The Monster Sleeps Today...

After what seemed to be one of the longest mornings 3yo is taking a much needed nap. He has been a cranky little monster all morning. Nothing was right and everything had to pay for being wrong. He could not even wait 1 second in his early demands. He asked me for something while I was sitting at my desk and I said O.K. let me get up... AHHHHH!!!! I want this!!! AHHHHH! Well now the answer is no and you can calm down and learn to wait! AHHHHHH! In the car coming back from the store. "My Hands Sticky!" AHHHHHH!!! I want this AHHHHHH! So after he calmed down he went to bed and hopefully his bad mood will disappear.

Solid Food!!! I have been eating solid food now for 12 hours!!! YEAH!!! Favorite Chinese Take Out tonight!!!!

The 5

1. Tivo - Is both a blessing and a curse! It records all the shows I want to see, but there are too many new shows to choose from!!!
2. Bionic Women - The first episode was ok, but a little lacking in story development. It almost seemed we where just thrown into the middle of a episode already in progress. The acting and production value are well done. Lets see how they do after a short while.
3. The Return of TV - Most of the shows started this week and I am glad I have a 100 hours with of DVR space upstairs. Ouch!!!
4. Stargate Atlantis - Starts Tonight...Cast changes and all.
   
5. Parades - Tomorrow 7yo is in a parade with his football team. They are both fun and bothersome...

Daily Observation: When you have not eaten solid food in 12 days...Most food looks good!!!

"Toy-Nado's" Destruction Contained!

As of late 3yo has become a bit more destructive and messy. After he walks into a room it looks like a tornado touched down in my house. After fighting days of his "TOY-NADOS" yesterday I was able to contain the blast area to his room. As soon as I would pick up one area two more areas would be hit. The only way I was catching up was when he was at preschool or napping. I have tried all sorts of things to get him to help pickup, but everything that once worked no longer works with him.

After a short morning yesterday 3yo wanted to take a nap... at 9:00 AM!!! I was happy to let him sleep. He slept for 3 hours and I was not only able to get work done, but the house stayed clean! Every toy was away except for a few in his room. This was looking like a good day with the toys! Once he woke from his nap he ate lunch and then we had to go do some errands. The house was still staying clean!!! Once we returned he wanted to play with his race tracks so I set them up in his room. He sat and played with the tracks for over an hour and was happy to make a mess in his room. The containment plan worked!!!

The final cleanup and a bribe! 7yo and I had football and 3yo and the Wife went to the park and stores. Once we got back from football I bribed 7yo with cake to clean up the "Toy-Nado" damage in 3yo's room. Just as I was making the deal 3yo walked in and agreed to the deal too. Both boys cleaned up all the toys for a treat I was planning to give them anyway!!!

Another day of discomfort with the OMG this Hurts Diet... Keeping in liquids, but solids are still an issue. Luckily I have enough waistline reserves to keep going. On the plus side the pounds are coming off rather quickly! More tests run and it looks more and more like food poisoning or parasites...

Special Definitions...

1. "Toy-Nados" - toy-na-do -noun
   
1. A localized, violently destructive Kidstorm occurring in a home, esp. with young children present, and characterized by wide, circle-shaped patterns extending away from the center and made visible by light switches and bare feet.
2. "Kid Storm" - kid-storm - noun
1. a disturbance of the normal condition of the household, manifesting itself by screams of unusual force or direction, often accompanied by tears, tantrums, drums, and flashing lights, or flying toys.

The 5

1. Preschool - 3yo gets so excited to go to school. He has such a good time I wish it was a little longer for him
2. Solid Foods - Still kind of tough on the system. Maybe some answers soon
3. It's Fall - The weather is getting cooler and the leaves are changing. Fall is here...
4. Rex takes the fall - It is official, the Bears made Rex the #2 QB... We shall see if change is good...
5. Cubs Almost There - I am not a big baseball fan, but it is exciting to see it come down to the wire...

Child's Play - "Pan Cakes are NUMMY!!!"

Daily Observation: Doctors are good at telling you what you DON'T have...

When Kids Time Is Short...

We have tried very hard not to put too much stress on the kids with activity after activity. We know a whole bunch of people that have their kids in multiple sports, activities and organized functions. I have always worried that doing that would make it difficult for them to just be kids. With 7yo in football I have seen a change in my son that even he does not like. Football is currently 3 days of practice and a game on Saturday. Adding more homework since he is now in 2nd grade and all of a sudden his time to just be a kid is gone. Last week the house of cards came crashing down especially since he has been dealing with the stress of Dad sick. "I Just want to go play! I don't have even 2 minutes to just play!" There are only a few weeks of football left and then he is done with sports until Swim Lessons in January. When we started football I wondered if it was going to be too much of a commitment, but I know now that it is borderline too much. He has been really enjoying playing and says he wants to do it again, but if he does we will have to remember to watch his time well.

I have no idea how some kids do Sports, Music Lessons and another organized activity and still be a kid. I know so many families where the kids have activities 7 days a week. When is a kid supposed to be a kid?

Today when 7yo gets home from school he will get a treat and have hours JUST TO PLAY!!!

The 5

1. Kids Time - How to balance activities and free time without making either too much. As the kids get older the free time will get shorter and shorter.
2. Sick Dad, Stressed Kids - With me being sick now for 8 days the kids are visibly stressed. I rarely get sick and whatever has me now has them stressed.
3. I Want Mom! I Miss My Mom! - The call of a 3yo after his nap 3 days this week. This too I am sure has to do with the fact dad is having a difficult time just playing. Hopefully as I feel better he will feel better too. Plus Mom has had to take 7yo to Football having 3yo lose a few hours a night with just mom.
   
4. I Love You - The best words to come out of a little persons mouth. Lately 3yo has been hugging me even more and saying those 3 magic words...
5. Lets Dance - The baby has been moving a whole bunch and last night was dancing and kicking up a storm. Being able to feel him move is extremely comforting to Mom as well as Dad.

Daily Observation: When you have not eaten much solid food in 8 days most things look good. (When I get better I am calling my favorite Chinese Take Out and Ordering ONE!!! One of EVERYTHING!)

Child's Play - "I Just want to go play! I don't have even 2 minutes to just play!" That just says it all...

Health Front... 8 Days and still not doing great. More tests and maybe no answers. Whatever has gotten a hold of me has thrown me for a loop. On the Plus side I dropped another 4 pounds!

Friends of The Program: Don't forget to go visit Daddyshack and see my friend gloat over the Bears Loss.

Man of My Word...

Before the Football season began I made a bet with a blogger friend at Daddyshack and his Cowboys beat my Bears... So there is a new logo on the sidebar in honor of his team beating mine.

Now as for the game... I have never been a guy to say bench someone...UNTIL NOW!!! The first 3 games of the season the Bears offense has be AWFUL!!! REX GROSSMAN has been AWFUL!!! To have this offense play the way they do with a Defense and Special Teams that are amazing is just plan wrong.

The Defense has done a great job for 3 quarters against the Chargers and the Cowboys, but TURNOVER after TURNOVER after TURNOVER makes even the greatest defense struggle at the end of the game.

So this week in Chicago will probably see a big change coming... Bye Bye Rex... Hello anyone Else!

Short Tonight... Still not feeling well... Tomorrow is Day Number 8! More tests to follow! Joy!

Seven Days and Still Down For the Count!

Well after a trip to the Hospital and a morning at the Dr's office there are still no answers as to why I am having issues. Yesterday I had more blood drawn as well as a few tests. Next step is "Samples" to see if it may be a Parasite or Food Born illness.

So another day on a liquid diet. Anything solid HURTS!!!

The family has been extra supportive, yet I am extremely guilty since Pregnant Wife is doing too much. She has felt really bad for me since I cook and CAN NOT EAT! So last night she did some errands with the boys and they stopped at Culvers.

So another day, more symptoms and no answers...

A Night In The Hospital for Dad!

Well my illness started to get better, but Thursday evening everything went downhill. By 5:00 I started puking and dry heaving again, but that was just the start. By 10:00 I had gone from bad to worse with severe abdominal pain and my Dr said to go to the ER! The Dr's were worried about a blockage or Infection in the intestines. So a night of Tests, Dyes and CT Scans began. The good news is everything came up "normal" the bad news is there is no real answer. So the Dr is treating the symptoms with pain meds and nausea meds.

My Dad took me to the hospital so 20 week Pregnant wife would not be out all night. We were at the hospital from 11:00 pm until 4:15 am this morning.

Now I need to follow up on Monday with a GI specialist to make sure there is not another cause to the issues not on the CT scan.

Todays diet includes... LIQUIDS, LIQUIDS, LIQUIDS, PAIN MEDS and NAUSEA MEDS!!

Oh and to top it off I am running on 1 hour of sleep!!! Joy!

Dad was Down For the Count...

Monday Night I was hit hard by the stomach Flu and this morning I am finally feeling better. Tuesday morning I had felt better, but that was just the calm before the storm. By Tuesday night I had felt worse then I have in a very long time. Yesterday I spent the day in and out of bed playing cars with 3yo while 7yo was at school. I am extremely happy I am feeling better since me being unable to go anywhere put extra pressure on the wife.

3yo has had a bit of a cold, but this morning is full of energy and excited about preschool. I have been rather impressed with how much of a big boy he has become. While I was sick he understood and did his best to help me out. A 3yo taking care of a 34 year old... My proudest and crowning achievement so far has been his potty training. After that first week he got it without a problem. Since then we have had him in pull ups at night, but only 1 time has his pull up been wet in over a month. It is so awesome he has done so well...

7yo and football. There are 3 more regular season games left and I am going to be pushing the coaches to make sure all the little guys get EXTRA playing time. The outcome of the following 3 games will not change who we play in the playoffs since there are only 4 teams. If we are 2nd or 3rd place we will be playing the same team. I know a few parents are not too happy their kids have very little playing time overall, but now is the time to get them out there. I only assist the coaches, but I understand how difficult it is to balance the time and deal with the parents that want to win and the parents that want to have extra time for their kids. So tonight I have some ideas for the games to give everyone some extra playing time.

Pregnant Wife
The boys are so cute talking to moms belly. 3yo keeps saying come out, come out... Come Feb I think he will be saying GO BACK, GO BACK... The wife has had an extra few days that have been difficult since I have been sick. I feel guilty and will probably bust my butt making it up to her.

Toy Purge!
Well I have slowly started moving stuff around and in the next few weeks will be doing a MAJOR toy overhaul. The key is doing that without the boys around. Over the holidays 3yo will be moving in with 7yo for a couple years and then will get the smaller room when the baby moves to a regular bed. We do have another bedroom in the finished basement, but I am sure he will not want that until he is a teen. So in the mean time toys need to be sorted, given away and of course dumped... Once the baby out grows stuff it will be going, going, gone! We do plan on keeping a few toys with some personal value and storing them for grandchildren when they come over... So another week or two of basic sorting and then the real purge begins!

The 5 (Being Sick Edition)

1. I Hate Being Sick! - It is extremely difficult to be the primary childcare provider and be ill. Plus being a man I am a total wuss being sick...
2. Stomach Flu - Having the urge to puke is one of my least favorite things in the world. I would never be able to be a bulimic or pregnant...
3. Fever - I can cope with a fever and that has never bothered me, but throw in a dry heave or two and wow... That Sucks!
4. Sleep - When I am sick I also am unable to sleep. I try and try and try, but I am always very restless.
5. The House - Being sick I also get behind on important house duties. The Laundry Monster gets bigger and the kitchen is unused.

Food and Drink...
Well with being sick I had to not worry about my pledge about soda since I needed something to settle my stomach as well as get something into me. I had some ginger ale, but Coca Cola is the only thing that seems to settle my stomach... So after this morning I need to purge the system of Caffeine and sugar... Should be fine since I can actually eat now. Granted a few sodas over the last couple days is nothing much since I hardly ate anything.


Cubs Game
Father In Law called the other night and invited me to the Cubs game on Saturday. He has tickets and is driving so I just really need to show up! I HATE driving in downtown Chicago, but he used to work down there so it does not bother him at all. I will post a special Cubs Game edition on Saturday. It has been a VERY LONG time since I saw a baseball game live.

Daily Observation: Feeling Sick, I hate feeling sick!!!

Child's Play - "Baby Come Out!"

Hit By The Flu..

Well I was hit by a major case of the Stomach Flu Monday Night... I was unable to sleep and had a long day with 3yo on Tuesday. I was able to get him too and from preschool, but by mid afternoon was in no shape to drive again. The Wife was feeling sick as well so my Dad came out and took 7yo to Football. Last night 3yo woke up with a seal bark cough and fever... So the two of us are a pair today...

Update once we are better...

2 Hours of my life...Wasted!

Well on the plus side to the two wasted hours I was able to really know the movie I watched was AWFUL!

Understand I am a fan of "B" movies and I am not a movie snob. I will watch most movies and have watched some great "B" movies and some terrible "A" movies... Tonight however I feel a crime was committed on humanity and a fun franchise.

I watched HIGHLANDER the SOURCE the 5th movie in the franchise that was on SciFi last night. TIVO is a wonderful and yet terrible thing. The movie is set in the "Future" that is in chaos and immortals are searching for "The Source" the holy grail of the immortal world. Unlike the other films and the show it was extremely linear and had very few flashbacks of any kind. There was a new bad guy "The Guardian" a super fast immortal killer. The movie was poorly edited, poorly acted and terribly written. The camera effects were campy and it felt like it was edited together by a monkey. The soundtrack was awful with a terrible cover of Queens "Princes of the Universe" that was used in a seen so cut up it might give young children epileptic seizures. The story seemed to be thrown together and everything decided by comity. In the end there can be only ONE... And really not this one...

If I were to rate this movie I would give it ZERO Stars, A group of Thumbs Down and a have to admit it was one of the WORST movies I have ever seen...And that is saying a lot!

Now as for the rest of the Franchise...

The Original HIGHLANDER movie is a classic and well done movie. The original is a favorite of mine and always will be.

HIGHLANDER 2 The QUICKENING or should I say waste of time was just plain bad. Despite some good actors it was a blight on the original Highlander movie...

HIGHLANDER 3 The FINAL DIMENSION - Was watchable and basically ignored the 2nd movie. (Which everyone should)

HIGHLANDER 4 ENDGAME - Was actually not too bad and at least brought the aspects of the TV Series to the big screen.

HIGHLANDER the SERIES from the 90's was very entertaining and lasted for 6 years. The stories were fun, the flashbacks top notch and the locations really nice. Introducing so many immortals made the show fun each week.

The 5 (Killing a Franchise Edition)

1. Highlander the Source - The concept of the quest for the origins of immortals is cool. The implementation of said idea was TERRIBLE
2. Broken Sword - Hmmm Where have we seen the Samurai sword broken by a bad guy... Oh Yeah Highlander 3...
3. Editing - Was a mess of editing... Poor cuts, bad fades and really poor choices...
4. Fights - What a joke that was... The guys behind these fights should do the honorable thing... Again the fights were poorly edited and badly done. Nothing like getting cut by a sword that misses you by a foot... Oh and lets SPEED up the camera to make them look faster... (PUKE)
5. Franchise Killer - Just when you though the franchise recovered from Highlander 2... They made this poor excuse of a movie... In the End... Burn This One!

Daily Observation: Why is it people always want to take a working idea and throw it out the window for some poorly thought up garbage that a dog would get bored of???

Bears Football Review

Well I am a major fan of football and of course "DA BEARS" so I have a new feature...

"Bears Football Review"

As Sunday comes men across America all begin to get ready to worship at the alter that is football...

Having two kids and a pregnant wife makes it difficult to actually get time to watch too much football, but when the Bears are on its "Daddies Time."

Bears (1-1) vs Chiefs (0-2)

As a Bears fan I am happy for the win, but concerned about the offensive production. There were times the offense was brilliant and they were able to establish the run with Cedric Benson gaining over 100 Yards on the ground. The touchdown pass to a backup offensive linemen was a great play, but unfortunately the only offensive touchdown. the big issues...TURNOVERS again. Berrian lost the handle on the ball and Rex Grossman threw 2 interceptions giving me a headache. These turnovers only turned into 3 Chiefs points, but probably cost the Bears no less then 7 points.

Of course the most amazing player in the NFL Devin Hester had a 73 yard Punt Return for a TD and an amazing Kickoff Return for a TD that was called back on a hold not part of the play... The rest of the Special teams were just as good and even rang up a blocked Field Goal!

Then there is the Bears Defense...
They kept who some think is the second best running back in the League to 55 yards on 16 carries... This one week after keeping the great LT to just 25 yards... They did give up a big play, but came through with some major sacks, fumbles and Int...

In the end if the Bears can actually get rolling on offense then they will be extremely difficult to beat.

The 5 (Bears vs Chiefs)

1. Devin Hester - AMAZING!!! Long run backs, TD and one TD taken away by a hold off play... Even when the Chiefs tried to kick away it ended up out of bounds giving the Bears the great field position.
   
2. Defense! - What can you say about a team that hits hard, moves fast and gets the takeaways. Not to mention makes great running backs look like Rookies...
3. Rex Grossman - Last week I gave him the benefit of the doubt...This week I can only shake my head.
   
4. Robbie Gould - A kicker, a punter and all GOLD!
   
5. Cedric Benson - 101 Yards on 24 Carries... 3 Yards more then Larry Johnson had in 2 games!

Another week of some really close games and of course some surprises...
Detroit (2-0)
Arizona tops Seattle!
96 Points in the Battle of OHIO...
Houston (2-0) after beating KC and now the Panthers!

Any Given Sunday!!!

Here we go there we go every where we go go

I guess yesterday is an example of how many of my future days will be as the kids get older. We had so much going on the day was rather jam packed.

6:00 3yo Up (Me Too) Breakfast for 3 yo (Fight the Laundry Monster all day)
7:00 7yo UP Ate Breakfast Later
9:00 Wife Up ( I Made Breakfast for Wife and I
11:00 Walk in registration for 7 yo Swimming this winter. (WALK IN ONLY!) Wife went took an hour and a half. 1 person collecting forms at the High School.
1:00 Fund Raiser Pizza Pickup (At Football Field)
3:00 Arrival for Football Game. (One hour Practice)
4:00 Game (Done at 5:30)
6:00 Party at Chuckie Cheeses (Went from Field to Party...Arrived right at 6:00)
8:00 Home
8:30 Kids in Bed

Once 3yo gets older and joins sports or activities this is only going to get worse. Then when all three are doing stuff it will be a challenge. At some point games/activities will be at the same time for all the kids and I will need some clones...

Well yesterdays Football game was not one 7yo was going to get a lot of playing time. We were playing the team with the best record and the 11 starters were going to have their hands full. The first half we started off well stopping them for losses. Until 2 plays!!! We had the running back for a 5 yard loss, but then somehow he broke a tackle and went the distance. We prevented the extra points, but the damage was done. At the half it was 12 - 0. Second half started with a 4 and out for the other team and a drive and TD for us. 12-7. Then we stopped them again, but had less then 2 minutes (10 minute quarters no clock stop unless time out) We were driving, but on a rushed play there was a fumble at the 30... Their ball...Game...

Overall if our team plays an entire game we are hard to beat. We had them in the backfield so many time and were able to move the ball in the second half. All the regular season games are just practice for the "Playoffs" The regular season record does not matter as long as you win your last two games. Since they kids are all pretty young and have small teams the games are basically just scrimmages.

The 5

1. Torchwood - BBC show set in the Dr Who Universe. "X-Files in England" After two episodes it is pretty cool
2. Chuckie Cheese - The kids love it, the parents fear it... Friends had 24 kids at their party!! 24!
   
3. Wonderful Weather - Living in the Greater Chicagoland area we get fun weather. Was in the 30 the night before last and looks like the 80's this week.
4. Sunday Football - Need to get house stuff done so I can "Relax" and watch the Bears game at 3:15
5. Toy Clean Up - Slowly I have been sorting through toys and moving them form the bedrooms to the finished basement toy room. With #3 on the way the older boys will be sharing a room for a couple years.

Daily Observation: Some parents take sports to seriously... The kids are 5-9... Give them some slack!

3 Year Old Tyrant King...

"I am the Boss...You need to do want I want Daddy!"

"I am going to get really mad and Yell Really Loud"

"I Hate This, I Hate That... Um can I have This and That?"

Today was one of those days were I could not wait for it to be over. The 3 Year Old Tyrant King was in a mood. All day nothing we did was right and everything we didn't do was wrong... He was truly testing my patience and by the time 7 Year Old was home I was hoping for a break. Maybe they would play together (Like they normally do), but instead the Tyrant King had a new peasant to push around. An hour later when the wife got home I was rather fried! Ah the joys of kids... :-)

Dinner was an adventure. When my house was built some brain trust thought it would be a good idea to place the hard wired smoke alarm in the ceiling at the highest point RIGHT about the kitchen. I have a main floor that is all open with a vaulted ceiling. If they had moved it just a couple feet it would have been perfect. Instead whenever I boil water, the dog farts of a small piece of something hits the bottom of the over...BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!!! Tonight was the Hat Trick!

Kids Clothes Sorting.
Today I took down the bins we have for the hand me downs. Went through all of 3yo clothes and took down all the next sizes. A whole need wardrobe! We still have to buy a few odds and ends, but we have a bunch of stuff almost new. Sponge Bob was a hit! Then this evening the wife went through 7yo's stuff and started making a list of what he needs... TONS!!!

The 5

1. Tyrant King - Nothing like having the King be in a bad mood. I feared him saying... "Off With His Head!"
2. So Many Clothes - We have so many bins of clothes... Can not wait until after Baby starts to outgrow stuff... DONATIONS!!!
3. Highlander Season 4 - Borrowed Season 4 from the Library! It is awesome to be able to watch all the old shows!
4. More Miles Then a Work Commute! - With Preschool and Football I am putting more miles on the Van then I was during some of my commuting times... DOH!
5. Busy Saturday - Football, Swimming Sign Up, Pizza Pickup, Party... Will be a long day!

Daily Observation: A 3 Year Old in a bad mood is not a pleasant thing...

The 5 for 5

The 5 for 5...

Every once in a while I like to put together a grouping of the five. So after a nearly a week of stress it is time...

1. My Three Sons

1. Third Boy - While it would have been a bonus to finish with 2 boys and a girl I am so happy that we have made it this far.
2. Very Happy - Talking with a few people with 3 boys people tend to think you are disappointed. Sure a girl would have been a nice change of pace, but all I want is a healthy baby.
3. 4 Years - The boys will be four years apart in school. Only one in High School and College at a time. This was not the plan for the second two, but mother nature seems to think it is a better idea.
4. Ponies, Barbie and Prom Dresses - Well I guess the other benefit is I will not be playing with Ponies and Barbie or buying an expensive prom dress.
   
5. Cars, Swords and Insurance - Well I have the benefit of playing with Cars and Swords, but the joy of higher Car Insurance rates when the BOYS drive...

2. Starting Over Again

1. Diapers - Just got 3yo out of diapers and will have a few months and then diapers again.
2. Sleep - 3yo has just started sleeping a little better. I will have a few months of him sleeping better and wife sleeping worse until we all get no sleep.
3. Winter Baby - Baby is due in Feb... One of the coldest months around here. The other two boys were The End of July and Early August the warmest months around here. We will have to get a bunch of warmer clothes for the baby. Sizes are going to be off for a while.
   
4. Transitions - 3yo will be coming up on 4 and will be in the same transition period 7yo was 4 years ago... Many changes ahead.
5. Worry - With both boys I worried to death about labor and delivery. I even had nightmare about complications. With 3yo this was not helped by the wife and I watching the moving "The Whale Rider."

3. Movie Madness

1. Iron Man - Marvel is at it again and this one looks like a winner. I was never a huge Iron Man fan, but after watching the preview I think it has potential. You can see the preview here.
2. Alien Vs Predator - Another movie is coming out based on the two movie monsters. I have posted about this before, but the more I read the more excited I get. One of my favorite movies of all time is ALIENS. Here is a link to the RED BAND trailer (Rated R) You must verify your age.
   
3. The Dark Knight - Batman is back and so is the Joker. This is a comic I actually enjoyed and Batman is so cool. The First movie done with Michael Keaton was pretty good, but Batman Begins restarted the hero in a major way. There is a teaser trailer out... Basically a logo with sound clips...
4. I Am Legend - Will Smith is a man alone in this adaptation of the book and remake of the "Omega Man" with Heston. See the Trailer Here...
5. The Hobbit - Well it seems the studio and Peter Jackson might be making up. Rumor has it that he may be back to helm the Prequel movie adaptation of the book. I hope so, I would hate to see someone screw up a great book.

4. Hurry Up Offense... Driver Style

1. Slowing Down - Since I have been home I no longer feel the need to be in a hurry. I always give myself plenty of time to get places. Everyday I see people driving way too fast on the local streets. SLOW DOWN... It just takes a second to end a life...
2. Chicken With A Train - There was a case on September 1st were a women sped across a parking lot to get past a train. She was not alone in the car... She miss judged and got hit by the train killing 2 of her 4 kids and herself. Is 5 minutes worth your life and the lives of your children?
3. Stop Signs - S-T-O-P means "to cease from, leave off, or discontinue: to stop driving." I was almost hit at a crosswalk this morning walking because the phone was more important then the S-T-O-P sign...
4. Big Bad SUV - Just because you drive a gas guzzling tank does not mean you need to drive into battle. Monday a big SUV was in such a hurry to get a car ahead at a lane merge they drove up on the CURB! WTF?
5. Patience - Have patience and drive safely... The life you save may be your kids...

5. Gadgets, toys and Electronics Oh My!

1. iPhone - Looks really cool, but I really do not think it is worth the money. Oh and I guess Apple thought the same thing when they dropped the price.
2. TB - Terabyte Hard Drives that is. External HDD's that are coming down in price all the time...
3. Tivo - I have a DVR and a Tivo DVR and I have to say the TIVO is a better piece of equipment even being a few years old. The only problem is I think I watch more TV then I ever have.
4. iPod - The new ipods are cool with the FULL screen like the iPhone. The new NANO's however look terrible. Short and Stumpy!
5. HD vs BLUERAY - I can wait until the Battle is over...
   

Down, Set....Hike! Pee Wee Style!

Saturday Football
7 yo is in football as you can see by the pictures in a League of four teams with kids 6-9 with a couple big and older 5 year olds. Saturday we had another game against the "weakest" team so it was a time for all the little guys to get a lot of playing time. 7 yo was on Defense, Special Teams and Offense. The coach asked if he would like to run with the ball and he said YES!!! The first attempt was a miss with the QB so he ran it around the end himself. The second attempt he was hit in the backfield for a loss by a REALLY big kid. He shook it off and was ready to go again. From now on during practice he will be playing at Safety and Linebacker as well as getting the chance to run the ball here and there. He is really starting to enjoy the game. In the end the final was 20-6.

Extra Little Kid Ball
One of the other teams coaches asked if the little guys could scrimmage and practice once a week together. This went over very well and tonight was the first practice. All the kids have to be First Year, 5-7 and in need of a little more help. There are a couple 8 year olds that will be joining the group as well. Tonight there were 16 players and 4 coaches including me. A few kids from each of the 4 teams. This gave them all a chance to play all sorts of positions they normally would get little chance to try. The rule was every kid got to run the ball 2 times! The QB's were actually kids helping from the bigger league that were kind of small. The plan is now to play once a week and during the break at playoff time have a full game with all the little guys. We actually think we will be able to have two FULL teams of little guys.

3 Year Old Preschool
3 yo is in preschool 2 times a week now and looks forward to it. I actually get a little over 2 hours to myself twice a week. Until FEB! Then another three years before I have alone time. It is wonderful that 3 yo looks forward to school.

A special 5 for The 5 is coming tomorrow... Stay tuned!

DirecTv with Tivo and Vonage

Well a few weeks ago we made the switch to Vonage. It has been a really positive experience thus far and really issue free for the most part. Up until last night I had only one issue, Comcast my cable Internet provider drops service no less then 2 times a week. It is a limited interruption, but forces me to reset the modems.

Last night while reviewing record items I noticed a message from DirecTv. The message said the Tivo Device had failed to connect to DirecTv in more then 14 days. I tested the line and the system could not connect. A Google We Will Go! I looked up the issue and found that the modem in the Tivo unit has issues dialing with a VOIP. That's great! I thought until further investigation revealed a work around that actually works. So here is the solution...

Go to Settings, Phone and edit the Dialing settings. Leave the Phone # alone, but add a prefix to the line below as well as a number in the call waiting box.

(Should look something like this)

Phone : (555-555-5555)

Prefix : *99,12122773895,,,

Call Waiting: *70

Just make sure the entire prefix is there with the * and , ,,, and what do you know it works. The dialer is basically dialing the 212 area code before the modem thinks it is dialing a number. The , are pauses.

So if you have Vonage and DirecTv with Tivo there is a solution.

From the Heartache of Loss to the Miracle of Life

In April I wrote an article for Dadcenter about the Heartache of Loss.

An exurb from the original article.

"The most amazing moments of my life as a father have been holding my two boys for the very first time. The look of wonder and the feelings of joy are overwhelming and cannot easily be explained. That instant of bonding forever will be imprinted on our personalities connecting us in an immortal union. With all the joy of being a father, there are times when that joy can never be realized. As you find out you are going to be a father, the feelings are both exciting and frightening. You begin to plan out the future and focus on what is next. What happens, though, when all that you have hoped and planned for is all of a sudden ripped away from you in a moment of unbelievable heartache?" READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE...

We have unfortunately suffered many losses due to miscarriage. We have seen specialist after specialist and had test after test and there was no definitive answer to why. To make matters worse we all of a sudden had issues with conception. After test and test there really were still no answers. So earlier this summer the wife had the opportunity to change jobs so we decided to put things on hold. She had been on medication after medication and we were not able to conceive so a break was in order. We would see how the new job was going and from there plan the future of either more medications or adoption. So now all the pressure was off...

Weeks went by and there was no cycle... Wife said what the heck and took a test... Well wouldn't you know it...SHE IS PREGNANT! So we went to the doctor and they made sure everything was going well with multiple blood tests and then some medication.

We have not advertised this too much because of our history, but today is 18 Weeks and 3 days. We had an ultrasound tonight and everything is "NORMAL" Head, Heart, Spine all good. All the bits and pieces are there and wouldn't you know the little extra bits too. We are having another BOY! My Three Sons!!!

I have not blogged much the last few days since I have been rather worried about tonights appointment. I was in such a bad mood blogging was the last thing on my mind. Last night I slept maybe a couple hours and was almost sick with worry today. Now that the Ultra Sound is past and everything is looking good I can at least have a brief bit of relief.

Baby Boy
Due Feb 8, 2008!

I have gone from the Heartache of Loss to the Miracle of Life...

Mighty 7 Year Old Football Player

I really do not post too many pictures of the boys, but this one works for the blog...

My Mighty 7 Year Old football Player...

Aches, Pains and Cranky Days...

The alarm sounds, the light creeps in and a 3yo climbs into bed. The wife relaxed a bit then got up to get ready for work with a 3yo her shadow. As I climb out of bed the aches and pains remind me I feel older then I am. I hobble like an old man as the stiffness in my ankles begins to burn away. With standing at football, the weather and very flat feet it appears my ankles are paying the price. It also does not help the family has a history of arthritis.

Today is the day the cleaning lady comes so soon after 7yo is on the bus 3yo and I go do some errands. This will give us time to get things done and an excuse to get out. I stopped by my parents house to pick up some shorts my mom fixed and drop off another. I also brought by a bunch of beer for my younger brother. He stops by the parents on Thursdays, does laundry, visits and then goes to a poker game. He and his buddies can drink it so I do not. We decided while we were out to see if my grandmother was home. We drive over there and she was out, 3yo had a meltdown! This was just the start of his major meltdowns for the day. I was on the phone, meltdown...Not make lunch fast enough Meltdown... This That and the other Thing.. Meltdown. Made the day wonderful...

When 7yo got home from school I set up the waterslide one last time before I put it away. A friend came over so they spent 45 minutes just playing in the water. 3yo did not like it...MELTDOWN!

By the time the boys were in bed it was finally quiet! 3yo having a cranky day makes life for everyone a bit difficult.

Tonights 5 is inspired by my wonderful call to our previous insurance company today.

The 5 (Automated Phone Attendant Edition)

1. "I Do Not Understand" - The voice repeated as 3yo interfered with a meltdown. "Please Repeat... I'm sorry please repeat"
2. "Please Listen to the Following Options"- None match what I need...
   
3. Operator - "I Do Not Understand your Request"
4. Get Me The F%**ing Operator - "I'm Sorry I did not understand that request"
5. 00000 - "Thank you for calling "Insurance Company" how may I help you.

Why oh why must these places use these systems? Maybe to drive me Crazy...

Daily Observation: As the meltdowns continue the melting point gets sooner and sooner and sooner until it is just one long meltdown...

The Labors of Labor Day

Well as with any long weekend it is important for us to get some extra chores done. This weekend marked the end of summer so we focused on clearing out some of the landscaping as well as putting away the pop up pool.

Saturday...

We worked in the yard as well as took down the pop up pool and went to football.

Pop Up Pool
I had started draining it the night before and needed to spend some serious time cleaning it. The power washer for my car did wonders. I then hung out the pool and cover over the fence to dry. The boys were sad to see it down, but in the end it is nice to have my patio back.

Reclaiming the Patio
I created a stone paver patio a couple years ago to place the pop up pools on in the summer. This would allow me to not have a monster hole in the yard the rest of the year. It is nothing too fancy, but it does the job well and looks pretty nice. After the pool was down I needed to fill the spaces in the pavers with sand. Sweep, Water, Repeat...

Pee Wee Football
Saturday afternoon was 7yo's 4th game. It was to be a rematch with the Bears. They played the first game of the season in a high scoring loss. This time the game was a little lower scoring and was decided in overtime! We Won! At the end of the 4th they were tied 12 to 12. Overtime is actually done by a system called penetration. One team gets the ball and gets 4 downs to move it is far as they can. Then the other team gets the ball and has to beat that distance in order to get a score. So the Bears got the ball first at the 50 yard line. Down 1 little gain...Down 2 Little Gain, Down 3 MAJOR loss! Down 4 PASS!! 16 yard gain... NET 13 yards. So now the Packers got the ball at the 37 and needed to get past the 50 to score. First play hand off... Great block! Cutback! Breaks Lose and gets past the 50... (He would have made it all the way to the goal line...) Packers WIN!... 7yo played on Kick Off, Kick Return and Defense as a Safety and Corner back. He only played about 10-15% of the plays, but he still has a ton to learn. This does not bother me since he does not completely understand or give 100% Each week he is understanding more and will have improved greatly by the end of the season. There are 5 boys (out of 16) on our team that see limited playing time. They are all younger and have limited understanding of the game. Two of the boys are friends of my son and their parents are not happy their kids do not play a ton. The problem is neither completely understand the game and the older of the two never seems to want to play. My son is one that sees limited time, but I have no issues with it since he is learning and trying. I would love to see him play more, but if he just stands there confused he can get hurt. They get more and more time each and every game...

Sunday

Morning Ride.
Went for a 15 mile ride with one of my friends Sunday morning. The whole group could not get together, but the two of us had a good time. The sun was out, but it was still cool with a light breeze. It was good to be back out riding and chatting with my friend again.

The Lawn
After lunch I mowed the grass. The grass was rather long from all the rain, but the heat and humidity was making the task a little tougher. I also made sure I did a extra detailed job on the edging in the back. Next week the front gets the extra attention.

Power Wash!
I power washed the Patio and sidewalk after cutting the grass. The patio in the back really needed it and now it is bright again and the paver patio is cleaned up it all looks nice again. The pool being out back really makes a mess of things. Finally I needed to clear out an old Barn Swallow nest and the mess the birds made on the front porch. POWER WASHER to the rescue...

Kids Playing
In the late afternoon the kids from across the street were playing with the boys. Older Boy, Younger Girl. They all had a blast playing in the backyard.

Mom's Night Out
a friend of the wife that currently lives a bit away was down the street babysitting another friends newborn. She is moving up her in a week. They just closed on their new house Friday. So the wife went over to spend some time with her friend and see the newborn of another friend.


Monday

Six Flags
Monday morning we took the boys to Six Flags Great America to get one more family use out of the Season Passes. 7yo and I will be going to Fright Feast in October, but 3yo will not. We got there early enough and 7yo was able to almost walk onto every ride he wanted. We were disappointed many of the little kid stuff was closed. Wiggles World was open, but that was about it. We did finally get 3yo to ride the big train around the park and he LOVED IT!!!

Trimming the Bushes
Still a ton to do in the yard so I trimmed the bushes making the rag tag monsters look like well groomed poodles...

The 5

1. Hornets - I have had issues with hornet nests in the back yard. I destroyed one nest last week and they were back at it again yesterday. Spray...Spray... Dead... Dead...
2. Blades Of Glory - We watched it this weekend and got a great laugh. Wife used to be a figure skater and got a kick out of it. A fun goofy movie...
3. TMNT - I borrowed the movie from the Library and both boys had a blast watching it. I took 7yo to see it when it came out in the theaters. Fun movies...
4. Potty Trained - Well it has been a few weeks now and 3yo has had no accidents and is dry at night 99% of the time. Nice not to change diapers!!!!
5. Preschool - Starts a week from today. Last year it was one day for one hour. This year Tuesday/Thursday for 2 1/2 hours!!! Yes!!! PEACE and QUIET!!!

Daily Observation: The bigger the crown the less people watch their kids.

Health:
More Riding...
Day 24 of Now Caffeine, Soda and Alcohol!
7 Pounds Down