HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

October 31st... What can you say about a day where kids get too much candy and even scared goofy at times.

Trick or Treat...
Well the wife came home a little early so she could join in the fun. She took the boys first up and down our street. This was about as far as she felt she could comfortably walk after a full day at work. Plus the Doctor prefers her to take it a little easy with our history. After the street the boys were handed off to me. We went to the next block and walked house to house. It was not long until my 3yo Dragon was too tired to walk. He made it 90% up and down the next block and then he took a ride on my shoulders. While we were out we caught up with a bunch of neighbors. One is a friend of 7yo's and he also has a younger sibling. His sister is only 4 and she was not going to make it all that long. I offered to take him with me and 7yo after we brought 3yo back to the house. So the night was set and I had a 10yo and 7yo very excited to go for a long trick or treat session. the boys were doing great and having a blast. A bunch of the houses in the neighborhood were really decked out. People hiding in bushes, behind decorations and jumping up as the kids came up the walk. At one point I thought maybe they wet their pants they jumped so high. Being the prepared dad I am I had a few bags in my pockets so the boys could dump their candy out of their smaller buckets. By the end of the night I was wishing I had brought a wagon. By 7:00 both boys had series hauls as well as extremely sore feet. Both agreed this was their best Halloween EVER! Neither had even gone Trick or Treating for 3 hours straight before. The whole thing was fun, but in the end we have WAY TOO MUCH CANDY!!! Going to put some bags together for the adults in the family.

Chance to embarrass a neighbor. While out Trick or Treating a neighbor we now pretty well, but have not seen much of in the last 5 or 6 months had to ask... "How Far Along is your wife? She is pregnant right!?" For a split second I thought about saying, no... Just to many sweets. I did not do that, but that would have been truly funny. Wife thinks I should have!

The 5

1. Yakataq Shaken, Not Stirred - My very close friend emailed me early this morning. "Everything is in one Piece, All cats and scotch bottles safe and accounted for!" I check my email before the news. There was a bit of a earthquake in Northern CA! Preemptive emails... If I had checked the news before the email I would have been worried, Broken Scotch Bottles is Alcohol abuse!
2. The Elbow! - Well this morning I woke with EXTREME elbow pain in the one that was operated on last winter. I could barely move it and it burned and ached! So it got a heavy dose of ice, Advil and PT Exercises. This evening it is much better, but as a precaution heavy lifting has been removed from my able to do list. Honestly I was rather worried this morning.
3. Candy - What in the world am I going to do with a paper grocery bag full of candy! I plan on giving a bunch to family especially the wife's and my adult siblings without kids. The Trick or Treating was fun, but way too much candy!
4. 3 + Mile Walk- Well I am pretty sure we walked no less then 3 miles tonight. Good thing since I kept snacking on candy this afternoon.
5. Close Friend flips his Recumbent Trike! - See the post at wonkemtel. This is a TRUE talent!!!

Daily Observation - Candy Candy Everywhere and not a piece to drop!

"I Don't Like You Any More!"

I Don't Like You Any More, six words that can make your jaw drop and your heart sink. Mondays are typically a little rough with Mom back at work and 7yo back at school. Yesterday was one of those days that made my heart sink and feel bad. At about 8:30 am after 7yo went to school 3yo said he missed Mom and 7yo... He repeated that a few more times and then it happened... "I Don't Like You Any More!" I want 7yo and Mom home. He repeated this over the next couple of hours at home and while doing errands. I know if I am away from him for even an hour on the weekends he goes into miss dad mode, but his emphatic statements still hurt none the less. Even after mom came home he still gave me a hard time saying he does not like me anymore.

This morning he woke up in a really bad mood, but he did say "I Love You Good Daddy!" Today is preschool day and the moment after we got his brother on the bus he started demanding to leave for preschool. With an hour before we had to leave he was screaming and yelling he wanted to go to school now.

Errands without the boys. With preschool 2 1/2 hours long it give me a chance to go do things without the kids in tow. At least until early next year. Today I went to the post office, Library and Target. The last looking for Christmas gifts for the boys. It is nice to have a couple hours in the late morning to get things done.

The 5

1. Battlestar Galactica Razor Flashbacks - The SciFi channel has been playing shorts for the upcoming movie even "RAZOR" The flashbacks are really cool and go back to the first Cylon war. They are using the ORIGINAL BSG as the first war. Seeing the Cylon Raiders, BaseStars and of course CGI Cylon Centurions is REALLY cool.
2. 28 Weeks Later - I watched the sequel to the creepy hit 28 Days later over the weekend. This is only the second movie in at least 3 years I have paid for. I typically just borrow them from the library, but this one is not at my library right now. The movie was worth the rental, but not anywhere as good as the first one. The blood and gore was stepped up a bit and the plot holes where HUGE!!! Overall it was entertaining and creepy, but did not live up to the first movie.
3. Cars Movie Toys - 3yo's favorite thing in the world at this point is ANYTHING car related especially the DISNEY/PIXAR MOVIE "Cars" He has most of the first release and I picked up 8 so far for the holidays with an eye out or any other new ones. A whole bunch of new ones are hitting store shelves now and when I find them I buy them. I just wish they were easier to come by. Too many people doing the buy and sell on ebay.
4. Real Time Strategy PC Games - 7yo has started playing RTS games on my PC and doing extremely well. Soon he will be stepping up the the Role Playing Games and Board Games with Dad!
5. Next Generation Video Games - Well for Christmas I picked up a Next Gen console for 7yo and I. The one with the 3 letters and rhymes with Ski.. I was going to buy one anyway with the proceeds of my ebay sell offs and this makes Christmas a bit more special. Maybe the wife will even begin to play...

Daily Observation: Simple words can hurt you worse then a knife...

