Dear James, Daniel and Emily
So here's the weekly Blogging schedule I have come up with:
Monday's: weekend recap
Tuesday Tweets: Cool things that come across Twitter
Wednesday Misc: just a potpourri of links
Thursday Thoughts: Actual ideas and thoughts I have
Football Friday: Thoughts on football for the coming weekend.
Thought I might try to give myself some coherence in the blog posts to maybe get myself back in a post every day mode.
Football
So here is what I will usually do here. I will discuss my favorite teams and news concerning them. Plus any thoughts I have in general. My teams (the ones I will discuss) are Denver Broncos, St. Louis Rams, Colorado Buffaloes, Ole Miss Rebels. Here is an example using my thoughts on the off season
Denver Broncos:
I am not one of the doom and gloom souls 2who think the departure of Jay Cutler has doomed us all. Cutler is a great talent, but he has a tendency to over rely on a single receiver, and make huge mistakes in the red zone. I remember my mantra last season was always "just don't screw this up Jay" whenever the team got close. So I don't think we will miss him that much. As someone who thinks Bill Belichik is the modern successor to Tom Landry I welcome a new coach that he endorses, because that endorsement carries a lot of weight. So I think the Broncos could surprise people. A lot of people forget the Broncos had all but clinched a post season birth before the 3 game collapse at the end of the season that was primarily due to an amazing run of bad injuries at the running back position.
St. Louis Rams
The Rams did everything to change the franchise save moving. They have new owners (sort of), new management and a new coach. And I think a new hope. I am not as bullish on the Rams as I am on the Broncos. Although since the Rams play in a worse division I still think they might sneak in a surprise playoff run if the chips fall right.
Colorado Buffaloes
Luck, the mantra for the Buffs last year was if it wasn't for bad luck they would have no luck at all. The offensive line was just gutted last year, destroying the chances of assembling a consistent running game. Like the Rams, the chances of the Buffs are enhanced by playing in a weaker division. I think they could surprise, but it will take some luck, which I think they are due for.
Ole Miss Rebels
Everything looks good for the Rebs this year. Returning the best QB in the SEC West. And an excellent group of skill players on offense as well return. Their problem is replacing some major talent on both lines. I can hope they are ready and continue to trust in Nutt. This could be a big year for Hotty Toddy.
2 weeks until the first NFL preseason games!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday Thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Thought for the day:
Wednesday is known as Hump Day, but for porn stars isn't every day Hump Day?
Tweet Links for the week:
1. Bill O'Reilly makes my brain hurt: http://mediamatters.org/mmt... is he that dumb or does he just not understand the concept?
2. Fun time with Diamond Dave: http://www.thetyser.com/ amusing for at least a few minutes
3. Slow Cow: the anti-energy drink http://tinyurl.com/nc36z7 Most excellent Idea, gotta get me some of this.
Football thoughts
Football is raising it's wonderful visage again, 2 weeks until the first pre-season game! Training camps are opening this week. All is right with the world. It's such an odd thing, only 1 of the teams that I really cheer for is predicted to do well (Go Rebs!) But I really don't care, I just want to watch me some football. This past weekend James bought a Nerf football and we have been tossing it around every day since, he is actually getting interested in the game now. Which leads to my thoughts on the kids for the week:
Thoughts on the kids
I was pondering this morning how open minded James has become on activities that interest him. He's a little scatter shot, but it's so great. On any given day he can go from Lego's, to video games, to playing pool, to bouncing on the trampoline, to drawing, to playing battles with his Star Wars guys. If there is any one overarching idea I have tried to hold to with him is to just keep throwing new experiences at him. And keep an open mind myself. I could very easily be this guy. Or I could have him trained how to play Warhammer or Magic the Gathering by now. But I think the kind of focus that would have taken is not the route I want to take. I want him open to as many new things as possible for as long as he wants.
Of course this comes from me as well. I like to think that despite my self-proclaimed geekiness that I have a pretty diverse set of interests. And that has stood me well over the years. Because I have felt comfortable interacting with a great variety of people. And there is very rarely a social situation where I can't find something to do.
Now while pondering this I have a confession: Daniel is still a puzzle to me. He loves his Playstation of course. And like playing with the little lego guys and occasionally with cars etc. But he just hasn't showed the same huge enthusiasms that James has shown for things over the years. But he's coming along, I guess he struggles some times being in the shadow of James, who has a pretty large outgoing personality. I just have to keep guiding him along.
Thought for the day:
Wednesday is known as Hump Day, but for porn stars isn't every day Hump Day?
Tweet Links for the week:
1. Bill O'Reilly makes my brain hurt: http://mediamatters.org/mmt... is he that dumb or does he just not understand the concept?
2. Fun time with Diamond Dave: http://www.thetyser.com/ amusing for at least a few minutes
3. Slow Cow: the anti-energy drink http://tinyurl.com/nc36z7 Most excellent Idea, gotta get me some of this.
Football thoughts
Football is raising it's wonderful visage again, 2 weeks until the first pre-season game! Training camps are opening this week. All is right with the world. It's such an odd thing, only 1 of the teams that I really cheer for is predicted to do well (Go Rebs!) But I really don't care, I just want to watch me some football. This past weekend James bought a Nerf football and we have been tossing it around every day since, he is actually getting interested in the game now. Which leads to my thoughts on the kids for the week:
Thoughts on the kids
I was pondering this morning how open minded James has become on activities that interest him. He's a little scatter shot, but it's so great. On any given day he can go from Lego's, to video games, to playing pool, to bouncing on the trampoline, to drawing, to playing battles with his Star Wars guys. If there is any one overarching idea I have tried to hold to with him is to just keep throwing new experiences at him. And keep an open mind myself. I could very easily be this guy. Or I could have him trained how to play Warhammer or Magic the Gathering by now. But I think the kind of focus that would have taken is not the route I want to take. I want him open to as many new things as possible for as long as he wants.
