Last Wednesday I told you we played some games before bed. We took out Operation Despicable Me version! The game was so much fun and you got to pull objects out of a Minion. We had so much fun and Quinn did get one of the pieces. She was sad she didn't win but I told her she did great! This game is great because it helps with your fine motor skills. Pulling objects out slowly and not hitting the sides of the game takes time and patients. Even Kay and I messed up a few times. I hope to play this more with Quinn to help her in the long run like with writing and other activities with her hands.
Many games that seem like fun often involve counting or drawing, using your brain and learning. I love how when we do play she is not just staring at a screen or not being involved. Even simple games with dice make her count or use pictures to match. She also has an electronic game that has many options like spelling, counting, drawing and paining. When kids learn and are having fun it's a win win!
My tip to you is to turn off the TV and spend some time playing different games you have around the house! The child will have fun, learn about sportsmanship and learn at the same time! You also get family time in and not get stuck sitting around a TV not talking or laughing. Make it so every night or time you have your child you set away time to sit down and make sure they bond with you and not the TV. Play a bard game, color, keep them active. When the summer time comes make sure you get fresh air, but also keep up with you school work in a fun way! Do activities that are fun and have them write out their name or continue to learn their letters and numbers.
Also when it comes to playing games your child should know winning and loosing. Don't crush them at the game and make them feel bad but don't always let them win. Play fair and teach them that loosing is part of life and they have to learn how to cope and deal with a loss. Most of all have fun and enjoy the time with them! You might be surprised you may learn something too!
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
My Ex Got Married...
A few months ago a fellow blogger wrote about how her Ex was having a baby and how that made her fell and how things like this are part of life. The past weekend my Ex got married, for a few months now I saw a ring but didn't say anything and figured I would let her tell me. It wasn't until I emailed her on why Quinn was missing soccer last Thursday she told me it was her rehearsal dinner. I congratulated her and joked about how my invite must have been lost in the mail... Quinn talked about the wedding months before but I didn't say anything until I knew. Friday morning I called her and she picked up. I asked if today was her wedding day and she said yes. I told her I just wanted to say I hope she has a good day and that she has fun and that Quinn does to and to take pictures. I told her I was happy for her and was happy she was marring someone who was very good to Quinn and who was a nice guy.
I have spoken with him in the past and knew they were friends for along time. Someone told me it was good she was with someone she knew well other than some guy she could have just meet at some place and not knowing what will happen with Quinn. It's not always easy dropping Quinn off and her spending more time with others, I know like many other single parents we have our differences and may even fight about things we feel right about but for that day I just wanted to wish her well. My grandmother always instilled to let things go and to do the right thing. I know if it was my wedding she probably won't do the same but sometimes you just do what you feel is right or may help with closure. I have had it for a while now but an event like this isn't always easy and even if you are mad at what that person is doing now you have to remember you did love them one point in your life and one time you were getting married. I though back to our day and how far I have come. You never want to wish bad things on anyone even an ex you are upset at or feel you are getting the short end of the stick. I know my grandmother would have been proud for a moment we talked and didn't argue.
Like I have said in my blog before I feel upset because I don't see my daughter as much as I should because she won't let me but that will change one day, Quinn may want to spend more time with me and will have that choice. For now I wished my Ex well and hope she has a good day. You can't feed your anger, there isn't anything or anywhere it will get you.
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
I have spoken with him in the past and knew they were friends for along time. Someone told me it was good she was with someone she knew well other than some guy she could have just meet at some place and not knowing what will happen with Quinn. It's not always easy dropping Quinn off and her spending more time with others, I know like many other single parents we have our differences and may even fight about things we feel right about but for that day I just wanted to wish her well. My grandmother always instilled to let things go and to do the right thing. I know if it was my wedding she probably won't do the same but sometimes you just do what you feel is right or may help with closure. I have had it for a while now but an event like this isn't always easy and even if you are mad at what that person is doing now you have to remember you did love them one point in your life and one time you were getting married. I though back to our day and how far I have come. You never want to wish bad things on anyone even an ex you are upset at or feel you are getting the short end of the stick. I know my grandmother would have been proud for a moment we talked and didn't argue.
