I hope all my tips and post have helped you this year. 2014 was one heck of a year and as we start to close it out I hope everyone is ready for the next year. Each year comes with new challenges, things our kids with bring to us. I hope for those of you who found my page you learned something and always feel free to post something. I will start off the new year with some new post as well as some ones I couldn't fit in as well.
Over all this was a great year, we has some struggles and some downfalls but we learn and move on. My tip to you before the new year begins is just enjoy your kids. Don't put to much pressure on them, but don't let them just walk all over you! Laugh with them, lay with them, enjoy a good meal with them. Anyway you put it just have fun with your kids. Try to get along with your Ex and do the best you can. Remember not ever battle is worth fighting for so choose them wisely. As your kids get older watch them grow and see what they have become.
Take time to start your own blog or search for new ones. Don't spend to much time on the computer however! When it gets nice out enjoy the weather, if its not have a movie day! Just relax and let the new year roll in. I think I have given all the tips I can for this year and will roll some new ones out next year! I hope to also roll out some new features on my blog next year soon to.
Like I said however just Love your kids, that's the only tip anyone can give. Forgive them when they are bad, correct them when they are wrong, congratulate them when they do something good and show them they always don't need a reward. We do good and don't look twice, we do bad and think about it...
Like I always say and mean,
Always Remember,
You are never alone.
Love,
Christopher
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Monday, December 29, 2014
A week of Scouting
There were always a few Scouting events I loved more than others and the training course they offer was one of them. The Scouts offer a leadership program for kids to go through and learn how to be come leaders. They usually go through it when they are just starting their early years in Scouting. Down the road sometimes they are then asked to Staff which is another amazing experience. I got to do both, it was an amazing experience. You as a participant are put in a patrol with all other kids from different areas. You have to learn to work with them and become a unit. They make sure not to put anyone from the same troop because you know the other kids in your troop. So for a week you have events, games and training sessions to go through. At the end of the week you bond with your fellow patrol and don't want to leave.
A few years after I went through the course I was asked to staff and that was even more amazing. You get to see the behind the scenes and actually work with the kids. You also get the experience of being a leader for the kids. It was a week of just so much fun, the staff was amazing. We even met up down the road and kept in touch. They were a great group of people, an experience I'll never forget. Years down the road my Dad and I were asked to help on staff again as adults. We were Quarter Masters, that means we prepped the food and made sure the equipment was in good shape for the scouts. We had so much fun it was great to be home, I felt as I was there. Last year we stayed almost the whole week. It was amazing we bonded with the staff and got to know some of the kids. I can't tell you how excited I was. I got to tent with my old man and we spend the days getting food ready for the kids. I love Camp Cutler because it's an old camp that has a lot of historic value. Nothing has changed, it was like I was just there as a scout my self.
We had a water fight, staff hunt, and lots of great meals. At the end we had a feast and put together a meal for all the staff and scouts. Later that night we had our final campfire and ceremony. It was a great week. Just being there was amazing. I love how much my Dad loves Scouting. After my brother and I got Eagle and moved on a bit he stayed with it. My brother are still involved just in different ways. This week we had was and will always be one of my favorites. It just has such a special meaning when we go and just see what nature offers. Get away from TV, phones, work the city. There is always something amazing about being at the top of a hill with little technology. Now a days the kids have computers and phones yes things have updated but we still don't get service so at least we have that!
My Dad and I got setup and just had some time to get adjusted to being back. We got there around Wednesday and had all week to work. We prepped all their meals, made sure they were ready for the overnight they had to do and be in charge of all the food coming in and going out. Staff also got to go eat with the patrols every meal. Towards the end of the week there is a big water fight we all have and then a nice dinner as well. The scouts also go on an overnight leaving the staff to just hangout and have fun. We watch movies and just relax, get some good food laugh and play cards. When the week is done we usually don't want to go. One of my favorite events and I get to spend the week wit my Dad which is awesome to! I hope everyone has a special event you get to share with a family member.
I hope we do go back next Summer, I am so excited to be able to go and enjoy the week again.
Enjoy the pics!
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
A few years after I went through the course I was asked to staff and that was even more amazing. You get to see the behind the scenes and actually work with the kids. You also get the experience of being a leader for the kids. It was a week of just so much fun, the staff was amazing. We even met up down the road and kept in touch. They were a great group of people, an experience I'll never forget. Years down the road my Dad and I were asked to help on staff again as adults. We were Quarter Masters, that means we prepped the food and made sure the equipment was in good shape for the scouts. We had so much fun it was great to be home, I felt as I was there. Last year we stayed almost the whole week. It was amazing we bonded with the staff and got to know some of the kids. I can't tell you how excited I was. I got to tent with my old man and we spend the days getting food ready for the kids. I love Camp Cutler because it's an old camp that has a lot of historic value. Nothing has changed, it was like I was just there as a scout my self.
We had a water fight, staff hunt, and lots of great meals. At the end we had a feast and put together a meal for all the staff and scouts. Later that night we had our final campfire and ceremony. It was a great week. Just being there was amazing. I love how much my Dad loves Scouting. After my brother and I got Eagle and moved on a bit he stayed with it. My brother are still involved just in different ways. This week we had was and will always be one of my favorites. It just has such a special meaning when we go and just see what nature offers. Get away from TV, phones, work the city. There is always something amazing about being at the top of a hill with little technology. Now a days the kids have computers and phones yes things have updated but we still don't get service so at least we have that!
My Dad and I got setup and just had some time to get adjusted to being back. We got there around Wednesday and had all week to work. We prepped all their meals, made sure they were ready for the overnight they had to do and be in charge of all the food coming in and going out. Staff also got to go eat with the patrols every meal. Towards the end of the week there is a big water fight we all have and then a nice dinner as well. The scouts also go on an overnight leaving the staff to just hangout and have fun. We watch movies and just relax, get some good food laugh and play cards. When the week is done we usually don't want to go. One of my favorite events and I get to spend the week wit my Dad which is awesome to! I hope everyone has a special event you get to share with a family member.
I hope we do go back next Summer, I am so excited to be able to go and enjoy the week again.
Enjoy the pics!
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Here was our tent.
The Quartermasters!
Getting ready for the morning ceremony
Goofing off and just having fun.
Mr. Marone's Weather Machine.
The Union reps.
the big water fight was about to begin.
Here I am with my Dad, umbrella and all.
Getting ready for battle!
Our big feast!
Closing ceremony
Even had time for ice cream
The Union guys.
Dad, Paul and a I
Dad and I
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Christmas!
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Everyone celebrates different things but in the end I hope everyone celebrated joy, love and peace. I hope everyone saw family and friends, ate laughed and was just with loved ones. We Christmas Eve we finished some gifts and then Quinn put out cookies and milk and off to bed she was. The next morning she got up and was so excited! She started opening her gifts and was just so excited! She opened the ones from Santa and she also opened ours. She got some great toys books and a DVD player for her room! We still won't let her have cable but she can watch movies. She was just so excited the morning and Kayla and I opened some of our gifts as well.
We had some breakfast and sat and ate together. The morning was great I only get wake up with her on Christmas every once and a while so it was just amazing day! We dropped her off and then spend some time with my Aunt. We sat and had some Tea with her and just celebrated Christmas. After we headed home and finished our presents that were just for us. We had some gifts we just wanted to give to each other and we had some time for that. After we just rested and then headed over my parents for some gifts. We spend sometime with them and got to open some gifts. We relaxed and just got to spend some time together.
Later we went down and say Jim and his family! His sister and brothers were in town and we all just caught up and hung out. We had some drinks, ate some more food and just caught up. Megan Jim's Fiancee was there and we laughed as we caught up and talked about our trip to CT we had over the summer! I always love when Jim comes into town for Christmas because we have been celebrating it with them for so long. Going to their house on Christmas has been something we have been doing for so long.
Over all it was an amazing Christmas and we had so much fun. I hope everyone had a great holiday as well and always remember the season is for celebrating and giving. Keep others in your prayers.
Always Remember,
You are Never alone...
Love,
Christopher
We had some breakfast and sat and ate together. The morning was great I only get wake up with her on Christmas every once and a while so it was just amazing day! We dropped her off and then spend some time with my Aunt. We sat and had some Tea with her and just celebrated Christmas. After we headed home and finished our presents that were just for us. We had some gifts we just wanted to give to each other and we had some time for that. After we just rested and then headed over my parents for some gifts. We spend sometime with them and got to open some gifts. We relaxed and just got to spend some time together.
Later we went down and say Jim and his family! His sister and brothers were in town and we all just caught up and hung out. We had some drinks, ate some more food and just caught up. Megan Jim's Fiancee was there and we laughed as we caught up and talked about our trip to CT we had over the summer! I always love when Jim comes into town for Christmas because we have been celebrating it with them for so long. Going to their house on Christmas has been something we have been doing for so long.
Over all it was an amazing Christmas and we had so much fun. I hope everyone had a great holiday as well and always remember the season is for celebrating and giving. Keep others in your prayers.
Always Remember,
You are Never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Christmas Eve!
Kay and I.
Holly elf got Quinn a gift.
Opening some gifts!
Quinn, Oma and Popi!\
Quinn and Aunt Ro!
Here are Santa's cookies!
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Christmas Eve!
Well Christmas Eve has arrived! I am so excited and yes tired. It has been such a long week with work and getting everything set. I get to pick up Quinn after work then head home to get Kayla and head to Church. We then have to head home and get ready because everyone is coming over and we need to get food and drinks out. I am so excited to spend this Christmas eve with both Quinn and Kayla. Seeing how she is older she is so excited to see what Santa brought! It also is nice to be in a better financial state so we can get her more things!
I can't believe how fast this month came and went. We had some fun, watched some Christmas specials and even had a few nice dinners. I still feel we work to much and only seeing Quinn as I do stinks, but we just have to work with what we have. I know some day our Holiday will go slower but for now Kayla and I do what we need to. I hope everyone is ready for the Holiday. Christmas to me means just being with family and friends. I know we won't have snow but its ok. People are coming over and we just plan to have some fun and open Quinn's presents.
I can't wait to update everyone as well with some great pics to. So for now I just wish everyone a Happy Holiday and to be safe.
I know for single parents or people going through a Divorce it can be difficult and I say reach out to family and friends and know you will be ok. I went through some tough times and it wasn't easy but you just have to push forward.
Enjoy the Holiday!
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
I can't believe how fast this month came and went. We had some fun, watched some Christmas specials and even had a few nice dinners. I still feel we work to much and only seeing Quinn as I do stinks, but we just have to work with what we have. I know some day our Holiday will go slower but for now Kayla and I do what we need to. I hope everyone is ready for the Holiday. Christmas to me means just being with family and friends. I know we won't have snow but its ok. People are coming over and we just plan to have some fun and open Quinn's presents.
I can't wait to update everyone as well with some great pics to. So for now I just wish everyone a Happy Holiday and to be safe.
I know for single parents or people going through a Divorce it can be difficult and I say reach out to family and friends and know you will be ok. I went through some tough times and it wasn't easy but you just have to push forward.
Enjoy the Holiday!
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Saturday, December 20, 2014
The Big Connecticut Trip!
So back early this Spring we took the trip out to CT. Kayla, One of my best friends Paul and his now fiancée went to see our other best friend Jim and his now fiancée Megan. Paul, Jim and I have been best friends since Jim wasn't even born, I was 3 and Paul 2. We have been through everything together and always stayed the best of friends. Jim moved out to CT to go to school and eventually stayed out there and got a job. I have owed him a visit for a long time lets just say. So finally we all talked this year found a weekend and planned our big trip! We were so excited because at first we couldn't get a weekend down but then we all came together and it happened.
So in the end of June Kayla and I picked up Paul and Amanda and we drove to CT! We left after work Thursday so we could have Friday to just relax and spend time with our friends. While on the road about 3/4 of the way there my GPS well, took us the back way. Some reason it was switched to shorter distance which brings you the back way some times. Well there we were late at night driving down who knows, on some old road all laughing because we figured we were gonna die. For the longest time we just kept driving and driving and then we finally arrived! We were so excited and tired I think, mainly excited. We greeted Jim and Megan and we got all our stuff inside. Jim asked what happened and we told him about our back woods roads. He laughed and said the express way was right there! We spend the rest of the evening steeling in and just hanging out. We got some sleep because the next few days were going to be busy!
The next day we all got up and got the day started. We headed into Hartford for some breakfast. We ate at a great dinner and just talked and hung out. We took some time to walk around the nice town and look at the shops and different places the town offered. It was nice just to have Jim walk us around and shows us some the nice areas. We ended up getting some great pictures and just got to hang out. When it comes down to it all I wanted to do is spend the time with the 6 of us. Being around Jim and Paul again was awesome, we don't get to see each other that much so we wanted to take full advantage of it. Plus we didn't have to work and everyone likes that! It was so nice for Kay and I because it was our first trip away.
After we got to see the sights we headed back home and relaxed, there was a golf tournament going on near by and we all were going to go check it out. Jim had some good deals on tickets. So back out we headed and went to the Travelers Cup! It was pretty cool we got to see some really good golfers and just enjoy the nice weather! The course was beautiful and it was a perfect day to just get some sun, play some of the games they offer and laugh. I never have been to a pro tournament and I never knew how strict it was! You couldn't say a word! Who wants to do that? Either way we had so much fun. We left and headed home to cook up some dinner. The girls chatted inside while Jim cooked and Paul and I just hung out with him.
Kayla told me how cute they said we were when they looked at us and how we just interacted. Knowing them my whole life it was like old times. Paul took veggies off the grill to eat and Jim yelled at him. The meal was amazing, we cooked all different things on the grill and had fresh vegetables. We all sat down, ate and just laughed as the girls asked about stories about us. later that night we went for a walk to get some ice cream and then played games while just laughing and having some drinks. The day was just amazing and it was such a great start. We played well into the night and then headed off to bed.
The next day we got up and had something to eat. This time we headed out to the see some more sights. We saw the ocean and got a nice lunch. Then we headed down to a small part of CT with just amazing shops and places to just look around. We went to Mystic CT. We walked up and down the streets looking around, eating and just hanging out. We took some fun pictures and then stopped for a piece of pizza! There is a place called Mystic Pizza. It was from the Movie, so we got something to eat and finished up there. We then moved on to a Casino! There we went to the ponies! Paul and Jim know how to do all that so I just said what they said and bet. haha. It was so much fun I was so confused. The girls sat at the bar area and the guys went and placed bets. they are only a few dollars so it wasn't much. We played for a while having some drinks and just hanging out. Each of us even one at least one race!
At one point we put money down and the little gray hounds came out! lol we bet the dogs! Of course the girls made us look bad! But laughed so it was ok. We had so much fun I never bet the horses but I would again. After we walked the floor and just looked around. This place had everything and there were so many people! I couldn't believe it. We ended up getting dinner at Michael Jordan's, he has a restaurant chain. It was really good food, and again we just ate and then walked around. Paul and I played a few tables and well yea I donated funds to the casino meaning I lost haha. But we had fun, and that's all that matters.
By the time we got back it was late, we talked a little and then were off to bed. The next day we packed up and went out for breakfast. After we just got everything set and headed out. We said our goodbye's and were back on the road. We took the express way this time! We made good time, its about 6 hours. The rest of the day Kayla and I relaxed and got ready for the week.
It was just one of the best trips I had. We had so much fun and we all got to spend time with our loved ones and just relax. A trip that was due for some time now. I told Jim we would be back for sure and I have seen him since too. It's always god to visit with your fiends even if you get busy or feel you have to much going on. Never, always keep up with them and get out there! Enjoy life and see the world. I'm so glad we did, it was one of the best weekends we had.
I hope you all like the pics!
PS Paul and Jim, sorry this post was so late!!!
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
So in the end of June Kayla and I picked up Paul and Amanda and we drove to CT! We left after work Thursday so we could have Friday to just relax and spend time with our friends. While on the road about 3/4 of the way there my GPS well, took us the back way. Some reason it was switched to shorter distance which brings you the back way some times. Well there we were late at night driving down who knows, on some old road all laughing because we figured we were gonna die. For the longest time we just kept driving and driving and then we finally arrived! We were so excited and tired I think, mainly excited. We greeted Jim and Megan and we got all our stuff inside. Jim asked what happened and we told him about our back woods roads. He laughed and said the express way was right there! We spend the rest of the evening steeling in and just hanging out. We got some sleep because the next few days were going to be busy!
The next day we all got up and got the day started. We headed into Hartford for some breakfast. We ate at a great dinner and just talked and hung out. We took some time to walk around the nice town and look at the shops and different places the town offered. It was nice just to have Jim walk us around and shows us some the nice areas. We ended up getting some great pictures and just got to hang out. When it comes down to it all I wanted to do is spend the time with the 6 of us. Being around Jim and Paul again was awesome, we don't get to see each other that much so we wanted to take full advantage of it. Plus we didn't have to work and everyone likes that! It was so nice for Kay and I because it was our first trip away.
After we got to see the sights we headed back home and relaxed, there was a golf tournament going on near by and we all were going to go check it out. Jim had some good deals on tickets. So back out we headed and went to the Travelers Cup! It was pretty cool we got to see some really good golfers and just enjoy the nice weather! The course was beautiful and it was a perfect day to just get some sun, play some of the games they offer and laugh. I never have been to a pro tournament and I never knew how strict it was! You couldn't say a word! Who wants to do that? Either way we had so much fun. We left and headed home to cook up some dinner. The girls chatted inside while Jim cooked and Paul and I just hung out with him.
Kayla told me how cute they said we were when they looked at us and how we just interacted. Knowing them my whole life it was like old times. Paul took veggies off the grill to eat and Jim yelled at him. The meal was amazing, we cooked all different things on the grill and had fresh vegetables. We all sat down, ate and just laughed as the girls asked about stories about us. later that night we went for a walk to get some ice cream and then played games while just laughing and having some drinks. The day was just amazing and it was such a great start. We played well into the night and then headed off to bed.
The next day we got up and had something to eat. This time we headed out to the see some more sights. We saw the ocean and got a nice lunch. Then we headed down to a small part of CT with just amazing shops and places to just look around. We went to Mystic CT. We walked up and down the streets looking around, eating and just hanging out. We took some fun pictures and then stopped for a piece of pizza! There is a place called Mystic Pizza. It was from the Movie, so we got something to eat and finished up there. We then moved on to a Casino! There we went to the ponies! Paul and Jim know how to do all that so I just said what they said and bet. haha. It was so much fun I was so confused. The girls sat at the bar area and the guys went and placed bets. they are only a few dollars so it wasn't much. We played for a while having some drinks and just hanging out. Each of us even one at least one race!
At one point we put money down and the little gray hounds came out! lol we bet the dogs! Of course the girls made us look bad! But laughed so it was ok. We had so much fun I never bet the horses but I would again. After we walked the floor and just looked around. This place had everything and there were so many people! I couldn't believe it. We ended up getting dinner at Michael Jordan's, he has a restaurant chain. It was really good food, and again we just ate and then walked around. Paul and I played a few tables and well yea I donated funds to the casino meaning I lost haha. But we had fun, and that's all that matters.
By the time we got back it was late, we talked a little and then were off to bed. The next day we packed up and went out for breakfast. After we just got everything set and headed out. We said our goodbye's and were back on the road. We took the express way this time! We made good time, its about 6 hours. The rest of the day Kayla and I relaxed and got ready for the week.
It was just one of the best trips I had. We had so much fun and we all got to spend time with our loved ones and just relax. A trip that was due for some time now. I told Jim we would be back for sure and I have seen him since too. It's always god to visit with your fiends even if you get busy or feel you have to much going on. Never, always keep up with them and get out there! Enjoy life and see the world. I'm so glad we did, it was one of the best weekends we had.
I hope you all like the pics!
PS Paul and Jim, sorry this post was so late!!!
Always remember,
You are never alone...
Love,
Christopher
Here we are the three Amigos!!
A great group picture.
At the golf tournament.
Some of the golfers.
Some of the pretty views we had
Jim and I
Paul trying to get on the tour. Spoiler, he didn't make it.
Kayla tried to leave me for the Lego Guy!
The guys having a cigar.
Our master chef!
Jim and Megan.
Here I am!
The beautiful waterfront.
Paul and Amanda.
We had lunch at Abbott's. In CT, not NY if your reading this and live by me!
The Girls! Kayla, Megan and Amanda.
Mystic Pizza, the food was so good.
Here we are at dinner the last night!
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