Of course this comes from me as well. I like to think that despite my self-proclaimed geekiness that I have a pretty diverse set of interests. And that has stood me well over the years. Because I have felt comfortable interacting with a great variety of people. And there is very rarely a social situation where I can't find something to do.
Now while pondering this I have a confession: Daniel is still a puzzle to me. He loves his Playstation of course. And like playing with the little lego guys and occasionally with cars etc. But he just hasn't showed the same huge enthusiasms that James has shown for things over the years. But he's coming along, I guess he struggles some times being in the shadow of James, who has a pretty large outgoing personality. I just have to keep guiding him along.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Feeling good, including the good kind of sore
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Spent the majority of the weekend on yard projects. Although we did the Saturday morning baseball thing for the last time. And we got in a family walk in the Garden of the Gods. So a busy weekend, but the right kind of busy, and feeling good and ready to handle the new week instead of the usual Monday blah's.
Boy's Sports
We survived Daniel's double header and James' last game, along with some down time between games and the post game celebration. Daniel had a good couple of games. He seems to be slowly getting into playing sports with other kids. He still doesn't have the same level of enthusiasm as James, but he didn't seem to object to playing again this week, which is the big sign. And he seemed genuinely interested in signing up for outdoor soccer. James wound up his season with another good hitting game, although his fielding was a little off. But as usual he never quit on any plays, and kept up his Charley Hustle attitude. And I reinforced that with James, he just seems to have a good attitude when he is out there most of the time, just keeps the motor running. And as long as he keeps that up he can do well no matter what sport he plays. So we have both boys signed up for soccer, but mercifully at least a month until practice starts.
Family Walk
Sunday morning we were finally able to just get out of the house and take a walk. This time we went to Garden of the Gods. We took that route as we knew we would be able to avoid the muddy trails we would encounter elsewhere. It was a decent little walk. Although it isn't a really heavy workout for us parents as we had to walk at the pace of Emily and Daniel. And there was a fair amount of complaining and whining from the older 2 kids. But we just pushed through it, that just told us we need to do these walks more often, so they can handle the exercise. And of course these same kids spent an hour on the trampoline later in the day so I don't think the exercise really hurt them much.
Driveway project
Saturday afternoon we pushed through and got the main part of the driveway rock project done. It didn't take that long. And we felt pretty good about how far we got.
Before shot
Same shot after
Then we got ambitious, first lining the opposite side of the driveway under the Lilacs. Then eventually lining the area around the old stump and the last edge of the driveway. So in total the 3 tons of rock went to lining the driveway more or less entirely.
Lilacs side
Stump and the rest of the edging.
It was a lot of work, and I am still a little sore, but it is a good sore. Very virtuous feeling, knowing that we have sealed off one of the main areas for the strays to use as a litter box, and really improved the look of the driveway overall. And probably improved our drainage a little as well as the dirt will be held in place better than it was before.
It was a pretty busy weekend overall, but for once I didn't feel mad or frustrated by it. It was the right kind of busy, with my time spent on family and household projects, instead of the myriad other projects that always seem to take up our time. I am looking forward to some full weekends in August with no kids sports, there are a number of things that I can do around the house. I may even get a work crew together soon to finally get the gutters up. Who knows, all I know is I am quite pleased with the focus being back on the immediate family and house.
Spent the majority of the weekend on yard projects. Although we did the Saturday morning baseball thing for the last time. And we got in a family walk in the Garden of the Gods. So a busy weekend, but the right kind of busy, and feeling good and ready to handle the new week instead of the usual Monday blah's.
Boy's Sports
We survived Daniel's double header and James' last game, along with some down time between games and the post game celebration. Daniel had a good couple of games. He seems to be slowly getting into playing sports with other kids. He still doesn't have the same level of enthusiasm as James, but he didn't seem to object to playing again this week, which is the big sign. And he seemed genuinely interested in signing up for outdoor soccer. James wound up his season with another good hitting game, although his fielding was a little off. But as usual he never quit on any plays, and kept up his Charley Hustle attitude. And I reinforced that with James, he just seems to have a good attitude when he is out there most of the time, just keeps the motor running. And as long as he keeps that up he can do well no matter what sport he plays. So we have both boys signed up for soccer, but mercifully at least a month until practice starts.
Family Walk
Sunday morning we were finally able to just get out of the house and take a walk. This time we went to Garden of the Gods. We took that route as we knew we would be able to avoid the muddy trails we would encounter elsewhere. It was a decent little walk. Although it isn't a really heavy workout for us parents as we had to walk at the pace of Emily and Daniel. And there was a fair amount of complaining and whining from the older 2 kids. But we just pushed through it, that just told us we need to do these walks more often, so they can handle the exercise. And of course these same kids spent an hour on the trampoline later in the day so I don't think the exercise really hurt them much.
Driveway project
Saturday afternoon we pushed through and got the main part of the driveway rock project done. It didn't take that long. And we felt pretty good about how far we got.
 |
| From Driveway project 2009 |
Before shot
 |
| From Driveway project 2009 |
Same shot after
Then we got ambitious, first lining the opposite side of the driveway under the Lilacs. Then eventually lining the area around the old stump and the last edge of the driveway. So in total the 3 tons of rock went to lining the driveway more or less entirely.
 |
| From Driveway project 2009 |
Lilacs side
 |
| From Driveway project 2009 |
Stump and the rest of the edging.
