How special our spouses are...

     There may be one job harder than one of a single parent and that is their loved one.  Their spouse has one hard job.  When my divorce was well behind me I did date a little and it was hard.  I tried looking and actually found my girlfriend of today by just doing the opposite.  However that is a different story for a different day.  I wanted to post about how special the ones that love single parents are.  Not that non single parts aren't but this post is for the single Mom's and Dads....

     A spouse of a single parent does so much, they love us, they love our kids (even thought they aren't theirs).  Their family brings us and our kids in and loves us.  They help with holidays and buy them things like cloths and toys they didn't have to do.  Spouses work hard and they spend their hard earned money on a child they love so much and take in as their own.  Their families do the same, they celebrate events with our children and take them in to their homes.  Showing things like divorce and sadness or anger that those wont win.  Family, love happiness and trust will win, they will overcome some of the darkest feelings a single parent can have. 
    
    I can't tell you enough how stressful it can be being a single Dad.  Sometimes people don't understand and try to advise me this or that and I just remind them it isn't like that or that just wont work.  I tell people it can be hard working with your ex.  Most of us who break up or get divorced in our lives and don't have kids never have to deal with our Ex's again.  They may see them from time to time but that's it.  Try getting out of a relationship and then ever week having to work with and see that person.  You also have to work with them for years and years to come.  When your child is older and on their own you still will have to interact with them a few times.  What makes my day harder is just how much control my daughters Mom has.  We both raise our daughter and have a say but for now she lives with her Mom and I have to work with that until Quinn is old enough to start voicing her opinion.  It isn't easy... 

     Well behind all the frustration is someone who loves us, Kayla has been so good to me and she always helps me get through difficult times and gives me pointers or different paths I can look down so I don't get upset with my Ex and start a fight.  I always tell Kay she can be with someone who doesn't have this mess but she says no and hugs me.  I love how much Quinn does love her, she just simply adores her and always ask when Kay and I are going to get married.  She buys Quinn things and helps with food and cloths and spends her hard earned money on us.  She helps driver Quinn around and takes the time to get he ready in the morning and bond with her when I am not there.

     Recently at work I was denied a week off I wanted to take this coming July per schedules and other people having it off and I was really upset.  It was the week I go to the leadership training for scouts with my dad.  I posted about it not to long ago.  We have so much fun and it is something I look forward to all year.

    When I got home I found flowers and a card in our room!  Kayla got me them because she knew I had a bad day and that I was really sad over not getting approved for the time off for this week that means so much to me.  The card is so loving and the flowers are beautiful.  I put them on the table and now enjoy them.  Single parents have more stress than others because there is just nothing worse than not seeing your child ever day.  I tell parents all the time who do to treasure this because some parents only get to tuck their kids in a few times a week or month...   

     So I wanted to pay a special post and tribute to the loved ones of single Mom's and Dads all over.  Thank you for loving us, our kids and all the baggage we bring to the table.  We do appreciate all you do for us even if we don't say it and couldn't do it with out you....

Thank you so much Kayla for being so amazing to both Quinn and I...

We love you so much!

My beautiful flowers and card!

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,

Christopher 

A Mid Week Video!

     So tonight we made a quick video post for everyone!  If you are viewing this post per your email please visit the site directly to see the video! We have so much coming up and we wanted to let you know in person!  Hope you all enjoy!

Always Remember,

You are never alone...

Love,

Christopher

Tuesday's Tip: Rolling Dice over A Remote...

 

     One of the hardest obstacles single parents deal with is the fact that the two homes are probably different.  This isn't bad, just takes time for the child and each set of families to get used to.  It is hard for a child to go from one kind of lifestyle to another.  I don't exactly how she is at her Mom's I know a little but I know we have different rules and guidelines but sometimes I fear Quinn is getting what she wants and I know both her Mom and I try to instill you can't in life to the extent at her Mom's I don't know.  This past weekend however Quinn was upset because she wanted to watch TV in the family room and we said no.  She got to watch a few movies in her room and play with her toys and we gave her space and played along side with her as well at times.  However she gets to the point where she wants her way and then demands a show downstairs.  We remind her she saw a movie in her room but she says she now wants TV down stairs. 

