First Sleep Over!

Well today was a big day of getting things ready for Dadstock. 6yo spent most of the day with his friend across the street. They were back and forth all afternoon. Well tonight he was asked to sleep over at his friends. This is the first time he has ever wanted and will be his first sleep over!!! Wife says she is not ready for this... So it is after 11:00 and he is still there. These types of things are only going to get tougher and tougher as he gets older. What happened to our little boy???

Well 2yo fell asleep on the couch late this afternoon and is still up. I was out to dinner and his brother is not home so he was a bit freaked out. Well I am home and he still wants to be up. I am a bit wired so he and I are up. He has been watching The Sponge Bob Movie...

Had dinner with one of the guys that flew in for the party. Jeffus... We had Pizza at Geno's East. Mmmm I am not sure home much he liked the thick crust...

Tomorrow is Dadstock so I am a bit excited and worried. I hope everything goes well.

The 5

1. First Sleepover- OMG!!! Kid of freaky!
2. 2yo Up - 11:00 and 2yo is totally wired!!!
3. Too Much Pizza- I ate a bit too much pizza... If there is such a thing...
4. T-Shirts - I created a Dadstock Shirt with an Ink Jet Iron On... Turned out well!!!!
5. Sleep - Need to get some, but 2yo wants to be up!!!

Daily Observation: No matter how well you think you are prepared for a child's "Milestones" you really are not...

Short and Sweat

Been a really long day and tonight I am calling it early... So here is today's edition Short and Sweat...

2yo Was up in the middle of the night. I guess I spoke too soon. He was then up early and rather cranky.

6yo Slept to a normal time, but was a little off all morning...

Six Flags Great America. the boys and I took my parents to Great America today during a season pass bring a friend day. They had a good time and enjoyed the rides and time with the grand kids. We saw two shows... The Wiggles Show and Bugs Bunny Tonight.

Lawn - With Dadstock coming up and yard waste pickup on Friday I needed to get some things taken care of. I cut the grass and did a couple hours of stuff to get it ready.

The 5 (Short and Sweat Edition)

1. Chicago Bulls - Drafted Joakim Noah.
   
2. Crazy Weather - 90 Yesterday...60;s Today... Dadstock Forecast... UPPER 70's and Sunny!
3. Dadstock - Everything is coming into place. Hope all turns out well
4. Template Help - A friend Quirkee James has sent me some info on changing my blogger template. After this weekend expect some nice changes including a new banner.
5. Sleep - I am going to get some tonight. Getting ready for bed now... Plan to be asleep by 11:00!

Daily Observation: While walking in crowds my 6'3" 245 lb body is invisible to other people.

A Leason Learned Maybe...

Today we visited my Grandmother to see her and borrow a cooler for "Dadstock." She has a toy area in the basement and the boys and I played there with her for an hour and a half. Well every time they visit the grandparents or the great grandmas they feel they need to take toys home with them. Of course the grandparents are fine with it, but I really am not. I do not want them to think every time they visit they should take something with them. They will be going back on Saturday with the wife to play most of the afternoon while Dadstock is going on. After a few minutes 6yo already had plans of taking a bunch of stuff and I put a stop to it right then... This caused a bit of pouting, but he got over it. 2yo was fine until we left and he began to plea for "Un Car" "Jus Un Car Daddy" I did not allow it and he pouted a little on the way to the car. Everything seemed to have worked out well, so I thought!!! About half way home 2yo just starts crying and saying "I Miss Red Car!" He was mad I would not let him take the car home with him... So I get 15 minutes of CRYING as music on the way home. He was over tired and had not eaten well. After a bit of food and a nap all was better. Now I just hope they do not come home with stuff on Saturday.

The 5

1. Thunder Struck! - Well a T-storm rolled through this afternoon during nap time. This woke up 2yo and he ran down to me at my desk SHAKING!!! I picked him up and he was just trembling!!! Poor little guy!!! After a few minutes he relaxed, but that was one heck of a wake up...
2. iPhone- Well it looks like the hype machine is in full force. Will it be the iPod all over again or the Newton? We shall see. It is very PRETTY and seems to pack a punch, but will that punch be worth the $$$
3. Rescue Me - The FX drama is doing a good job again this season. I was never really a fan of Denis Leary, but he does an outstanding job in Rescue Me. It is not as good as the Shield, but is better then much of the big 4 networks offerings...
4. Dadstock - Dadstock is Saturday... a few more people are looking at joining the fun. Starting Monday the plans for 2008 will be in the works. I also added an email feature to the Dadstock Page so people can get email updates whenever I change things...
   
5. SG1 Farewell - Well last Friday was the Final episode of Stargate SG1 and I am still trying to figure out how I feel about it. Was not a wow episode and not really the end. There are two TV/DVD movies coming out that are finishing off the series. I think I feel a special SG1 Post and 5 coming...

Daily Observation: Time is relative...relative to what I am not sure...I never seem to have enough...

8 O'Clock and All is Well...

As the sun peaks in I wake and see the clock 5:55... Just moments before my wife's alarm is due to go off. After she wakes I manage to get back to sleep. What seems like moments later she is wishing me a good day as she leaves for work. She lets me know 6yo is up and 2yo is still sleeping... Wow after 7:00 and he is still out. I figure a few minutes and he will be up... Moments later in my mind I wake to the sounds of a little voice calling from the other room. I peak at the clock...8:01!!! I let him know where I am at and he wonders in and climbs into bed with my a car in each hand. After relaxing with me for about 10 minutes he asks about his brother. I let him know he was downstairs watching cartoons. With that he says bye and runs downstairs yelling to his brother...

Well yesterday was a bit of a test of patients. I ended up working late and getting to bed after midnight. Typically these are the times where 2yo decides a 5:30 wake up is in order. to my pleasant surprise he slept in. could this be the start of improved sleeping? Who knows, but I will take what I can get.

Well the laundry monster attack again and some important errands were done. Stocking Up For DADSTOCK!!! First we stopped by Costco and picked up Burgers and Beer. They had Goose Island 312 at a rather good price. We also picked up a few new items including a new blender.
My cheap Smoothy maker died after two years...

Oster Fusion Blender
I actually only paid 57.00 for it. I have used three times already and will see how my Protein/Fruit/Oatmeal/Yogurt Shake goes in the morning.

The Oster® Fusion is the ultimate chopping and blending solution. Features Triple-Tech™ Technology, large 6-cup capacity glass jar with clear lid, stainless steel 6-point star blade and exclusive All-metal Drive™ system for durability.

Hopefully the all metal drive and glass will prevent my issues with the old POS...






After Costco we went to Trader Joes and that is always a good time. the people are FRIENDLY and the food is great. We picked up some odds and ends including a little more Beer for the party. Some TJ Brand Imported Beers...

Everything was going smooth until the way home. The boys were eating Cheese Crunchies from Trader Joes when 2yo yanked the bag splitting it up the side. CRUNCHIES everywhere!!! So when we got home we cleaned that up and all was good. I have some small stirofoam coolers I like to use in the summer for the frozen foods. Well I was leaning into the back of the van to get some items that fell and I slipped putting my arm and face into the cooler lid and THROUGH the cooler lid. Oh Well...There goes that...

Still working on my template... If there is anyone that has this rounders Template with 3 columns and can get it to work for me there would be some major mention of your help.

Time For the 5!!

The 5

1. New Blender - With the new blender I made 6yo and I some Chocolate Milk shakes. I used the FRESH homemade Ice Cream and blended it up... RICH and CREAMY! WOW!!!
2. Last King Of Scotland - Watched that tonight while I was running reports. What a amazing performance by Forest Whitaker. his performance was almost as good as his stint on the Shield...
3. WWE Star Kills Family - I am sorry...This is just another story that pisses me off. You want to off yourself go do it, but leave the kids alone.
   
4. Watch those Gators - A golfer in Florida apparently can't read signs. He ignored the "BEWARE OF ALLIGATORS" sign and tried to get his water ball. Well the Gator thought he looked good and attacked him dragging him into the water. He ended up with minor injuries, but is still stupid!
5. The Tank Is Empty! - Well the Bears did something I actually thought they should have done last year. The released Terry "Tank" Johnson for yet another run in with the law. The Bears gave him many chances and he still can not stay out of trouble. Playing in the NFL is a privilege and ALL those that get in trouble on and off the field should be punished and repeat offenders BANNED from the NFL. Only thing is I am sure some team will take a chance on him... Maybe the Raider...

Daily Observation: When everything is going smooth, someone has to spill the milk...

Long Day...

Well it it has been a rather long day and the kids and work got the best of me. To top is all off my keyboard is acting up...

The day started out alright, but that quickly changed. I actually needed to get some work done this morning, but the boys would not give me more then a few minutes. It is rare I need to focus on work, but I have fallen a little behind. I start working the kids fight. I start working one needs me. I start working the other needs me. This was the pattern for the entire day. By the time the wife got home I need some piece to get something done. I shut the door and worked, worked, worked.

I did take a little time here and there during long print cycles to mess with the blog. Last night I was working on a bunch of stuff and today I put it all together. I still need to get my custom template finished, but the code is driving me nuts... I just want a 3 column template so I can have dad resources on one side and everything else on the other. Will need to pull my hair out a little more...

The 5

1. I Have A Head Ache This Big - And it has two cranky kids written all over it
2. Blogger Templates- Too Few, custom templates rather time consuming
   
3. Changes Made- I made a whole bunch of changes to the Blog and hopefully they work out ok. More changes and tweaking to come.
   
4. Work,Work,Work - Well once in a while the WORK in Work At Home Dad takes the lead. today was one of those days.
   
5. Sleep- Need to get some...

Daily Observation: The more you need to do something the more your kids need something...Anything... EVERYTHING...

Pardon the Dust...

Well I am making some changes to the blog, but the content and main part will not change. I am adding new links, some google stuff and hopefully some RSS feeds to other sites. I have also been playing with a new header and logo, but that is still in the works.

So Pardon my "Dust"

What Have We As People Become?

Well I am not one to spend much time on certain types of news, but two stories in the headlines are terrible. The thought of both cases makes me wonder what has happened to people.

First Story... Father Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Wife and 3 Children ages 12, 11, 8. "Christopher Vaughn, 32, was arrested Saturday morning and charged with eight counts of first-degree murder in the slayings of his wife and their three children on June 14. His wife, Kimberly, 34, and their children—Abigayle, 12, Cassandra, 11, and Blake, 8—were found shot to death in their Ford Expedition near Interstate Highway 55 in unincorporated Will County near Channahon."

Second Story Ohio Pregnant Women. Davis, of Lake Township near Canton, was reported missing after her mother found Davis' 2-year-old son, Blake, home alone, with bedroom furniture toppled and bleach spilled on the floor. Blake gave investigators some of their first clues, saying: "Mommy was crying. Mommy broke the table. Mommy's in rug."

In both cases the main suspect is the FATHER of the children. What can posses someone to kill their own children. I for one would DIE for my children rather then see harm come to them. I see stories all the time about parents killing kids or in this case killing a 9 MONTHS PREGNANT woman carrying his child. I think the first story is the worst since the 3 children were killed and they had to know what was going on, even if only for a few moments. The betrayal of a parent to a child is unforgivable. If they are convicted I doubt these monsters will get what they deserve, a very cruel and painful death. If I were the parents of the women murdered I would be paying a visit to the jail and giving things to those that would cause great harm on them DAILY!!!

The 5 (Happy thoughts)

1. Ice Cream - I Scream You Scream I Made Ice Cream! I have an ice cream maker that was a gift that has only been used once before. Well I made a batch today and despite the time it was good to make. WOW... Nothing like CREAM, SUGAR, WHOLE MILK and VANILLA!
2. DADSTOCK - Less then a week to the first annual DADSTOCK!!! I can not wait
3. Trailer Bike - Saturday I road almost 11 miles with 6yo in tow on the trailer bike. He had such a good time!
4. Somewhat Lazy Days - This weekend we took our time and did not push ourselves. Took Some Time to "Smell the Roses"
5. Bus Driver Saves 3 Year Old - www.HappyNews.com runs POSITIVE stories and this is a nice change of pace. Bus Driver leaps off bus to save child walking into traffic.

Daily Observation: No matter how terrible I think people can be I am surprised daily by the evil that is out there...

Little Sleep, Little Boys, Little Cranky

The night was winding down and the boys were in bed. The distant sound of thunder again roared from the distance sending the 2yo into a complete panic. This panic made it impossible for 6yo to sleep so the boys and mom watched a movie while I worked. 11:00 PM rolls around and both boys are finally asleep. 2yo had fallen asleep in my spot so I need to pick him up and get him in his bed. By 11:30 I am finally in bed with hopes of getting a little rest. The quiet of the house is broken with the sounds of a 2yo rather mad. As I look at the clock the red numbers stare back at me...2:00am. So I walk in and his water cup is empty and he is desperately trying to get something to come out of it. I refill the 32 oz (YES 32 oz) cup that used to sit on my night stand... Now it is his... He drinks a bit then settles back down. The cool air and the quiet night make the bed that much more inviting. I settle back in, only to be woken by a little voice calling in the night. He lost his binky! So off to his room I find him searching the sheets for the binky he is sitting on. 3:30! DOH! He has been getting better about the binky and I hope to have him done with it soon.
This morning the cool damp air and dark clouds made it very uninviting. It drizzled off and on all day as two cranky boys made dad have a tough morning. Everything for them as well as me was a bit tough. Too little sleep, rain and being couped up made the day loads of fun.

The 5 (A Man Among Mommies Edition)

1. Image - Well yesterday I decided to create an image that represents "A Man Among Mommies" and came up with what I thought was a cool image. (See previous Post)
2. Schwag - The term schwag refers to all manner of logoed stuff given away by companies to get people to remember them, feel good about them, have their phone number and website at hand and generally make them think about them before any of their competitors. So I made my own Schwag using CafePress. My Store... http://www.cafepress.com/amam
3. Designs - I have been playing with new layouts and designs for the BLOG. I have added news and a few RSS feeds.
4. Interest - The image I created has generated a bit of interest from other dads as well as many people I know. So far it has been mainly very positive.
5. Hits - I have been getting more and more traffic lately and it makes me feel good inside. If I write they will come...

Daily Observation: No Sleep and Cranky Boys makes Dad a very Cranky Boy...

I Am A Man among Mommies... (Image)

I Am Dad

I Am Dad

• The Sunshine Breaks, The Children Wake…
• I Am Dad
• Meals Made, Games Played…
• I Am Dad
• Bumps And Bruises, Kissed and Comforted…
• I Am Dad
• Classes, Sports, Play Dates and Reports…
• I Am Dad
• Laundry, Lawns, Leftovers and Love…
• I Am Dad
• Sleep Tight, Good Night…
• I Am Dad

Last Day Of Swim Lessons...For Now...

Well today was the final day for 6yo's Level One Red Cross Swimming class and 2yo and my Parent Tot class. Of course the weather was not too nice so it made it a little uncomfortable. 2yo had woken up rather cranky and he spent 75% of the class complaining and being stubborn. 6yo has his final tests today and passed with flying colors. He is not ready for Level II which starts in a few weeks. Level II will be held at the beach in one of the lakes rather then the pool. So today ended our first group of swim lessons with a screaming 2yo and a passing 6yo... Yeah!

Post Office - Well yesterday a package I sent out for ebay came back with a note saying I did not have enough postage. Well I took it back and questioned it. The lady behind the counter measured it, weighed it and double checked everything and she came up with what I did. I asked well then why did I get this back...Her response... ""Because the person that checked it before was a MORON!" That made my morning....

The 5

1. Garage Inc - Well I borrowed Metallica's Garage Inc from the Library and I am a bit disappointed. I listened to it once today and only a couple songs on the two disks even came close to keeping my attention. I will try again tomorrow...
2. Rain And Lawn Care - Well I really needed to cut the grass and about 10 minutes before I was done it began to rain. So I finished up in a nice COLD rain...
3. Distant Sound of Thunder - Well 2yo is really scared of thunder and now that a storm has started he will be up extra late... DOH!
4. Pizza! - Since my day was actually really crazy we ordered pizza for dinner rather then try to deal with cooking and cleaning while out working on the yard. Pizza Mmmmmmm!
5. Wildlife - The boys have been finding a bit of wildlife lately... So far tons of bugs, frogs and even a Garter Snake... Cool!

Daily Observation: It never fails that the snobby most jerky mom give you "The Look" Like what are you doing here with your kids...

Outpouring of Support!

Well my little get together that has become an event has become the talk of many blogs and now even media outlets... This little event that was going to just be fun for some hard working at home dads will now also become a annual and hopefully a national event.

My original idea was just get some guys together that have something very important in common. Being in the position of an At Home Dad or Work At Home Dad makes it extremely difficult to make new friends. You are an At Home Parent which in itself can be rather lonely, but to be in the less then 3% minority of that population is even more challenging. Many friends and guys without kids don't understand, many with kids and careers don't understand. As for the At Home Moms in general they seem uncomfortable with us or have a difficult time relating. Now there are exceptions to everything, but for the most part it is a lonely sometimes chastised existence. You know what... I would bet that the majority of the dads would not give it up for the world...I know I wouldn't!!!

DADSTOCK is coming...

So I need to send out MANY thanks to the different dads that have made it a point to mention the event.

• DadStaysHome
  
• AtHomeDad.org
• ChicagoDads.com
• At Home Resources.com
• EntrepreneurDad
• RebelDad
• North Lake County Meet-up Group
• Clare's Dad
• At Home Dad News letter
• Findory
• Silly Dad
• Quirkee.com

If I have forgotten anyone please let me know. There is so much buzz about this I hope it lives up to the hype...

It was mentioned in the News Sun

The Daily Herald wants to do a piece and is sending a Photographer

Howard Ludwig - Stay at Home Dad and Columnist for the Daily Southtown will be attending and doing a piece.

Howard Ludwig is a former Daily Southtown business writer who traded his reporter's notebook for a diaper bag, becoming a stay-at-home dad. He chronicles his experience in a weekly column for the Life section.

For All At Home Dads...

I Saw The Sign...

I Saw The Sign and it opened my Eyes... I saw the sign... FRY'S ELECTRONICS sign that is. I had to do something for work outside of the house (RARE) and had to drive a long distance to a distant suburb. Well the boys went and played with the grandparents and I ran off to do my thing. As I am turning into the street my appointment is on I see it... The Sign... The Mecca of Electronics... FRY'S!!! I have been in one in California near my office, but this is the first time here. I knew they put one up, but since it is a rather far drive I really forgot about it... There are few stores that give you a jaw dropping blank stare... Major Home Improvement Stores, Major Sports Stores and of course... FRY's. Seeing as I did not want to do something I would regret I left my wallet in the VAN... Smart Move... So Much Stuff!!!

This morning we had swimming lessons again and tomorrow is the end. 70% of the time 2yo was yelling and generally pissed. So since he was mad anyway I made him do the things he "Donnn Likeee" I put him in a tube and walked away and he followed me yelling, but he swam the entire length of the shallow area. Funny how that works, he did it despite the protest... So tomorrow ends the 2 weeks of water torture and begins a month of nothingness. We will be going to Six Flags, The Park and of course making crafts on those bad days...

The 5 (Driving/ Commuting Edition)

1. Long Drives - I am so glad I do not have to be in traffic on a daily basis. My traffic jam for work is two kid, two dogs and toys. Now the wife has a 7 mile commute so all is good.
2. Slow Trains - I was stuck at a long freight train that was moving EXTREMELY SLOW!!! It took over 20 minutes, but there was really no way around it.
3. Gate Crasher - A van two cars ahead of me went around the crossing gates... This is how people get hit by trains... Stupid is...
4. Toll Robbery - Well I drive on the toll roads maybe a couple times a year. I have actually not driven on the stretch of toll road toady for at least 6 years! In that time it went from $.50 to $1.00... Nice... there is the "ipass" lanes, but I do not have a transponder since I rarely drive it...
5. Speed - Wow High speed lane changes in traffic make you look cool...Especially when you change so many times you end up back where you started...

Daily Observation: Those voices in your head telling you what to do is not your conscience, but your children in the back seat...

Swim Lessons, 72 and Windy

The sun was shinning and the wind was blowing, but the normal sounds of joy at the pool were drowned out by the moans of people in rather cold water.

Well the boys have swim lessons every morning and I need to be in the water with 2yo for the parent tot class. Last night we had some nice storms and the power went out at the pool. So the heaters did not run all night. That with the wind and lower temps made for an interesting day of lessons. All the temps were just within the limits of the classes. If the water was much colder or the temp outside much colder there would not have been class.

2yo had a rather good time despite the cold day. He was getting in and out by himself at the wall and then jumping to me. He must have done this 30 times during the class. Since it was a bit cooler and the class was just half full it was more like organized free time.

Its Official I am A Dot Com: I now have www.amanamongmommies.com as the domain. The blogspot address still works, but now there is a domain as well. I figured with the WaPo article and all the hits I am getting it would be a good idea to take control of the domain.

Movies

"Blood Diamond" watched it the other night and enjoyed it. I am not a huge LEO fan, but it was well done despite being a bit depressing.

"Smokin' Aces" watched that last night and it was a lot of fun. ULTRA VIOLENT, but a pretty good cast.

The 5

1. Cold and Pools - NOT GOOD...
2. Domains - I now have 3 domain names. "amanamongmommies", "dadstock" and "wonkemtel"
3. Dadstock - Has its own site at www.dadstock.com and I hope to make it an annual event with each year getting a bit more involved.
   
4. Laundry - Has kicked my butt again... Laundry 4198. Me 0
5. Wife's New Job - Yesterday was the first time in years my wife came home from work and was actually in a good mood. Hopefully there are many more of those to come.

Daily Observation: A borrowed DVD and EXCITING scene will always equal a SKIP...

The 5 "Fathers Day Edition"

With another fathers day come and gone I thought I would devote a special "The 5" in honor of the day.

The 5 (Fathers Day Edition)

1. Of Being - Being a father has been a wonderful and at times trying experience, but something that is extremely special to me.
2. Grandfather/Father/Son - With the weekend we spent time at my uncles for a family get together. My father was there, I was there and my two boys were there. Grandpa can do no wrong in the boys eyes...
3. A Dad For Dad? - Fathers day is supposed to be a day to recognize dads. I for one do not need a special day to recognize me. Being an dad is an everyday thing.
4. Time Well Spent - Being with my kids every day and being involved with them is time well spent. Being an influence on them (hopefully a good one) is extremely rewarding
5. Father Forever - No matter what happens in life I will always be a father... That can never be taken away from me and I cherish being..."DAD"

Fathers Day Weekend and Multiple Mentions....

Well this weekend was of course Fathers Day and articles abound about Stay at Home Dads... I was mentioned in one local article and my blog has been mentioned in a Washington Post Article.

My event "DADSTOCK" has begun to snowball and references to the First Event are all over the place. So I finally broke down and started getting a few domains... www.dadstock.com is offically live, but needs to be setup. Currently a basic place holder. I also just picked up the domain www.amanamongmommies.com... So I guess it is official I am a dot com...

In a few months I am also contemplating a switch for hosting once the domain name is the main hit.

Zoo Are You... Zoo Zoo...Zoo Zoo...

Well today was our annual pilgrimage to the Milwaukee County Zoo. This is a great time and we normally go around the boys birthdays at the End of July and Early August. This year we decided to go a little early since wife is starting a new job on Monday and here normal days off will not apply. We had swim lessons in the morning and then left for the Zoo at noon. After stopping off at the Golden Arches for some French Fries we made our way North getting to the Zoo at 1:30. This was the latest we have ever arrived and I have to say it was GREAT!!! As we arrived all the buses for the different camps were leaving. The park was not too crowded so we all had a great time. 2yo really wanted to walk a lot which is the complete opposite of 6yo. Even now if he could be pushed he would... I think one of the highlights at least for the boys was touching a GIANT MILLIPEDE! It was HUGE!!! They thought that was sooooo cooollll!

The pure excitement both boys had at the zoo made the trip that much better. Since they had such a good time I think we may have to plan another trip up to the Zoo this summer. Since both boys did so well together it might be a good idea to do it again. I love the zoo and maybe I can plan some trip with a few other at home dads or friends...

The morning started out a little slower then normal since we were a bit tired form the last few days. After getting up and getting some "Power Food" (Smoothie with Milk, Bananas, Berries, Yogurt, Oatmeal and Whey Protein) I went for my normal ride to the State Park. I was making good time and probably came close to my better times, but I will not know. My bike computer stopped working after a few big bumps messed up the alignment... Maybe next time...

Distracted Driver Again! - Well on the way home from the zoo there was a white pickup truck with a driver struggling to keep the truck on the road. I did not have my Cell Phone or I would have called the police. I was actually looking for some along the way, but did not find one... DOH!!! Hopefully he did not cause any crashes...

The 5

1. Daily Show - That show never seems to fail in its ability to make me laugh. The silliness is incorporated into seriousness perfectly!
2. I Am Legend! - Wil Smith Movie coming soon. It has been a movie before "The Omega Man" and is based on the book "I Am Legend" from 1954. Looks to be a block buster...
3. Bourne Ultimatum - Matt Damon is back a Jason Bourne. the third in the trilogy and the last one based in basically title only to the original Ludlum books. there was a fourth book, but not completed by him. I really enjoyed the first two films and have high hopes for this one.
4. Share The Road - Today while driving I saw a driver in a van ride too close to a bicycle and then give attitude to the rider... How about SHARE THE ROAD!!!
   
5. New Bike Wishes - Still want to look at getting a RECUMBENT bicycle or Trike... Lost of $$$ so only time will tell.

Daily Observation: Long Day, Long Car Ride, Two Kids = Fight Fight Fight!!!!

Screaming Child and Vindication...

The sun reflected off the clear water making diamond waves flow along the building. The smell of chlorine and the sounds of children playing echoed from all around. As we approach the water a little hand attempts to pull away... Then the screaming begins...

Well the 2yo is in Parent Tot swim lessons which he also had late last summer. Monday was the first class and he totally flipped out. Screamed the entire time and acted like the world was ending. that day I was in the water and mom watched from the side. Yesterday mom had an appointment so it was just the boys. He went crazy for around twenty minutes, but the rest of the 45 minute class he seemed to have a good time. Now for the real challenge. He has yelled for mom each time and today mom was going to go in the pool only. He was all excited at first, but once he got to the water he began to scream again. This time for most of the class... I know he was upset, but in a way I feel vindicated that he behaved the same if not worse for her.

Tomorrow we will try double teaming him in the pool and see how that goes. Wife is off the rest of the week so he will have her around two more days. Next week it is back to normal.

6yo is loving his swim lessons and is doing very well. He did not pass late last summer, but this summer he is doing great. I think his issues last summer were more of stubbornness then skill. Now he wants to do everything so he is doing much better.

Six Flags
The Father In law gives us Season Passes to Six Flags Great America each year for the family gift. This is the first year that 6yo can actually ride MANY rides without an adult. He really likes the spinning rides, but as I have gotten older I am unable to do more then a few. Well now that he can ride them without me we have more options of going during the week. We can go for a few hours and I can get him on a few of those while I stay with his brother. Then we can all play in the kiddie areas like Wiggles World and everyone is happy. A few neighbors also have season passes so hopefully I can also get groups to go during the week.

Soccer
Soccer ended tonight and again my little Wizards we too good. They never lost a game and always won by too many goals. I really focused on passing and following through and they began to do that. I also focused on the GAME and not the score. I was really involved and I hope I was not too much for a few of the other coaches. I directed traffic for all the kids and encouraged EVERYONE when they did well weather on my team or the other teams. It is about having fun and learning... Not just throwing them out there and herding them like sheep. So after the game tonight was the Pizza Party and the Trophies. The kids love getting something for their efforts. Now as they get older they will have to realize it is more about playing and less about trophies and ribbons...

The 5 (6 Flags Edition)

1. They Wore What? - When at 6 flags I realize how lucky I am to have two boys. Seeing the way some of the YOUNG girls dress I feel really old. If I had a daughter and she dressed like that I would lock her in her room until she was 18.
2. People Look First - Well as always I find crowds rather difficult. I am not a small man by any means, yet I feel almost invisible while walking around a place like 6 flags... People look other ways and almost walk right into me. Even when I was standing still I get the look like what are you doing...
3. Preferred Stealing - Well we have season passes and season parking which went up again. Well they now offer "Preferred Parking" in like the first 10+ rows closest to the park. For one day it is an ADDITIONAL $15.00! Parking is already $15.00 and people actually pay another $15.00 for a slightly shorter walk.... Go Figure...
4. Water Water Everywhere - Well as I walk through the park there are signs for bottled water at $3.50 each... OMG!!! You can buy a fountain drink for about that or refill your "Novelty Cup" for $1.25. OR!!! you can walk up to any drink station and ask for a CUP of ICE water. It is the same water in the fountain drinks and really no different then the $3.50 bottled water other then it is FREE!!! Since they do not have proper drinking fountains any longer they offer FREE ICE WATER to anyone, but they advertise it to NO ONE! So next time you are at a 6 Flags ask for the FREE ICE WATER and save $3.50!
5. Season Pass - A season pass is the ONLY way to go. For the price of going two times you can go as often as you want. With younger children and it is truly smart. They never last more then a few hours so you do not have to worry about spending the entire day there. You come and go anytime and stay as long as you want. Heck you can go in and ride one or two rides and leave again... The best thing going...

Daily Observation: I am not getting older, the kids are just getting younger...

DadStock Is Coming...

Well I have been organizing a "Dads" day for At Home Dads to get together, Eat good food and of course drink some good beer. This would give us all a chance to sit around and have a good time without having to chase children around. It is very difficult for dads in this situation to make new friends and I hoped this would be a start.

My original plan was to get a few local dads together for burgers and beer. Well this has begun to snowball into a larger "Event" As I discussed this with a few dads the term "DadStock" came up so that is the event name. Now a local dad has created a poster for the event. (Thanks big_jake)

Well the numbers of dads keep increasing and what started as a local IL dad get together has now included a few more states...
IL, WI, IN, NJ, MA... WOW!!!

For All The At Home Dads Out There!!!

A Few Days Off for "Good" Behavior

Well I have been a way for a few days since my schedule has gone up in flames. School ended last Wednesday and Thursday was my wifes last day at her old job. She will miss a few people, but over all her general feeling is C-YA! Her new job does not start until a week from today so we have been doing a bunch of things around here during her time off.

The Quick List...

Swim Lessons...
Well today was the first of 9 what appears to be HELL in WATER! 2yo freaked out at his Parent Tot swi lesson and spent 90% of the time screaming at the top of his little lungs... This was rather frustrating, but I did not allow him to win...

6yo had a total blast and enjoyed every minute of it. This was a big contrast to last fall when he hated being there and did not enjoy it. Now he loves it...

Ride Like The Wind...
I just picked up a TRAILER BIKE for my 6yo so he can now ride with dad. It really is not too bad to pull, but it does have a slight wobble which can be a pain. It is really nice that I know when my son id actually peddling. I can feel a change in the speed of the bike when he helps out. Should be fun on some longer rides...

Ride Plan
I have figured out my riding schedule for the summer months and it looks like Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday are my alone ride days. I can go off by myself or with friends. Every other time I ride I will go with family. M-W-F I have added some basic strength building exercises to help get me into a shape other then round... The combination of my bike addiction and the strength exercises should give me a good boost this summer.

The Good, The Bad and The Days Off...
It is nice to have the wife home, but at the same time my schedule is shot to hell. If you call what I have as a schedule. It is more like a routine mixed with change... Plus the added schools out for summer makes for an interesting adjustment period...

The 5

1. Swim Lessons Bad - 2yo hate them... Enough said...
2. Summer Tv Bad - Other then Rescue Me, Doctor Who and Eureka the summer months look bad for any tv...
3. Stargate Sg1 - 2 more episodes and then it is DONE... 10 years...
   
4. Battlestar Galatica - One more season and done... DOH!!!!
5. Bionic Woman - Coming to Fox... Looks really cool!!!!

Daily Observation: A thousand children could be screaming, but the one pulling your chest hair out with the grip of death is the only one you hear!

Schools Out For Summer...

In the words of Alice Cooper... Schools Out for Summer!

Well today 6yo had about an hour of school. Basically rode the bus to school, picked up report card and came home. When he got back he seemed to be a little emotionally drained. He watched TV while his 2yo brother was taking a VERY early nap. Once he was up we did a few things then picked up some gas for my mower. They played in the back while I cut the grass. After I finished the back they wanted to be in for a little so I figured I would finish later. Well it RAINED and I did not get to finish the front.

Soccer - Well tonight we had Soccer and 6yo actually scored a goal. He tends to not follow though and chase down the ball. Tonight he did and I think he was in shock. Well when practice started I noticed that both coaches for the other team were not here... One was out of town for work and the other MIA. So I worked with them until my assistant came and he took over the other team. Once the game started it was no different then any week with me in the middle of everything trying to help ALL the kids. Rather then just sit back and watch I am in the middle giving them all encouragement. Tonight I even set the ball up for the other team to score at the end. The team I coach has 2 really good kids and 2 not too bad and they always score quite a bit... We don't keep track and I make sure everyone understands it is a GAME and it is supposed to be fun. they have plenty of time to deal with competitive sports when they are older then 5-8...

The 5

1. No More School - This will be interesting. See how long we can go without a major child confrontation.
2. Swim Lessons - they start next week at the outdoor pool. 6yo is in a class and 2yo is in a class with me. Late last summer the water was cold... Now it will be REALLY cold!
3. Rain - the rain has been nice to have, but I wish it would pick some pattern... Rain/Sun/Rain & Sun/Sun/Rain...
4. Thunder Cats - The 80's cartoon is getting the live action treatment... Thunder Cats Hoooooooo!!!!!
5. Bike - I get my bike back tomorrow after getting the wheel trued... Hopefully it will stay that way....

Daily Observation: Stress and Excitement are a terrible combination... Ready to go and sleep at the same time....

Strange Days...

Strange days have found us
And through their strange hours
We linger alone
Bodies confused
Memories misused
As we run from the day
To a strange night of stone

-The Doors...

Well today was just one of those days. Strange to the very end. I woke in a complete funk for no apparent reason. the weather was not sure if it should rain or be sunny and the kids started at each other right away. I knew on the way back from taking 6yo to the bus that today would just be one of those days...

2yo had his final day of the park district class and we had an indoor picnic. The kids had fun and I realize dispite my best efforts I am still ignored. There were picnic spots set up in the event room and as I sat down with my son the moms all sat away from me. A island alone...

When we came home 2yo did not know what he wanted to do. Bed, Cartoons, Bed, Food... So I finally just let him be and he played in his room a little while until he asked for bed.

As the clock moved closer to 6yo coming home 2yo woke up. Within twenty minutes 6yo was home and wife shortly after. At this point the day became surreal and the bizarre events began to unfold. In the end it was all good, but the unmentioned events really made the afternoon extremely odd. Some time in the near future I will describe these events, but until then they have completely messed with my mind...

The 5 (TV Edition)

1. The Shield - One of the best shows on TV... Season finale was tonight and I am very happy there is one more season.
2. The Riches - Season Finale was last night and the verdict is still out. I enjoy the show and the acting is amazing, but a few of the stories have not been the best
3. Battlestar Galatica - One more season and a 2 hour mini series and it is over. Probably the finiest show on TV and one of the greatest Scifi programs ever...
4. Dr Who - Starts in a few weeks... Season 3 with a new sidekick... I will miss Rose...
5. Jericho - Well it appears there is new life after death. Something will happen, but what is still up for grabs.

Where has all the Sci Fi Gone! There have been so many good shows that are now gone it is hard to beleive that even more are going soon...

• X-Files
  
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer
• Angel
  
• Babylon 5 - Very good Sci Fi...
  
• Star Trek (all) - Maybe too many different shows
  
• Farscape - Ended before its time
  
• Stargate Sg1 - Finale few episodes soon
• BattleStar Galatica - One more and i is all over.
• FireFly - Good show, good movie, bad for ratings...
  

This is only the tip of the iceberg, but it is an amazing group of shows... What is on the horizon?

• Sarah Connor Chronicals (Terminator Tv)
• More Dr who
• More Stargate Atlantis
• More Eureka
• More Dreasdon Files
  
• Possible Galatica Spin Off
• The Bionic Women
• Plus a group of Big 3 Sci Fi shows...

Daily Observation: Just when you think you get something...Everything changes...

The Weekend in Review...

When the weekend comes the time will be for us...

Saturday

I went down to Niles with Component Killer and another friend to get CK's new Trike.

So while we waited for CK to get everything squared away I rode a few bikes.

Long Wheel Base 2 Wheeled Recumbent. The ride was SUPER smooth and it actually handled better then I thought it would. It had handlebars like a bike and looks a little like a chopper. The seat was really comfortable and it was simple to ride. The owners wife was actually surprised how quick I picked up riding a 2 wheeled recumbent. This bike would be amazing on long rides, but not sure about riding somewhere like Moraine Hills. More practice taking turns and hills would be required.

Short Wheel Base 2 Wheeled Recumbent OVER the seat steering. - This bike was not much harder to ride, but the seat and handle bar configuration made it uncomfortable. I kept hitting my knees on the handlebars. I would not recommend this config to someone my height... I would need to try an Under the Seat Handlebar config to be sure.

Wiz Wheels Terra Trike Tour - This was my first ride on a trike and it was a blast. The width was nice and the steering was simple. My only issue was that the bike was not quite the right fit for me so pedaling was difficult. I would have to try riding with the proper seating arrangement. Balance was great and it was quick.

Now I can not ride a new bike without hurting myself. I was riding the trike when my Cell Phone and Credit cards fell out of my pocket. I stopped and pushed back to get them. As I got close I decided to get up and get them. Well as I backed up the pedals moved back and when I stood up I scrapped my leg against the spiked pedals ripping 3 LARGE scraps into my leg. I actually did not notice until I got back and one of the shop kids said hey your bleeding...WHAT? I was still in the bike so I straightened my leg and sure enough my leg was COATED in blood... Oh Well... I hardly noticed at all. Well the owners wife freaked! She was oh my you are bleeding and her MOM genes kicked in... I cleaned it up and all was fine... Wife says now I do not need a trike since I can hurt myself on my current bike.

Saturday late afternoon we went to Wife's Dads to get some wood for our fire pit. He had a tree limb come done and there was plenty of extra wood. Fires for a while...

Sunday

I got up early with 2yo and let wife sleep some more. I needed to get a few things done and head out for the Sunday morning ride. I left around 7:00 and headed to CK's so we can cruise around and he can show off his Trike. Well I get there a few minutes before I CK is ready so I ride my bike around the parking area. Something is wrong... Something is rubbing! So I stop and take a look. The back wheel was rubbing the break pad. I spun the wheel and I heard a clicking noise... Spokes were popped out! Tuesday when 2yo knocked over my bike with the trailer he must have bent some spokes. Luckily for me there are plenty of bikes around. CK's wife has almost the same bike as me so I adjusted the seat and rode that. Tomorrow I get to take my bike in and have the back rim repaired!!!

CK's Bike - I rode CK's Trike today as well as adjusted his computer and moved his break a little bit. The ride was really amazing, but I did have one issue. Even with the proper boom length I kept hitting my knee on the handlebars and shifters. The width of my legs and size of my knees made it difficult. So if I do consider one like his I would have to make sure the handles could be adjusted to a better position first. Otherwise I would have to go with a wider trike like the Terra Trike...

Over all I would have to say the most comfortable ride was on the Long Wheel Base 2 Wheeled Recumbent. It was smooth, quick and extremely comfortable. Balance is really no issue for me so that was not a concern. I will have to look at some older long wheel based recumbents and see if I can get one used and cheap. There is a TON of test driving in my future. The different trikes and long wheelbase recumbents... the trikes are fun, but I would have to make sure they have the right feel for me and my style of riding.

As for CK on the trike. He was considerably slower, but much more confident. He was flying down hills and taking turns fast. The uphills were difficult, but I think he actually did better since the whole balance thing was out of the equation. He could go slow and concentrate on the shifting and spinning not on the possibility of falling.

Sunday Afternoon in the park with Thunder Storms approaching. Well we decided to go to the State Park down the road and have a picnic with the boys and go for a walk. Well when we get there the T-Storms start showing themselves. We ate and played on a playground then headed home without the walk. As we got home the Storms Hit Hard!!!

Sunday Night after Dinner we all sat around the fire and relaxed before bedtime. What a wonderful end to the day...

The 5

1. Recumbent Bicycles - What an awesome way to ride a bike. A Recliner with wheels!!!
2. Bent Rim - What a way to start the day out badly
3. Fire and Nice - Sitting around the fire with the family is a pleasant way to end a day
4. Laundry - Did I mention laundry is the worst thing to do at the house...
5. Krazy Clue - Krazy Glue and Plastic... Nice...Krazy Glue and Skin...DO'H!

Daily Observation: So many people ride their bikes without helmets. This is crazy...After seeing what happened to my friends helmet... NO F'ing Way!!!

The Friday Rush...

Well 2yo woke up just before Wife left so he sat on our bed watching "Toons" and playing cars on me. I fell asleep to wake up with my back as a parking lot for Hot Wheels... The day started a little stressed with 6yo getting dressed and his shirt was a size too small. He was not happy I made him change. As we arrive at the bus stop I look at 6yo and see he forgot his glasses. So I grab 2yo and run back to the house... Can Not Find his glasses!!!! He has two pair, but his good ones got bent and we are taking in next week after school is over. I looked and looked and even call wife. Went back to the bus stop and he went without today.

After we returned from the bus 2yo wanted to play with his cars and race track so I got a bunch of work done early. Then the day starts to go crazy... We have a To Do List that is getting a bit crazy so I decided to tackle a few things. Cleaned Drains in wife's bathroom, put some garage stuff away, fixed wife's brother 100' extension cord. (Wife cut with hedge clippers last weekend) then I decided to tackle a big job... Cleaning the Siding and walkways with my pressure washer. That was going great until I got the hose stuck and turned snapping off the quick connection. Off to Home Depot for a new piece, but since it is plastic I figure that wont last. Will order the brass fittings for it... After the siding I pull down the pop up pool and begin to get that setup. 2yo had been napping for about 30 minutes so I figure I could get it started and then wash my van really quick... Well he slept for an hour and I would not leave the pool unattended. I scooped the poop and prepared to mow the grass before the major T-Storms rolled in... I completed that no less then 30 minutes before the rain came...

My neighbor I have now nick named him the "Scalper" for the way he cuts his grass. He cut it way too short last week and today after I finished he started... He did not need to mow his lawn... He set the mower to the lowest setting and was cutting a dirt patch in his lawn!!! I decided to offer some advice on lawn care for this area and he thanked me for the advice...Then continued killing the grass...

The 5

1. Grass Killer - I have no idea why my neighbor thinks DIRT and short YELLOW stubble is a good look for his lawn...
2. Pop UP Pool - Both boys are so excited that I set the pool up. 6yo will probably start to complain it is too shallow soon.
3. Work - Was able to get a bunch done early and some late, but will probably be getting some stuff done Sunday Night. I needed to cut the grass BEFORE the storms...
4. Leaving Job Bliss - Well another day and more stories about how people are really sad to see the wife go. It appears the only two people that are happy are the same ones that made her want to leave. Apparently her boss wants her to finish up quickly and leave prior to the two weeks. Cool... More time off before the new job starts!
5. Trike Ride - Well tomorrow I will probably be going to the speciality bike shop to help bring home my friends Recumbent Trike. He needs to have it set and while that is going on I think I will have to go for some test rides...

Daily Observation: The blind need for personal gain leads to others leaving and eventual failure