Like I have said in my blog before I feel upset because I don't see my daughter as much as I should because she won't let me but that will change one day, Quinn may want to spend more time with me and will have that choice. For now I wished my Ex well and hope she has a good day. You can't feed your anger, there isn't anything or anywhere it will get you.
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
A mid week break!
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Tuesday's Tip: Showing Strength
This past weekend Quinn was quite the rebellion. I guess I see how I was growing up now... The past few months I have noticed she has not been listening to what we ask. She will take her time in doing things we need done sooner or will squawk back and make noises. Truthfully I feel she is testing waters and getting to the point she feels there is no punishment. This past weekend we asked her to things like pick up or go to bed and she has been defying us.
Finally Sunday we needed her to pick up her toys and she made some noise and continued to lay down. I walked over to her toys all over the floor picked up an older one. A cloth treasure case and told her I was throwing it out. She got up and started picking up fast but I had to instill we don't do that anymore. I can't allow it to just be that way so I threw it out in front of her. It was just as hard to do as see. She melted down, she did finish up her toys, she then slammed the door and told me she was never talking to me again. She ran up to her room. I felt bad, but also can remember doing and saying that to my parents. It has just gotten to far and comfortable with her settings. She needs to know if she doesn't listen we can just bluff and say were throwing things out you just have to do it...
Later she came down and was better. I explained the toy is gone and she has to know when we need her to do something she just has to and not talk back or fight us. I told her she will get more toys along the way. She explained it was one of her favorite's. I think they all are! Kids don't want to loose anything they want to keep every single toy they have. I don't know why, no matter how you explain it, I feel its human nature to not give up anything...
My tip is the following, if you feel your child is rebelling and you have given them many warnings, time-out's and you have talked to them then yes you have to just throw one out. You need to show them you are not kidding around anymore. The longer you let them get away with things or bluff, the longer they will push you to do so. Once a child see's you are not messing around they will finally understand. As a parent I felt bad, I didn't do it for power or because I was mad, I did it because the world will. Kids have to realize the world is a wonderful place, but it is not forgiving... If it is, not often, we have to show our kids the good in the world and prep them for the bad. If we don't they will grow up spoiled and feel everything will be given to them. Doing this now will help them, its better than letting life slap them with reality. I feel my parents did a wonderful job and they did the same thing.
My tip is to pick the right moment, make sure you don't grab a very nice toy or one they really love, that might really hurt them. Also no going back the minute it hits the trash its gone. Do not go back and pull it out or they will know they have you wrapped around their finger. Just know once you do this they may rebel harder or scream at you. You might want to follow up with telling them you will throw out another toy. They say you once so they know you mean business! I told Quinn this when she screamed at me and she knew I would. She cleaned up fast and proper. Also keep your cool and let them vent, maybe put them in a time out to cool. They probably will run to their room and plot to hate you, that's natural. Don't stress they will get over it. Going to an extreme like this will only strengthen them to be a better person. Nobody likes a spoiled brat after all...
If you have other tips feel free to let me know! We in the end want our kids to listen of course, but it won't always happen because we are human...
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Finally Sunday we needed her to pick up her toys and she made some noise and continued to lay down. I walked over to her toys all over the floor picked up an older one. A cloth treasure case and told her I was throwing it out. She got up and started picking up fast but I had to instill we don't do that anymore. I can't allow it to just be that way so I threw it out in front of her. It was just as hard to do as see. She melted down, she did finish up her toys, she then slammed the door and told me she was never talking to me again. She ran up to her room. I felt bad, but also can remember doing and saying that to my parents. It has just gotten to far and comfortable with her settings. She needs to know if she doesn't listen we can just bluff and say were throwing things out you just have to do it...
