Part of the Weekend Update!

     This past weekend we had a blast!  Saturday was one of the hottest days we have had in a long time and it showed that summer was back in full force!  Kay and I spend part of the day outside.  We have been working on the front gardens now for a few weeks.  My parents came over and helped us cut the old bushes and small trees down a few weeks ago.  We raked some of the old dirt off and lowered the beds.  Digging up the old roots and just getting the beds ready for planning.  We have one side done and now have the other to do!

     We got some sun and then spend the evening inside because of how hot it was.  It was in the mid 90's and not fun at all.  The good news is the beds are looking much better.  Quinn came out to get some sun but we stayed mostly inside because of how hot and dangerous it can be.  I will be looking to invest in a some fun water things for her this year.  Getting word done outside isn't always fun but when you add the heat and sun its really isn't fun.  We did half just because it was getting to dangerously hot.  Hopefully soon we will be getting the second part done then we can plant and get the front all set.  We will have to go plant shopping soon. 

Well we have more to tell but once we get pics downloaded! 

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Always remember you are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

My little star...

     Last Thursday we went and saw Quinn play more Soccer!  She is doing amazing.  They kids have a few warm-ups then play a little game.  Quinn runs around and I believe she likes playing but like other kids she daydreams a little out there.  She does like her water breaks I will admit!  As I looked out I noticed it was still early to tell if she will continue to play or even like other sports.  Her Mom liked sports where as I wasn't a jock at all lol.  I love how she gets good exercise and she gets to meet new friends and learn about working together.

     As she plays more she will get better and see if she wants to continue at all.  Either way its two days for her to get out and have fun.  They lost the game but the kids had fun!  I did however forget my camera...  I will keep you all posted!

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Turn Vent On...

     I can't tell you all how amazing Kay is and how she has stood by my side...  She and Quinn are my inner peace...

     Sometimes if we don't vent we break...  I've always felt the difference between venting and bitching is when there is injustice.  I think bitching is just a rough term of being mad and complaining.  Venting I always felt is for people that really try not to talk much but just can't hold back.  I have been very good over the past three years not to talk about how my Ex treats me.  Sometimes she's good sometimes she's bad.  Recently it's been hard I've been asking to see Quinn more and more and mostly on special events.  I asked to have her overnight for fathers day, she let me have her till 7:30.  Yes I know I didn't read the papers and have the fixed from day one.  So she did call and ask for me to pick up Quinn from daycare.  It was the first time I ever was awarded that!  I asked in the past but she said no.  It was Quinn's last day at the YMCA program.  So I was so excited that I got to pick her up and yes happy she allowed me to get her.  Granted she wanted me to come by her house so she could say goodbye to Quinn.  So things were good until I realized this 4th of July is my year and then saw the decree said I only have her from 10 to 6.  I thought I had her over night at least.

     Two years ago on the 4th I had her and she did stay overnight.  She told me Quinn could watch the fireworks and stuff.   Two years later I only get her till 7:30 and that's it.  I guess after years of just being screwed over from a decree I should have red I feel I am only mad at my self.  I always told my self make the most of it and just keep going, Quinn loves Kayla so much I can't put it into words or even on a chart...  She runs to me when she sees me and we have grown so close.  So forgive me as I vent because any other Mom would probably have worked more with me.  There are so many Mothers out there that would love the Dad to be more involved and here I am trying my hardest against a controlling woman...

"How does one find Inner Peace, when they are constantly surrounded by War..."

~Me

No matter what....

Always, Always, Always....

Remember...

You are never alone..

Love,

Christopher

Turn Vent Off...

Tuesdays Tip: Sun Protection

     It's that time again!  Time to be mindful of the sun!  As the Summer Sun gets stronger remember how much damage it can do short/long term.  The UVA/UVB rays can not only burn your skin they can cause skin cancer if to much happens over time.  Now of course a little sunlight is good for you but just keep in mind what area are usually out in the sun a lot... 