It was a lot of work, and I am still a little sore, but it is a good sore. Very virtuous feeling, knowing that we have sealed off one of the main areas for the strays to use as a litter box, and really improved the look of the driveway overall. And probably improved our drainage a little as well as the dirt will be held in place better than it was before.
It was a pretty busy weekend overall, but for once I didn't feel mad or frustrated by it. It was the right kind of busy, with my time spent on family and household projects, instead of the myriad other projects that always seem to take up our time. I am looking forward to some full weekends in August with no kids sports, there are a number of things that I can do around the house. I may even get a work crew together soon to finally get the gutters up. Who knows, all I know is I am quite pleased with the focus being back on the immediate family and house.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Weekend Plans
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
No big plans this weekend. Last week of baseball for the boys, capped with a double header for Daniel. Otherwise it's all about working on the yard. Getting that rock down.
I think the boys are ready for the end of baseball. James especially is ready for a break. But I think it was a good thing for them. It kept Daniel socialized, and it gave them a focus for the weekends. I will be signing them up for soccer tomorrow, but that won't start for a while. Fall soccer games won't start until September, so they will get over a month break before starting back up again.
We haven't done as much work in the evenings as we hoped, so it is looking more and more like a Sunday project. But that could change tonight and tomorrow afternoon. Kim might get motivated tonight when she gets home, or I might get motivated tomorrow afternoon when I get done with baseball and after season parties. Either way my goal is to have it done by Sunday so Kim can have a Monday with nothing on her plate for once.
Chores update
Week 1 went well, we all did our assigned duties, although it did take some reminding every day. But I would rather deal with 5 minutes of reminding every day, then 30 minutes of arguing later on. We have kept the house pretty clean as a result. The only sticking point is the basement, which I will have to get on the boys about tonight. But otherwise I am pleased with the progress the first week.
Daniel Eating habits
Last night I finally reached a breaking point wih Daniel and his eating. It isn't so much that he is starving or anything like that. But there is an expectation that he will eat what he is given at meals. Because dinners especially are a battle every night (unless we make chicken nuggets or cheese quesadillas every night). Kim is less worried than I am about his actually getting his nutrition. My bigger concern is that he learn to eat a) different foods, and b) what is given to him. Otherwise he will have a hard time when going other places to eat (a fact that I can attest to personally, having been a very picky eater as a child). So I decided to combine my desire to improve his eating habits with a policy of decreasing his reliance on playing the Playstation. And made a chart of meals. For every meal that his parents serve him where he eats what he is given he earns a sticker. When he gets 5 stickers he earns 1 hour of PS2 time. We did a similar thing with James when he refused to stay in his room at bed time, and it worked. Kim isn't sure if it will work, but I feel we need to give it a shot. And to be honest it is not like we serve anything that unusual, not like the daily tofu and squash meals I had to struggle through at times when I was younger.
No big plans this weekend. Last week of baseball for the boys, capped with a double header for Daniel. Otherwise it's all about working on the yard. Getting that rock down.
I think the boys are ready for the end of baseball. James especially is ready for a break. But I think it was a good thing for them. It kept Daniel socialized, and it gave them a focus for the weekends. I will be signing them up for soccer tomorrow, but that won't start for a while. Fall soccer games won't start until September, so they will get over a month break before starting back up again.
We haven't done as much work in the evenings as we hoped, so it is looking more and more like a Sunday project. But that could change tonight and tomorrow afternoon. Kim might get motivated tonight when she gets home, or I might get motivated tomorrow afternoon when I get done with baseball and after season parties. Either way my goal is to have it done by Sunday so Kim can have a Monday with nothing on her plate for once.
Chores update
Week 1 went well, we all did our assigned duties, although it did take some reminding every day. But I would rather deal with 5 minutes of reminding every day, then 30 minutes of arguing later on. We have kept the house pretty clean as a result. The only sticking point is the basement, which I will have to get on the boys about tonight. But otherwise I am pleased with the progress the first week.
Daniel Eating habits
Last night I finally reached a breaking point wih Daniel and his eating. It isn't so much that he is starving or anything like that. But there is an expectation that he will eat what he is given at meals. Because dinners especially are a battle every night (unless we make chicken nuggets or cheese quesadillas every night). Kim is less worried than I am about his actually getting his nutrition. My bigger concern is that he learn to eat a) different foods, and b) what is given to him. Otherwise he will have a hard time when going other places to eat (a fact that I can attest to personally, having been a very picky eater as a child). So I decided to combine my desire to improve his eating habits with a policy of decreasing his reliance on playing the Playstation. And made a chart of meals. For every meal that his parents serve him where he eats what he is given he earns a sticker. When he gets 5 stickers he earns 1 hour of PS2 time. We did a similar thing with James when he refused to stay in his room at bed time, and it worked. Kim isn't sure if it will work, but I feel we need to give it a shot. And to be honest it is not like we serve anything that unusual, not like the daily tofu and squash meals I had to struggle through at times when I was younger.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
New House project
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
So in the wake of the refinance Kim & I found ourselves in the position to spend a little money on another house project. So we decided that we wanted to cover the edge of the house next to the driveway with some large rocks. A long time ago we had bark in there, but bark is not a great long term solution. It fades, crumbles and is hard to clean out. So Kim cleared that out several years ago. And we have lived with just bare dirt for a while now. But this was no longer acceptable as the dirt has become a litter box for the damn strays. So we decided to look into getting rock. For a while we joked about clearing out the rock that Dennis wanted to get rid of from his back yard but he decided to keep it for now as he had no decent replacement.