Later she came down and was better. I explained the toy is gone and she has to know when we need her to do something she just has to and not talk back or fight us. I told her she will get more toys along the way. She explained it was one of her favorite's. I think they all are! Kids don't want to loose anything they want to keep every single toy they have. I don't know why, no matter how you explain it, I feel its human nature to not give up anything...
My tip is the following, if you feel your child is rebelling and you have given them many warnings, time-out's and you have talked to them then yes you have to just throw one out. You need to show them you are not kidding around anymore. The longer you let them get away with things or bluff, the longer they will push you to do so. Once a child see's you are not messing around they will finally understand. As a parent I felt bad, I didn't do it for power or because I was mad, I did it because the world will. Kids have to realize the world is a wonderful place, but it is not forgiving... If it is, not often, we have to show our kids the good in the world and prep them for the bad. If we don't they will grow up spoiled and feel everything will be given to them. Doing this now will help them, its better than letting life slap them with reality. I feel my parents did a wonderful job and they did the same thing.
My tip is to pick the right moment, make sure you don't grab a very nice toy or one they really love, that might really hurt them. Also no going back the minute it hits the trash its gone. Do not go back and pull it out or they will know they have you wrapped around their finger. Just know once you do this they may rebel harder or scream at you. You might want to follow up with telling them you will throw out another toy. They say you once so they know you mean business! I told Quinn this when she screamed at me and she knew I would. She cleaned up fast and proper. Also keep your cool and let them vent, maybe put them in a time out to cool. They probably will run to their room and plot to hate you, that's natural. Don't stress they will get over it. Going to an extreme like this will only strengthen them to be a better person. Nobody likes a spoiled brat after all...
If you have other tips feel free to let me know! We in the end want our kids to listen of course, but it won't always happen because we are human...
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Monday, July 14, 2014
I'm home!
The past few day's I took some time to go on vacation and help my fellow Scouters. My Dad and I headed up to a Camp not far from home for a leadership program. I took the program almost 20 yrs ago and then staffed on it a few years later. Then staffed again with my dad a few years ago. I plan on updating and sending pictures and explaining all about it. For now it's good to just be home! I hope everyone is having a safe and fun summer so far. I can't believe July is 1/2 over with!
I did have Quinn this weekend and I do plan on updating that as well! For now I just wanted to check in and let you all know I can't wait to update blog with all the adventures we have had so far.
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
I did have Quinn this weekend and I do plan on updating that as well! For now I just wanted to check in and let you all know I can't wait to update blog with all the adventures we have had so far.
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Tuesday's Tip: Work with what you have...
I leave to go out of town for a few days to help out my Dad at a Leadership camp for Scouts! I am very excited because we don't get to do this often and it's been several years. Tomorrow I can't take Quinn because I will be away so I asked to see her in the morning. I don't have much time because she has to be at her summer help class in the morning but it's better than nothing. We tried to work it out so Kayla picks Quinn up Friday overnight however Quinn's Mom didn't feel comfortable or whatever that is. Funny because Quinn would rather stay with Kayla more than her Mom or I ha-ha...
So I pick up the Munch tomorrow morning and I will take her to breakfast or do something fun with her for the short hour I have and continue on with my day. I used to get upset and until a lawyer steps in to help you just have to work with what you have. I have some time in the morning and I will make sure Quinn has fun and just enjoys being with me. I know its not the overnight I have but I just will make the best of it and when she gets older she can decide what she wants to do. In the mean time I just love her and get as much time to spend with her as I can...
So my tip is to not feel you lost a battle if you have to work around your schedule but make the most of it and do something. Get something to eat, or go to the park. Show them you love them and will work with the timeframe you have... If your Ex is controlling... Well do the best you can...
Always remember...