     The TV hooked up in her room only plays movies, no TV.  We use it as a treat and if she's good.  I didn't have a TV even in my room growing up but my Dad finished the basement that allowed us to use so we had our own place to go.  With Quinn having a TV with a DVD player in her room I was nervous at first but she knows its only for a treat and on days we can't go outside.  So as she pleaded her case we still advised no she can't watch more of her shows.  She got upset and we told her she can't watch the whole day away!  We took out some board games and played together.  We wanted her to have fun and not just watch TV.  So with different games we took the time to just have fun, work on our counting skills and enjoy our time together without TV.  We played, laughed and just had fun.  Quinn won and she even said to play again so others could have the chance to win.  Which I thought was nice.  She does sometimes get carried away when she gets a good roll or if something good goes her way.  We do work on that, explaining getting excited is part of the game but not to rub it in or be cocky about it.  After all the game isn't over till its over!  How often in professional sports do people rub things in then loose in the end...  We will never learn.

   
So some tips if the weather is bad and you are in doors! 

1) Limit TV/Movie time and time in their room alone. 

2) Get them out and about!  If you are a single parent and have limited time make sure you use it wisely!  Play a board game and enjoy the time you have together.  They will have fun and learn as they go.  Your children will also learn the basics of wining and loosing.

3) Board games, puzzles and even card games have been something Quinn loves to play and she often takes them out without me saying anything to her. 

4) Let the TV rest and spend time sharing a snack and a game with your kids.  You can make a family game night, or play during the day on a winter or rainy day!  This also strengthens the bond with you and your child. 

5)  Make sure your child picks out some games at the store they like as well.  Show them you are interested in what they like and don't just but a game you like or think they may like.  Give them the independence to try something they see and give hints and pointers as needed.

     Remember just being there and showing love and attention is the foundation your kids need from you.  If you need to do things that cant involve your kids, do them another day or time.  Put them first and show this by offering activities and ideas to bring you all closer together! 

I hope this helps!  Any pointers or tips just leave a comment or send an email!

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher
    

Sunday Funday!

     Sunday we got up and had some breakfast!  The Winter Scout Klondike so I was tired!  I will post about this soon too when the pictures come in!  After breakfast we hung out and watched a few movies and just played.  Quinn had some alone time to enjoy her room to enjoy her toys and just play.  She loves it I checked in on her and sat with her but sometimes even kids just like hanging out in their rooms.  Quinn then had lunch and after we played some board games!

     I think just staying in some days is just best.  Being it was only 17 degree's out didn't hurt!  It was to cold to be outside today.  Board games are great for kids because of all the counting and sportsman ship there is.  She did so great her counting skills are improving and her spelling and reading skills are improving also.  She plays with her learning tools like her learning pad.  I can't believe how far the things kids play with have come.  So we spend the day playing, relaxing and just overall hanging out.  She's a great kid and there are some things were working on but she is a good kid.

     We still are working on sharing.  For example she wanted a movie in her room then wanted to watch TV downstairs and we said she had to take a break.  She wasn't happy but we explained why and that she can't just demand things especially TV.  We are working on having her ask more and not just say what she wants.  I know it takes time, I just really love how my parents raised me to not ask or demand things.  I feel it really made me a better person and I'm grateful for all they have done.  I hope I am doing as a good a job...

     The weekend closed out and we brought Quinn home.  We really had a great weekend and I can't wait for our next adventure!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and if you had your kids I hope you held them tight and just loved them...  I did...

Always Remember,
You are Never Alone...

Love,
Christopher

Friday Night Dinner

     This past weekend we started off with dinner.  It has been a long time since we went out and we figured it was due.  We headed off to the Nutcracker for a Fish Fry  well except Kayla she had Mac & Cheese.  Quinn was so excited to have a Fish dinner.  I was just excited to have dinner all together.  We ate and were greeted by some of the staff there that we know.  The food is always wonderful, that small restaurant food that every down and cities have that just serve amazing food.  We ate and talked, Quinn told us about her week and how school is going.  What she likes and different things she is working on.        