So we broke down and bought the materials we needed to cover that area with rock: 3 tons of rock, weed block cloth, pegs. And had the rock delivered yesterday. So we have a project cut out for the rest of the week. Here are some pictures:
From Driveway project 2009
3 tons of rock
From Driveway project 2009
Where the rock will go
From Driveway project 2009
Kim already did this much yesterday with Connie's help
From Driveway project 2009
Yeah, I won't be sitting around this weekend wondering what to do...
So in the wake of the refinance Kim & I found ourselves in the position to spend a little money on another house project. So we decided that we wanted to cover the edge of the house next to the driveway with some large rocks. A long time ago we had bark in there, but bark is not a great long term solution. It fades, crumbles and is hard to clean out. So Kim cleared that out several years ago. And we have lived with just bare dirt for a while now. But this was no longer acceptable as the dirt has become a litter box for the damn strays. So we decided to look into getting rock. For a while we joked about clearing out the rock that Dennis wanted to get rid of from his back yard but he decided to keep it for now as he had no decent replacement.
So we broke down and bought the materials we needed to cover that area with rock: 3 tons of rock, weed block cloth, pegs. And had the rock delivered yesterday. So we have a project cut out for the rest of the week. Here are some pictures:
3 tons of rock
Where the rock will go
Kim already did this much yesterday with Connie's help
Yeah, I won't be sitting around this weekend wondering what to do...
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Weekend Recap
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
We had a very good weekend overall. Great moment at James' baseball game. Some relaxing time at home. Some shopping, but not too much. A birthday party for Austin, that went as well as can be expected. Then a fun day at Waterworld where everyone had an equal amount of fun.
Daniel did not play baseball this week, it was his bye week in preparation for a double header next week (the last week of the season). So just James played, which allowed me some time in the morning to do a little yard work and relax. Then it was off to James' game. His hitting has been greatly improved this season, thanks in part to some hard work with his grandpa Pete. But in the third inning he was in his usual short right field spot when the hitter hit a pop fly to his spot. And James just stuck out his glove and caught it! It was awfully cool to see really, his first pop fly! Remember that at this age you are just hoping they stay in front of the ball when it's hit to them. So definitely a proud Papa moment.
Saturday afternoon we got some shopping done, picking up some essentials for WaterWorld (which turned out to be no so essential). Then had a quiet evening at home. Kind of a nice change for once.
Sunday morning we did our usual Sunday grocery trip. Then we got a call telling us that Austin's birthday party was that afternoon (the normal amount of lead time we get for party's organized by Tammy). So we completed our shopping by going to C&C Sand to purchase 3 tons of rock for some landscaping (for delivery, guess I know what I am doing this coming weekend...). And then over to Connie's for the party, where we started by doing some yard work so we could play some ladder ball. Eventually we had some food, and cake etc. Then we went home to get ready for the trip to WaterWorld and get a good nights sleep.
Monday was the trip WaterWorld. Which was a lot of fun. We went on a fair number of rides, and played in the water park areas. I enjoyed myself. And the kids all had fun, even James had a good time, despite some worrying when it started to rain a little (oh no we might get wet at the water park!). It was an enjoyable 8 hours, and well worth the expense and planning to take the time off to do it.
Yes it was a good 3 day weekend. Some good times at the park, some proud Papa moments. And some family fun rolled into the bargain. I guess since we couldn't take a real vacation this was the most we could hope for. And we made the most of it. I think it was the type of fun that the boys will talk about for some time to come.
We had a very good weekend overall. Great moment at James' baseball game. Some relaxing time at home. Some shopping, but not too much. A birthday party for Austin, that went as well as can be expected. Then a fun day at Waterworld where everyone had an equal amount of fun.
Daniel did not play baseball this week, it was his bye week in preparation for a double header next week (the last week of the season). So just James played, which allowed me some time in the morning to do a little yard work and relax. Then it was off to James' game. His hitting has been greatly improved this season, thanks in part to some hard work with his grandpa Pete. But in the third inning he was in his usual short right field spot when the hitter hit a pop fly to his spot. And James just stuck out his glove and caught it! It was awfully cool to see really, his first pop fly! Remember that at this age you are just hoping they stay in front of the ball when it's hit to them. So definitely a proud Papa moment.
Saturday afternoon we got some shopping done, picking up some essentials for WaterWorld (which turned out to be no so essential). Then had a quiet evening at home. Kind of a nice change for once.
Sunday morning we did our usual Sunday grocery trip. Then we got a call telling us that Austin's birthday party was that afternoon (the normal amount of lead time we get for party's organized by Tammy). So we completed our shopping by going to C&C Sand to purchase 3 tons of rock for some landscaping (for delivery, guess I know what I am doing this coming weekend...). And then over to Connie's for the party, where we started by doing some yard work so we could play some ladder ball. Eventually we had some food, and cake etc. Then we went home to get ready for the trip to WaterWorld and get a good nights sleep.
Monday was the trip WaterWorld. Which was a lot of fun. We went on a fair number of rides, and played in the water park areas. I enjoyed myself. And the kids all had fun, even James had a good time, despite some worrying when it started to rain a little (oh no we might get wet at the water park!). It was an enjoyable 8 hours, and well worth the expense and planning to take the time off to do it.
Yes it was a good 3 day weekend. Some good times at the park, some proud Papa moments. And some family fun rolled into the bargain. I guess since we couldn't take a real vacation this was the most we could hope for. And we made the most of it. I think it was the type of fun that the boys will talk about for some time to come.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Random Friday Thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Friday is upon us, and I have a 3 day weekend facing me, yay for me! I took Monday off so we can take the boys (not Emily) to WaterWorld. Otherwise it should be a pretty relaxed weekend, only 1 baseball game, no birthday parties, no major projects. I might actually get to some yard work this weekend if I get motivated enough.
Football
Watching baseball and golf in HD only whets my appetite for football. I am so ready for the football season to start. I don't care who is playing, I just want to watch football again. I have even caught myself watching some CFL games in anticipation.
Waterworld
I am looking forward to this WaterWorld trip. Due to some damage in my inner ear I cannot go on any Amusement Park rides any more so trips to Elitch's or similar places are just not any fun any more, since all I can do is watch Kim on the rides. But now that the boys are old enough to handle some water rides we can at least go to a water park. I am very excited, because I love water parks and playing in the water.
Yard work
I had a lot of plans for the yard this summer that have been overtaken by events. But I think we can still get some of them done. Like putting in some rock along the driveway side of the house. Which should look nice, help with drainage, and be impossible for the neighborhood strays to use as a litter box. I think I will try and transplant the Hollyhock that is there to the planter in the front yard, it should thrive there.
Kid's rules & chores
We went over the new rules last night, there was no argument. However, I am not 100% certain if everything I said about requirements etc. sank in. We will see this weekend, if on Sunday when it comes time to tally allowances, if all of the daily work and weekly work has actually been done. I hope it will be, and I will keep reminding the boys about their work, but I won't do it for them. We should complete the things we wanted to do around the house that will make it easier for them this weekend, like getting certain bulky toys out of their room etc.
Friday is upon us, and I have a 3 day weekend facing me, yay for me! I took Monday off so we can take the boys (not Emily) to WaterWorld. Otherwise it should be a pretty relaxed weekend, only 1 baseball game, no birthday parties, no major projects. I might actually get to some yard work this weekend if I get motivated enough.
Football
Watching baseball and golf in HD only whets my appetite for football. I am so ready for the football season to start. I don't care who is playing, I just want to watch football again. I have even caught myself watching some CFL games in anticipation.
Waterworld
I am looking forward to this WaterWorld trip. Due to some damage in my inner ear I cannot go on any Amusement Park rides any more so trips to Elitch's or similar places are just not any fun any more, since all I can do is watch Kim on the rides. But now that the boys are old enough to handle some water rides we can at least go to a water park. I am very excited, because I love water parks and playing in the water.
Yard work
I had a lot of plans for the yard this summer that have been overtaken by events. But I think we can still get some of them done. Like putting in some rock along the driveway side of the house. Which should look nice, help with drainage, and be impossible for the neighborhood strays to use as a litter box. I think I will try and transplant the Hollyhock that is there to the planter in the front yard, it should thrive there.
Kid's rules & chores
We went over the new rules last night, there was no argument. However, I am not 100% certain if everything I said about requirements etc. sank in. We will see this weekend, if on Sunday when it comes time to tally allowances, if all of the daily work and weekly work has actually been done. I hope it will be, and I will keep reminding the boys about their work, but I won't do it for them. We should complete the things we wanted to do around the house that will make it easier for them this weekend, like getting certain bulky toys out of their room etc.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Happy Birthday Austin
Happy 13th Birthday Austin
This is the nephew of whom I speak occasionally. The one with the Heart condition. Today is his 13th birthday, that's right world, he's a teenager! Lock up your daughters!
(As a side note, this day has another meaning for me as it is the day I applied for a job at Century Communications, which became my second longest tenured job and first "career" style job)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Changing roles at home
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Yesterday afternoon Kim was venting on how she felt as if she never got a break because she comes home and the house is never clean and she has to do all the work etc. Which isn't entirely true, I do my share, although to be fair I could do more. But I started thinking that the kids, especially James and Daniel had been getting off pretty free and easy. Particularly in comparison to their buddy Jon, who has to care for chickens, weed the garden and who knows what else. So being the list making person that I am I sat down and made a list of kids chores and responsibilities. I plan to lay this out tomorrow night over dinner, making it clear why these are the rules and that this applies to everyone (yes I added some parental duties).
Here are the rules:
Boys Duties & Chores
Everyday (must do before going to bed):
1. Brush teeth, change clothes, put dirty clothes/pajamas in a hamper
2. Boys room floor is picked up
3. Rest of house except Play room are clear of toys, clothes, shoes
Weekly
1. Play room is picked up: toys are all in their correct boxes
Responsibilities & Schedule
1. Weekday Nights: Sunday through Thursday
Bed time is 8:00
Shower/bath (every other night in summer) at 7:30
2. Weekend Nights Friday and Saturday
Bed Time is 8:30
Shower/bath optional at 8:00
3. Kitchen & Meal times
When done eating dirty dishes go in dishwasher or sink, after scraping or rinsing
All trash from wrappers, juice's etc. Must go into trash
No eating indoors beyond Kitchen or dining room
James Work and allowance
1. All of the above duties and schedules must be met every day
2. Will be paid $2.00 Every Sunday after Dinner, before bath/shower
3. James has 2 jobs
Gather all of the laundry on the house every night and place in a basket in the laundry room
Collect trash from living room, dining room and bathrooms and take bags to trash can on Sundays and Wednesdays before dinner
Daniel Work and allowance
1. All of the above duties and schedules must be met every day
2. Will be paid $1.00 Every Sunday after Dinner, before bath/shower
3. Daniel has 1 job
Gather all of the recycling materials every day and put them in their bins: newspaper, plastic bags, soda cans
Here is what the Parents have to do, that is things that impact the kids lives:
Parents Rules
Everyday
1. Make breakfast, lunch & dinner (cleaning up after meals)
2. Keep laundry up (washing, drying, folding, put away)
Weekly
1. Take boys to practices & games
2. Sweep, mop kitchen & dining room
3. Vacuum living room, basement
I think it is important for the boys, James especially (budding little advocate that he is), to know that Mommy & Daddy have their responsibilities too (outside of work), and that we will meet those. And if we make it a regular habit to follow these schedules and practice the responsibilities than we should reduce parental stress and strife. We will see how it all works out.
Yesterday afternoon Kim was venting on how she felt as if she never got a break because she comes home and the house is never clean and she has to do all the work etc. Which isn't entirely true, I do my share, although to be fair I could do more. But I started thinking that the kids, especially James and Daniel had been getting off pretty free and easy. Particularly in comparison to their buddy Jon, who has to care for chickens, weed the garden and who knows what else. So being the list making person that I am I sat down and made a list of kids chores and responsibilities. I plan to lay this out tomorrow night over dinner, making it clear why these are the rules and that this applies to everyone (yes I added some parental duties).
Here are the rules:
Boys Duties & Chores
Everyday (must do before going to bed):
1. Brush teeth, change clothes, put dirty clothes/pajamas in a hamper
2. Boys room floor is picked up
3. Rest of house except Play room are clear of toys, clothes, shoes
Weekly
1. Play room is picked up: toys are all in their correct boxes
Responsibilities & Schedule
1. Weekday Nights: Sunday through Thursday
Bed time is 8:00
Shower/bath (every other night in summer) at 7:30
2. Weekend Nights Friday and Saturday
Bed Time is 8:30
Shower/bath optional at 8:00
3. Kitchen & Meal times
When done eating dirty dishes go in dishwasher or sink, after scraping or rinsing
All trash from wrappers, juice's etc. Must go into trash
No eating indoors beyond Kitchen or dining room
James Work and allowance
1. All of the above duties and schedules must be met every day
2. Will be paid $2.00 Every Sunday after Dinner, before bath/shower
3. James has 2 jobs
Gather all of the laundry on the house every night and place in a basket in the laundry room
Collect trash from living room, dining room and bathrooms and take bags to trash can on Sundays and Wednesdays before dinner
Daniel Work and allowance
1. All of the above duties and schedules must be met every day
2. Will be paid $1.00 Every Sunday after Dinner, before bath/shower
3. Daniel has 1 job
Gather all of the recycling materials every day and put them in their bins: newspaper, plastic bags, soda cans
Here is what the Parents have to do, that is things that impact the kids lives:
Parents Rules
Everyday
1. Make breakfast, lunch & dinner (cleaning up after meals)
2. Keep laundry up (washing, drying, folding, put away)
Weekly
1. Take boys to practices & games
2. Sweep, mop kitchen & dining room
3. Vacuum living room, basement
I think it is important for the boys, James especially (budding little advocate that he is), to know that Mommy & Daddy have their responsibilities too (outside of work), and that we will meet those. And if we make it a regular habit to follow these schedules and practice the responsibilities than we should reduce parental stress and strife. We will see how it all works out.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Anatomy of a Yard Sale Part 2 (AKA weekend Recap)
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
So We managed (or rather Kim managed) to get everything pretty much ready to go by Friday night, when we got most things staged in the driveway (just as it started to rain of course). Then it was up bright and early Saturday morning to hustle up and get everything out and displayed, then get the signs up and get ready. At the same time get Daniel ready to go so that he could go to his T-ball game. It took some work, and some hustle, but we got it done. Here are some shots from Day 1:
Since Daniel was off James played in the pool while Emily looked on.
Looking down the driveway
Pricesheets prepared by Kim
Up the driveway
Saturday went well. Not a lot of customers, but enough. Decent sales. Kim had fun watching the boys play baseball for the first time. I handled the time alone, although Connie came over and the Dennis & Megan, so I had plenty of company. We had to scramble a bit at the end of the day to get things put up as the rain hit, but we managed to avoid any major rain damage.
Sunday we reconfigured a few things, which didn't make a huge difference, but it made enough for us to have another decent day. It was nice because we were able to see and talk to the Leingangers a lot (our across the street neighbors) more than we normally do. Including when they ran over and helped us pack up in a mad scramble when the afternoon showers hit just as we were deciding to pick up. Here are a few shots from Day 2:
Moved some stuff out to the curb, which proved to be an excellent move.
It all flowed much better the second day.
Aftermath, still waiting to pack up the books, had to wait until the rain stopped.
Overall the sale was a success, we made enough to fund our family trip to Waterworld next week. And we were actully successful selling most of Dave & Tia's stuff too. And we re-learned the things we need to know so when Connie is ready to have one we can be sure to make it a huge success for her. Kim has really become a wiz at organizing the sales to optimize them for people to locate what they want, and see what they decide they want. And it was a nice relaxing weekend otherwise after all the horrors of the previous week.
So We managed (or rather Kim managed) to get everything pretty much ready to go by Friday night, when we got most things staged in the driveway (just as it started to rain of course). Then it was up bright and early Saturday morning to hustle up and get everything out and displayed, then get the signs up and get ready. At the same time get Daniel ready to go so that he could go to his T-ball game. It took some work, and some hustle, but we got it done. Here are some shots from Day 1:
 |
| From Yard Sale 2009 |
Since Daniel was off James played in the pool while Emily looked on.
 |
| From Yard Sale 2009 |
Looking down the driveway
 |
| From Yard Sale 2009 |
Pricesheets prepared by Kim
 |
| From Yard Sale 2009 |
Up the driveway
Saturday went well. Not a lot of customers, but enough. Decent sales. Kim had fun watching the boys play baseball for the first time. I handled the time alone, although Connie came over and the Dennis & Megan, so I had plenty of company. We had to scramble a bit at the end of the day to get things put up as the rain hit, but we managed to avoid any major rain damage.
Sunday we reconfigured a few things, which didn't make a huge difference, but it made enough for us to have another decent day. It was nice because we were able to see and talk to the Leingangers a lot (our across the street neighbors) more than we normally do. Including when they ran over and helped us pack up in a mad scramble when the afternoon showers hit just as we were deciding to pick up. Here are a few shots from Day 2:
 |
| From Yard Sale 2009 |
Moved some stuff out to the curb, which proved to be an excellent move.
 |
| From Yard Sale 2009 |
It all flowed much better the second day.
 |
| From Yard Sale 2009 |
Aftermath, still waiting to pack up the books, had to wait until the rain stopped.
Overall the sale was a success, we made enough to fund our family trip to Waterworld next week. And we were actully successful selling most of Dave & Tia's stuff too. And we re-learned the things we need to know so when Connie is ready to have one we can be sure to make it a huge success for her. Kim has really become a wiz at organizing the sales to optimize them for people to locate what they want, and see what they decide they want. And it was a nice relaxing weekend otherwise after all the horrors of the previous week.
Friday, July 10, 2009
What happened to Mike?
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
In answer to my absence from work and my FB and twitter status message yesterday. Here's the thing, I have a condition called diverticulosis. I was diagnosed many years ago, and aside from the occasional flare up I have been fine, and in fact have it under control through diet etc. Up until this week. Tuesday morning I woke up with a pain in my gut. This pain normally leads to a bout of diarrhea etc. Not much fun but livable. Except this time the pain hasn't gone away, and in fact got worse. Tuesday night I basically didn't sleep at all. I went to work on Wednesday and survived it, although sitting up is not the most comfortable position for me. Wednesday evening I got the joy of a fever hitting as well. So yesterday I stayed home and went to the Dr. office. He basically said that I have an inflamed colon, but wasn't sure it was full blown diverticulitis. So I am on a liquid diet and maybe some light meals later today. The pain has diminished some, but I am still not exactly comfortable. I'm gonna try to get to work today, but it's gonna be hard, in the time it has taken to write this the pain has already begun to flare up considerably. I just have to hope that I will be able to function this weekend, and that this doesn't get so bad I need surgery. On the plus side I have lost like 8 pounds this week between not eating and the fever.
In answer to my absence from work and my FB and twitter status message yesterday. Here's the thing, I have a condition called diverticulosis. I was diagnosed many years ago, and aside from the occasional flare up I have been fine, and in fact have it under control through diet etc. Up until this week. Tuesday morning I woke up with a pain in my gut. This pain normally leads to a bout of diarrhea etc. Not much fun but livable. Except this time the pain hasn't gone away, and in fact got worse. Tuesday night I basically didn't sleep at all. I went to work on Wednesday and survived it, although sitting up is not the most comfortable position for me. Wednesday evening I got the joy of a fever hitting as well. So yesterday I stayed home and went to the Dr. office. He basically said that I have an inflamed colon, but wasn't sure it was full blown diverticulitis. So I am on a liquid diet and maybe some light meals later today. The pain has diminished some, but I am still not exactly comfortable. I'm gonna try to get to work today, but it's gonna be hard, in the time it has taken to write this the pain has already begun to flare up considerably. I just have to hope that I will be able to function this weekend, and that this doesn't get so bad I need surgery. On the plus side I have lost like 8 pounds this week between not eating and the fever.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Anatomy of a Yard Sale Part 1
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
It is that time again in household: Yard Sale time. We've done this before, at least twice that I can think of, and maybe more that I just don't remember. We like to have the chance to gain some small amount of income before donating items to charity. And Kim has it down to a science at this stage. We even make sure to get buy in from the kids by offering them a cut of of sales from the toys we are selling. I decided it might be fun to write a series of blogs breaking down the process.
First we had to arrive at a date. Once we did that Kim got to work. We have been storing yard sale items in our shed for quite a while now. And now Kim is in her prep mode. Which means she is gathering items from the shed, sorting them and pricing them. In light of the recent wet weather we even constructed a kind of storage area on the porch for her to put the sorted and priced items.
Here are some photos of this stage:
From inside the house
The stack of boxes
The view of our jury rigged rain shield on the porch.
It is that time again in household: Yard Sale time. We've done this before, at least twice that I can think of, and maybe more that I just don't remember. We like to have the chance to gain some small amount of income before donating items to charity. And Kim has it down to a science at this stage. We even make sure to get buy in from the kids by offering them a cut of of sales from the toys we are selling. I decided it might be fun to write a series of blogs breaking down the process.
First we had to arrive at a date. Once we did that Kim got to work. We have been storing yard sale items in our shed for quite a while now. And now Kim is in her prep mode. Which means she is gathering items from the shed, sorting them and pricing them. In light of the recent wet weather we even constructed a kind of storage area on the porch for her to put the sorted and priced items.
Here are some photos of this stage:
 |
| From Yard Sale 2009 |
From inside the house
 |
| From Yard Sale 2009 |
The stack of boxes
 |
| From Yard Sale 2009 |
The view of our jury rigged rain shield on the porch.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Weekend Recap
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Nice relaxing weekend, which probably explains why I didn't accomplish as much as I thought I might. Friday was pretty relaxed, just a trip to the Humane Society to pick up a live trap, and otherwise just relaxing until it was time to go to the park. Saturday I had a short trip to the store, but otherwise again I relaxed and did nothing until it was time to leave for Spam O Rama. And Sunday I really did nothing except relax and play on the computer until Kim got home and we ran and did some shopping for the upcoming Yard Sale.
Friday morning after I woke up and went with Dad and the kids to the park for a little while I saw the new stray kittens playing in our backyard again and that prompted me to go to the Humane Society. It was a long wait but I was able to pick up a live trap, then did some looking around as usual. Then it was home again so the kids could play and I could relax. I have been seeing more and more of these strays every summer and this latest litter has really pushed me to the edge. So, for the sake of the cats, the health of my kids, and the cleanliness of our yard I have determined to trap and take as many strays to the Humane Society. In the evening we went to the Pikes Peak Art Fest for a short time so I could see a friends band, and then we got chased out by the rain storm.
Saturday I was focused on getting ready for Spam O Rama. Getting my dish prepared, plus getting the kids some stuff for the party. I had hoped to dye James and Daniel's hair but my attempt at doing so with Kool Aid did not go so well. My recipe was good, I enjoyed it, but it did not win any awards. Spam O Rama was fun as usual, I got in some good visits with some old friends I don't see very often. The kids had a good time watching adults play Rock Band, and attempting to play some as well. The food was good, although every year it feels like I can eat less and less Spam. The events were fun, the fireworks were awesome. So thanks to Forrest & Nancy for a wonderful event and evening as always. Pictures can be found on Facebook or on Picasa.
Sunday I went into power relaxation mode, determined to really do nothing. Until Kim came home and we got really cracking on preparations for our upcoming yard sale. We are having a Yard Sale this coming weekend, at minimum it will be on Saturday, but might run into Sunday. I will detail more on the prep work in a different post, suffice to say Kim is attacking it with her usual zeal and organization, while I just do the grunt work.
So we have a pretty normal week coming up, hopefully getting back into the summer routine of boys to clubs, Emily to Connie, and us going to work. At least until the weekend plan with the Yard sale. That of course changes things up.
Nice relaxing weekend, which probably explains why I didn't accomplish as much as I thought I might. Friday was pretty relaxed, just a trip to the Humane Society to pick up a live trap, and otherwise just relaxing until it was time to go to the park. Saturday I had a short trip to the store, but otherwise again I relaxed and did nothing until it was time to leave for Spam O Rama. And Sunday I really did nothing except relax and play on the computer until Kim got home and we ran and did some shopping for the upcoming Yard Sale.
Friday morning after I woke up and went with Dad and the kids to the park for a little while I saw the new stray kittens playing in our backyard again and that prompted me to go to the Humane Society. It was a long wait but I was able to pick up a live trap, then did some looking around as usual. Then it was home again so the kids could play and I could relax. I have been seeing more and more of these strays every summer and this latest litter has really pushed me to the edge. So, for the sake of the cats, the health of my kids, and the cleanliness of our yard I have determined to trap and take as many strays to the Humane Society. In the evening we went to the Pikes Peak Art Fest for a short time so I could see a friends band, and then we got chased out by the rain storm.
Saturday I was focused on getting ready for Spam O Rama. Getting my dish prepared, plus getting the kids some stuff for the party. I had hoped to dye James and Daniel's hair but my attempt at doing so with Kool Aid did not go so well. My recipe was good, I enjoyed it, but it did not win any awards. Spam O Rama was fun as usual, I got in some good visits with some old friends I don't see very often. The kids had a good time watching adults play Rock Band, and attempting to play some as well. The food was good, although every year it feels like I can eat less and less Spam. The events were fun, the fireworks were awesome. So thanks to Forrest & Nancy for a wonderful event and evening as always. Pictures can be found on Facebook or on Picasa.
Sunday I went into power relaxation mode, determined to really do nothing. Until Kim came home and we got really cracking on preparations for our upcoming yard sale. We are having a Yard Sale this coming weekend, at minimum it will be on Saturday, but might run into Sunday. I will detail more on the prep work in a different post, suffice to say Kim is attacking it with her usual zeal and organization, while I just do the grunt work.
So we have a pretty normal week coming up, hopefully getting back into the summer routine of boys to clubs, Emily to Connie, and us going to work. At least until the weekend plan with the Yard sale. That of course changes things up.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Amazing Nephew
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
It was less than a month ago that Austin was in the hospital in Denver and we were worried that he might not have long to live. It turned out that that that thinking was not exactly correct, we were getting some misleading 3rd hand information. But he does have a permanent heart condition, which means that if he doesn't remain physically healthy and active could have terrible consequences. But if he remains the active, energetic kid that he is, and avoids the normal pratfalls of being a teenager: smoking, drinking, drugs, poor eating habits, he could live a long fun and productive life.
And nothing symbolizes how normal his life can be by what happened this past week. He got asked by a friend of the family to join a little league team. And he had a couple of games where he showed his lack of understanding, but also flashed his athletic ability. Then he was at practice and got a chance to demonstrate his throwing ability, and immediately got promoted to pitcher. So he got a chance to pitch 2 innings this last week. Here are some photos.
Was he the second coming of Nolan Ryan first time out? No, he walked more than a few batters. But he also got 3 strikeouts, one put out due to some nice fielding and no big hits. The best hit was a sharp grounder to third that was held to a single. So if he continues to pitch, gets some practice so his form comes more automatic and natural he could finally find a niche. I am really proud of him, and hope he gets the encouragement and motivation to play that he deserves.
So that's the latest on Austin and how he continues to overcome things that most adults would have a hard time handling.
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