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
So I pick up the Munch tomorrow morning and I will take her to breakfast or do something fun with her for the short hour I have and continue on with my day. I used to get upset and until a lawyer steps in to help you just have to work with what you have. I have some time in the morning and I will make sure Quinn has fun and just enjoys being with me. I know its not the overnight I have but I just will make the best of it and when she gets older she can decide what she wants to do. In the mean time I just love her and get as much time to spend with her as I can...
So my tip is to not feel you lost a battle if you have to work around your schedule but make the most of it and do something. Get something to eat, or go to the park. Show them you love them and will work with the timeframe you have... If your Ex is controlling... Well do the best you can...
Always remember...
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Monday, July 7, 2014
The Challenge is over...
Last month we did the 30 day abs challenge and it was awesome. With a few rest every fifth day and the exercisers getting harder we did stick with it! As the month went on we kept up the hard work and things got easier actually. We would take breaks between the long sets and reps and keep working. Some days we had to move a day out or do double in one day!
We took the last few days of the challenge and did them early July because how hot it was. The house was so hot we were getting dizzy doing them! As time went on we did get stronger and stronger and realized we do want to keep up the challenge every day with doing a few then maybe this fall doing the full challenge again.
We were both excited because we did it and no matter how hard it got we keep going I feel my core is a lot stronger and will continue to work on it daily. I will keep you posted when we decide to do it again.
I don't exactly have washboard abs so no pics... Yet....
Always remember,
You never alone...
Love,
Christopher
We took the last few days of the challenge and did them early July because how hot it was. The house was so hot we were getting dizzy doing them! As time went on we did get stronger and stronger and realized we do want to keep up the challenge every day with doing a few then maybe this fall doing the full challenge again.
We were both excited because we did it and no matter how hard it got we keep going I feel my core is a lot stronger and will continue to work on it daily. I will keep you posted when we decide to do it again.
I don't exactly have washboard abs so no pics... Yet....
Always remember,
You never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Kitty for a Day...
We had such an amazing weekend and did so much! However Sunday was one heck of a day... I plan on updating the weekend. Sunday Kayla and I were talking about a kitten for a while, we looked around and finally headed over to Lollypop farm. We looked around and finally filled out some forms and gave some ideas to the staff on what we wanted. We wanted a Kitten and Female. They had a few and some were Black and White. We sat in the room and they brought a pair of sisters in. They were very active and so very cute. We played with them for a while and really liked one, she was black on top and white on the bottom. Ones name was strawberry, the other was shortcake. Yes I know... Their Mom was also in the cage with them but we only saw her for a quick minute.
After talking we took the leap and adopted shortcake. We were so excited and filled out the paperwork. The little kitty was in the box waiting so quietly. We got in the car and she was so cute with her little kitty cries! We stopped off at the store and I ran in to get supplies. We finally got home and put the kitty and all her stuff in Quinn's room. We showed her to Eve and well she didn't take well. She hissed but we just figured she was laying down the rules. After some time we played with the kitty and tried to bring in Eve more and more. Well it didn't work out... Eve a full grown big cat was so scared over this little 3 pound puff ball. We tired and tried but Eve was so scared she just wanted out. She actually jumped over the kiddy gate we put up for the kitty. Well to say the least it was hard. I was going away and we thought they said we only had 7 days before we could bring the kitty back. We tried some more but Eve was so upset we couldn't even find her. We packed up all the stuff and the poor kitty and headed out. Kay couldn't hold back the tears as I drove I tried as well. This little kitty just wanted a home.
We knew Eve would not adjust and we didn't want her to get sick. Being scared isn't something you can get over always, and we can't exactly talk to cats. We brought her back and they advised it just takes time but we told them our other Cat was not having it and there was nothing we could do. So we filled out some more paperwork, said out goodbye's and left. I held Kay in the parking lot and we both cried a little because we were so excited and partly upset but there is nothing we can do Eve is our Cat and if she is scared we have to make her feel comfortable.
So we returned all the stuff and headed home. We actually had to find her again because she was still hiding. We showed her the Kitty was gone and comforted her some more. It was so hard to see our loving Cat so shaken up :( After a few hours she finally relaxed. I guess one day when Eve passes we may come to this road again. We would either look for a Dog or two cats that are kittens and are buddies so they can grow up together.
It was hard because Eve lived around other Cats. My Ex and I got her as a Kitten and she grew up so we thought she was going to be more like a Mother. They said at the place we could bring her back anytime later but we knew it was just so hard and we had to bring her back. We knew she would get picked up because she was cute and a Kitten and we tired. As the night winded down it was business as usual so as I end this post I hope our little day Kitten we babysat today is safe and we are sorry our Cat well is scared, probably of everything, but we love her and she was there for me when I moved and the hose was along and it was just us. I hope one day we can maybe even try it again...
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christoher
After talking we took the leap and adopted shortcake. We were so excited and filled out the paperwork. The little kitty was in the box waiting so quietly. We got in the car and she was so cute with her little kitty cries! We stopped off at the store and I ran in to get supplies. We finally got home and put the kitty and all her stuff in Quinn's room. We showed her to Eve and well she didn't take well. She hissed but we just figured she was laying down the rules. After some time we played with the kitty and tried to bring in Eve more and more. Well it didn't work out... Eve a full grown big cat was so scared over this little 3 pound puff ball. We tired and tried but Eve was so scared she just wanted out. She actually jumped over the kiddy gate we put up for the kitty. Well to say the least it was hard. I was going away and we thought they said we only had 7 days before we could bring the kitty back. We tried some more but Eve was so upset we couldn't even find her. We packed up all the stuff and the poor kitty and headed out. Kay couldn't hold back the tears as I drove I tried as well. This little kitty just wanted a home.
We knew Eve would not adjust and we didn't want her to get sick. Being scared isn't something you can get over always, and we can't exactly talk to cats. We brought her back and they advised it just takes time but we told them our other Cat was not having it and there was nothing we could do. So we filled out some more paperwork, said out goodbye's and left. I held Kay in the parking lot and we both cried a little because we were so excited and partly upset but there is nothing we can do Eve is our Cat and if she is scared we have to make her feel comfortable.
So we returned all the stuff and headed home. We actually had to find her again because she was still hiding. We showed her the Kitty was gone and comforted her some more. It was so hard to see our loving Cat so shaken up :( After a few hours she finally relaxed. I guess one day when Eve passes we may come to this road again. We would either look for a Dog or two cats that are kittens and are buddies so they can grow up together.
It was hard because Eve lived around other Cats. My Ex and I got her as a Kitten and she grew up so we thought she was going to be more like a Mother. They said at the place we could bring her back anytime later but we knew it was just so hard and we had to bring her back. We knew she would get picked up because she was cute and a Kitten and we tired. As the night winded down it was business as usual so as I end this post I hope our little day Kitten we babysat today is safe and we are sorry our Cat well is scared, probably of everything, but we love her and she was there for me when I moved and the hose was along and it was just us. I hope one day we can maybe even try it again...
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christoher
Friday, July 4, 2014
Happy 4th of July!
Happy Birthday America!
Today I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July! We take this day not only to spend it friends and family but also remember what was given for this day. Always remember the first Veterans of this country the ones that formed it. Today I got to have Quinn and we are going to spend the day with my and Kay's family! We have a big family party to go to and I can't wait to post! I will keep this post short so you can get out and enjoy the day!
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Did You Survive the Heat?
The past few days have hit over 90. This year we have hit 90 over 3 times and its just July! So how did you do, and what does this mean... Well we had the Air Conditioner units in the windows for Quinn and our downstairs room but it was just a hot few days. The past two nights I think i fell asleep because I was just tired. Thankfully here our heat waves come and go. The air cooled down and things are going to be nice for the 4th of July weekend!
I heard a few different things this summer. I heard we are going to have a bad and hot summer because of the Winter we had. I hope not, we had a few bad weeks last year and thankfully this year we are more ready but we will have to update our room. Quinns room can have a window unit in it but ours can't so we will have to update and adjust the windows because they are crank out style not slide up and down. I know, it sucks...
Well if you don't have an air unit use fans and sleep in light clothing. Also keep the windows open or even sleep downstairs if it gets to hot. Also take cooler showers and take them before bed to cool down. Also remember unless you live in hot areas of the country places usually cool down. You might get a heat wave but remember usually it cools down after a few days. When inside drink lots of cold water and keep cool that way as well. Tonight we had a good night, with the cool air now moving in Quinn and I hung out and had dinner. We waited up for Kay to come home and then we headed to bed. I took a nice cool shower and now just doing some blogging. I hope everyone made it through this little North East heat wave! Remember parents keep your little ones cool, they heat up faster than adults...
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
I heard a few different things this summer. I heard we are going to have a bad and hot summer because of the Winter we had. I hope not, we had a few bad weeks last year and thankfully this year we are more ready but we will have to update our room. Quinns room can have a window unit in it but ours can't so we will have to update and adjust the windows because they are crank out style not slide up and down. I know, it sucks...
Well if you don't have an air unit use fans and sleep in light clothing. Also keep the windows open or even sleep downstairs if it gets to hot. Also take cooler showers and take them before bed to cool down. Also remember unless you live in hot areas of the country places usually cool down. You might get a heat wave but remember usually it cools down after a few days. When inside drink lots of cold water and keep cool that way as well. Tonight we had a good night, with the cool air now moving in Quinn and I hung out and had dinner. We waited up for Kay to come home and then we headed to bed. I took a nice cool shower and now just doing some blogging. I hope everyone made it through this little North East heat wave! Remember parents keep your little ones cool, they heat up faster than adults...
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Tuesday's Tip: Handeling a tough morning
This past weekend Quinn had a tough morning. She wasn't responding well and didn't want to wear anything we offered. She was hot and we explained the cloths we offered were good for the summer and she just needed to try them on. She got upset and yelled a little. She also repeats her self a lot and when she wants to get her point across. Here are some helpful tips...
1) Keep your cool and show them you are in control. Talk to them and explain why you are doing what it is you are doing.
2) You can tell them you won't be going anywhere if they don't listen and start letting them know they will be punished.
3) Don't let them win just because they are screaming and keep them in a time out. Small paddles to but have also been something we as a socity have done but small, and only if they do something drastic like hit you, or slam their door. Things like that. Never get mad and spank out of anger.
Remember children need to understand rules and punishment, they can't realize they get everything they want. However always try to talk and just explain to them what ever it is you are doing. If they really feel uncomfortable then try something else or work with them.
Also if you are getting upset and feel loosing control, tell them to stay in their rom and you take a walk. Cool off and come back, you never want to loose your cool and hurt or say something that could hurt them. Also have your spouse take over and switch, tag out and let someone try why you cool of and then go back...
I hope these help.
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
1) Keep your cool and show them you are in control. Talk to them and explain why you are doing what it is you are doing.
2) You can tell them you won't be going anywhere if they don't listen and start letting them know they will be punished.
3) Don't let them win just because they are screaming and keep them in a time out. Small paddles to but have also been something we as a socity have done but small, and only if they do something drastic like hit you, or slam their door. Things like that. Never get mad and spank out of anger.
Remember children need to understand rules and punishment, they can't realize they get everything they want. However always try to talk and just explain to them what ever it is you are doing. If they really feel uncomfortable then try something else or work with them.
Also if you are getting upset and feel loosing control, tell them to stay in their rom and you take a walk. Cool off and come back, you never want to loose your cool and hurt or say something that could hurt them. Also have your spouse take over and switch, tag out and let someone try why you cool of and then go back...
I hope these help.
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)