     It was nice to just have dinner, relax and enjoy a night out.  I'm glad Quinn likes to try different foods and I am glad she likes fish because it is good for you, well the fry part maybe not!  I remember bringing Quinn out to dinner when we first moved out it was something we enjoyed and started to do.  Now with Kayla it is just as great and I'm glad she loves to come to dinner with us.  However it also is nice to share a dish we both enjoy and bonded over.  The night ended well, we came home and relaxed then headed up to bed.  Quinn is getting better at getting ready for bed on her own and although she takes longer than she probably should we will work on this.

For now, it was a great night and we all had fun!  I can't wait to update on what else we did this weekend!
Enjoy the pic!

Always Remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

She is getting so big!

Remind yourself to Relax.

    

      So below is a link to my friends blog, she is a single Mom that I have been friends with for years now.  We share ideas and just talk frustrations with life.  She posted the following the other week and now I am piggybacking off it.  Take some time to check out her blog, she does a great job!

http://myadventures-in-mommyland.blogspot.com/2015/01/dream-little-dream-of-me.html

     While at work the other day I had a little time to stop and eat some Dove Chocolate.  Dark with sea salt and Carmel.  One of my fav's!  The cute note inside said "Remind yourself to relax".  Being one of the busiest times of the year I just did so.  I wanted to remind you all take some time to just sit still.  Relax and unwind your mind and body.  We as Americans work to much!  We have kids, jobs, a home to maintain our cars.  We live a busy life with phones, computers, the TV so I say again.  STOP & RELAX.  It is a known fact we are over stressed and this can cause health issues!  At least once a day take a breath, close your eye's (unless your driving or doing something important!)  and just breath.  Take a few breaths and de-stress.  The work will get done and the world will keep turning.  Mental health is so very important, if the stress builds up it will show and take us down.  Companies encourage us to take vacation time, it has been proven to distress us and help us become better workers in the long run.

     Here are some tips!

     When you get home get organized as best you can.  Get the kids settled and make dinner.  Get them on their homework and spend some time with them.

     When they go to bed clean up, shower take a bath or just get in comfortable cloths.  Put on some nice soothing music as your distress.  Have a class of wine or a cup of tea.  I like to use a nice soothing blend of tea and honey.  The good honey, pure right off the comb.  You can find it in stores.  Then take some time to relax, read, watch some TV, talk to your loved ones.  Just don't think about work!  If you think about work then you just spend all your day working, and then some.  If you feel tired make sure you go to bed early and get a good nights sleep.  Rest is so very important and we all need it to maintain a good strong healthy lifestyle. 

     It is also a good idea if you have kids because you know they will be getting up the next day and will need your attesting to get them set for school.  Once the weekend comes, or a set of days you don't work take full advantage of it!  Go out with friends and enjoy their company.  Again, DON'T THINK ABOUT WORK!  I once took a class in college and the professor said the weekends were made for Michelob...  Now I'm not a big fan of that drink but he pretty much was saying work during the week and rest on the weekend/your day off! 

You don't want to work your life away.  Enjoy everything that was given to us.  So I hope if you just got done reading this please take some time to take a mental time out! 

Remind your self to relax...

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,

Christopher

A Mid Week Break

     Halfway through the week, you made it!  I hope everyone is having a great week so far.  We have such a fun filled weekend coming up I can't wait update you all soon!  For now here is a quick hello from Quinn!

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,

Christopher 

Tuesday's Tip: be ready before it begins...

   

      So this upcoming weekend we have Quinn and we plan on being ready before we get her so we have a game plan!  We have her Wednesday and what I plan to do is run some ideas with her and then see what she things she would like to do.  I did find however as a great tip to be ready.  Plan some ideas in advanced and think about some thing you can do and when its winter its even more important so you don't get bored!

     So some of the tips I have is, look for indoor playgrounds, or think about sledding, going ice-skating or a play date with your friends and their kids!  Call a head and get times, prices and any other information you may need.  If you have ideas for the weekend your child will be so much more excited!  You can spend a few hours getting some exercise and not worrying about the outside cold!  Every town and city does have some areas and events to offer.  I even just searched the web for great ideas for kids.  Also think about bowling, going out for lunch or playing in the snow if its not to cold out.

    When Quinn was younger and I wasn't with Kayla I searched for all different areas in my city for things to do.  Now that I have a few that we like to go to Quinn now advises what she would like to do.  I know being a single Dad can be hard and at first it was because sometimes Woman have some great natural ideas.  So I just worked that much harder at looking and making sure Quinn loved spending time with me.  If you have a fun filled weekend you won't feel you just sat around and did nothing all weekend.  I have had those weekends and granted sometimes a movie day is good.  The kids love to relax and watch movies with snacks while the cold beats down on the home. 

    Another tip however is if you plan on doing something check the times of operations.  I found getting somewhere early or when they first opened gave Quinn more time and space to do what she wanted before other kids would come.  When we go to indoor playground we try to get their right away so she can enjoy things and not have to worry about it filling up.  Places like those fill up fast and then there are kids all over.   Parks are the same way, in the summer I take Quinn to all different parks around town to experience her with different area's and ideas. 

     For my single parents again, make sure to plan ahead!  Get some ideas ready, call ahead and then figure out what the game plan is.  Remember kids love their parents no matter what, unless you don't give them any attention or give them a big reason or make them fear you.  So if you have a Quiet weekend don't feel you failed!  Your kids naturally love you and know you are doing your best.  If you however plan ahead and get ready you won't feel you are just sitting inside all day and wasting the day.  Also many places have deals, coupons and other ways to save money!  Look to see when you can do this to help. 

I hope this helps!

Always remember,
You are never alone..

Love,
Christopher

Another weekend to come and go...

     Another weekend has come and gone and over the years I have learned as a single Dad to work around not seeing Quinn.  In the beginning it can be hard and stressful but as you grow and time moves on you learn to take the weekends strong and keep moving forward.  I spend some time relaxing getting some work done and just spending time with Kayla.  As it is still cold out we took it easy and just relaxed, watching some movies and making some nice dinners.

     We went to the gym a few times, I found going and working out is a great stress reliever and makes the time go faster.  I love how Kayla and I love going to the gym.  We got some great workouts in and then just relaxed the rest of the time.  I pick up Quinn Wednesday and we have some exciting things coming up I can't wait to share with everyone.  I hope everyone had a great weekend as well!

     I did just see that my team lost...  Green Bay lost to the Sea Hawks today.  It was a good game and it was a good season.  Still a big Green Bay fan I think they had a great year and look forward to another season next year...  So as this weekend winds down I hope everyone enjoyed it and if you didn't have your kids this weekend like I didn't don't worry.  You just make the time with them special.  I can't wait to send some great post to you this week...


Always remember...

You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Reviews and writeups

     So over the past few years Quinn, Kayla and my self have traveled around between parks, restaurants play area's and all different vendors and commercial stores.  I wanted to take some time to do some write ups and start.  As the blog gets updated soon I wanted to submit general updates.  If you have a product or place you would like me to visit or review let me know!  (Location within reason).  Now granted I am no review credit or expert in most topics but I will do my research and thoroughly review the product.  For anyone out there that wants to get their product out there feel free to contact me and let me know.  I plan to personally post the review and have a tab at the top as well for you to see what was reviewed in the past. 

     Am I looking to become an expert and have lots of people asking me daily, probably won't happen but if you come across my this blog and have something you would like talked about let me know.  I also will share it with my Google + Account and get the word out and offer other input.  So let m know and I would gladly do some research, check it out and then see what we have!

     I look forward to this weekend to catching up on my blog with new post, updating it in general and just getting the new overhaul out there!  I look forward to seeing what we can do...




It's going to be a new and big year so I hope you stick around...


Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher 

A Post From IT

     Hello all,
So with the new site came a few IT issues!  I did however fix the email glitch.  So when I got the new site my followers said the emails stopped.  This is because there is a new address so if you want to follow via email on the right hand side put in your email address and hit submit!  It says follow by email on the right hand side.

     So I updated the email app and now it is set!  So if you want to follow me and get the post please put your address in the section to the left and follow away!  I am posting this because I got many friends and family members that were having issues!  If you have any questions just email me or post a comment!

     Which brings me to my next topic.  You can leave comments still.  For some reason the comments section is there just not showing so if you would like to leave a comment just hit the comment link.  Other than that we are still working on updating the blog this year and getting you new information to view and learn from.

From your local IT guy.


Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Sometimes they even suprise you

    Last night and this morning I knew Quinn was getting older just because of how she is now reacting.  She told me last night she was going to miss me and that she wanted to see me more.  I told her she always can its allowed.  She told me then her Mom would miss her, I told her this is true but I told her not to worry right now.  She is to little to be worrying about her Dad.  I can't imagine how hard it must be for a child to be thinking about both parents and how to make them both happy.  I told her she can use her Mom's phone to call me and say hi if she ever wanted. 

     As I moved on to my new life over four years ago it has been very difficult.  Many long nights, wondering how Quinn is doing when I'll see her again and how much I don't see her per how much her Mom does.  It's been tough and I think the next few years will be hard but get easier as she get older and more aware of her life.  All I want is for her to grow up loving all her family and to understand the hard work you need to do in this world.  I give her more responsibility because she needs to know you need to work hard in this world and that things aren't just given to you.  That's all parents can do for their kids.  As Quinn has gotten older I have seen her want to stay with me more and since I have been with Kayla she now loves coming over more.  I'm so glad she gets along with Kay and that she feels safe and secure around her. 

     Wednesdays like this are hard because now I won't see Quinn till next Wednesday and over the past few years it has taken time to get over how hard it can be.  The first few years were difficult but over time you realize to keep busy and not stress.  It takes time I will admit but now its better.  As she gets older she can spend more time where she wants and will one day just be able to come and go.  For now I am so excited how she does show interest to be with me more and later I hope to further feed that. 

     Take your time and breath, only choose the battles you feel are worth fighting for...


Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

I think we have a new record!

  So last year on the way to work my car showed -9!  One of the coldest days we had not to mention with the wind chill it was colder!  So this year we have had some very cold days but when I was driving to work my car went from 2 degrees to -9!  Then it hit -10!  I was on the last road before my office I couldn't believe we hit -10 degree's.  Seeing how I was driving I couldn't take the picture by the time I pulled in it was -9.  I was like NOOOOO!!  So I got a pic but I swore it was -10!

     We have had colder days before and I know there are colder area's in the world but for us this was pretty cool.  Plus I never had a car with a thermostat in it so that's nice!  So today marks a record for me at least in my car ha-ha...  So with the weather staying cold I remind everyone to stay warm by being smart!  Start your car early, let it run.  Wear warm cloths, set your thermostat to lower during the times you are not there and warmer when you are home.  It will be running a lot so don't over work it!


     Also always make sure pets are warm too don't leave them outside long.  Also parents make sure your kids stay warm.  Sometimes kids get cold but don't realize it.  If you have any pictures of cold temperatures send them my way I'd gladly post them!


Stay warm everybody!

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Tuesday's Tip: Don't let the anger Win.

     Single parents know how hard it can be on the off days where they don't have their kids.  It can be quiet, sad and you can get angry if your ex has them more.  My words to you are don't let it win.  Don't get frustrated, vent to the right sources.  Seek legal help if you want a change, if not or you can't just breath...  I can't tell you how hard it gets especially when your child get's older.  You can always talk to your ex about updating times to work around new schedules, if that doesn't work I know finding things to do is hard but try.  Vent your frustrating at a gym or meditation.  It is extremely frustrating what single parents go through.  The ones that all they want to do is just see their kids but remember why you are there and what you are fighting for...



     So many people have no idea how hard it is, I see my ex at least once a week minimum.  People in this spot don't understand if they don't have kids they never have to see their ex again.  I tell my family and friends.  Imagine seeing an ex that hurt you or that your just angry at every week, and you have to continue to see them for years to come.  You have to see their new big house, talk to their new spouse if see all the things they buy with your money while you worked two jobs.  While you fight to see your child.  Then you will know what we as single parents go through...  It's sad but sometimes people don't understand b/c they don't know anything unless they are going through it.  Friends that don't understand why you can't go on vacation like they do.  Family that doesn't understand why they can't see the child that much, because we don't have them that much!  Sometimes I say if they only knew, I tell my friends what if their ex and them had a child where would they be?  Usually my friends that are girls understand easier.  Guys sometimes just don't get it. lol.

     So I say be strong and just let it go.  Nobody understands where we come from or what we go through except us.  That's why we always should lean on each other.  Help others that need it, if you are stronger then guide and help others that are not there yet.  There is a darkness to being divorced, to being a single parent.  It's up to us to show how much is there... 

     Yes we are angry at our spouse, yes maybe they control the situation but you are in control of your self and only you can prevail.  A divorce will be something that truly never goes away.  You may never fully heal, however you can rebuild.  Take it from me, my ex is beyond controlling.  Getting my daughter any extra time is almost impossible.  As for you I tell you to just love your child when you have them and show them this.  The rest will take care of its self...

Don't let Anger win.  Always show nothing but love, love around your child.  After all, they are merely a casualty of war...

   
Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

The Weekend Update!

     The weekend has come and gone and here we are again!  Friday was so special because Quinn got to have some time with m Parents.  We dropped her off and headed to Paul's to catch up with him.  My parents haven't seen Quinn in a while so they took her to dinner and then bowling!  After they all made a gingerbread house.  It came out great and she told us all her adventures when we picked her up!  Its important for grandparents and other family member to see her.  It is just hard being divorced with little time.  We do what we can with what we have...

     Saturday we got up and some breakfast and got cleaned up.  We headed over to Aunt Ro's because she hasn't seen Quinn in a while either.  Aunt Ro took her for lunch with some other family and we got her after.  Quinn got some rounds with family this weekend and it was good.  That night we ha some friends over and we all had dinner.  After Aunt Becky and Uncle Matt played some games with us and we put Quinn to bed.

     The next day we headed to Church and then spend the day relaxing.  It was still very cold out and there is not much snow so we kept safe inside!  We caught up on some shows, played with some toys and cleaned a little.  Quinn had a great weekend and she is getting better at working with us.  It was just overall an amazing weekend.  They come and go so fast, but I have her Wednesday so we're excited.

     I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend we didn't have many pictures but I will update you all soon!  Make sure you always have your children see their other family members its just so important.  They need to know who family is.  I know its hard with a divorce but try...

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Winter is here and its not leaving yet!

     Yesterday I told everyone that right now the whole country is experiencing some cold temperatures so I have some tips for the rest of the week for everyone!  Usually I put out tips on Tuesday but today is special.

  Make sure you keep your heat on, I know some people like me like it low because how expensive it is but keep it at least in the mid to high 60's to start.  If you have children make sure it is up when they are with you. 

    Your furnace will be on more yes but you have to remember if the water in your home freezes there will be bigger problems.  This of course means there is little to no heat but your home needs to stay warm to be in good condition.  Some homes heat better than others and if your upstairs gets cold make sure you have thinks like other heaters.  There are some great very safe ones out there.  We have a few just to help the upstairs.  There are radiator heaters that are very energy efficient and very safe that put out a lot of heat.  They also can go on timers and keep the room less warm when people are in them and warmer at night. 

     Other things you can do is bundle up!  Have extra blankets, sweatshirts and some long sleeve shirts on sometimes an extra shirt can help.  Cuddle up as well! Cuddle with your loved ones and your kids!  That's how they did it back in the day, body heat works sometimes the best.  You never stop producing heat, unless your hugging someone dead, then well call 911.  When I comes to your car.  Start it early, if you have a remote use it! Or go out quick and start it, your car needs to warm up as well.  Its better for it to run a little in cold weather, also when you get in your car you will be warmer and safer to drive.  Take the time to also brush off your car!  Don't bee the guy driving down the road with snow all over the windows. 

     When it comes to things like cloths, put your cloths in the dryer for a few minutes this will heat them up.  Or place them on a vent or heater while you get ready.  Make sure the heater is save!  Use a radiator heater!  Don't place cloths on a heater that can set fire!!!! You also want to make sure your heat is on at the right times.  Set your thermostat, so the heat is on in the morning and when you come home.  You can lower it during the times the house is empty but make sure it is working while you are there.  When it comes to your furnace also start from the bottom.  Go to the basement and close off any vents that don't need heat.  Maybe you have a spare room, close that vent until you need it.  If you close off vents at the furnace the heat will go to other pipes and rooms faster and more effectively! 

     Make sure your children's cloths are warm and dry before they start the day off, don't let them leave with wet boots or gloves.  Don't stay out side long either.  Stay in until the temperatures go up.  Even if you are clothed correctly you breath in that cold air that is very dangerous.  So play indoors till it warms up! 

I hope my tips helped!  Stay warm and be safe!

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

A Mide Week Break

     I hope everyone is staying warm this week!  With cold temperatures setting in I wanted to wish everyone a warm post!  It was a regular night for us here.  Dinner some TV then bed, with it being almost 4 degrees I hope everyone is taking steps to be save this week!  Every state is feeling the chill some worse than others.

     I am excited to see what we have in store this weekend.  Make sure this week you stay warm and be safe this week!

Happy Wednesday!

Always remember,

You are never alone..

Love,
Christopher

Tuesday's Tip: Having a plan for the new year.

     So as we start the new year my tip for you all is to be ready!  Try not to let the year get away from you.  Have plans and ideas now, get started on what to do this year and how to spend it!  The year will go by fast!   Some times it's good to say in and rest, but think about ideas you can do with your kids. 

     For the winter go sledding or Ice-skating.  Kids love these activities and they will get out outside.  For my single parents it also gives you the chance to show your kids how exciting you are and how much fun it is.  Take the time to go over your town or community and see what events there are.  Try new ones!  Visit old ones, ask your kids what they would like to do and offer some of your own ideas.  This year I want to go hiking more, get Quinn to more parks she hasn't seen and do some new sports she hasn't tried yet.  I want her to get outside because we don't have much time since its winter now and cold out.  Other great ideas are cooking!  Make a few nights where you cook together.  Cooking is fun and teaches them when they get older how to be independent and not rely on others to prepare food for them. 

     I come from a family that cooks a lot and my family taught my brother and I to cook.  I was very grateful and now love to cook and learn new recipes.  I think Quinn will love to cook, she always shows interest.

     Over the next few months I will try to shoot some great ideas for you and let me know any of yours! I would love to hear what you are up to this year.

So get ready because 2015 is here, like it or not!  So the best thing to do is just get ready and have ideas so your not bored or wondering what to do.


Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Christmas Up North

    Right after Christmas when we picked up Quinn for the weekend we picked up Quinn and headed up North!  We made good time and Quinn was so excited to go visit Kayla's family.  When we got there we settled in and started opening some gifts.  Quinn was so excited to open her gifts up.  We spent the night hanging out and just being together.  We went to bed and got up the next day and started our weekend.  We had breakfast and then just relaxed as we got ready for the day.  We spent the day playing with Quinns toys and just visiting.  That night Kayla and I visited one of her best friends because she was recently engaged.  It was nice to visit with her friends and meet more of them.

     Later that night we went home and had some dinner.  Then some of Kayla's family came out and played some cards and just visited. It was nice Quinn had a great time and loves Kayla's family more and more we go up she gets more comfortable.  The next day we got up, had some breakfast hung out and left.  We got home at a good hour, dropped off Quinn and went home.

     We hope to go up again later this Spring but for now just wait out the Winter and let the weather warm up.  As I try to finnish up so late post I again hope everyone had a great holiday.

Getting ready for presents~!

Opening some gifts!

Connor and Quinn!

Here we are!

Happy New Year

     Hello all!  I hope everyone had a great and safe New Years!  Last night Kay, Ken and I went out to dinner.  I have been taking my brother out to dinner since our college years.  It has been something we loved to do.  We went and got Chinese food and just caught up.  After we went home and got the house ready.  Kayla had to work and I spent the day cleaning so we were both tired already.  We put food and some drinks out and then out guest started showing up.

     There were about 13 of us and we had lots of different things to eat and drink.  Everyone ate, talked, laughed and just had fun.  We celebrated the New Year and then played a few fun games.  A few of our friends spent the night and in the morning we all had breakfast.  It was really fun, today we picked up Quinn and just hung out.  It was still very cold so we hung out and watched some movies.  Some days its good to just have a movie day!  New Year's day I am pretty tired usually so we just wanted to relax.

     I hope everyone had a good year and with the New Year comes new beginnings.  A time to start fresh and work towards new goals.  I hope all my parents and friends following have a great year and I hope everyone has new and exciting adventures!  I can't wait to see what the year brings.

Always Remember,

You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher