Daddy Daughter Night

     Friday I picked up Quinn and we headed out to get some dinner for Kayla.  She had to work a second shift so we stopped over to get her dinner.  She worked a lot this weekend and we wanted to make sure she ate.  Quinn also wanted to see her before we headed home.  Quinn was so excited to see Kay even if it was for just a few minutes.  I think it made both their days.

     We headed out and then got some dinner.  She was excited to get some fish.  It's been a while since we had one so we got take out and headed home to eat.  We joked in the car and then had some dinner it 's been a while since we had dinner just the two of us.  I love when the three of us are together but sometimes a little Daddy Daughter time is fun too.  The night was so special and when Kay got home she was so tired, I felt so bad and she had to work Saturday too.  I will talk about that tomorrow with pictures.

     So that night we watched some TV and chilled on the couch and stayed up a little later.  She was very good that night deserved a treat.  We then headed up to bed and I rocked her a little and then off to bed!  It was a nice night and a good weekend.  I can't wait to update you all with some great pics!

     I used to feel our time was to short and still do sometimes, but I see how much she loves our time and how much she loves her Daddy!  All I have to do is be there, lover her and help her grow.  Not hard to be a good parent.  You do have to give up your time and sometimes your dreams but thats what makes a great parent.  I love our bond and really feel even with our time apart she our bond is still very strong and she is loving her time with us.  She is a great kid...


Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Happy Thanksgiving!

     Sorry this was late!  I know.  I hope everyone had a wonderful day, spent it with family and friends!    I got up with Quinn that day and we had a little breakfast and then headed out.  After I dropped off the Munch I headed home to relax.  Kay and I ended up spending the day with family.  We went over to my parents house and had some dinner.  We couldn't stay to late but the day was a great one.

     I hope everyone had a wonderful day and a great Thanksgiving!  I am so thankful to have everything in my life that I do...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here we are!

My Mom did a great job on the table!

Be Safe Tonight.

 

With Thanksgiving tomorrow everyone knows tonight is the biggest night of the year to go out.  So I just wanted to say be safe tonight and watch out for others.  Tonight is called Blackout Wednesday because of how many people are home and go out drinking.  It is the biggest night of the year actually so tonight please be safe and think of others.  Many die each year due to drunk drivers, if you get pulled over you will also find heavy fines and big consequences.  It is no joke so make sure you have a driver if you do go out.

     I have to pick up Quinn tonight and we will probably relax, we may go visit friends in from town but mostly I just want to relax.  With a busy weekend a head I think it would be a great time to just relax and hang out.  So again as you start your Thanksgiving be safe and have fun!

Please Remember... Do not drink and drive...


Always remember,
You are never alone...


Love,
Christopher



Tuesday's Tip: How to get your kids to eat Vegetables!

    

 Everyone knows kids don't love to eat their veggies!  It has been a battle from the beginning of time!  I can remember battling with my parents when I was little about how much to eat and what to eat.  I think parents do and should have to start their kids off when they are young to start eating healthy.  There are so many reasons to start and below I have some great tips for my readers.  First know that there are many business that are trying to push soda, fast food and things to make us and our kids love the taste.  With such a growing problem of kids and adults being overweight we need to really start young.

     With Quinn we usually have her eat something healthy for snacks and then at dinner have her try at least a few vegetables.  She knows she does have to eat them because they are good for her.  She also knows they don't taste good (to her) so it can be difficult because our taste buds control what we eat!  If vegetables tasted like candy there would be no fast food places at all!   As we have time with Quinn we usually talk to her before hand and advise her she does have to try something healthy on her plate.  She has been getting a lot better and I do hope it helps in the long run.  After all parents are suppose to help their kids grow up big and strong!  So check out some of the tips below and feel free to add your own!

  1)  Show them that you eat healthy.  Let them know how important and show them by setting a good example.  Eat healthy too!

  2)  Start easy, give your kids a vegetable that isn't extremely scary!  Start with a small baby carrot cooked or pea's.  Some things you can stir fry like peppers.

  3) Try to stay away from dips.  I know dipping raw veggies in ranch feels like a win but unless you just dip a very small tip in then you just getting no place.  If what you're eating is coated in dip, umm yea not very productive.  This goes for adults too!

  4)  Give them incentive, tell them to just try it and give them a dessert after dinner.  I usually don't bribe but I think if a kids eats their veggie a small reward isn't terrible.  Don't give them a big cake for eating one small veggie!

  5)  Have a vegetable at every meal or at least dinner.  If you stay consistent you will show them they can't avoid vegetables.


  6)  Ask them what they like.  They might surprise you and tell you.  Quinn loves Sugar Snap Pea's and Hummus.  I don't mind because they are booth very good for you so we are happy.  She also told us and we never would have known.  So just ask, never huts to ask right!?

7)  Cook vegetables in a way your kids will like.  Maybe pan sear them with some seasoning.  Or mix small amounts in corn, or mashed potatoes.  Don't lace them with sugar!  Again, not making progress!

8)  Eat mixed meals that have veggies in them.  For example you can buy rice or other health sides with small pieces of broccoli or things in it and your kids will never know.  It's a great start.

  9)  Keep reminding them how healthy living is important and stay away from unhealthy choices.  Unless its a special occasion.

  10)  Last, keep up the good work.  Just keep trying. If they won't eat them work with your kids and tell them to at least eat a few pieces.  I'm not really for them sitting there till the foods gone, but work with them.  Again, ask them before dinner what veggitalbe they would like and buy that.  Then slowly work others in.  They will grow up and like and not like some.  I don't like them all and some I eat I only like cooked some ways so its not just kids.

Also remember don't force them or push them.  They do have little bellies so they have to be eased in slowly.  Don't put a full broccoli head on their plate and tell them that's dinner!  This may make them feel pressured and sick because they are hungry.

I tell my readers kids are like swimming pools.  Over time they will learn to love eating healthy!


Sometimes you have to jump in and just do things.  Sometimes you have to slide in slowly and take it easy.  Either way never give up... 



I hope this helps! 

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher
  
 

A weekend away!

     This past weekend Kay and I headed up north to visit her family.  We didn't have Quinn so we took a few hours off work early and then headed up!  It was a nice trip and we got there around dinner time. We settled in and just hung out with the family catching up and just relaxing.  The next day we worked on getting the big dinner ready.  I got to help fix up some things with Kay's Dad and later that night we had our Thanksgiving dinner.  We had a lot of family over and had a wonderful meal.  After we played some games and just hung out.  I got to spend some time with her brother Conner who came up last summer with us for a week.  It was cool to just play some games and talk.    

     It was nice to have everyone together and to catch up with Kayla's family because we don't see them to much.  We had so much fun, eating, laughing and just being with family. 

     Later that day Kayla's Dad and I just relaxed and talked over a few beers.  It was nice to just talk to him more too.  We talked sports, tools and work.  Her family is so good to me and have taken me in and love me just the same.  

The next day we had some breakfast with her parents and then relaxed a bit before we headed out.  The drive is about 4 hours and Kayla and I keep busy by talking and just listening to music.  The drive has gotten easier but it does take up some of our day so we got home and just got some things done.  So now I sit and blog, getting ready for the week to come!

  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,

Christopher 

A Mid Week Break

     So tonight we had a very fun night, my parents came over to visit with us!  They haven't see Quinn in a while and I thought it would be nice to catch up.  We had some pizza and talked, Quinn talked about her school and how it was going.  It was nice seeing them catch up with her.  Being a single Dad it can be hard I don't have Quinn that much and I have family that wants to see her too.

     After we hung out, my dad and I went down stairs to look at some of the plumbing issues I've been having.  As far as the Humidifer issue I talked about well I found it.  It was the water line, the plastic hose broke and I ordered a new one.  It should come in a little bit so for now we just have to deal.  We also did some snaking.  For the past few weeks we think we had a pipe clog and have been looking for a while now.  I think we finally found the issue, so we snaked down the pipe and now we have to bring the hose in from outside to flush it out.  Yes it is still outside, don't ask!  The weather will warm up so this is my last chance to get it inside.  We will see where this brings us, hopefully that will do it!

  Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Tuesday's Tip: Check your furnace in September

     So I always tell my readers to get ready for the season ahead!  What I mean is a few weeks before it hits get ready!  We have been hit with a cold front and snow sooner than expected!  So the other night I was looking at my furnace humidifier and noticed it needed a cleaning and the filter changed.  It also was dripping a little from the back.  I took it apart and ended up with Kayla's help fixing it up.  We cleaned the whole system out, changed the drain line and put a new filter in.  I still see a drip so I will check it out today and maybe tomorrow when my Dad comes.  Good news in all this the furnace runs!  You want heat before heat and water vapor that's for sure!  So I looked online and found some ideas.  I fired up the furnace early November so that has been ready and working for a while now. 

     You do however want to do this because if you check something when you need it, and it doesn't work you are in major trouble.  A few years ago my furnace didn't fire up and we needed to fix a fan on it.  We got the part in and yes it is good to go now.  Don't also get me started on the snow blower.  This is one of my bigger downfalls, I need to get this started up and running soon because the snow is already here!  So if you live in a colder place make sure your furnace is working correctly and yes your plumbing looks nice and tight around the house.  Leaks can always spell disaster, but leaks in the winter just add the frustration.  So fire up your furnace and check your humidifier for leaks and make sure it is working correctly.  If you get started earlier the better off you will be!  Remember the colder it gets the more in demand the services will become so getting a repair man out to fix your furnace will get harder as the cold weather comes in!

     I did what I could and just left my humidifier.  I know the house is safe and it doesn't need to be on but worrying won't get me anywhere.  I also didn't want a puddle so I will wait to see exactly what is going on with it.  I will keep you all posted! 

Here is a basic Humidifier and its parts.

    Also on another note make sure your storm windows are now all down and screens are up!  Protect your windows and home by doing this.  Rake your yard and put up your hose.  We do have to get ready for winter because the cold can damage things if we don't take are of them.  Always look around your basement and home for anything that feels or looks off.  Check pips all the time and make sure everything is running and draining correctly. 

Remember, ready or not...  Winter is coming! 


Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher  

The weekend update!

     The weekend has come and gone and here we are again!  Friday night started out great.  Quinn has been getting in and not complaining about things or not wanting to come.  We started out the weekend great!  That night we just hung in.  Had some dinner and just watched some TV.  We let Quinn stay up a little later because she was good.  Fridays are usually tiring because of how long the week feels.  We actually headed to Target that night before bed to get some things and we picked up a new Barbie for Quinn.  She got a nurse and she was African American.  I thought it was nice that she didn't think about color.  She wanted a nurse and thats all she say.  I was proud of her, she loves her new Barbie too!

     Saturday we got up and we made pancakes!  Quinn's request and I had no problem because I love them too!  My we had family stop over this weekend which was nice too!  My Mom stopped over for a visit and hang out with us.  It was nice to catch up with her and she got to enjoy some time with Quinn.  They worked on some crafts and played with her toys.  It was cute to just watch her enjoy her time.  Brings me back when I used to see my Grandmothers.  That night we had Matt and Becky come over for dinner!  We had a nice chicken meal with carrots.  Quinn ate a bunch too which was great because now she is eating healthier!  After we played her new Frozen board game Becky and Matt got her for her birthday and we then called it a night.  Quinn had a wonderful day.

     Sunday started off nice, I made Quinn a big healthy breakfast and we cleaned the house a little while Quinn played.  Aunt Ro came over for a visit and we had lunch.  Quinn got a little upset because she wouldn't eat her meal but wanted candy.  I told her she needs to eat lunch to get a piece of candy.  She got upset and thew a tantrum.  It lasted quite a while and after a few time outs and some toys taken away, and even a pat on the butt she finally came back down to earth and relaxed.  I can't be shocked because I thew them and I know I wasn't the best as a kid.  I did however remind her that her Mom and Dad provide her with a nice home and food.  There are many kids that don't have that or a nice meal every night.  I told her to be thankful because we have to.  Many kids around the world have less in their lives and go on living day to day.  I don't want Quinn to get spoiled or think the world owes her.  We work very hard and I know my parents worked hard for what they gave me.

     I know growing up we never really know how hard our parents worked till we work like that and say "ohh now i get it".  She will have a job one day and kids and I hope she passes it along that we always need to be thankful.  We watched some movies the rest of the and just relaxed.  It was nice to just hang out on the couch with Quinn and sit with her.  After dinner we cleaned up and headed back to Mom's house.  We had some bumps in the road but were getting better.  Just takes time,...

I hugged her and told her I loved her so much, before I got back to my car she ran back out and hugged me again and said she loved me.  As the night ends the house is quiet again and we start the week all over...  Here we go again... Monday.

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Back on Track

    After reading two very good emails, one from my Mom and the other from my Aunt I realized I have to be patient, with my self and my situation.  I was given very good advise from both advising that kids don't come with instructions and what is best for the child is the most important.  It is hard being a single parent and sometimes I feel short changed.  They advised me when it comes to Quinn to make sure she has a great childhood.  She is growing up in two homes which will have its challenges. 

  I was told to try to sit down with my Ex and set the same rules, which would be good in a normal situation but she won't and I have different rules.  She bribes and I pretty must say game over.  They both gave many great ideas and thoughts that I do have to just think about but I was upset over the Hoe Down because you can't volunteer on someone else's time, that's all.  Not to make this a complaining session so I will wrap it up and thank them both.  They told me always have faith and remember Quinn will always love her Dad...

     With that I have to say yesterday was great, she got in the car and we were off with no problems.  We had a great dinner and just relaxed a little.  We did some reading then off to bed.  The next morning Quinn got ready for school and had some breakfast, she got dressed and was very good.  I think we have the cloths down at least for now.  When it comes to cloths, well kids can be picky and it might be difficult.  I know its just a phase but I am trying to show her she needs more options than yoga pants!  (she doesn't wear them but close)  So as the weekend comes I am just as curious as you! 

    I will let you all know, that's for sure!

Always Remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Wednesday's: Rest when you can

     Usually I send a tip you're way about being a parent but today I am sending you a tip!  Rest Up!  Getting your sleep is a very well known fact and most Americans pass it aside because of how busy we are and how hard we work.  This past weekend we didn't have Quinn and we slept in on Saturday till almost noon!  I laughed because I can't believe how tired I was but I must have needed it because it felt good to catch up.  Sometimes I feel I am tired down the middle of my bones.  When you are tired a good nights sleep will help.  Sometimes that's not enough you need a very deep long sleep.  Sometimes you just need  to really sleep late.

     Parents especially because kids go to bed early and usually are up and bored by the early hours of the day!  They say we do need around 6 to 8 hours of good sleep a night and yes everyone is different.  Sometimes a quick power nap mid day is also helpful, just don't sleep at your desk at work!  Your body will tell you when you are tired and don't fool it by taking meds or drinking coffee to keep it up.  Make sure you plan your sleep time according to your needs and don't over do it.  Sleep is very important, people take it for granted and it shows in the end.  I can tell when Quinn gets tired or doesn't sleep much.  She will get a little cranky and it shows. 

     So some tips!

1)  Don't do to much during the week or day.  Make sure you have some down time.
2) Have nice lighting in your room.  Soft lights are a bit yellow so your eye's will get sleepy faster.
3) If you have to get up early, go to bed early!
4) Set a few alarms if you feel you might sleep through them.  Also make one on the other side so you get up and have to actually move to get it.
5) Have a nice comfortable bed.  Invest in a good bed!  You won't get anywhere with a lumpy old mattress.  Spend some money you do spend 1/3 of your live in bed you know.
6) Try to have distractions off, TV Music.  Unless they help you sleep.  Music usually puts me right to sleep.
7)  If you have  free weekend or day or so during the week you don't work.  Sleep in!  Take a weekend to just relax.  Winter is coming and there is nothing wrong with a movie day! 

I hope the following tips helped!  If you have others let me know!

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Happy Veteran's Day!

    

I wanted to thank all the Veterans out there for making this world a safe place and doing a job not many can.  Thank you for all what you do.  Veterans have not always had the homecoming they had.  There were times they were yelled at, spit on, cursed at.  It was a bad time many years ago when my Dad was in the Navy. 

     I am so glad we treat our Veterans with the love we do.  Without people fighting for freedom who knows where we would be.  I want to thank all Veterans too, every country not just ours.  The entire world has troops the come together to serve and fight for freedom.  Tonight I plan on calling my Dad and saying hi and just thanking him.  Not all Veterans made it home and some are hurt.  We have no idea what goes on in different parts of this world besides what we see on the news.  Our Vets go in and fight for freedom and peace.  From people that want to harm us.  Its terrible how and why people would just want to hurt others, maybe they feel they are just.  Our armed forces are out there every day of the year always looking over us. 

    Thank you all so much.

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

20,000+

  Last April, 23rd 2013 I hit 10,000 views.  Now about a year and a half later I doubled at 20,000 views!  Since I started this blog back in 2010 my viewers have grown and visits to the site!  I want to say thank you!  I started this blog to help everyone.  I was so excited when I saw how close and how fast I was getting to another big step.  I have been trying to always post about things that people would like to see and read about.  I am so proud how far I have come and still yet more to go.  I still have a large update to finish and will be working hard the new few months to get that up and running by January of next year.

     I want to thank anyone who has just come by my blog or reads it daily.  I have family, friends and even major bloggers that have given me the best of pointers and I am grateful on all of them.  So what's next?  Well besides the blog update, I will continue to keep posting and getting my message out there that you are not alone.  I don't think I will ever be to popular but like I said from day one, if i can help just one person I feel I accomplished so much, and I have.  So I will keep on going and sharing what the next adventure brings an other tips I can give you all.

     Thank you so much my awesome readers.

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

An Anniversary to Remember...

     Twenty Five Years ago the Berlin Wall came down.  A wall that was put up and divided a country. East and West.  The west side was free and the West side was more under the control by Russia. For decades many people died trying to get over the wall.  Then finally after years the wall was taken down and the country was whole again.  I can remember hearing stories because my Oma was born in Germany and moved to the states.

     After the wall came down my brother and I received a piece of it via mail from family.  I remember getting it and didn't know what to say.  I was old enough to understand the wall and I felt I was happy to see I had a piece of history.  I kept it safe and always understood what it was but never saw first hand the power it had.  When I saw video of people breaking the wall and cheering I knew this wall was powerful.  I new it changed the world not just Germany.

     I saw on the news it was 25 years ago that the wall came down and as the news showed old video I can only image how amazing that day must have been.  When I went to Germany back in 1999 as part of the Student Exchange Program.  I remember taking a picture of me standing over a line in Germany, my one foot on one side the other on the other side.  I remember them telling us that was were the wall once stood and the grooved line follows the entire country.  The wall is still up in some parts of the country to show what it stood for.

     So I say today I pray for peace because twenty five years ago the world did get better.  A wall was taken down and people and families were reunited.

     Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Here is my piece of the wall that was sent to me.  Yes it is just concrete with spray paint on it, but the stories can tell show so much more...

A relaxing weekend in the Fall

     This past October Kayla and I headed to my families Camp to get away and just relax.  We planned this trip for a while now and went in October because the area is beautiful that time of year.  The camp is about an hour and half south of were we live.  A nice private area to just relax, hunt or get away.  We left Friday mid day and started our trip.  We wanted to arrive before dark to get settled in and get dinner before it got late.  After we got the camp set we headed into town to a diner I love and got some dinner.  I love the town because it is one of those small towns were everyone is nice and friendly.  Knows each other, the ones you just don't see much anymore.  The food was so good and after we headed deeper into town to get food for the weekend.

     That night we just stayed in and relaxed.  It was pretty cold out for early October but we cuddled and watched some TV.  The next day we made some breakfast and took a walk around town.  It was still chilly so we didn't do much.  There is a great little place to get hots and hamburgers we went to for lunch.  Another small town perk, the food was so good and that small town atmosphere is really what we love so much.  That night we got some dinner and then made a romantic fire!  We had a nice blanket and just relaxed.  The weekend was so relaxing, something we both needed for so long.  It's good to get away and recharge I hope everyone has a place like I do to do this.  It's so important to rest, we work so hard in life its not worth it if we burn out.  After our trip we were so relaxed and re-energized.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Fall season!  I have more to post!

Enjoy the pics!

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,

Christopher

The beautiful sights...

Here we are!

It was so peaceful.  

Just relaxing

Our Fire!

Our weekend was amazing!