5 for The 5's

Here we go... The 5 "The 5's"

Halloween

1. Candy - Having a 3 and 7yo we are going to have way too much candy around the house. I try to limit the amount they eat on a daily basis, but with the amount of candy we will have they will still have some next Halloween.
2. Costumes - Ghost and Dragon this year. 7yo decided he wanted to be a ghost which is a change from the past few years of Star Wars Only. 3yo is a Dragon which is a costume we had from when 7yo was younger. He saw it and was extremely excited to wear it.
3. Trick or Treat Time - Our area as Trick or Treat set from 3-7. Understand the kids do not get home from school until 3:45 and most parents are not around until 5:00. Hmmmm
4. Grown Up Costumes - This year we are not doing the costume thing. I have some things I could wear, but not really doing that.
   
5. Scary Decorations - 7yo and I went to Fright Feast and had a great time. A few of our neighbors do a pretty cool job of decorating. Only thing is 3yo gets freaked by the decorations in the store.

Christmas Before Halloween!

1. October 1st - I was in two different major chain stores with decorations and holiday items displayed. OCTOBER 1st! Trees, wrapping paper and lights. Little Early?
2. October TV - Adds for Holiday movies and promotions are already in full swing.
3. All Year Round Holiday - Soon with how the stores plan the holidays come January 1st the Next Christmas season will start.
4. Trick or Treat - At this rate I might have to dress as Santa for Halloween.
   
5. Sold Out - By December 1st I am sure stores will be sold out of many items and discounting all the holiday stuff.

Early Bird Gives Dad a Headache

1. 3yo wake up time - 3yo gets up around 6:00 AM everyday. Dad is not a morning person. However over time what I consider early has changed.
2. Top of Lungs Chatter - When 3yo wakes up I think he has no idea how loud he speaks. Top of his lungs he talks. Maybe not talking for so many hours makes him think he is quiet. Working on the morning whisper.
3. Breakfast at 4:00 AM - 3yo has been getting up in the middle of the night asking for breakfast. The quickest solution is feed him and hope he goes back to bed. Someone is GROWING!
4. Cartoons and Morning Darkness - It starts early... The sound of cartoons coming from the family room. It is still dark out, yet that blueish flicker comes from the family room and reflects of little ones faces.
5. Big Brother - Big Brother wakes up about 7:00 so unfortunately he can not keep his brother company earlier for me.

PC and a 7yo

1. RTS Games - 7yo likes to play games on the computer. Not so much the kiddie games, but the "Real Time Strategy" games I like to play. He has started to get really good at them and understand some more complex game play.
2. Typing - We have just started to look at getting some basic typing skills. He uses the keyboard here and there, but needs to get familiar with the keys.
3. Math - I have found some pretty good math sites with tests, games and help. So far he has taken a few timed tests and played a few math games.
4. Kid Games - He has been playing a bunch of the NickToons Games and having a blast.
5. Mouse Skills - Playing the different games has greatly increased his mouse skills. Especially playing the RTS games.

Preparations for New Arrival.

1. Final Odd House Work - Before the baby comes we have been working hard to get all the little things done. We have delayed so many things, that now is the time to get it done. Did the Fans and Carpet yesterday. Repair Cabinet Locks on the next list.
   
2. Toys Moved - I have been going through a ton of toys and moving them to the Finished Basement Toy Room. With the older boys sharing a room for a while it is important to get things out of their rooms.
3. Boys Moving - Come the holiday break we will be putting the 7yo and 3yo in the same room. They will share the room until the little one is in a big bed. Then the younger two will share and older son will have the smaller room. Eventually the oldest will have the chance to move to the Basement Bedroom (current toy room) Then at that point the other two will get their own rooms again.
4. Furniture - We are picking up a new dresser for the boys room and a Crib for the babies room. 3yo broke our old crib by kicking the side over and over again until the latches broke. This was before he was even 2.
5. The Waiting Game - February is rapidly approaching, but it can not come soon enough. Everything is going well, but we can not relax until the little guy is in our arms...

House Work Marathon...

The day started rather early as it does with the 3yo Early Bird. He woke at 4:00 am, but I was able to get him to go back to sleep after eating an early breakfast in bed. He stayed in bed for about about another hour then played in his room until 7yo woke at 6:45. By 7:15 I was officially up and began the long day of house work.

Laundry
The laundry monster has been under control this week and I was able to get a couple loads done early. This is the one task I wish there was some type of end to.

Ceiling Fans
It has been a year since I dusted and cleaned the fans so bright and early I started dusting the fans as well as SCRUBBING the one in the kitchen. The vacuum hose and brush work great on the dust.

Refrigerator
While cleaning the ceiling fan in the kitchen I noticed the top of the fridge needed some cleaning so while I was up there I scrubbed that down too.

Carpet Cleaning
We only have carpet now in the upstairs, but it really needed so work. Brought out the steam cleaner and moved furniture cleaning the three upstairs bedrooms, hall and stairs. The master bedroom where the dogs sleep looks so much nicer now. It was many hours well spent.

Vents and Tops of Things.
While dusting the fans I also vacuumed the vents and cold air returns making them a little nicer as well. I also vacuumed around some pictures and the tops of a bunch of furniture.

The Yard.
Yesterday 3yo and I cut the backyard grass (Fenced Yard) and this afternoon while the carpets were drying the last bit I cut the rest of the grass and trimmed everything up.

To end the day I finally signed up at the local video store so I could rent 28 Weeks Later. I normally get EVERYTHING from the library and have paid for 2 movies in the past 3 years including the one I rented tonight. So my little treat is to want an end of the world killer virus blood and guts horror flick. Library did not have it yet. I am sure they will, but horror films are not on the top of the list.

No "The 5" Tonight...

Tomorrow come see The 5 "The 5's"

Preschool Halloween Party!

My Little Dragon had his Halloween Party at preschool today. He was so excited to go to school and be in his Dragon Costume. He had a blast and of course had too many treats today. At class he had Apple Juice, Donut Holes, Strawberries, Grapes, Cheese, Crackers and of course got a bag full of candy. I let him have a few too many treats, but once in a while it is not so bad. He unlike his brother is a bit more addicted to the junk. The classroom was cute and they made a "Haunted Playset" went trick or treating at the police station and town hall (Preschool in same building) and did a little parade for all the parents. I was able to get some video as well as a ton of pictures. I am hoping to edit down the video in order to make some nice clips for the blog. My biggest issue is not having other children in the pictures. By next week I think 3yo will be going nuts about trick or treating. The times here are stupid, but they will do. 3:00-7:00.. Kids don't get home from school until almost 4:00 and no one is home around here until at least 5:00.




7yo had a writing paper put up on the board because he did such a nice job. His hand writing has always been a bit poor since he uses BOTH hands equally. Lately he has improved dramatically and does not argue about writing.

The Furry Kids go to the groomers in the morning. My little dog needs a major clip and clean, but my big and older dog really only needs a bath and trim. We take the dogs in two times a year and it works great. Nails, Bath and Trims. Beats fighting them here and dealing with all that hair!!!

The 5

1. Miami - Going to Miami next month for a wedding. Looking forward to getting away for a few days. Looking forward to SLEEPING!!! My folks will be staying with the boys.
2. Backup - I need to backup all my info on my PC again, but want to get a second External HDD for that. Trying to burn stuff to DVD is not always that easy or quick!
3. Not Cooking Today - I decided I did not want anything to do with cooking so I ordered a Pizza from a local shop. When picking up the pizza the girl behind the counter was sad not to see 3yo. He and I would go down for lunch almost once a week over the summer. A slice for $2.60.
   
4. Candy - I have no idea what I am going to do about all the candy we are going to have around the house. Way too much for the kids and I do not want to eat it either.
5. Cleaned Up Bike - This afternoon I cleaned up my bike and put it on my trainer in the basement. Looking to ride 5-7 days a week for at least 30 minutes. Pop in a DVD or listen to the ipod and ride while 3yo is at school or playing in the basement toy room.

Daily Observation: Kids and Candy could generate enough power to run a small city for a month.

Begging for Naps and Sleeping on the Floor...

Lately 3yo has been struggling to get to sleep at night. If he naps he is up really late, but if he does not nap he has issues during the day. Well today I had planned on trying to make it a no nap day. He naps 3 or 4 times a week and I was hoping to get him to stay away from the nap so he could get settled tonight. At about 1:15 he asked to go take a nap and I said how about we play instead. "I want Bed Bed!" I said no lets see if we can go without one. Well within 15 minutes he was begging and pleading to go take a nap so I gave in and let him sleep for an hour. Once awake he spent the next hour complaining mom and 7yo were not home and he wanted to see them. Needless to say his grumpy attitude the rest of the day was pretty tough even with a nap. 9:00 rolls around and he is still refusing to go to bed. In stead of completely giving in we told him he could play in his room by himself for a while. Within 20 minutes he had fallen fast asleep on the floor in his room.

The 5

1. Cable Modem - Comcast is AWFUL by the way. I keep having to reset my modem. Every 40 hours or so it goes down.
2. DirecTv DVR - I have a Tivo and a DirecTv DVR.. The Tivo is great the DVR SUCKS! They just updated the software so I hope it improves a little.
3. Happy Birthday Yakataq! Well I forgot to call my friend on the 20th... DOH! I was busy with the last day of football and my grandmothers 95th birthday this weekend. So I guess I will wish him a Happy Birthday Here!!!
4. Not Riding - With the weather and lack of time I ave not been riding much. I need to clean up my bike and put it on the trainer for the season. If I do get lucky and get outside a few times I can just clean it up again.
5. Preschool Halloween - Tomorrow 3yo has his Halloween Costume Party! He is so excited to go to class and dress up!!!

Daily Observation: It is all about ME... Or at least that is the mentality of too many people. If they slow down and just be courteous everyone could have a good day.

Wager Cowbay Logo Removed Tonight...

Well on September 23rd my Bears lost to the Cowboys and I lost a bet with a friend. Daddyshack...

Well it has been one month tonight since I put up the logo so it is time to finally come down.

GO BEARS!!!

Preschool, Nap and a few mintues to myself...

With the weather beginning turn it will be harder and harder to keep my wits about. I have already seen a huge drop in adult interaction and the days will soon be packed with a 3yo bouncing off the walls. I plan on going to the library and the Park District Open Gym this winter to get some time out, but that may not be enough.

So today I with preschool I would get some time to myself, but I had Laundry, Dishes, Work and Beds to be made. I was able to relax for about 15 minutes since I planned on pushing a few things off until later. After 3yo made it home from preschool he ate lunch and took a 2 plus hour nap. I worked the entire nap and then some in an attempt to get ahead for this evening.

7yo came home from school with a headache, but still wanted to play with his friends. So from 4:00-5:15 I had four boys (3yo, 7yo, 7yo, 10yo) running around the house and back yard having a good time. This was fine, but 7yo gave us grief after dinner about homework, so tomorrow he will have to wait until he was done with his work before playing with friends.

The 5

1. Isolation Beginning - Well I am going to have to work a bit harder to make sure I am not isolated as much this winter. I have met a few at home dads and am friendly with a mom home Tuesdays and Thursdays with her 3 and 1 year old boys. Come February I will have my wife and newborn to keep me busy.
2. Gatling Gun Coolness - An article on the SciFi tech blog HERE is rather cool. The video is awesome especially at night.
3. Fantastic 4 Rise of the Silver Surfer - Was entertaining, but could have been so much more. I borrowed it from the library and watched it off and on while reports printed today.
4. ebay addiction - Well I have been selling things on ebay for a VERY long time and am running out of things to sell again. I have pretty much cleaned out my game closet and collectibles. Might have to start finding more stuff to sell...Hmmm what can I sell.
5. 28 Weeks Later - Well my library does not have the movie yet and I want to watch it so I might have to break down and RENT it from the local video store. I have no idea if it is actually any good, but I like that sort of movie. 28 Days Later was awesome, The Stand, Dawn of the Dead... End of the world type thing... Can not wait for I Am Legend!!!
   

Daily Observation: People have not idea what those RED OCTAGONS with WHITE "S-T-O-P" on them. This morning some lady in a hurry in her jeep did not stop and almost ran into my van...

The Weekend and Pee Wee Football End

Well Saturday afternoon was Pee Wee Grid Iron Time. My son played the entire first half and they were down 7 to 6... The final score was 15 to 6 with out little guys losing. The score does not reflect how close the game actually was. I am sad that they lost, but now that football is over 7yo and I get back around 10 hours a week. As for next year 7yo is undecided, but if he does decide to play again it will be in a different program. Well shall see, it is up to him...

Yard Work!
Well I needed to cut back all the plants and do my normal weekend yard work so I was busy outside all day yesterday and today. My wife normally does all the plant stuff since she is the green thumb, but in her current state and with restrictions it is all me. I like to cut the grass, but do not like tending to her vast amounts of plants.

Flu Shots!
I am so proud of 3yo!!! We had an appointment yesterday for Flu shots for the boys and we had 3yo go first since we knew 7yo would be over dramatic about the shot. He watched the nurse prep his arm and she when she was done he looked up, said owe and that was that. No problems at all! Now 7yo was pressured not to be out done by his little brother. He got a little upset, but was strong too. Good Job Boys!!!

95 Year Old!!!
My Grandmother (Mom's Mom) turns 95 this week so we had a small little cake party this afternoon. 95 and still going strong!!!

Odd Realization...
Today I realized my 7yo is about the same age my younger brother was when I met my wife!!! He is now 25, but was a little over 8 when we met... WOW!!!

The 5

1. Da Bears - Beat the Eagles with 9 Seconds left to go in the game. Two weeks in a row the games have come to the last second. This week the Bears were on top. I am happy for the win, but they need to get moving...
2. Harry Potter - Dumbledore is Gay... Here is the transcript of the interview... OK Then...
3. Harry Potter II - 7yo is reading the Third Book... Prisoner of Azkban... I am proud he wants to read some harder books...
4. Too Much Candy - Well today with Cake and of course Candy both boys ate way too many sweets. The crash tonight made 3yo go to be rather easily! Not something the get that often, but wow did they go at it today.
5. Sleep - Still having trouble with 3yo sleeping the night. He is DRY all night and is never in a rush to go in the morning. Just hope he can get the sleep thing sorted so I can get some rest...

Daily Observation: Sometime losing a game has an upside...

A Week Lost In Time

Have you ever felt that time was against you? This week has been one of those weeks where it seems there is no time for anything. Lack of sleep, kids activities, work and of course house stuff has made it feel like the week was short a few days.

Wednesday.
I had an appointment with my new Dr for a full physical. 34,000 mile checkup. I really like my new Dr her attitude and bedside manner are pleasant. The appointment went well and all is really good other then the need to lose a little weight. Which by the way she did not harp on knowing I am already working on that. While I was at the Dr 3yo was with my Dad. Having him at the appointment would have been difficult and uncomfortable. I did get my FIRST ever FLU shot which made Thursday interesting. The evening went by in a blur with both boys fighting Dinner and Bedtime.

Thursday
Preschool! 3yo had preschool which he loves. I was not doing too well. I did not feel awful, but just off. The area around the shot was sore and I had a nagging feeling of the Flu. I read up on the shots and sometime reactions to the shot can feel a bit like the Flu. You do not actually get the flu, but might feel a bit like you have it. Needless to say the day was odd because of it. When 7yo got home from school he had to rush to get his homework done and get to football early. We are losing daylight quickly and needed to get some stuff done before the big game on Saturday. By 6:40 it was DARK and practice was ending. After we made it home and the kids made it to bed I went to bed as well.

Friday
I had to drive to a client to pick up something for work. 3yo spent another morning with Grandpa while I drove about an hour each way. By the end of the day it seemed both boys were ready to explode. The wife came home for dinner then went and had her hair done. So she was gone for the evening while I dealt with too overtired boys with attitude. After an hour of issues I was able to quiet them down and then 3yo feel asleep watching Cars.

Harry Potter and the Desires of a 7 Year Old. Well 7yo decided he wanted to try to read the Harry Potter books and started with Number 3 since we have it and he has seen the first two movies so many times. Looks like I will need to pick up the missing pieces to our series.

The 5

1. Flu Shots - With the baby due in Feb during Flu season it is good that we all get the shots. The boys get the shots this morning. That should be a ton of fun!
2. End of Football - Well today is the first of 2 possible games. If my sons teams wins they play next week... If they lose the season ends today. I am glad that the season if coming to a close and I can reclaim more then 10 hours a weeks. It has been GREAT, but have the end in sight is nice.
3. Holiday Shopping - I got lucky and found the main item I wanted to get 7yo and the family for Christmas. I have also been lucky and finding bits and pieces of 3yo's present each week.
   
4. Death Proof - Watched that the other night and enjoyed it. I can see way there were so many mixed reviews however. It was filmed in a style to look like the old grind house films and I am sure many people could not get beyond that. the Car chases were pretty cool and brutal. Zoe Bell was awesome...
5. Yard Work - The weather has been pretty bad the last couple weeks so getting the final yard work done is difficult. Hopefully this weekend I can finally get all the plants cut back.

Daily Observation: After my Friday Drive for work I am so happy I work from home. Commutes are Bad...

Odd Start and Little Boy Growing Up...

The sounds of rain hitting the windows was drowned out by a loud little voice... "I Don't Like The Rain!" As my eyes focus the red numbers that were blurry show 3:31... After trying to settle 3yo down we finally gave up and brought him into our bed. 4:45 a little boy is still restless talking and kicking me in the back. 6:30 my alarm goes off and I quickly shut it off. A little before 7:00 I get downstairs and start packing lunches and begin the day. 7yo moves rather quickly and is ready in no time for school. 7:50 it is time to leave for the bus and 3yo is still asleep. So the moment of truth has finally arrived. 7yo will be walking to the bus alone! Granted he just has to cross the street and walk three houses with his friends. So I open up the big garage door and watch him walk to the bus without me. The bus comes and the kids get on without me and the world did not end. About 20 minutes later 3yo wakes up looking for Mom and Big Brother. Not the best way for him to start the day.

3yo and Pictures.
Today at preschool was picture day. After getting him dressed for school I took a few pictures and off we went. He looked like such a little man and was so proud of his "Special" shoes. He had little brown leather shoes on that were for dressing up only.

Library Trip x 2
Well on my way home I stopped by the library and found a few things I wanted. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Audio book, Sopranos season 6.1 and Death Proof. I was on a roll and had enough to keep me busy will reports ran for the next few weeks. I get home to a message...The other library which is my "Local" library had Highlander Season 5 in per my request. Funny thing is my "Local" library is 2 miles FURTHER away then the one I go to most often.

Play Date for 3 yo
A neighbor has a three year old and a 1 year old. So today the boys played together down the street. I typically hang out, but needed to make a few phone calls for work. The neighbor has said many times I can just bring 3yo by and get some work done. Well today I took her up on the offer and the boys had a WONDERFUL time.

The Afternoon Rush.
Well once 7yo gets home on Tuesday and Thursday it is a whirlwind of activity. He needs to eat, do his homework and then he and I run out to football. This could be the last week of practice. On Saturday is a playoff game and if we win we have one more game. Otherwise Season is over.

The 5

1. Battlestar Galatica Razor - There are currently shorts on SciFi for the upcoming SciFi Movie Razor. I guess it fills in some blanks in the show with major flashbacks. The first two 2 minute shorts were pretty cool. The actor playing your Bill Adama is a good fit.
2. Star Trek Casting - Well the reboot for the Star Trek Franchise has been cast. See the article here... For the most part I am not too disappointed, but I am puzzled by Karl Urban as the Dr and a Korean playing a Japanese character... Granted a White Castle run might be needed with Harald on board. We shall see... Shaun of the Dead as Scotty should be interesting. I was actually hoping for Dr Beckett from Star Gate Atlantis, but the cast should do a good job.
3. Tomorrows Christmas - Or at least that what it looks like at the stores. It is not even Halloween and the stores are packet with holiday decorations. The Pre-Pre-Pre-Pre Holiday sales. Pretty soon the stores will start in January for the following Holidays.
4. Hard to Find Items Found - Well in order to make my holiday shopping less difficult I started looking for certain things now and as luck would have it the gifts I wanted to by the boys were found. I was actually in a store when a UPS shipment arrived.
5. Sleep - Something I lack as of late...AGAIN! By Feb 3yo will be sleeping well just in time for the baby to be here.

Daily Observation: Things are hard to see in a sleepless fog.

Tomorrow I get a 34,000 mile checkup with my new Dr. Joy... Plus hopefully a flu shot...Did I say hopefully!

12 Years Married...

Sunday October 14, 2007 marked our 12 year Anniversary. Twelve years ago we vowed to be together and here we are happy with 2 wonderful boys and a third on the way.

I wrote this poem on our 10th anniversary, but it fits today very well. Unfortunately line five at that time ended sadly, but this year there is happiness...

Twelve Years

• It has been twelve years since we made our commitment to each other
• We have been through good times and bad, but always with each other
  
• These twelve years have been wonderful, Fantastic and most important Fun
  
• If I had it to do all over again I know you would always be the one
  
• With two wonderful children and number three on the way
  
• Our life, our legacy is here to stay
  
• Not knowing what tomorrow will bring is a scary thing
  
• But with you and I together we will make it through anything
  
• Without you I am just another man
  
• With you I am a Husband, a Father and a very lucky man
  
• Without you there is no me
  
• What our future holds WE will see
  
• I love you and thank you for twelve amazing years

So after twelve years life is pretty darn good. Would I have guessed twelve years ago that I would be an At Home Dad, Nope! Am I glad it turned out the way it did, Yep!

We did nothing special yesterday, but will be going to Miami in November for a wedding so that will be our time to celebrate. Nice dinners, some sites and lets not forget the most important thing... SLEEPING IN!!!!

Saturday was the last regular season game for my sons football team and he played the most he has all season against the best team. He played Special Teams as well as Free Safety the entire game. They ended up losing because of two plays, but they all played hard.

I have spent some time Christmas shopping already for both boys since I knew exactly what I was going to get them. It is nice to get the important things out of the way and we can spend a little time later finding any odds and ends before then.

The 5

1. Two Cranky Kids - I do not know if there was something in the water, but both boys had a rough weekend. They were over tired and over dramatic making everything seem extra difficult for all of us.
2. Rained Out - My Sunday Yard work was rained out. I had planned to cut the grass and clip back some dead plants, but a rain storm came in stopping that plan.
3. Door Weather Strip - I spent a good portion of Saturday fighting with the weather strip under my front door. I wanted to replace it, but could not get the exact match. A lot of time and energy spent on no changes.
4. Chapter Books - 7yo is ready a bunch of chapter books and getting really into it. We have promised him some prizes with milestones, but he does not need that much encouragement.
   
5. Dry Pull-Ups - 3yo have been dry all but one night since the second week of August. He has a super strong bladder. He will be up for up to an hour before he needs to use the washroom. As soon as I get the nerve he will be sleeping without the pull ups.

Daily Observation: The Right Place at the Right time gets the hard to find toy for Christmas.

Kid Show Theme Songs and Music

As Boomerang by Cartoon Network plays in the background songs of cartoons past echo in my head. It has been more then 25 years since I sat watching cartoons one one of the 7 or 8 available channels depending on the signal strength. The songs of those shows still play in the dusty dark spots of my mind. "Flintstones, Meet the Flintstones the modern Stone Age family..." (Pause while you sing it to yourself) or how about "One banana, two banana, three banana, four
Four bananas make a bunch and so do many more." The Banana Splits another one stuck in my head forever. There are so many shows from my childhood that I remember the songs for it makes me wonder what my children will remember. "Ohhhhh who lives in a Pineapple under the sea?", "Odd Parents the Fairly Odd Parents." Will these hold water to The Jetsons? It is also amazing that 7yo tends to watch Boomerang more then the new shows. He knows Tom & Jerry, The Flintstones, The Smurf, Snorks and dozens of the shows I had as a kid. I guess the cartoons I had growing up are still in style and classics like Tom and Jerry and the Looney Toons are timeless.

The 5 (Kid Show Themes Stuck in my Head Edition)

1. Banana Splits - This theme has always been in my head. Even this morning as I was getting the kids ready I am humming it. Wife asked me to stop... Now it is stuck in her head.
2. Flintstones/Jetsons - I put these together because of how they are such similar shows. Not to mention the crossover episodes.
3. GI JOE/Transformers - Two shows that were always on at my house. I had the toys, knew the character and of course the songs and themes...
   
4. Speed Racer - Here he comes here comes Speed Racer. An import that was something I enjoyed when I could find it. The song is still part of the junk in my head.
5. The Smurfs - That music actually haunts me. I find myself whistling it randomly. I think since that is all over Boomerang I am over exposed to it.
   

So only time will tell if the songs of my kids youth will haunt them as adults of disappear like so many cartoon theme songs. I know tons of shows from my youth, but I could not whistle the theme. Top Cat, Thundercats, HeMan... They were part of the pop culture, but they do not stick like so many others.

Honorable Mention: Scooby Doo, The Great Space Coaster, Spiderman...

Daily Observation: The more junk in your head the more it haunts you...

School Stress, Football and a Chatty 3 Year Old

Today was going very well and turned out rather relaxing for the most part. I was waiting for some work stuff so I had nothing to do for work. 3yo had Preschool and I had a couple hours of peace and quiet to get some house stuff done. While working on house stuff I had my iPod going with The Audio Book of the 3rd Harry Potter Book. I have read them all and I have found this is a nice way to have a different experience while remembering the older books. After Preschool 3yo had lunch and napped! So I was able to get a couple more hours of quiet. I messed around with the computer, ate lunch and made sure stuff was prepared to be cooked for dinner. Well I knew the day was too good to be true. Once 7yo came home the peace and quiet fell around me like a house of cards. Lately 7yo has been rather cranky and dramatic after he gets home from school. Well today he was on top of his game...Super Cranky Pants. He complained about everything from the moment he got home until we left for football practice.

Football
Football practice went rather well and 7yo had a good time as always. We did find out a few kids will not be at the final regular season game so 7yo will be getting a ton of time playing. They are playing the team with the best record, but I think they just might win. After Saturday there are a possible two games left. Playoff game and championship game. Win or Go Home. Next year will be interesting if 7yo still wants to play. I think he will, but he may be in another league with a bunch of friends.

My 3yo can talk
Honestly I have no idea where he gets it from, but 3yo is a NON STOP TALKER!!! For those of you that know me you can laugh. For those of you that do not I have the gift of gab. Granted I think both my boys have the ability to out talk even me. I just need to get them to chat with each other more often. Lately 3yo has been relentless especially with mom... Chat Chat Chat...

The 5

1. Football Practice - I am happy that football is almost ending. The 10+ hours a week will be welcomed back by me.
2. ebay is my Friend - I have been back at using ebay to clean house. I have a bunch of old games and game books that I have been selling off.
   
3. Cars, Cars, Cars - 3yo loves Cars especially from the Disney/Pixar move Cars. He spends most of his time playing with or talking about cars. I am sure if we never move we will still be finding cars in the house after we retire.
4. Doctor Who and the Face of Bo! - A mystery was given an answer to the origins of a creature in the far future. "The Face of Bo" In the season finally there was a comment about it. Both the wife and I laughed really hard and just love how things fit together.
5. Dawn of War Dark Crusade - I love the old Tabletop Warhammer 40K and I love Real Time Strategy Games. What a perfect combination for a PC game. The most recent expansion is a blast and made some really good and a few not so good changes.

Daily Observation: When you are allowed a few minutes of peace you will pay with a few hours of trouble.

What happened to the last few days...

It's Monday, no Tuesday, how did it become Wednesday already! The last few months have really been a blur with Pregnant Wife, Pee Wee Football, Preschool and work. It seems I blink and the day is gone and I am really tired. How can I be tired if the day only lasts a few minutes?

7yo is starting to get tired of football and there are only a few weeks left. There is a game Saturday and then an elimination game the following Saturday. If they win then they play in the Championship Game, if they lose the season is over. So at most there are 3 more games and 5 regular practices. He really needs a break as do I with 10 plus hours a week devoted to football for both of us.

3yo is loving every minute of preschool and can not wait for Tuesday and Thursday. Some days I wish he had it three days a week because of how positive it is for him. The last few days however he has been rather difficult and demanding. Still working on the WAITING for things. Lately it has be NOW NOW NOW!!!

Pregnant Wife had a Dr appointment on Monday and everything is going well. The little bugger has been moving around and kicking, unless I try to feel him move, then he stops. STINKER!

The 5

1. Time - Seems to be slipping through my fingers. At times this can be nice, but makes for some strange weeks.
2. Weather - What is the deal lately. 90 on Saturday and Sunday, but todays high will be in the low 50's. From AC to heat in the same week. Ah Fall in the Midwest.
3. Da Bears - One game can make a difference and they are starting to look like a team again. One week at a time!
4. ebay - ebay is my friend. I have been selling off a whole bunch of stuff again generating a little extra play money. I plan on getting a few things for my PC as well as plan a bigger item for Xmas for 7yo and I.
5. Harry Potter in Audio - I have read all the Potter books, seen the movies and I am now listening to the audio books. I have to say it is rather nice to listen to the books. I have listened to many other books and really enjoyed them.

Daily Observation: Time Flies when you are having fun, not having fun or are just plan busy...

Bears 27 Packers 20...YES!!!

What a perfect end to a very long day. BEARS WIN!!! BEARS WIN!!! PACKERS LOSE!!! Now tomorrow morning I get to rub it in to my 7yo, my neighbor and a good friend!!!

My day consisted of a ton of work in 90 degree heat including:

• Cleaning Windows: The lower levels needed to be cleaned in a major way. We have very hard water and with the sprinkler system there was a ton of mineral deposits on them. I needed to use a razor scraper to get the buildup off
• Cut the Grass: The lawn needed a good mowing.
  
• Laundry: The Monster Lives
• House Chores: Watering Plants, cleaning kitchen, cooking...
• Weeding the front burm: 7yo and I spent a good hour clearing dead plant parts, grass and weeds form the front plantings.
• ToyNado Patrol: Kids spent a little time inside with it being 90 and HUMID today. Neither lasted long outside.

So at the end of the day to be able to watch the entire Bears game and watch them beat the Packers was just PERFECT!!!

Tomorrow both boys are home so we will have an interesting day with the heat supposed to be continuing.

Unusual Heat and Fright Fest...

The weather the last few days has been unusually hot and humid. The temp yesterday was around 90 degrees and uncomfortably humid. For October in the Chicagoland area that is really warm.

Fright Feast
Late yesterday afternoon 7yo and I went to the local Six Flags for Fright Fest. He was extremely excited to go and was especially happy it was just the two of us. No Mom and no 3yo, because 3yo freaks out at the decorations at the stores. We arrived a little after 5:00 PM and it was still really hot and the park was really crowded. We made our way to his favorite spinning ride the "Triple Play" We went together the first time, but later that evening he rode alone. As we walked near one of the shows we decided to take a look. They had a hypnotist show that 7yo thought was really funny. I am a skeptic when it comes to hypnosis, but the show was entertaining none the less. After the hour long show all the lights were in full swing and we went to a bunch of rides. At 8:30 7yo said he really wanted to see the parade so we hit a few more rides and at 9:30 watched the Fright Fest Parade. He had such a blast and held up really well. We do not get food at the park since 7yo is so picky and the food is so bad and expensive. After leaving he and I stopped by "Stake & Shake" for Fries and Shakes. By the time we made it home it was pushing 11:00 and 7yo was really tired. I finally made it to bed after Midnight and was up with a headache early in the morning. With the heat supposed to be high again and yard work to be done today looks to be a long day.

The 5

1. Halloween - 7yo is really starting to get into the Halloween thing this year. The decorations are really getting him into the spirit of things. The only drawback right now is 3yo is freaked out by Halloween.
2. Heat - It is really odd to have the AC on in October. There have been plenty of warm days, but 90 degrees and humid is really warm for this time of the year.
3. Yard Work - With so many flowers and plants there is a lot to do to finish up the yard for the season. With the Heat and wife being Pregnant it appears I will be looking at heat stroke today.
4. Steak & Shake - Mmmmm Extra Think Shakes, Fries and STEAK BURGERS!!!
5. NEW Game - After selling some odds and ends on ebay and a computer game falling below $20.00 I have added the final expansion to Dawn of War to my game collection. Cool!

Daily Observation: Large crowds of people have a collective IQ of ZERO!

Van Sealed in the Garage...

This morning started like a normal Thursday with 7yo off to school and 3yo off to preschool. I had no plans for the morning and in the afternoon I was having my driveway sealed. After dropping off 3yo at Preschool I decided to go for a nice bike ride to enjoy the sun and get some much needed exercise. About 35 minutes into the ride I come by my house again to see the driveway 90% sealed! They came at 10:00 and not after lunch like they indicated. My van was still in the garage and 3yo was still at preschool! Go grab the phone and call the wife and see if she can take a break and pick up 3yo from school. She is about the same distance from school as I am so it would be easy. So 3yo got a special treat with mom picking him up and McDonalds for lunch. The rest of my day was one I regret stopping drinking....

Dog had issues with something stuck to him... My older dog seems to be having issues with stuff stuck to his butt. He gets groomed soon so hopefully that takes car of it. He apparently shook and something nasty landed on the wood floor. (Happy it is wood)

Dishwasher spit out Jet Dry all over my wood floor. We have really hard water and I need to use extra soap as well as jet dry. Well I go to the kitchen to grab a glass and step in something sticky... Jet Dry all over the outside of the dishwasher and my wood floors.

3yo had an accident and wet his pants. He was really involved in his cars and forgot he had to go. In the rush to the bathroom he could not make it. He tried to hold it in, but was unsuccessful. I was not happy, but he made thing worse by not allowing me to get his wet pants, underwear and shirt off. He fought every step of the way.

Computer was not making me happy. I am selling my older Video Camera on ebay so I needed to convert the Digital 8 tapes to PC format. Well my fire wire card was not happy and the original capture software was not working. After a day of working on it I finally got everything to work correctly. No wto finish transferring the video this weekend.

Blood Sucking Vampire Insects After me. At football the swarms of mosquitoes were blocking out the sun and I think I saw some drained corpses on the field. The feeding frenzy was unreal. I should just bath in DEET...

The 5

1. Video Camera - Probably our worst purchase ever. We bought it before 7yo was born and within two years the prices dropped and the technology went through the roof! My digital still camera does just as good a job with the basic video functions.
2. 4 Day Weekend - Tomorrow is a teachers institute day and Monday is Columbus Day so the 7yo is off for 4 days straight.
3. Fright Fest - Taking 7yo to Six Flags Fright Fest Saturday. He and I will go hit some rides and see some decorations. We did it last year and he had a blast. Season Pass Final Day Out.
4. Weather - 48 this morning and 85 this afternoon... From cold to hot in only a few hours. Now it is down in the 60's Ah the Midwest in the fall...
5. Dentist - 3yo has his first appointment tomorrow with the dentist. 7yo was fine is first time and I hope that repeats with his younger brother.

Daily Observation: When it rains the cloud follows me.

Dr, Bike Ride, Nap and Tummy Ache...

The morning was a bit of a rush since I needed to get the wife and 7yo out while keeping the toys picked up. Every other Wednesday is our one splurge which is a cleaning service. Since we both work, have the kids, activities and of course wife 22 weeks pregnant it is a true need. I had an 8:30 Dr appointment and the bus comes at 8:00 so timing was going to be critical. 7yo got on the bus then 3yo and I hit the bathroom one more time and headed off to my appointment. After the really bad bout of whatever for 2 weeks and changing Doctors I thought it was time to get a full Physical. Today was the pre-physical with blood draws and labs. While I was providing a specimen the nurse took 3yo for a toy from the "Treasure Chest" he found a Lightning McQueen from the movie cars and now loves the nurse. We had plenty of errands to do including picking up liquid nails to fix a piece of trim 7yo broke, milk and return a DVD to the library.

We returned home around 10:00 and the house keeper was not here yet so we did a few things and when she arrived we packed up the trailer and hit the road with my bike. About 10 minutes into the ride 3yo was OUT! So I ended up with another 35 minutes of peace while enjoying a sunny day!

This afternoon 3yo started complaining about his tummy and had a bit of the runs. Thankfully he is potty trained or that would have been a messy day. He still needs help, but even with the eye watering smell it is better then the diaper, diaper rash and cleanup...

Once 7yo made it home and did his homework the boys played in the backyard for a couple hours having a blast chasing each other and the dogs.

The 5

1. Upset Tummy - A 3yo with an upset tummy is a tough thing. It is so hard on him and he still does not understand. Granted he was excited to say watch this as he had an extremely running movement. Little Boys...
2. Toy Fixer - Well not only am I dad, but I am the great toy fixer. Glue this, fix that please I want it fixed. 99% of the time the fix is pretty simple, but once broken there is always a chance to break it Again and Again and Again...
3. Friendly Nurse - I actually like the nurse at my new Doctors Office. I have a serious case of White Coat Syndrome which makes my blood pressure soar, but not with here. 3 time I have seen her and I have had normal blood pressure right away.
4. Insurance Mess - Why is it that Medical Practices and Insurance Companies can not do their own billing correctly. We have spent countless hours correcting billing errors and mistakes that one call to each other could easily prevent. I wonder how many people pay bills they did not owe when companies bill wrong.
5. New TV - WOW too much TV and too little time. Either my DVR will have shows on it until Christmas or we will have to just stop watching TV.

Daily Observation: Wind and a Bike Trailer are one HECK of a workout!

Child's Play: "Watch This!" As 3yo has a runny movement with an upset tummy...

Time Flies as the Weekend Goes By...

It seems lately that every week is longer and the weekends shorter. With so much going on during the week it seems never ending. Last week was no exception and the weekend was too short.

Friday.
Friday night we went out to visit my Father In Law and get some of my favorite Chinese Take out for dinner. The drive out there was pretty cool since we drove down a road that had been closed for major construction all summer. A stop sign intersection was converted to a Over/Under Pass. No more 10 miles of traffic!!! Dinner was great and the kids had a blast playing with Grandpa and their youngest uncle. They were running so hard that by the time we made it home they really wanted to go to bed.

Saturday
We spent the morning and early afternoon cleaning out the cars. I vacuumed and cleaned the carpets as well as cleaned the outside. I just wish our water was not so hard. It is a fight against the spots from the hard water. There were so many crumbs under the boys seats that even 3yo said Ewwww!!! I have towels under the car seat and booster to prevent any damage to the van seats. I might have to burn those towels... I then cut the grass and did some yard work. That evening the wife and I had a Surprise 70th birthday party to go to and the boys had a party for a boy and girl that live across the street. While we were out the Mother In Law watched the boys and took them to the kids party. Another night out and the boys were wiped!

Sunday
Football, Football and House work. Well the Bears lost at noon and my sons football team WON at 4:00. The team they played against has the youngest players so 7yo played all the defensive plays as well as special teams. He had a great time and was in on a bunch of tackles which made him really happy. After we made it back from the game it was time to get the last of the housework done and relax.

The 5

1. Youth Cheerleader Moms - The youth cheerleaders at the game were too close to the football field during the game and when I asked them to move in AFTER the refs asked the Mom in a totally JERKY tone said "She With Take Care Of the Cheerleaders" Well apparently not if they we still almost on the field. If the play came to the side and one of the boys ran into one of the girls she would be in the hospital for sure. But hey cheerleaders do not need to obey the rules...
2. Da Bears - have been hit with the injury bug as well as the Super Bowl loser curse. With so many injuries and a QB situation in flux they are in a bad way...
3. Parking Lot Speeders!!! - After the game yesterday a girl on a cell phone was driving VERY VERY fast in the parking lot. There are kids EVERYWHERE and she was driving really fast while talking on the phone. Someone will get hurt! Slow down and pay attention.
4. Fall Cleanup - The weather is changing and the signs of summer are being put away. Soon the winter will come with the cold wind blowing...
5. Time - Lately with Work, the Kids, Pregnant Wife and of course the kids activities I have had little time to do anything. A few more weeks of football and the activities will slow down.

Spanish Class Canceled! - 7yo has been taking Spanish after school, but for the first session this year they did not get enough participation and had to cancel it. So the wife will work with him on French and Spanish to keep him involved in learning other languages. She was a Foreign language major in college. (French, Spanish, German)

Daily Observation: Dad equals Target... Lately I have seen more and more evidence that dads are being targeted and bashed. From abuse adds to news reports it appears dads are bad. I would have to disagree with this judgment as would my family!