     Your face is very important and a sunburn there is not fun, many people don't cover it b/c they don't want sunscreen on it.  Make sure you put a little on and use sunglasses, a hat and make sure your nose and cheeks are protected.  When it comes to the Sun we can be outside all day and not know the damage until the night falls and we suddenly find our selves burned.  One of the problems is we don't understand how damaging the sun can be because young people think nothing can happen to them. When it comes to kids, always make sure they are covered a sunburned child is not a fun child.  Babies should only be in the sun for a very short period like moving them or things like that.  They should spend almost every second in the shade or in a protected area out of the sun.

    Quinn let's me put sunscreen on her when we go out because she understands how important it is and how a sunburn can be very painful.  I hope as she grows older she will continue to keep her self protected from the dangerous rays.  My self, well I usually put some on my arms and face and let my back go a little bit, I don't tan easy but I do watch how long I am in the sun.  Also watch were you are in the world.  Some places further south the suns rays will be more dangerous and direct.  You can burn faster and the burn can be more intense.   As I wrap this tip up very simple follow the picture below.  Cover up, war sunscreen and seek shade, have fun in the sun but know the dangers.

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Welcome Summer!

    

I usually like to welcome every season and with Summer here a big one I give at that!  The past few months of cold and rain I hope are finally over.  We have had some very nice weekends and even some warm ones.  I do hope this summer doesn't bring to much annoying humid weather.  Last year we had a good solid week of it and some other days that weren't fun.  As our summer starts I do hope everyone will be getting outside and enjoying the nice weather.  Have some fun, I plan on getting Quinn outside and getting some fresh air.  We also have some work to finish on our house so I hope to get that done. 

     With summer also comes the hot weather and sun.  Be sure to be safe and wear proper attire.  You can burn easily and as you get older it will catch up with you.  For all my parent readers make sure your little one is save and not in the sun to long.  Kids can burn very easily.  Make sure to take them out and enjoy the nice days too.  I plan on taking Quinn out a lot and there are a few things we plan on doing.  I won't spoil it however... 

So I say Welcome Summer!  We hope you stick around and are good to us! 


Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Cup Fever!

     Well the World Cup is in Full Swing with many Countries playing about 2 games looks like we have a lot of upsets.  With USA playing tonight with only about 30 seconds left Portugal scores and ties the game.  It was a very good game and with many left the US is still in the hunt.  With all eyes on Brazil and this event once every four years I do enjoy how the world does come together.  Being a special year because the Winter Olympics happening it was a great for the world to come together in sports.  The world cup is an amazing event because Soccer or whatever it is they call it is one of the worlds favorite sports.  Every country loves the sport and is played almost everywhere.  During the games there are pick up games all over with people from all over just playing in fields and streets.

     With many more games to be played I can't wait to see how this goes down!  Even if you don't love the sport i would try to catch a few games!


Always remember...
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Tuesday's Tip: Working on getting them to listen

     When it comes to listening, well do we ever?  My parents still have to tell me things more than once.  When it comes to Quinn I have to tell her a few times over and over but she is still young.  I think it's human nature to hear things but not always compute them.  I have learned a few things over the past few years and one thing is trying not to yell when I need her to do something important.  The other day she reached down to pick up some trash she thought was something important and I stopped her and raised my voice.  I did this in part because I know she still sucks her thumb sometimes and being a nail biter my self we have to keep our hands clean.  I know I am trying to stop my own bad habit...  She got upset and I told her I am just trying to keep her save, after we cleaned her hands I explained that things on the ground have germs and can make us feel sick.  She understood after I explained it but its hard.  Sometimes I feel she doesn't listen.

  A few things I try to do, before we go someplace I try to tell her in advanced like not to touch or to stay close to Me.  Lay some grounds rules down before you do something so they know a head of time and aren't caught off guard.  You can also remind them what you talked about if things go astray.  The other thing is when you talk to them look them in the eyes and let them see you, don't try to talk to them as your doing something or leaving.  They may not hear you or it may just go in and out.  You can tell there maybe small rewards for listening however don't always use this.  You shouldn't have to reward on everything.  Once kids get the base floor down they will get better and better and it. 

   As they get older you just have to keep instilling that they have to listen to you because that's how it just works.  It may take time and you may have to tell them a few times.  If you are a single parent and your child has more than one household it will be harder too because the other parent may have different rules and this can make things harder when it comes to listening and behaving. 

     I found some great tips on a site called Kidspot it talks about how to help get your kids to listen.
Here was the 5 tips it offered.

5 tips for getting kids to listen

• 1. Be reasonable in requests. Is what you are asking really necessary? Does it really have to be done right now in the way you want it done? Is there room for flexibility?
• 2. Try not to interrupt your children too much. They may be only "playing", but play is some of the most important work they can do. They may be in the middle of their favorite tv show. Wait until the ads. Show the same respect you expect of them toward you.
• 3. Don't demand everything NOW! Instead, get their attention, explain what you are after, and set a mutually agreeable time table. It might be today, it might be within an hour, or it might be in the next five minutes. But don't demand it now unless it needs to be done now.
• 4. Use gentle reminders. Instead of being upset, making a commotion, and inviting resistance, simply say your child's name and one or two words about what is required. For example, "Josh, please pack your lunchbox."
• 5. Get your child's attention, and speak softer and softer. The irony is that when we shout, people switch off. It's offensive. But when we speak softly they strain to take in every word we say. Your message will get across with focused soft speaking. 

When I looked over this site I really enjoyed it and got a lot out of it.  I hope the following tips help.  Remember kids are still growing and they take time to listen and learn so be easy on them and work with them...

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

My little Graduate

    Not to long ago my little one had her graduation for her K-Wrap program, that is her after school program.  They had a dinner and then show after, all the kids had so much fun.  When I arrived Quinn was so excited I made it, it was so cute she actually handed me some of her food b/c the line was so long.  She is such a good kid... 

     Once was ate we all headed down for the show.  The kids were introduced and did some fun intro dances.  Then they danced to some songs and broke up in their AM/PM class and did a cute play.  The kids performed some one lines and made everyone laugh.  Quinn did so good, she didn't show nervousness or was shy at all.  When they finished they then were given their paper and even got to toss their caps! 

     I am so proud of Quinn, as she starts first grade this fall I know she will have a big road ahead.  I know she will be ready and will do just fine.  It's really cute they do things like this for the kids.  It shows them how special they are and what they get to look forward to in life.  Little things like this go so far.  Being a single Dad I was so proud of her, I know it is a struggle to have two house holds and not be around both parents every day.  She has grown and gotten to become this little girl that is getting so big now.

     I would tell any parent to go and make sure you show support for you child.  The look in there eyes when you show up is priceless.  The more you are there for them on these days and events the better it is for both...

There she is! 

Her class

Just dancing around...

They did the YMCA!

Getting her paper!

My cute little girl.

Enjoy the pics!
Always remember
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Happy Father's Day!

     I hope everyone had a wonderful Father's Day!  Today we got up and headed to church.  It was nice my parents were there.  We also called and spoke with Kay's Dad and Mom and caught up a little.  After we got some shopping done for our cookout and cleaned the house.  Kay has been helpful she helps with Quinn while I get other things done or vise versa...  Another set of hands around the house really does make a big difference.

     My Aunt, Brother and Parents all stopped over and we got the dinner ready.  My Aunt and Mom brought some dishes over and we made corn on the cob, mac salad and grilled chicken.  We all sat down and had a wonderful meal.  It was good to catch up and just have Quinn.  After we gave my Dad his cards and gifts.  Then we had some cake and relaxed in the family room.  Quinn then went outside and Quinn showed us her Soccer moves she's been learning.  It was nice tonight because I did get Quinn till 7:30.  I did ask her Mother if i could have her overnight but having her later is better than nothing.  Quinn was cute she wanted to stay, I told her when she gets older she can, she will have more rights.

     I hope everyone had a wonderful day and I hope all the fathers got to see their kids!  I know some Dad's may have had to work and I hope you still go some time or time in the future or past to have celebrate.  Dad's do so much and I can't thank my Dad for all he does.   Dad's are special people...

Always remember,
You are Never alone...

Love,
Christopher
Enjoy the pics!

Happy Father's Day!

My Brother, Dad and I

Quinn and her Dad!

Three generations...

Happy Anniversary!

     Today was Kaylay and I anniversary, our one year.  I didn't blog to much about her because well for single parents it takes time to open up and even date.  Ever since we met and she moved here my life has changed.  She has been so good to me and Quinn trying to date in the past since my divorce was something I and many single parents struggled with.  Kayla not being the first person I dated after the divorce but I've come a long way and honestly I was so very close before I met her on just giving up.  I can't tell you honestly how close I was.

     Quinn opened up to Kay and ever since she has just fallen in love with her.  She listens to her and Kay is so amazing to her.  When you look for love honestly sometimes you look for someone who is better to your child than anything else.  I can't ask for someone better than Kay...  

     Today Kay had to work so I watched the munch and got ready.  That night I got a sitter for a few hours and made Kayla a nice pasta dinner!  I made a salad and pasta bolognese, and we had some bread and then I made us sea salt, Carmel brownies with Carmel vanilla shakes!  We had such a great dinner and exchanged are cards and gifts.  The night was amazing and spending with the person I love made it a perfect night...

Happy Anniversary Kayla, I love you so much.

Love,

Christopher

 Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,

Christopher 

Getting ready for the big weekend!

     This weekend starts Fathers Day weekend!  I know its not the whole weekend but I am excited, this weekend a lot happens.  Fathers day is Sunday and then tomorrow is Kay and I one year anniversary!  Tonight I picked up Quinn and we headed home.  We has some KFC and yes cheated a little tonight.  I did work out before I got her but it was nice to have a little cheat while working out.  The past several months we have been working very hard and eating very some very healthy foods.  So we had a little chicken and some comfort foods...

     The good thing is one day won't really effect you as long as you stay on target.  Quinn ate great and then had some M&M's.  She counted them out and asked whey she has to count.  I told her she will be counting her whole life and to get used to it!  Well we have a lot this weekend and I can't wait to update you!  I hope all the fathers have a great weekend!


Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

A late mid week break!

Hello all! I hope everyone is having a great week!  Here is little preview on what's to come on the blog!

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,

Christohper

Tuesday's Tip: Never forget you're doing a great job!

     Every since I became a single parent I always wondered if I saw Quinn enough, if she loved me because we didn't split her time up like we should.  There were some times she wanted not to come, or to leave early but over the past several years she has been showing so much love.  I tell my self to just do the best job I can...  When I go to her events I just see her face light up and how excited she gets.  Kids understand for the most part what a separation is and if you just do your best and love them that's all they care about.  Even if you punish them they understand...

     When I showed up for her school events and games she just gets so excited and afterwards gives me the biggest hug.  We as parents just have to show were there.  It takes a lot for a child to finally see their parent doesn't want to be a part of their lives.  Even after one slowly drops out they still show love.  A child's love for their parents is unbreakable.  So when you feel sad because you miss an event or a game don't worry.  Just be there for the next one.  Show up for as much as you can and they will understand.  If anything to my single parents out there, your doing a good job...  There will be some tough times but just keep pushing through.  The older the child gets the more they will see what is going on.   Remember two things that make a good single parent.

1) Raising your child in a good manner and getting them ready for life.

2) Never letting them see your struggles or anger when you struggle.


Always remember...

You are never alone...

Love
Christopher

Perfect time for the World Cup!

     Quinn started Soccer!  She plays Tuesday's and Thursdays!  She is currently practicing and just getting to know her teammates.  Her coach was very nice and so far she only had one practice!  The kids all ran around and just got used to what the game was and the rules.  Quinn did great, she was shy at first but she warmed up and did just fine.  The coach showed the kids how to kick correctly as well as block shots.  I think this will be amazing for Quinn to not only get some great exercise but maybe find a sport she loves.

     The next night Quinn practiced in our back yard and played around with her new ball we got her.  We worked on different things and it was just so nice to see how excited she was to keep playing.  She only had one practice so far but she will be  back this week!  I can't wait to keep you posted!  

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,

Christopher

Here she is!

Playing Freeze Tag!

She stopped the goal!!

It's always great to end with a cheer!!!

Let's Eat!

     A few weeks ago we set out to get our first grill!  Kay and I looked around and saved up till we found something we loved!  We headed out and picked it up and then headed home.  Not to much longer we took a night to get it all setup!  We wanted one with gas and one you can use a smoker.  This way we can have quicker dinners as well as a longer day to smoke ribs or something.  I say nothing is better and shows you are a good couple if you can put things together! 

 

 

    Kay and I have been putting many things together as a couple now and this was one of our biggest!  We worked really well, she would read as I would work and we took turns. the screwdriver broke but we pressed on...  In the end we had so much fun and now we have this great grill that we can't wait to use! 

 

 

Always Remember,

You are never alone...

 

Love,

Christopher

 

 

 

 

Here we go!

Getting better!

working hard!

 

Almost done!

Who's Hungry!?

A Mid Week Break

A sneak peek to what's to come!

Stay Tuned!

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,

Christopher

The Challange!

So rounding out my last month of my three month in shape challenge Kay and I are doing a 30 day Abs Challenge.  We are excited and just started yesterday.  As each day goes on they get harder and harder with a rest day every few.  As this month comes I plan on working my hardest to get ready for summer.  Something I have been trying to do for a while now.

I am excited and day one went very well.  I would tell anyone here to start or thy this challenge!  I will keep you posted!

It is mainly Sit Ups, Crunches, Leg Raises and some Planking.  It gives you a good overall of your upper, mid and lower sections to work.  Your lower section of your stomach is one of the hardest.  The spare tire or love handles are the areas people have to work out the most and hardest just because you sit down and that is were the food rest.  With a good diet and lost of working out a head I can't wait to show you the results...



Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

A weekend away...

     The weekend has come and gone again.  This past weekend we went to Kayla's parents house.  We left on Friday after we got the munch and headed up.  The trip takes about 4 hours but we made it and Quinn did great in the car.  Saturday we got up and had breakfast, Quinn was so excited to be visiting.  She at well the who weekend, that morning she had eggs, toast and sausage!  Later on in the day Kay and I had a wedding to go to so Kayla's parents got to take her out and spend some time with her.

     The wedding was so nice, one of Kayla's good friends form school got married so it was nice to meet some more of her school friends.  Later that day we got back and just hung out at the house.  Quinn just chilled with her Dad as we sat outside and talked.  We put some burgers on the grill and had some dinner.  Later we went over to Kayla's Aunt's and Gramdma's house for a game night.  Quinn had fun playing some of the games and just had a good time with Kayla's family.

     The next day we got up and made some breakfast, we just took the morning to relax and hang out.  I got to spend some time with Kayla's brothers and her Dad out by the garage.  Quinn then came out and we started kicking around a ball.  Trying to get her ready for Soccer!  She starts that soon!  We packed up and then headed back home.  It honestly was a such a great trip.  Quinn really loves Kayla and she does such a good job helping me with Quinn.  When I need help getting her ready or feeding her or just playing Kayla is just so wonderful.

     I feel every day I see Quinn we just bond so much, I think we just get closer and closer.  So here we are again Sunday and getting ready for the week...  This week however is going to be big and full of adventures!

The only thing I forgot this weekend..

The camera!!

I will make up with some awesome pictures...

Love,
Christopher