"Make sure that what you are doing and striving for is going to be worth any sacrifices you will have to make along the way. If it's a relationship, job, anything in life."

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

A Mid Week Break

     Quinn took some time to play with her learning game.  She got a new one for Easter from Kay's Mom.  I love it because it teaches as she plays.  The way toys and games are helping learn is just amazing.  Plus she loves it and things its a video game!


Always Remember

You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher



Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Tuesday's Tip: Get them on a good eating path from the start

     I have always tried to watch what Quinn ate, I know kids don't love Veggies but I put some on her plate at our meals.  Even if it is corn.  Over the past few years since Quinn has had two house holds it is up to her Mom and I to keep her eating on a good path.  Lately I wonder what is going on over there.  Quinn is getting larger for her size and seems always hungry.  I giver her typical meals like eggs for breakfast, something like a sandwich for lunch and whatever we maybe eating for dinner.  I also try to keep her moving and making sure she gets lots of outdoor time.  It was a cold winter so I will admit we stayed in a lot.

     Over the past year or so I just wondered what she is fed at her Mom's and how much she eats.  She always wants to eat, non stop.  I know her Mother is feeding her good food I wonder how much.  Before Quinn's vacation we had her Play.  I told you it was a potluck dinner and everyone brought things in.  She at a good meal and then after the play was over we headed in for dessert.  She had a few things but then sat down and continued to eat the Mac & Cheese that was left over in the dish her Mom brought.  Now typically picking after dinner is something we all do but I couldn't help but want to stop her.  There was a lot of people and discipline gets gray when were both with her and this and that....  So I just observed.  I honestly thought her Mom would stop her and tell her that's enough but she let her keep eating.  After a good sized dinner and dessert you have to stop or you could get sick, and you can make your stomach larger.  This will make you always hungry.  As we walked out there was Qinn with her cup of Mac and Cheese, she continued to keep eating.  Finally she gave it to me and advised she was full. 

     I get nervous because I wonder if she eats a lot and is just bored or has a big stomach.  People say kids grow but honestly we put her in pants sizes up to fit her.  Now I'm not posting to say my child is getting big, just that there are things we as parents have to do.

     1)  Watch what your child eats, limit snacks that are sweet to a few times or a special occasion.  Let them know treats happen a few times here and there, that's what makes them special.

     2)  Watch how much they eat.  Remember 3 meals a day and a snack or two is fine.  Limit their consumption and try to fill them with things like fruit that are good for them as well as filling. 

     3)  Try to get them to eat new things, chicken nuggets shouldn't be every dinner!

     4)  Introduce vegetables and other healthy foods to them.  I know they may not like them but one day it will be easier to eat them. 

     5)  After meals and snacks have cut offs.  If your child is still hungry and you feel you feed them enough, advise them their next meal will come and give them a time.  Go outside and play, distract them from wanting food.

     Remember kids are just small versions of us!  Child and Adult Obesity is here and it is a serious matter.  Keep your kids healthy and active and you will stay active as well.  Now I didn't write this post because I think Quinn eats to much or is getting bigger.  I wanted to let you all know that weight can sneak up on us and that taking time to look for good healthy choices is the right thing to do.  Be proactive and make homemade meals with healthy sides and fun desserts that are better for your child and your self.  It will pay off in the end!

     As for Quinn, well she's doing fine and we keep her active.  Now that summer is here I plan on getting her outside and running around more.  She will make good choices because her family does.


Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Updating the room's, part 2

So my last post was about how we painted, and I forgot to post the pics!  So
The before pics!





Here we are painting!


Quinn did such a great job!


After pics!



I will have to take a few more soon, here the paint isn't fully dry.  The family room is a nice dark Green but the pic here the paint isn't fully dry.  I will update this room soon.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Working on some upgrading!

      A few weeks ago before Quinn went to Florida for Spring Break we did some painting!  Since I moved in I haven't had the chance to really paint any rooms.  The house is painted in an off white and we decided it needed some color!  Kayla and I looked around for a while thinking about what to paint and what colors to look at.  We finally decided on a lighter brown and a mid dark green.  The dinning room we did faint maple and the living room was rattan paln.

     We got the house together and moved everything the few nights before and our house was a mess!  We even looked at having it done for us but Sunday we got up and just did it!  The walls had some small surface cracks so we needed to fix those as well.  Kayla and I started in the dining room and just did worked and worked.  I did the trim as she painted.  It took a while to use the edger but I got the hang of it.  My parents came over after a while and helped out.  When dinner time came we were already on the living room.  We had to take some small breaks to have dinner and get Quinn outside to play and back to her Mom's.  One thing we found was the paint we used.  We used Valspar for the dining room and we found it went on great.  We used Olympic for the living room, this was because the color didn't come in Valspar and Lowe's couldn't color match.  The Valspar did go on easier and we found it just was a better paint.  I only used an outside paint to paint the porch and that was Valspar.  I really was sad that Olympic didn't do as good a job.  The room looks great we just had to fix a few spots and paint a few areas twice.

     We also had to patch and then let dry the cracks and small holes in the walls.  After that we had to sand and then clean the walls before we painted.  The whole process was very long and by the time we were done it was late Sunday and we were so tired.  We did both rooms and fixed some areas all in one day!  The next few days Kayla fixed some spots and painted the median white.  Between both rooms there is an arch with about 2 or 3 inches, she painted that white and it looks so good.  After we got it all settled we found a few things we will have to fix, a few spots that need to be fixed but we are so happy.  For the first time in a long time the house has color and it looks so amazing!  Paint can do so much I can't believe how much a little paint can do!  We even had Quinn help paint, she was so excited to help us out!

     So in the long run we saved a lot of money doing it our selves and have a good story to tell!  We are glad we started in the dining room.  There are a few drips and small things we may sand and repaint, but maybe not.  All in all we learned and you know what, had fun.  Painting together is a good test and we both passed, we got along, joked and made it without fighting or getting upset.

     As a tip I would do a few things.  First buy good paint!  Do not get cheap paint, go to a place that sells good paint.  Spend money on good brushes as well!  The edger we got worked great, however we started off not brushing after so some areas have like a long paint line where it got thick.  So be smart and watch that.  Also just go slow and take your time, tape off areas you can and use a steady hand if you have one.  Also when it's done, touch up what you want and don't go overboard.  Remember life isn't perfect so sometimes paint job's aren't either.  I do recommend you get painting, it makes such a difference!

 Always Remember,
You are never alone...
Love Christopher

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Time to take it off!



     So every spring I promise my family and friends I will cut my hair!  Usually in the fall I start to let it grow and I clean it up a few times.  This past year I stated to let it grow out late Summer and didn't really cut it all!  This being one of the longest I have ever gone!  I love how every few times a year i do have a different style.  I love longer hair in the Winter and shorter hair in the Summer.  In the summer I always have it short because it does get to hot and showing and working out is a pain with long hair.  

     With my hair now shorter it does make showers much faster and working out easier.  Plus this year it was blowing in my face when I drove!  It was fun however and everyone has a good time joking about how big it gets.  My hair kinda grows out and up.  I grew it long because I wanted to see if it would grow long and down but I learned and it was a fun Winter.  

     I will admit its fun getting it all taken off, the person cutting it always looks twice and will ask me 3 times if I am sure.  Sometimes I joke as they start to cut it and say NOOO!  Haha, but this time i was nice.  


     So...... Enough talk check out the pics!  Let me know!

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher 

Before!





AFTER!



Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Tuesday's Tip: Makeing the most of your time

     The past few post I have talked about Easter and how I didn't see Quinn for that long.  It sucks, she was with her mother the entire week in Florida and I only had her from the morning till around dinner time.  I got to take her to Church and then home for lunch with the family but as we were home cleaning and Quinn was hanging out with us I will admit it was hard.  I wasn't in the best mood at first because it didn't feel fair that I just spent over a week with out her and now I can't even have her overnight.  Kay told me to enjoy the time we have with her and even though it doesn't seem fair to just make the best of it. 

     After a few minutes of being upset I sat with Quinn and enjoyed some quality Daddy Daughter time.  We spent the afternoon having fun with family and I ended up bringing her back to her Mom's that night.  It's hard because once Quinn get's settled she doesn't want to go.  I know as she get's older she will be able to make more decisions on staying with either of us later or not.  It was funny because on the way home we were talking and Quinn said when she gets older she can drive to my house then back to her Mom's and so on.  I laughed because she is such a planner and when we are together she tries to set the stage and tell me how things will go.  I listen and see if what she brings up is logical or not. 

     The nice thing was that I did ask for more time on Sunday and her Mom agreed so that is a good thing.  How ever still being on the shorter side of seeing your child is one thing, when your ex doesn't want you to have her say overnights or days that aren't yours just to be nice is another.  Some days I can't wait for her to just grow up and have some freedom, however most I am just fine with her being my little girl.  I just go day by day and pick the battles I can.  We have a lot ahead of us and the best thing I can do is just wait and see.  Love her and hold her, show her that I am there and the rest will take care of it's self.

     So my tip is to just relax and be patient.  If you can before your paperwork is signed go over it and make sure you understand what it is you are signing.  Or like my Dad always said, you have to sleep in the bed you make.  As for being on the short end of the stick, just be calm and show your child you love them.  Think about going back to court after three years you are allowed to look over the paperwork.  Mainly just enjoy your child with the time they have. 

   Very important, a child will always love their parents unless they give the child a very big reason not to.  They will also see injustice if they feel on parent is being treated that way.  So I always say share and love your child together because if you don't the child will only see this and maybe one day spend more time with the other parent because the feel they upset they didn't get to.


Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Monday, April 21, 2014

The week begins...

     So another long week starts off today as I posted before Quinn was away so now I have another week to get through.  The day yesterday was very exciting however and much loved.  As April approaches its close out I can't help but finally wonder if winter is over!  I did hear that we may end up having a cooler summer but I do finally think it is warming up for good.  Now remember last time I said that I ended up having to clean out the driveway.. again!  Like I have posted before however I do think we are finally in the warmer stages of Spring and it is almost time for spring cleaning!

     For my single parents, get ready for being outside, bike rides and park trips!  I am excited to get the house cleaned and fixed up for the summer as well.  We still have some painting to do as well as some cleaning up to get ready for.  As for another long week well like I said it would be nice if Quinns Mom offered to let me have her other days or to help make up some of the spring break however she will not nor ever probably.  I just get used to it and make the time with Quinn count. 

     I hope everyone has a wonderful week and hopefully a great start to spring!


Always remember,
You are never alone...

This reminds me, time to update my background and make it a warmer appeal!



Love,
Christopher

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Happy Easter!

     Today was Easter and I hope everyone had a great weekend and a wonderful Easter!  Quinn came back from her Spring break and we picked her up this morning.  I had to bring her home later that night but it was better than nothing.  It would have been nice to have her over night but her Mom would never allow that, not till Quinn gets older and starts speaking for her self.  It was hard but when you have her for even a short time you still make the best of it and we did.  We had a great morning at church, it was nice to see the beautiful alter dressed in white and all the flowers.  The church was full and it was good to see so many people from out of town who came in to visit.

     After church they had a cute easter egg hunt.  The kids all got to go outside and find easter eggs hidden in the yard with candy inside.  Quinn filled her basket and just had the most amazing time.  After we headed home and Quinn found her easter basket we had for her home!  It was filled with cute movies and different snacks.  We put more fun toys and video's over candy now that she is getting older.  My parents, aunt and bother then came over and we all had lunch.

     Lunch was over we headed outside to find some other treats that Oma and Aunt Ro left!  The day was so beautiful.  The sun was shining and it wasn't to cold out at all.  We played Scotch outside and had fun.  For those who don't know that is when you tap hard boiled eggs together to see what one doesn't beak.  Again the eggs are boiled so the shells just break thats all.  We went inside and Quinn made some egg salad.  It was nice to see everyone just being together and relaxing on such a nice day.  We had a break in the weather and just a great day overall.  After dessert we talked and hung out a little more and then cleaned up and headed out.

     The next week is hard because next weekend is again not our weekend so like every year I just get buy it and move on.  Spring break isn't always easy but this year we are taking a week with Quinn so it will be nice to finally have that.  I can't wait to keep you posted!

Enjoy the pics!

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher
The Easter Egg Hunt!



Look at all the goodies!

Kay, Quinn and I


Uncle Kenny, Aunt Ro, Oma, Popi, Kay, Quinn and I

Quinn went outside to get more stuff!




Kay and I.


Look at all Quinns Stuff!

Ken and Chuck!

Here we are playing Scotch!


Quinn did so awesome!

Little dessert and we called it a great day!

Friday, April 18, 2014

Good Friday


     Today is good Friday one of my favorite services like Ash Wednesday Good Friday reminds us what not only what one Man did for us but who we are.  There are many religions and like I say before I never post to convert but going to church and seeing a black laced cross is one of the most powerful sights.  An empty alter, a quiet room a service to show that someone died for our sins is a powerful message.  I feel the happy services like Easter and Christmas are ones tha many enjoy and go to.  I enjoy them as well because they are happy and are about birth and resurrection but its the services t
 that lead up to Easter Sunday that show you how important that one service is.  
   
Everyone can enjoy a fun Easter Sunday but to go on Friday and feel the power and hear the scriptures of what happened.  I always feel Good Friday is just so powerful to feel the power of the service and the scene it sets is one you just have to go and see.  The songs, prayers and readings that night are very powerful.  They make you pray not only for your family, friends and the world but I pray and thank God for everything.  I pray and thank God for what we have been given and how one person can be punished and killed for us.

     As tonight comes I don't know if I can attend there are some things tonight I to do but if we go or not I will make sure I take the time to take in the power of this day.  If I can't go I will take the time to pray quietly.  I hope everyone today no matter their religion takes some time to get ready for the weekend however for anyone in the Christian faith I hope you take this time to realize Easter is Sunday but to keep in mind the power and reason we have this day.  If you go to Church tonight please take in the readings and listen to how powerful this night is and why we remember it.

One song on Good Friday we sing is "Were you there".  It is just so powerful and there are different lyrics sung by many artist.  I added one version to my play list on the blog.  When we sing it on Good Friday the meaning of Good Friday is there in words.  I close my eyes as I sing as the spirit and what that day means fills every cell in my body.  A very good and powerful song...

     I hope everyone has a good weekend to come...

Always remember,
You are never alone....

Love,
Christopher    





Wednesday, April 16, 2014

A Mid Week Break!

I think its time for summer, don't you!
This was Quinn last fall just being her Cute self.

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

I hope everyone is enjoying their spring break!

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Tuesday's Tip: Start to get outside!

     This past weekend it was 80 degrees outside!  Almost all the snow is melted and spring is starting to fight through.  Now grated we have some colder weather heading out way but that is just April for ya.  My tip this week is to get outside!  This past weekend I took some time to get some sun as we helped my parents move some woodchips after a tree was removed.  It was nice out and a good change to get some much needed sun on my winter pale back!  Even though I wasn't in the sun long it still felt good to warm up and get maybe almost a little bid of color.  (Even if Kayla says I didn't get any). 

   Sunday we took a long walk and headed down to the lake, we got ice cream and just walked around.  It was nice seeing people out again.  This winter was so cold and long that it was hard to get outside at all.  The weather was so beautiful and it seemed like everyone was out eating and just enjoying the sun.  Getting outside early is a great healthy start for the Spring time.  After being inside for several months your body needs to stretch and warm up.  It was so nice to just feel warm air again.  As the nicer weather approaches I am excited to start walking to the park with Quinn and just getting out and enjoying the days with her. 

     So my tip is to get out and stretch.  Get some sun and even start some lawn work!  When summer is here you will have a jump start and a good base tan!  Get some Vitamin D!


Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Monday, April 14, 2014

What do do when you're litte one is away.

     Quinn when on her Annual trip this Spring to Florida and like last time I am finding my self with things to keep busy.  This week I plan to go to the gym an extra trip and start cleaning up the house to get ready for spring.  It can be difficult for single parents when their child goes on vacation.  Before when Quinn went away for shorter periods of time I did find my self thinking of things to do and pacing around.  As time goes on it gets easier and now I am excited she is on vacation and enjoying her time off.  I know she will have fun stories to come back with and adventures to talk about.

     Sometimes in the beginning however a parent can stay up late thinking about what their child is doing away epically for long periods of time.  My advise is to just keep busy, plan some things to do and visit friends.  Go to the gym or see a movie with friends.  If you don't have them on your weekend of time off, take the time to sleep in and relax.  There is nothing you can do and worrying is just going to get you upset.  Let your child enjoy their vacation and you enjoy some me time.  As for my self, well Wednesday I plan on getting to the gym an extra day and this coming weekend like I said starting on cleaning up the house! 

     Single parents who's kids are on vacation have a heard enough time because you have to work with you Ex and not see your child for an extra period of time.  It isn't easy and for this I say just take it day by day and know they will return and be excited to tell you all about their vacation!

Always remember,
You are never alone...
(Even if your child is on vacation)

Love,
Christopher

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Quinn's Play!

     Last Thursday we headed to Quinn's after school for a potluck dinner and a play!  Quinns after school program put on Dr. Susses The Lorax, it was so cute.  We arrived and everyone had a dish to pass and ate dinner.  The room was small so some of us waited in the hall but i got to sneak in to see Quinn eat.  After we all headed down to see Quinn perform.  The kids did such a great job!  Quinn was a Brown Barbaloot.  The kids did such a great job and had lots of lines to learn.  The play had 4 acts and each one was about 15 or so minutes.

     If you ever saw the movie you would know how cute it was.  The kids did such a great job and I am currently getting pictures uploaded and will share those this week!  It was nice and a new step because both sides of Quinns family was there, my family and her Mom's.  I has been a while since we have all come together for Quinn like this and it was good.  Getting together after a divorce or break up for a child isn't easy.  You come together for the child and everyone did talk and that's how it is.  It takes time and each time will get easier.  For my single parents out there I just will say take your time and be friendly.  I know it isn't easy seeing your ex and their family because you were together and now your not or with new people but it just takes time.  I was with my Kayla, my parents and my Aunt and Quinns mom came with her Mother and her new boyfriend and we all talked and it was fine.  Like I said, it just takes time.

     After dinner we headed back and had dessert.  We had some dessert and just hung out for a little more and said our goodbyes.  Quinn headed off to Florida this week because it is her spring break!  I said a an extra special goodbye and we headed out.  The night went great and now with Quinn in Florida I just put my mind on other things like I have before.

     I will update you with pics from the Play!

Always Remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Tuesdays Tip: It may looker nicer out than it really is

     I posted about this weekend and how it looked and felt so very nice out but actually was cold.  Be careful, the sun maybe out but it isn't warm yet.  Spring can be tricky because we have been inside for so long that all we want to do is get outside and enjoy the fresh air.  Some tips for you are as follows. 
   

Check the weather and see what the temperature will be for the day. 

Go out side and test the temperature, see how actually cold it is.
    
If you are going outside think about driving and not walking to the park.  Remember walking there is easy, but coming home isn't as fun.

When you do go bring a jacket and dress to the weather.  Make sure you stay warm, just because the sun is out doesn't mean its warm.

Only play outside for a short while.  Don't get distracted by having so much fun that you get cold, or sick. 

Like always have fun!  Be safe but also have some fun, get some exercise and run around a little.  Then get back inside and make sure you stay warm.  Once it get's nicer out you can stay outside longer...

Have fun thin Spring and be mindful it can still be colder out...    

Always Remember,

You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Monday, April 7, 2014

The weekend update!

     Here we are again, Monday.  This weekend was very eventful!  Saturday we took Quinn to the Sandbox.  The indoor gym she has been going to for a long time and just loves.  She had such a good time and now that she is older it's easier to let her go around and be more independent.  I wanted as she explored and did things on her own.  There are all kinds of jumping slides and even smaller toys kids there can play with.  Later that day we did some smaller chores and got ready for the house to be painted.  I can't wait to blog and show you some of the work we have been up to!

     We had some dinner and just relaxed, it has been getting warmer out but not enough to be out to long.  The next day we got up and had some breakfast, my parents took Quinn to church while Kayla and I worked on the house.  It was a great time for the grandparents to get some quality time.  The came over early that afternoon and Quinn and Kay and I went to the park.  Quinn was so excited to get back outside and just have time to run around.  We stayed as long as we could but there was a breeze so we had to keep it shorter only because the weather is nicer but it is still cool out.

     I was nice to sit outside and feel the sun after months of being stuck inside.  This winter appeared to never end.  With some time to play and a small nap we had some dinner and then off to her Mom's.  Quinn had such a great weekend and sometimes doesn't want to leave.  Maybe this summer I will talk with her Mom about keeping her longer or even overnight.

     Quinn is going on Spring Break soon with her Mom so this Wednesday will be the last time I see her for a little while. 

     I hope you enjoy the pics!

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher