Summer's Ending

Well, another summer has come and gone.  No, I'm not talking about the heat, for that is still here with a vengeance.  No, I'm talking about the summer break for the kids.  Yep, they started back to school today.  It went by very quickly, but I must admit, I was not too upset about it's demise.  It was sure different than the previous summers spent doting, teaching, and frolicking with the boys.  Nope, this one was hard.

Two weekends ago, I was without the kids, so I decided to drive down to Temple to see my mom and my brother.  I got to Temple on Saturday morning about 11:00, and it was sure nice to see mom greet me at the door.  It was really strange visiting without the kids, or Lori for that matter, but I really enjoyed my time there.  We stayed around the house for the most part, but that's what I needed.  We ate well, watched some good movies, and just had fun visiting with each other.  While I was there, mom set aside a few things for me to take back to the new house.   As I was looking at them, I came across this sad sight tucked away in soon to be forgotten drawer......what a shame....  :-(

I did end up with some really nice things though, and I  added them to the ambiance of the house once I got home Sunday afternoon.

On Tuesday I had a tough choice to make.  Unfortunately, I was torn between taking Christopher to his first baseball practice, and taking Aidan to "meet the locker" night at his Jr. High.  Well, I figured there were going to be many baseball practices in the future, but there was only going to be one "get your first school locker" night.  I decided to take Aidan, and Lori was nice enough to agree to take Christopher to practice even though it was my night for the boys.

It was really funny seeing all of the new 6th graders getting so excited about their new lockers.  They really make a big deal about it, and allow the students to decorate the inside of their locker however they wish.  While the vast majority of the boys just threw their books in their locker and called it a day, the girls were an entirely different story.  Wow, you would not believe some of the elaborate setups that I saw.  I'm talking fully carpeted walls with tiny chandeliers hanging from the ceiling elaborate.  No, I kid you not.  It was crazy!

And of course, Christopher "slugger" Thornton ready for action!

Look at that form!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As I said in my previous post, Thursday was my baby boy's 6th birthday.  We had a party at JUMP STREET for Christopher, and a few of his friends.  JUMP STREET is an indoor trampoline park, and it is really cool.  All sorts of trampoline rooms.  Dodge ball trampoline rooms, huge foam pit trampoline rooms, mechanical bull trampoline rooms........etc.   You get the picture......Just really amazing.  Everybody had a great time.

Christopher with his friend Conrad, explaining the finer points of rope swinging into the foam pit.

Blow baby Blow!!

Not just happy......Skylanders Happy!

Just his color.

A little brotherly love.

Senor Aidan!

Great fun was had by all that attended.

After the party, we had just enough time to go to our homes and relax for about an hour, and then it was on to Christopher's "meet the teacher" night at his school.

I met Lori and the boys at Allen Elementary, and we went over to the "classroom" board to find out who Christopher would be tormenting.......uh I mean....to find out who Christopher would have as a teacher.  Mrs.  Childress was the answer, and Christopher was really happy.  He knew her from last year, and it's who he was hoping to get.  YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After "meet the teacher", we left the school, and headed to the baseball field for Aidan's scrimmage.  Whew, it was a busy day and night.  After two hours of watching Aidan play baseball, it was finally time to call it a night.  I hugged the boys bye, and off they went to Lori's house.  That's always hard........

I had the boys for last weekend, and we had a really good time.  Aidan had two friends spend the night over here, and everybody played great together and had lots of fun.  4 boys and just me.......what was I thinking?  Actually, it was great, and was surprisingly easy.  I smoked a 3 lb. rib filet on the smoker for about 3 hours on Friday night, and the boys devoured about half of it.  It turned out great!  We had pancakes and eggs in the morning, and everybody went home happy and full.

Although I was supposed to have the kids until Wednesday morning, I decided to let Lori have them on Sunday night.  This morning was their first day of school, and I thought it would just be easier on the first day if they rode the bus.  Lori was happy to get them, and each called me from the bus stop before they left.  Oh how I wish I could have been there.  I'm sorry I had to miss that.  It's always exciting watching them on their first day back.  Maybe next year.......

Here is our big 1st grader looking a little apprehensive.

Aidan looking anticipatory.

 Aidan waiting with his friends Matt (7th grade), and his little girlfriend Maddie.(6th grade)

I say "little" strictly for age purposes.  Maddie just turned 11 and she is 5'7" tall.  Wow, and I thought Aidan was tall for his age. 

Thanks Lori for sending me the pictures.  It helped.

William

6 And Counting

Today is my baby boy's 6th birthday.  Even though he will eventually dwarf me when he is grown, he will always be my baby.  I will post a bigger update with pictures in the next couple of days.  I just want to say that my life would be empty without my children.  Each birthday is another notch on the belt of fatherhood.  I love both my boys more than anything in the world.

Happy Birthday little buddy!

William

Momma I'm Coming Home......

Well, seeing as I'm not going to get to see the kids until Sunday afternoon at baseball practice, I'm going to go to Temple early tomorrow morning to see my mom and brother.  That's one one to shake that loneliness.  I'm really looking forward to seeing them. 

In the mean time, I worked on the mancave garage today, and it's starting to come around.  I got all of my bar mirrors hung, my electric sign up and running, and my dart board put in place.  The previous owner left his surround sound system wired and in place in the garage, along with a receiver and 5 disc changer.  The adult beverage fridge is plugged in, and is chilling as I type.  Sweet!!!!!!

Half finished.......

Now I just need to finish cleaning up the other half, and I will be ready to start doing some more wood working.  I can't wait!

William

And Just Like That...They Were Gone......

I really enjoyed the weekend with my monkeys.  I picked them up from camp on Friday afternoon, and I have been able to enjoy their company until this morning when Lori stopped by to pick them up.  Boy, it sure is quiet now........

We had a wonderful time this weekend.  Now that time is halved, it seems like you try to pack as much "fun" and things to do in each day as you can.  Not nearly as much time for just relaxing.  I don't think I'll ever get used to that.

My good friends Liam and Elaine were kind enough to leave me the keys to their house and pool while they were on vacation.  They have a beautiful pool.

The boys and I took full advantage of their hospitality, and swam for hours on Saturday and Sunday. The camp on the lake they have been attending has been good for them, as they are both "swimming" (dog paddling for Christopher) like fish now. 

The last couple of days were spent indoors and outdoors.  Yesterday, I took the boys to a local baseball field, and worked on some fundamentals.  Christopher is slowly but surely getting the hang of things.  He starts his first season of baseball next week, so getting him ready is a challenge.  I'm sure he'll pick it up quickly.  I am ready to see him shine, just like his big brother.

Speaking of Aidan, he has been a real help in the teaching process, and it chokes me up to see he and Christopher on the field together.  It's moments like these I wish would last forever.

I promised pictures of the house, but I'm not there yet.  Soon.

Well, I guess I need to start cleaning up the house.  It's amazing what kind of mess can be made in just 5 days with those two monkeys around. I'll miss the clutter.

I imagine, since I won't have the boys again until next Monday afternoon, I'll have plenty of time to do blog updates.  Heck, I have so much time now without the boys here, you might start getting tired of reading about my life.

William

Quiet Is Hard

Well, just like I figured, this single life is not for me.  Like I stated in the past, I'm a family man.  I enjoy having and being part of a family.  Seeing the kids only half the time really stinks.  Sure, we make the best of it when we do get to see each other, but come on, who in their right mind wants half of what makes them happiest in the world.  Not me, that's for sure. 

I of course miss Lori too.  I miss the companionship.  I miss the conversations.  I miss doing nice things for her.   Sure, the last six months have been challenging, and I've had to deal with many issues and feelings that I would not wish on my worst enemies, but I still felt part of something meaningful and enjoyed the giving.  Oh well.....

The new house is nice, and I have been working very hard to make it a home.  It's amazing how much stuff you accumulate during 17 years while living with someone else.  It's taken me forever to move and get things put where they belong.  I've got a mountain of boxes stacked on the side of the house in the back yard waiting for bulky trash day.  The trash man's going to hate me.

I have not lived alone in over 17 years.  Haven't wanted too.  Wow it's different.  Quiet is hard.  I've just spent my time trying to get the house ready, and it's kept me busy.  Now that thing are coming around, and winding down, I'm a bit scared of the upcoming down time.  It's going to be pretty lonely when the kids aren't here.

The attorneys are still working out the final details of this awful divorce.  Soon Lori and I will no longer be married.  It still seems impossible to me, but it's true.  We will both be fine, and we will move on to new chapters in our lives.  If the next chapters are half as much fun as the ones that passed with Lori, I'll be content.

As soon as I have everything in the house complete, I'll post a bunch of pictures of my new home.  I'm really proud of how it looks, and the boys love it.  There is a huge yard for the boys to play in.  Of course, it's been about 105 degrees recently, so we have not been spending too much time back there.  We will, but it's got to cool down a bit first.

This is my weekend with the monkeys.  I can't wait to pick them up from camp this afternoon.  We are going to have a great time.  I'll fire up the grill, we'll play some video games, we'll play some baseball, and do some swimming.  I'll have to get double the hugs to make up for the time they're not here. 

They are both growing up so fast.  It seems like their childhood is flying by at breakneck speed.   Now it will seem twice as fast, since I only see them half the time. That's a sad thought. 

I should have pictures ready to post by Tuesday of next week.  I can't wait to show the house off, and I should have some of the monkeys too.

God Bless

William

Exhale...............................

The move has been made.  I am staring at a mountain of boxes.  I finally got my computer hooked up.  An update on my life is coming very soon.  Thanks for sticking with me.  I'm certainly not used to that anymore.

William

A Good Life

I remember having to type one of these emails about 7 years ago.  It was just as hard then as it is now.

Today we lost the best cat I have ever seen.  18 years young, and a slice of furry happiness.  He was always purring and just craved attention.  He always found a way to make me feel better about things, and I am truly going to miss him. 

Somewhere up in animal heaven, he and Dante are getting reacquainted, and soon they will be frolicking like old times. 

I am so very sad to lose such a wonderful friend.  Rest In Peace Lancelot.

 William

Erudition And Smiles

.....continued from yesterday.

On Thursday morning, I decided that I would take the boys to the Perot Museum on Nature and Science on Friday.  This museum opened to the public in December of 2012, and it is nothing short of amazing.

As I was ordering tickets online, I wondered if Lori would want to join us.  I knew she was working a half a day at the hospital on Friday morning, but I thought it would be nice if she went along.  I called and asked her what she thought, and I was happy when she said yes.  I ordered our tickets, and downloaded them on my phone.

After Lori got home from work around 12:45pm on Friday, we left for the museum.  Traffic was good, and we got to the museum just in time for our scheduled 1:30pm IMAX 3D movie.

The short movie was made by National Geographic, and it was called Waking the T-Rex.  We took our seats, and prepared to be deposited into a world that existed 65 million years ago.  The 30 minute movie was really educational and just downright cool.  The boys love it.

Next up was the exhibits.

The museum exhibits cover 4 different floors.  In other words, it is BIG!  So much to see and read.  You could really stay there an entire day and not take in all it's wonder.  It's a visual candy store for inquisitive boys.

I can't begin to tell you about everything you can explore, but lets just say, the sights are amazing.  Everything from dinosaur fossils to 2 ton geodes.   Lots and lots of hands on experiments and puzzles for the kids.  Well, see for yourself..........

Yep, it was fascinating.  Lori and I both had a great time with the boys, and the boys and I were both happy she came with us.  I can't wait to go back.

What an absolutely fantastic week. 

William

World of Wonder

Last week was fun.  Good old fashioned fun.

Monday started off on the wrong foot.  There was a mix up in Christopher's camp plans, and somehow Lori and I forget to get him registered for the week.  Luckily I found out before I tried to drop him off.  Oh well, not being registered for camp meant only one thing..........more time for fun during the week!  If Christopher was staying out, so was Aidan.  Woo Hoo!!!!!

After getting the boys fed Monday morning, I decided to take them to the Dallas World Aquarium.  This place is in the center of downtown Dallas, and I had never been there before.  I did not know what to expect.  I had heard from friends that it was a really cool place, so I hoped the boys would have a good time.

We got there about 10:30 in the morning, and "Oh Wow" it was neat.  There is just so many things to see and read about, and it is beautiful.

We had such a good time seeing all of the fish and animals.  As I stopped at this exhibit, I was wondering what I was supposed to be looking for.  Suddenly, I noticed directly below me a very large crocodile.  I stuck my camera over the railing to take a picture.  Christopher, being the ever inquisitive little boy he is, decided he needed to see what daddy was doing.  Unbeknownst to me, he proceeded to climb the rail all the way past his waist and lean over to see what was happening.  I almost had a heart attack when I looked over and saw him there.  Here's why....

10 feet below was big daddy just waiting for a succulent, tender, 60 lb boy to fall.   Needless to say, he was back on solid ground within seconds, and in the middle of a solid scolding.  Kids....

We left there and went to look at some of the underwater exhibits.  Here both boys are in the middle of the shark tank.

How about the uneasy look on Christopher's face?

The exhibits were amazing, and boys really had a good time.

They even got to see Dory and Nemo......

We spent a few hours there, and we all had a blast.  As we were leaving, we stopped by the last few exhibits.  Wow.

It was a great place to visit, and I would recommend it to anyone.

Tuesday and Wednesday, we stayed around the house.  The boys had friends over, and played and played.  I promised Lori that I would refinish the front door on the house before I moved out.  It was a heck of a lot of work, but after 15 hours of removing the old varnish, sanding, re-staining twice and then sealing, it turned out nice.

Our 18 year old cat enjoyed the view through the front door.

He pawed at that plastic for hours trying to find it's weakness.  Determined, but fruitless.

Thursday, I took the kids to Outdoor World in Grapevine.  We walked around that store for hours looking at everything.  It is such a cool place.  The boys always love the fish tank.

After we left Outdoor world, it was hot.....like Africa Hot!!  What better way to cool down than with Snow Cones from Bahama Bucks!

Super sour green apple for Aidan, and birthday cake (yep you read that right...birthday cake) for Christopher.  I of course had to partake too, so it was Peach for me.  MmmmmMmmmm...they were good.

Friday was a special day, but it will have to wait for my next post tomorrow.  Lots of fun, and lots of pictures.

to be continued..........

Cresting

Well, it looks like I'm going to survive.  It was "iffy there for a while, but in a couple of hours, I'll go to the airport and pick up Lori and the boys after their being gone for 7 full days. 

Talk about tough.  That is the longest time I have ever been away from the boys, and it's also the longest that I've ever gone without seeing Lori since we met 17 1/2 years ago.

You know, I hope I'm never away from the boys for that long in one stretch again.  The peace and quiet is challenging.  "The noise" is just something, after hearing the kids screaming voices for so long, you just get used to and crave.

I know that Lori and my time will come to an end in 17 days.  Our divorce won't be final yet, but I am moving out of the house at that time.  It's certainly going to be strange not seeing my best friend any longer.  Old habits die hard, but I'm heading over that crest.  It is getting easier.  Day by day my friends, day by day.

Well, I guess I need to get the house in order.  Haven't had visitors in a week.  Living like a bachelor might not go over too well when everyone gets home.  Clean, clean, clean!

William
 

Never Forget The Price

Freedom by Ambrose Bierce

Freedom, as every schoolboy knows,
Once shrieked as Kosciusko fell;
On every wind, indeed, that blows
I hear her yell.

She screams whenever monarchs meet,
And parliaments as well,
To bind the chains about her feet
And toll her knell.

And when the sovereign people cast
The votes they cannot spell,
Upon the pestilential blast
Her clamors swell.

For all to whom the power's given
To sway or to compel,
Among themselves apportion Heaven
And give her Hell. 

God bless each and every one of you on this day of Independence. Please say a prayer for all the people who made the ultimate sacrifice to allow you and me the freedoms that we so readily enjoy each and every day.  

William

I Do

....continued

It's absolutely amazing how three simple letters can change someone's life in such a positive and rapturous way.  Y...E...S.....

I was now engaged to my best friend, and the absolute love of my life.  Every morning and evening I was strolling along Cloud 9.  What a feeling.  I almost felt guilty about my good fortune.  Did I really deserve Lori?  I mean let's face it......it sports terms.....I really out kicked the coverage.  I was in the happiest place I had ever been in my life.

Lori handled most of the wedding plans, and everybody was better off for that.  I was there for support, and the occasional "yeah, that looks or sounds perfect".  In what seemed like an instant, it was already March of 1998 and our wedding was just around the corner.  "Please God, please let this happen" was all I could think about, and before I knew it, it was already the 14th of the month. 

We planned an outdoor wedding at the Dallas Arboretum.  It was such a beautiful place.  The flowers were in bloom, the grass was green and immaculate, and everything looked amazing.  Everything was perfect........so perfect in fact, Mother Nature decided to shed some tears.  Yep, rain.  As I look back on it now, maybe that was some kind of omen.  A little foreshadowing maybe....Who knows.  At the time, we just gathered all the chairs, and moved the ceremony to an inside area.

As the final minutes ticked away, I was overcome with emotion.  As a beautiful rendition of Mozart's String Quartet #4 in C major was playing in the background I watched all of our friends and family, all of the people I loved most in this world, file into the room.   It was, at that time, the best feeling I had ever experienced. How could things get any better?

You would have thought that I would have been really nervous, but strangely, I was not.  I knew that this was the best decision that I would ever make in my life, and a warm calmness filled my soul.  It was now getting close.

Just as the last guest was seated, Wagner's Treulich Geführt (Here comes the bride) began to play.  Now, I've been fortunate to travel to many different places in my life.  I have seen some absolutely wondrous and beautiful places and things.  To this day, I kid you not, seeing Lori walking down the isle in her wedding dress, with her long curly brown hair rolling off her shoulders, is the most breathtaking thing I have ever seen.  I was mesmerized as Steve walked her up and gave me her hand.

As we stood up front, I had only one regret.  I wished my dad was still alive to see the man that I had become, and to witness for himself the journey I was about to take.  He would have been proud.

I turned to face Lori and melted into the moment.  All of my fears, insecurities, and tribulations gone in two simple words............

I DO

William

The End Is Near - But Oh What A Beginning!

Once upon a time there was this lonely guy just going through life without any real purpose.  His meaning, his reason for waking up everyday was to simply exist.  Sure he had friends, he had a good job, and he had a nice roof over his head.  Hell, he even had a great dog, who answered to Dante.  What he wanted and needed at that time, had eluded him for the last half decade.  What he wanted and needed so desperately, was to be loved by someone.  What he.....I....wanted, was a companion.

I had almost given up hope of finding someone special to share my life.  I had been in a good relationship turned bad that ended 6 years before, and I just figured that was my chance, and I blew it.  Then, one day, while I was desperately seeking a pet sitter for Dante, I got a call from a friendly voice.  "Do you need someone to check on your dog while you're gone" were the words that were spoken, but what I heard was "I am an angel sent from heaven to lead you from the darkness and inspire your life"

When I answered the door that afternoon, I was hardly prepared for what I saw.   I'm sure you've seen all of these cheesy movies and read these silly books talking about love at first sight, but nobody ever believes them.  This is especially true with a person like me. I can however, tell you unequivocally, my heart skipped a beat, and I knew right then and there I had met the girl of my dreams.

As we introduced ourselves to each other, and got the initial formalities out of the way, I was as nervous as one could be.  How do I convince this angel that I'm the one?   Sure, it's way too early to be thinking like that, but I just couldn't help myself.  I just knew.

Listen, I'll be the first to tell you, I'm not some Casanova.  I'm a nice guy, well spoken, with a heart as big as they come.  I figured I would never have a chance at a young lady as pretty and nice as Lori, but I knew that this might be my only chance, and no matter what I was going ask her out.  So, that's what I did.....right then and there.  I was floored when she said......yes.

We spent that day together, had dinner, and went to a fireworks display that evening.  It was so perfect I had to pinch myself to make sure that I wasn't dreaming.  I took her back to her apartment that night, gave her a big hug and a peck on the cheek at the front door, and as I was walking away, I swear my feet weren't even touching the ground.  

I called everyone I knew, and told them about the angel that I found.  I wasted no time calling her back the next day, and then spent the next couple of months, trying to convince her to get out of the long distant relationship that she was currently in with someone else, and move in with me.  Again, I knew instantly that she was the girl that I was going to marry, and if I would have had enough money to buy a ring at that time, I would have asked her to marry me then.  I'm not sure at that time she would have said yes, but that would not have stopped me from trying.

As it turned out, I was able to convince Lori that I was indeed special, and she moved into my house a few months later.  We were a match made in heaven, and I was so proud the first time I took her to meet my mother and father.  I had one of those "yeah, that's right, look what I was able to do" grins on my face the entire time.  Lori of course hit it off right away with my family, and they treated her like a daughter from day one.

We spent the next 12 months together almost inseparable.  Exactly one year to the day of our initial meeting, I received the horrible news that my father had passed away.  I was devastated, and I thank the Lord every day that Lori was there by my side when I received the terrible phone call.  She was my crutch, and strength, and only with her unending compassion was I able to pick myself up and function.  

To this day, I am thankful that dad went to his maker knowing that I had truly found happiness, and Lori was one day going to be my bride.  It is only with his help, in the form of some inheritance, that I was finally able to have enough money to be able to afford a ring.  I guess you could say that I owe my dog Dante, and my dad, a debt that can never be repaid.  They allowed me to meet, and ultimately ask my angel for her hand in marriage.

I now had the money I needed for a ring, so the next order of business was to ask her dad Steve, for her hand.  I know, that's an old and mostly ignored ritual now days, but I am old school, and felt like it was the right thing to do.  We had a trip planned to see her parents at their farm in Tennessee, so I figured that was as good a time as any.  Although I got along outstandingly with both Lori's parents, I was so nervous before I spoke with Steve I though I was going to faint.  I didn't, and when he said yes, I was soaring through the clouds.  "This might actually happen" is all I could think about.  God I hoped she would say yes.

One night, after spending an evening watching Cinderella with Lori, I dropped down to one knee, swallowed the enormous lump in my throat, grabbed her hand and looked into those beautiful brown eyes, and asked her to spend the rest of her life with me.  I found myself wiping away a river of joyful tears from my face as soon as the word "yes" came from her lips.  Somehow, I had convinced this angel sent straight from heaven, to marry me.

To be continued........

William

Good Things Are Coming

I am 47 years old, and I have never been as lonely and stressed as I am right now.  I wake up every morning (when I can actually sleep) hoping that I have been in a terrible dream.  You can not imagine how disheartening it is to figure out that I have in fact not been dreaming, and my worst nightmares are true.

I have done my best trying to handle this awful situation with Lori with dignity and poise.  I have put on a brave face and front for all of my friends, my family, and most importantly my children.  It is difficult beyond words, for my anguish is stifling.

I am really at my wit's end.  I am being forced to get a divorce I do not want.  I am actively and aggressively seeking a good paying job that will allow me to live close to my children, but I'm having no success so far. 

With a trial date looming one week from today, the stress of losing the love of my life, my children, my home, and all I have ever wanted or worked for is almost unbearable.   Suffocating.

What am I going to do?  I simply don't know.  I have always been a fighter, but this opponent, this situation, currently has my number.   

I am trying to stay positive.  I have always believed, and I have always been told that "good things happen to good people".  I still cling to that belief like it's a life preserver.   I have to.

I am as good a person as you will ever meet.  That might come across as arrogant to some, especially ones who have never met me, but the ones that know me will tell you it's true.  I  know that I have built up enough good Karma to last a lifetime, and it will pay dividends.    

With Lori stating that she has "moved on", I am now very ready to start my new life.  It will be very different, but I am now actually looking forward to it.  I have so much to offer, and it will be exciting seeing what new wants, dreams and desires come to fruition . Believe me when I tell you.....I have plenty.  It might take me a little while to get the wheels turning again, but I can guarantee that once I start rolling, I will be both happy and successful.  There is no doubt. 

I will live my life well, and "good things" are coming.   I can feel it.

William

It's Who I Am

Today was the first father's day since becoming one, that I did not wake up to Lori's beautiful face.  It was certainly difficult.  That beautiful face and the beautiful person behind it is the reason that I became a dad after all.  Still, the kids did everything they could to make me feel special, and I am lucky to have them in my life.

Being a father defines me.  It's who I am.   I work hard at it, and every minute that I spend with the kids makes my life better.  I feel like I am a great dad, and I'm proud of the job that I have done with Christopher and Aidan.  Aidan is growing into a fine young man, and Christopher is trying to be more and more like him each and every day.  Each is very special in their own way, and I would not change a thing about them.  I love them more than anything in this world.

For Father's Day, we spent the weekend in Temple with my mom and brother.  I am glad that the boys got to see their Grandma and Uncle.  It had been far too long since we were there.  I only wish that my father was still alive.  I would have loved to give him a father's day hug, and watch him play with his grand children.  He would be proud, and they would love my pop.

Happy Father's Day dad, and Happy Father's day to me too.  You taught me well.

William

Party Time!

Well, schools finally out.  I say finally, but in reality, it seems like it just started.  I'm sure if you asked the boys about that, they would say that I was nuts.  It's funny how differently time is perceived when you are young.

Last Friday marked the final school day, so I decided to attend Christopher's kindergarten end of the year party.  Let me tell you, there is nothing like spending a sweaty hot morning outside with 125 screaming, sugar fueled 5 and 6 year old kids.  Whatever they pay those dear teachers, it's not enough.

Christopher really had a blast while I was there.  It started off with a hula hoop contest.

Fortunately, Christopher didn't win.  I don't know, it would just bother me for some reason if my son was the "hula hoop champion".  Luckily, there were a couple of little girls in his class that had spent far too long learning the delicate art of keeping a hula hoop spinning.  I started to think that we might be there for the entire day waiting for the contest to end.  I think one of the final two girls just got bored, or spent too long staring at the awaiting ice cream truck.  She finally just stopped.  Once that happened, the other girl stopped, and it was time for the "limbo line".

Watching 5 and 6 year old kids do the "limbo" is just downright funny.  It would probably be a good idea the next time to actually explain to the kids what you are supposed to do.  As it happened, they just told the kids to "go under the bar without hitting it".  Well, Christopher certainly improvised.

Hey, as far as he knew, he was well within the rules, and he certainly did not touch the bar.  Way to go quick thinker!!!

Next, it was time for the class picture.   Hmmm.....lets see........last day of school.......minimum supervision.........okay kids....say cheese.....

After the class picture, the kids went to the ice cream truck, and picked out their favorite frozen treats.  Christopher of course gravitated to the Pink (Strawberry) Blue Bell ice cream cup.  Did you have any doubt?  As he was enjoying his pink prize, his teacher Mrs Strange, stopped by to tell him how much she was going to miss him.  It was sweet.

I left shortly after their ice cream break.  Hey, they were hyper enough before the treat break, I did not want anything to do with the aftermath.

Saturday rolled around and that meant Aidan's post season tournament was starting.  He had a 10:30am game against a pretty good team, The Indians.  The Indians lead the league in hitting and runs scored.  The Express would have to play an error free game to advance.  Aidan got the start on the mound and everything was going well until.........the second batter.  Yep, 4 pitches 1 out on the first batter, and then the errors started.  I can tell you, nothing gets to Aidan more than throwing great pitches and getting batters to hit little slow rollers that the infielders boot.  It happened over and over.  Aidan pitched two innings, and struck out 4.  The team ended up losing 12-5.  The season was over.

Because the season was over, that meant the team could have their "end of the season" party.  They were all pretty excited about that.  We had the party at the neighborhood pool of one of his teammates.  Everybody had lots of fun, and ate lots of pizza.  Here is Aidan after he knocked a little three year old girl off her floaty and stole it from her..............................no not really.......but it looks like it....;-)

Christopher and mom were enjoying the cool water on a really hot day.

Congratulation Aidan on your team's 3rd place finish.  I love your new trophy!

Thanks for keeping me so young guys.

William

Summer Blues

Hard to believe that there is only 5 days of school left until the boys are out for the summer.  Geesh, this school year flew by so quickly.  It's crazy that Christopher will be a 1st grader, and Aidan will be going into middle school.  Wow, they grow up so fast.

This will mark the first summer in 5 years that I will not be responsible for taking care of the boys.  (Well, 5 for Aidan.  Last summer was Christopher's first)  With the divorce unfortunately moving forward, I am trying desperately to find gainful employment.  It means that I can't look after the kids.  The kids will now be spending the summer at the YMCA.

I will forever look back at the past 5 summers with incredible happiness.  Very few parents get to experience what it's like to spend months in a row with their children doing nothing but teaching and bonding.  I know the kids are going to look back someday, and realize just how lucky they had it.   I know I'll be doing it daily, and I'll miss it immensely.

This past weekend Aidan played is last regular season baseball game.  His team won 13-3, and Aidan had a really good game.  2-2 at the plate, and threw out a runner at home from third base.  It was sweet!  The team went 9-2-1 for the year, and got third place.  Not bad, but the tie should never have happened.  Oh well, now they just need to play good ball next weekend in the post season tournament, and try to win the championship!  I can't wait.

I finally took the time to clean up my truck.  Old Blue has been with me now for a little over 13 years.  I know, that's a long time for a vehicle.  I had not been giving him the love and respect he deserves lately, so I made sure to take my time and give him the proper care he deserves.  I washed and wax the truck, and cleaned the interior spotless.   You would be hard pressed to find a better looking 13 year old vehicle.

Check out the 13 year old "mirror"

Yep, that is taken down the side of the truck, and the house in the picture is a reflection in the paint.

Look at that shine!

Spotless!

I love my truck.  Oh, eventually, when I can afford it, I will get a new vehicle.  That being said, I will not be getting rid of Old Blue.  He will just be and extra vehicle.  He is a part of me and the family now.

William