to leave it in the car or in a safe place untill it was bed time.  Posting about their security item is something i want to talk about soon.

     So the last weekend Quinn came over and she likes to bring some of her things.  I don't mind at all, she wanted a pair of her sunglasses.  I told her not to bring them because she had some in the Jeep.  So come Sunday we got her stuff home but we forgot the glasses!  The next few days I looked and looked but still nothing.  I have yet to find them...  Quinn was so cute because I just kept looking and she told me not to worry she has more.  She could tell I was frustrated and that I knew I had them someplace!  As I saw my little one calm me down i knew she was just going to be fine when she grows up.  So I am still looking for the hidden sunglasses and I will  keep you all posted!

     As far as bringing stuff back and fourth a few things to keep in mind.  First, know everything they bring over and keep track of it.  As you spend time with your little one or ones just keep track of where things are, Quinn is great at back tracking but sometimes she forgets as well.  Try to have everything ready before you leave so you are also not running around looking for something last minute.  You also don't want to loose anything, but we all do every once and a while...  Second tell your child as you spend time with them to be keeping track of the things they brought over.  While a stuffed animal or blanket will probably not leave their side, sunglasses or a music player may.  Also tell them to keep track of their stuff because they don't want to loose it.  I told Quinn if she looses her music player she won't get it back.  She replied that she has a pink one as well.  I laughed becuase she was right, but that wasn't the point. 

     When it comes to me, well my short term memory is less than average thats for sure so i am alway trying to keep track of things becuase when I put something down if I don't really realize what I did i can forget.  So my tip is to share items between the other parent but also remember to keep good track of the items becuase this will teach your child responsibility.  As time goes on you move that on to them and they have to keep track of their things.  Then one day they will be more and more able to manage their things. 

     As for the sunglasses, well I may have to look for a new pair, of course one day in 5 yrs they will appear but I guess you will have to keep reading the blog to find out!

Happy Hunting!

Always remember, you are never alone
Love,
Christopher

It's Monday again...

     The past weekend for me came and went and here we all sit on Monday.  It was a specail weekend because my friends Dave and Jenn had their enguagement party.  Dave and Jenn have been in the blog before and Dave's known Quinn from when she was a baby.  They are planning on getting married next fall.  Dave asked me to be in his wedding an I am very excited.  I can't wait to post the pictures and tell you all about the party.

     I did just want to quicky post and say i hope everyone had a great weekend, I didn't have Quinn this weekend so i used it to relax and get some things done around the house as well as work out and just catch up on some rest.  I did find the weekends I don't have Quinn I am keeping busy and not as upset.  I still miss her but over time you learn you have to keep busy and just keep moving.  I realized that the time I have with her is there and will be comming up so to just clean or get organzied so when I do have her i can enjoy every minute with her.  I am excited this weekend we have some fun things planned and all i have to do is get through the week!  However I do hope anyone out there reading this that is just starting off knows there is hope and even though years have passed it took me time to get where I am.

     I can't wait to get you some great pictures and I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  Back to the grind....  It's Monday!

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

A mid week break.

Just an Uncle and his Niece...

The Weekend update!

     The weekend has come and gone and we have had yet another great adventure!  Friday I picked up Quinn and we headed home to have some dinner.  We went out after and picked up a movie and just relaxed since the week was long.  Saturday we got up and had some breakfast, then played a little before we started our movie!  Quinn and I rented Journey 2, the mystic Island.  It was cute and Quinn really enjoyed it.  

     That night my parents took her out to dinner to spend some time her and she had a great time.  I picked her up and she was just so excited to tell me all about her dinner and what she had.  Sunday we got up and went to Church.  We haven't gone in quite some time and we both wanted to go.  It was nice because there sere some people that haven't seen Quinn in long time.  After we all went out to breakfast  with the family and some friends.  Later Quinn and I played with her Elmo Playdoh toy, she had such a great time!  It was just nice to sit with her and just see her play and learn.  Just a Dad and his Daughter, a time to just sit and watch her play.

     We then headed to the park one more time before dinner!  Quinn wanted to play one more time before she went home.  We hit the swings, the slide and some other small things she likes to go on.  Sundays are always hard because I have to say goodbye.  No matter how much I think I have gotten used to it I really haven't.  I know it's August but the summer is still not over!  There will be more to come!  

I hope you enjoy the pics!

Always remember,

You are never alone... 

Here we are playing on Sunday!

Time to get some exercise!

My little girl.

A Play date with Alyese!

     Last week we had a play date with Alyese!  We headed over to Vinny's and Courtney's house and the girls played.  Quinn was so excited to see Alyese's room and Alyese was so excited to show her.  The girls played as Vinny and I picked up dinner.  We all sat down and had Pizza and Wings!  The girls loved their dinner and sat and watched TV and we sat and talked as we laughed and watched them.

     After dinner we went outside to burn off some calories!  The girls played with Alyese's Nerf Guns and just ran around.  They were so cute and are becoming such good friends.  It's so cute to see Quinn and Alyese just bonding and having a great time.  After we settled down and headed home.

    Enjoy the pics!

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Here they go!

Their big adventure

Shooting away!

Talk about a heat wave...

You know how they say don't eat yellow snow?  Well i guess in this case, don't drink the water... With China in a record heat wave I guess I can't complain with a little warmer weather we have had....  So how does one get from the middle of this pool to the bathroom?  Maybe some questions are best left, unanswered...


Always remember...
You are never alone...  Espically if you are in this picture!

Love,
Christopher

And the Winner is......

                                                 This year's PGA Winners are!!!  Aunt Ro, Ron and their team!
All other Golfers can now go home.  To be honest I don't know why Tiger Woods came to Rochester anyway.  There are no Perkins here... 

Enjoy the event everyone! 

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Tuesday's Tip: Never Celebrate early...

This is why we never celebrate early. The video is about Meghan Rutledge's early celebration, when she was about to cross the finish line she fist pumped and it cost her the X-Games Gold. 

See the great vidoe below.

Always remember,

You are never alone....

And nobody likes a showboater! 

Love,

Christopher

The second half of our carnival weekend!

     I did let the week get away from me but I wanted to post about the second night at the carnival we had!  Saturday night we headed out with my parents and went down to the carnival!  Quinn was so excited, we got there and got some tickets and Quinn got right to running around finding the rides she liked!  The weather was getting cloudy and yes it started to rain later but we made it!  After riding some rides we took the time to have some funnel cake and just enjoy the night.

     It was cute because my Dad took Quinn on the same ride my Aunt did the night before.  I told him had to because Aunt Ro did!  I took the time to walk around and just see my parents enjoying their granddaughter.  My grandfather on my father's side passed away before my brother and I were born and my grandparents on my mothers side lived in Memphis.  We saw them as much as we could but just watching my parents walk around with Quinn made my night.  I can't tell you how many times I thought about what I would ever say to my grandfather, the one I never got to meet.  Seeing my father spoil Quinn made me smile and I knew my grandfather, his father was proud.  We enjoyed the night and just before it started raining hard I got the last ride in and we headed for the tent to stay dry.

     Later that night after we left we stopped over the neighbors and said hello.  There was a birthday party going on and we stopped in to see how everyone was.  Quinn had a great time and played with the kids.  She loves going over to the neighbors house.  We went to bed after and spend Sunday just relaxing and getting rested from the long weekend.

     However Saturday we had some big news!  A few weeks ago a good friend gave us a bed for Quinn.  She was ready for a new bed and out grew her old one.  I was so excited because Quinn was growing up and another part of growing up is taking new steps.  I can still remember her in her crib standing there waiting for me to pick her up.  Now with Quinn in her big girl bed I realized my little girl is yet again growing up.  She loves it and had been sleeping in it since.    I hope this one last for a while or else she'll be in my bed and I'll have to upgrade!

I hope you enjoy the pics!

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Quinn's new bed!

She is so excited!

Here is my Dad and Quinn.

Look at them go!

There she goes again, running around.

Quinn and Oma!

There they are again!

Here we go last ride!

Just hanging out after the carnival.

Just dancing around.

Thank goodness it's August!

     I know July is a fun happening month but honestly I had enough of it, between the mole removal, the poison ivy (twice) and that week heat wave.  I am glad to say gooooooodbye July!   It's rumored that August will be a cooler moth and I can't tell you how much i look forward to that.   I guess at the end of every month we are ready for the next one...  Just how at the end of every day we are ready for the next one done to start, well maybe not Saturdays, or a what ever your day off is.  I guess I just wanted to post and say this summer was one interesting one and even though we are starting the tail end there is a lot left.  Every once and a while we just tell our selves "I'm glad that month is over".  I know a lot of us even go as far as saying year.  Truthfully 2013 was a great year but I am excited to see what 2014 brings...

     I have so much to post about and I can't wait to catch you all up!  I wanted to say have a save and happy August!


Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher