"Make sure that what you are doing and striving for is going to be worth any sacrifices you will have to make along the way. If it's a relationship, job, anything in life."

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Happy Halloween!

Hello all!

     We hope everyone had a fun and save Halloween!  We didn't have Quinn tonight and she was sad per  she loves passing out candy!  We spent some time this past weekend going around and visiting family.  We get Quinn a costume every year and she loves it.

     We picked her up on Friday and then got her costume!  She picked it out her self, she was a Vampire!  Saturday we spend some time relaxing per Quinn was fighting a bit of a cold but she did good and pushed through.  We stopped over my parents house for some pictures and some treats.  Quinn spent sometime showing off her costume to them and they gave her some fun things.

     We then headed to my Aunts house for some treats and a few pictures.  We spent sometime just visiting there with her as well.

     We ended up having a lot of fun and Quinn knows next year we do have her on Halloween but we just do what we can and thats what parents that share kids do!  We spent the night just passing out candy and hanging it.  After all it was cold and only a Tuesday.

We hope everyone had a fun Halloween!

Always Remember,
You are Never Alone...

Love,
Christopher


 

Monday, October 30, 2017

A Hard Decision

      Over the past many years of my now life I've always wanted a family.  As I grew up and went through school I found many people I could have spend my life with.  Some better than others for me and as I grew through College and my ego grew I can say I let more of the good ones go but that is why we learn I guess.

     I eventually settled down and had Quinn and after a year or so that marriage ended.  The divorced ruined me and starting over was not impossible but close.  After even getting back on my feet and realizing the relationship was over and never fixable I even tried dating again.  I then met Kayla who has been so amazing to me.  She came into my and Quinn's life, she took her in and treated her like her own.  She has helped raise her as well as work with my Ex.  Quinn has grown to love her so much and through out the years we have been together Kayla and I have worked so hard when the odds were against us.

      We discussed marriage and kids and finally just got married sooner than later.  We didn't need a long engagement.  We both knew what we wanted that was us.  She told me she would marry me with or without kids.

       The past sever years have tested us still  and yesterday I just finally made the decision that I don't want anymore kids.  We have had some very tiring weekends with Quinn that usually make us laugh and say hell no to kids.  She was pretty good this weekend, she is beyond spoiled by her Mom and that will make her live difficult which I feel bad for her.  However she gave Kayla such a hard time Saturday even Kayla said she was done and doesn't want any.

     I talked to Kayla last night and she said she was fine with that.  I told her if she ever wanted kids and I didn't she could leave me it was fine.  I think a combination of Quinn just being a hard child because how her Mom does everything for her, the fact that I see my friends with their new babies and laugh saying better you than me.  Also we just economically will never will be there, I pay my Ex to much to recover and we have our own house and debt to fill so even having a child would kill us financial.  Day care is the biggest rip off and we will never afford it.  I will admit how terrible it is there are people having 9 kids with 7 woman and I can't even have more than one because I have to be responsible and make sure bills are paid and my one child has a good life before having more.  Guess that's how it goes. 

     I recently spoke to a friend about kids and asked him if he ever will have more.  He told me honestly his two little ones were good and now that they are little ones he is just past the whole bottle and getting up stage.  I can't lie, I don't think I can go back to getting up 8 times a night or changing diapers.  It was 9 years ago and honestly it feels like forever. 

     The one big thing however is Kayla and I love our weekends off!  When it is not our weekend to have Quinn we sleep in, rest just do whatever we want and it feels so good.  There are some weekends Quinn drains us and we need that weekend off.  I won't like when we visit people with kids and the kids are upset or crying or the parents look like they wanna run away, Kayla and I laugh and say, "Well we gotta go, no Quinn this weekend we're sleeping in!"  It is funny I will admit.  Now I am not saying we aren't having kids because of Quinn, however because of how she is being raised and I can't fix that it is a factor yest absolutely. 

     I will admit we may have them, but as of now it is looking very slim.  Honestly right now I'm just to tired, poor and over kids to want or have them.  However that might change somehow or day but at this point I just don't see it happening.  Our lives will go on and Kayla told me that it doesn't matter and she will be with me kids or not.  We have Quinn and for now that's all we need...

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Always Remember,

You are Never alone...

Love,
Christopher
 

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Happy Birthday Christopher!!!

Hi all!

            Kayla here! I'm a little late with this post but I wanted to take the time to write a post for Chris' birthday! It's been a little hectic this fall season so at least I'm only a couple days late! Chris's birthday was Friday October 13th! He always writes posts about everyone else, I couldn't let him write one for his own birthday.

            First off I want to say what an amazing father and husband he is. He always tries to please and make everyone happy no matter what. Friday he worked a half day and came to have lunch with me at my work! Again, always doing things for other people. It should of been me going to him on his birthday! We got Quinn Friday and ordered a fish fry! We then carved her pumpkin and watched Goosebumps. We both gave Chris his birthday presents and relaxed the rest of the evening.

            He wanted a low key weekend and that's what I gave him. This year has proven to have some struggles but also some of the best memories. With all that has gone on in my life recently, he has been there for me the entire time. He never questioned when I was quiet and would just hold me under his arm. Chris never let me down even when things seemed to be at their worst. He talked to me, he would listen, he would drive around in silence. There was nothing he wouldn't do. He did this all while fighting something of his own and he continues to do so.

             Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky. I used to dream about the perfect man in my life and what God gave me was so much better. I can never imagine my life differently. Both him and Quinn have made my life whole. I never thought I could love someone so much and then Chris entered my life.

              So, I guess I'll close this with a special happy birthday to my favorite guy.


            Happy Birthday Christopher!! I hope you had a good weekend and I hope I was able to make your day as special as you are. This year will turn around and it will be one of the best! I love you more than I can put into words! 




Always remember,
You're never alone...

Kayla

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Happy Birthday Quinn!

     Today is Quinns 9th Birthday!  How she has grown, it has just been amazing.  The past 7 years I have been in our home and divorced she has done so well.  We both have come such a long way and when her birthday comes it is always a special event. 


     We celebrated this weekend over a few days!  Friday we had some family and friends come over and we had some dinner and cake, had some presents and just all around fun.  Quinn had a friend over and it was just nice to have someone here per the last several were just family so I know she wanted someone her age.

     Saturday we had some other family over as well as friends of ours, we did another spread of food for her and some more cake even!  All in all we had a lot of fun and I just can't believe she is 9.  Sunday we celebrated by making her breakfast and then giving her a gift from Kayla and I.  We also took her out to celebrate Fall!  We got her pumpkin and some fall treats.  That post will come soon! 

     All in all we just had so much fun, we ate, talked and just enjoyed our time with the Birthday Girl.  She is growing up so fast and we are so proud of her.  Next year it will be the big 10!!  For now I tell her just enjoy 9 and have fun. 

   
     As she grows up I hope she enjoys this time as a kid and all we give her. I know one day she will grow up and want to be with her friends more than she will want to see us, but for now its us in her life she wants to see and I'll take that. 

     For now, stay young and have fun Quinn...
Happy Birthday Quinn!

     Always Remember,
You are Never Alone...

Love,
Christopher

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Happy Octoberfest!

     This past weekend we took Quinn to the annual Octoberfest, she loves this event and was looking forward to it when she got picked up!  My Mom's side is German so growing up I got to learn about the country and it's background.  I even had an exchange student come over and then I along with some classmates went there for 3 weeks.  Germany was beautiful.

     We have been taking Quinn to this event for years now.  There is German food, and music and lots dress up in tradition attire!  It cost a bit to get in and well the foods overpriced but what are you gonna do right?  We went in the afternoon which was nice per it was slower and less people.  We got in and got some food then sat down to just listen to the music and eat!  Quinn loves the food and did a great job cleaning her plate!  Some of the singers came from Germany for this event.  It really is cool that they do this for the people to come and enjoy.

     A very nice man stopped over and gave us his left over tickets which we used to get a pastry for Quinn.  It was so nice of him to do that for us and we thanked him.  After we ate Quinn was cute and asked me to dance.  We had a dance and just had fun.  The day was just awesome and Quinn had a blast.  After we went to a park near by and watched Quinn play a bit.  We had so much fun and the weather was great.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Always Remember,

You are Never Alone...

Love,
Chris

Quinn having lunch!

The Band!

Some came from Germany!  He comes every year!


A sweet treat!

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Happy Birthday Aunt Ro!

     This past Friday was Aunt Ro's Birthday.  Kayla, Quinn and I took her out to dinner to celebrate!  We took my aunt out to dinner per we knew that is something she would love.  At dinner we just talked, had fun and enjoyed the company.

     Quinn got to catch up Aunt Ro on her school and how things were going and it was nice to just celebrate!  After dinner we went out for ice cream and just enjoyed the evening!  We had a really nice time just having dinner and some ice cream after.  As you get a bit older getting taken out for dinner is all you need, some good company and shared time.

     We wanted to wish you again a very happy birthday and for all you do!

Here is Quin and Aunt Ro after ice cream!

Always Remember,

You are Never Alone...

Love,
Christopher




Thursday, September 14, 2017

Celebrating the First Week of School!

Hello all,

     I hope everyone had a wonderful first week of school!  Last week was Quinns first day and she did great!  Now entering 3rd grade she is getting used to to it all.  She also attended some summer help for skills like Math and Reading!

     Every year I have watched her get on the bus and most recent Kayla now too.  Something a parent just enjoys.  I always felt it was a milestone, every year I take a pic as she grows older and older.  Still one of my favorite day.  The excitement of the new day and year to come.  Seeing her get on the bus and hope for the best.  I look back at how fast it went for me and now how old I am.

     Her first week went well, she is really enjoying her class and teachers.  Her love for school makes me so happy per its so important.  An education will get you so far in life.  

     She told us I can come see her first day until 5th grade.  I laughed and said I'm coming till shes in 12th, she said ok. haha  A parent would to, they would go till their last year to see how far they have come.  Soon Quinn will grow up and turn to friends before her parents, but until then she's still my little girl...


To all the kids I hope you had a wonderful first day!

Always Remember,

You are Never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Here we are!  Quinn and Dad!

Quinn getting ready for her first day!

Quinn and Kayla!
  

Monday, September 11, 2017

Remembering Today. September 11th.

     September 11th 2001 was a day many of us will never forget.  It was the day we were attached on multiple level.  As time went on America healed but we never forgot.  We rebuilt and every year we come together to have a moment of silence for this day.  Many of us think about this day more than just on today and many more visit the sites to pay respect.

     Since the attach I have visited NYC but not in several years.  I can still remember where I was when the day came.  I was in college about a year in and honestly as the day led on at work that night it was just like shock.  I just couldn't believe it was really happening.  Everyone was just watching TV and just seeing what happened and how.  I can't imagine what the people at those sites were thinking.

     As the years came and went we rebuilt and several years ago I remember hearing that the date was now being taught in school because the new generation of students were to young to realize it or were not even born yet.  It was a tragic event, however hearing this it was new to me.  My whole life I never had a really big event after I was in school that was now taught.  This date is now a part of history I was around for and now being taught in school.

     It was an event that shook us to our core and we made changes to prevent this.  War isn't like it used to be.  People bomb and kill others in sneaky way.  They hurt and kill civilians because they are afraid to fight our military up front.

     I think the world has more good than evil, it's sad the evil makes the news so much but we are trying.  I do hope everyone remembers this day and takes a moment to pray for those and what happened that day.

We give our prayers to those we lost this tragic day...

Always Remember,

You are Never Alone...

Love,
Christopher

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Happy Birthday Mom!

     This past weekend we celebrated my Mom's birthday.  It was a good long weekend and hope everyone enjoyed their labor day!  Again, I know my post have been far and few and I am sorry.  My computer is making it difficult and honestly with Quinn getting older we spend more time just living life!

     However this weekend we had a small get together and celebrated Quinn's Oma's birthday.  We stopped over and let Quinn enjoy time with my parents as we hung out and talked and played.  She hasn't been over in a little bit per they were out of town so it was nice to catch up.  Quinn had a great time just spending time with them.

     My parents cooked up a good meal and we all sat down to eat and just talk.  After dinner we celebrated my Mom's birthday.  We had some cake and ice cream and Quinn showed off her reading skills on the cards that were given.  We even had a few gifts for my brother who's birthday was a few months ago and Kayla's.  We missed a few due to injury and people being out.  I will post again don't worry.

     The night however was a lot of fun and we just got to relax.  Quinn was very well behaved and had a wonderful time too.   The rest of the weekend went really well honestly and I wanted to post to say Happy Birthday Mom.  Thanks for all the love and support.  We had a lot of fun spending time with you and hope you had a great day!

Here is Quinn with Oma!


We got a good pic with Uncle Kenny to!

     All in all we had a very fun night and hope everyone has had a great summer as well.  Things have been busy but I do want to post more often.  

Happy Birthday Mom!

Always Remember,
You are Never Alone...

Love,
Christopher 

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Happy Birthday Kayla!

Hello all!

I hope you didn't give up on me yet!  I know I am so far behind on posting but with everything going on it has been just so busy.  However I do feel its been nice not having to live behind a camera or computer...

     I wanted to with the love of my life a very happy birthday!  We have been married two years this August and together about 4.  She has accepted me for who I am. (A drama Queen)  Also loved my daughter as her own. (she's a drama queen to)  She has done such an amazing job just being there for us even when things were tough.  She is such an amazing person and wife.

     So today for her birthday we have some fun things planned but I just wanted to say, I hope you have a wonderful day today loves, I know we both had to work but tonight we have a fun night planned and I can't wait to just go out!

     To everyone who knows Kayla, they know how sweet and caring she is.  How she thinks of everyone but her self and how much she loves the world and her life in it.  For those who don't know her just read the last line over again...

     Thank you for all the love and support you have given me through the years, you are so amazing...


Happy Birthday!

Always Remember,

You are Never Alone...

(I will update this post with Bday pics when we take them!!)

Love,
Christopher


Monday, May 29, 2017

Memorial Day Weekend!

     I wanted to wish everyone a happy Memorial Day and hope everyone had a great weekend.  Always remember those who game their lives to protect us and others.  Memorial day isn't just a day or weekend to get together and eat.  It's to remember all those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice.

     We picked up Quinn Friday and headed over to some friends for dinner and just hanging out.  Quinn was so good she played, and just was a great kid.  Saturday we had some family over and had some dinner and again just took it easy.  Quinn was on meds per a small ear infection that was trying to grow, but we stopped it!

     We spend the rest of the weekend visiting other friends and family as well.  We even had a christening Sunday Morning which she again was so good at!  It honestly was such a busy weekend this post would be pages long.  I wanted to keep it short for anyone honestly still getting this and know we will be posting more and getting back on track!  I posted a lot before and wanted a break, now I don't post much at all!  So I really wanna get back into helping parents and talking about our adventures.

     Quinn really is having a great year, she is almost done with Softball, yes she plays now!  I know I am so behind I'm so sorry!!!  You probably think she is in college by now.  No, she's still a Kid...  I just wanted to say I am here and will be posting more regularly as well as reading more of the post and blogs I love.  

     I hope you all had a great Memorial Day and again I will be in touch sooner!!!  

Always Remember,

You are Never Alone...

Love,
Christopher

Thursday, May 4, 2017

May the 4th be with you!

     Image result for may the 4th be with you 2017

     Who doesn't love May 4th!  Now that Star Wars blew up over the past several years this day has always been one of my favorites to post!  Being born in the early 80's Star Wars was very big and growing up I loved the movies, games and just everything about it.  Then they started making the earlier ellipsoids like 1,2 and 3 and well we know how that went.  I think they did a good job, for the most part.

     We saw 7 the night it came out, what an amazing event and night!  Then we saw Rouge one.  That was amazing as well.  They really did a good job on that and I really feel things are working out.  It was so sad when the world lost Carrie Fisher/ Princess Leia.  It was such a sad event and the community was just in morning and I feel still is.  She passed away right after her Mom, it was such a sad event.  However today in spirit we wanted to say we miss you and we love you.  She made such a great comeback in her career and will be missed.

     We hope everyone had a great day today and remembers what a fun day this is and just show a little Star Wars spirit!

Always Remember,
You are Never Alone...

Love,
Christopher

   



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You will be missed so much Carrie...


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May the 4th be with you!

Monday, April 10, 2017

Happy Siblings Day!

     Hey everyone!  I hope everyone has been having a wonderful year so far.  I know I haven't been posting as much and I have a bunch of stuff to catch you up on!  I will be posting more as the weeks come!

     Today is a day to celebrate your sibling!  I have one brother and two brother in laws!  They are all great and different in their own ways.  My brother Ken is a few years older than me and growing up we were different but he always looked out for me.  We had a great relationship and as we were in college he found himself at a few of the parties I threw at our parents house!  We live different lives with very different jobs but when we get together we always catch up and just enjoy ones company.

     My brother is such a good uncle to Quinn and loves seeing her.  He also pushes her buttons and drives me crazy but that's what uncles are for.  Over the years you can see even my big brother has a big warm heart for her.  My brother was always there for me and even got me out of some tight jams I managed to get my self into!  Since we were in college we would go out to dinner on New Years Eve and I am so happy to say we still continue this many years later.

     My newer brother in laws Andrew and Connor have been a very fun and positive addition!  I don't have any sisters but I guess I give enough drama to play that role!  It has been really cool getting to know both of them.  We play video games online, and hang out when Kayla and I visit or they come here to visit us.  Both are like my brother, gentle giants...  When Kayla and I are around all three of them they look like our security staff!  They too have grown to really just love Quinn which has been a blessing.  You only hope you bring your child into a loving new family when you remarry and I am very thankful they area all so wonderful to me and her.

     She loves going to see them or when they visit, she even says hi to them when I am gaming.  I am very bless over they many and now fewer years to have all these really awesome guys I call brother.  I am also so happy my brother has taken in Kayla and loved her as his sister.  I know he can be protective especially after a divorce.  She has proven she is different and will take care of me which I think is all he asks...

     Kayla and I are so happy we have such amazing brothers.  We wanted to say we hope you reach out to your sibling and say hi today and how much they mean to you!  We love you guys!  Even if you don't read my blog! haha....

I hope you all have a great day!  Our siblings are below...

Always Remember,
You are Never Alone...

Love,
Christopher

Here I am with my big bro Ken!

Here is Kayla with Connor (left) and Andrew.  




  

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

National Single Parenting Day!


 




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  Hello everyone!  We are not dropping a Tip today but letting everyone know today National Single Parenting Day! I am however remarried but for many years I was a single parent and want to reach out to everyone because every year more come up.

     There were a few tough years Quinn and I made it work and we had fun doing it.  We went out and created adventures!  There were times when I found my self alone in my house just wondering how bad it was or how quiet it was.  However we came around and if you know any single parents out there just see how they are doing.  I don't plan on making this post very long just saying there are so many out there and being a single parent is hard, very hard...  So send them a TXT or a call and see how they are doing.  You never know you maybe the one that goes over and just gives them some time which is something they just need...


    To all the single parents out there, take one day at a time! Go slow and just relax, spend time with your kids, spend time just alone with some thought or a good book.  Remember if you love your kids they will absolutely love you back.   This also goes out to other family members or friends who are there because the parents can't be there.  Remember being a parent isn't just giving life its raising it...


There are a lot of single parents out there and unless you have even been one you have no idea the struggles they go though.  Lots of love to the single parents, and to the people in their lives helping them grow.

Always Remember,
You are Never Alone...

Love,
Christopher