P-A-R-T-Y T-I-M-E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last Friday we celebrated Aidan's 11th birthday at Main Event.  Aidan and his friends got to enjoy bowling, laser tag, and lots and lots of video games.  Everybody had a fun time.

For Aidan's main birthday present, Lori and I decided to get him a new mobile phone.  He's had his HTC mobile phone for over 2 years, and has never lost or broken it.  That is quite an accomplishment for a 8-10 year old kid.  His new phone is a Samsung Galaxy S4 Active.  It is really a cool phone.  You might have seen the commercials, praising its waterproof ability.  He can actually take it underwater in a swimming pool and take pictures if he was so inclined.  Obviously, he was ecstatic when he opened the gift.

We arrived at Main Event around 6:30pm and the kids all started bowling.  There were 12 of them there, so as you can imagine, it was pretty crazy.  They all seemed to have a really fun time.

After bowling, the whole crew, including Christopher "dead eye" Thornton disappeared into the laser tag battle room, and prepared for Armageddon.  30 minutes later they emerged from the front lines, smiling and sweating from their mini laser war.

Before video games, it was cake time.  Lori really outdid herself on his sugary delights.  First up was this delicious looking chocolate cake.

Next were the awesome MineCraft cupcakes Lori spent far too much making.

Enjoying a little brotherly love.

I'm not even sure what this is??????

Blowing out the candles!!!!!!!!!!

After everyone was filled to the brim with yummy cake, it was video game time.  All the kids had a fantastic time.

Here is Aidan and his brother sharing a scary interactive plane ride together.  Isn't that great!!

And last but not least, a very proud father hugging his birthday boy.  That is one handsome duo if I do say so myself........ ;-)

Another birthday past.  Wow, they are growing up too fast.  I still can't figure out how they keep getting older, but I do not..........amazing I would say!!!!

William

MonkeyBoy X11

11 years ago today I was blessed.  I did not know my purpose in life until I heard the faint muffled cries of the most beautiful gift a man could ever receive.  An Angel........A SON.

Since that day, I have worked tirelessly to help Aidan become a better student, a better athlete, a better friend, and an all around fine young man.  I have succeeded past my wildest dreams.

It's hard to explain the immense pride that I carry daily, knowing that Aidan is one day going to carry on the Thornton name.  I could not ask for a better thought to keep me going in these tough times.

Happy Birthday MonkeyBoy.  You are special.

I love you buddy!

William

A New Baseball Player, And A Proud Dad!

Last Saturday marked Christopher's very first baseball game.  He is participating in a "modified" coach pitch league, and it was a blast watching him play for the first time.  Obviously, most of the kids at this age are severely lacking quality coordination.  They sure try hard though, and I really get a kick out of being on the field with Christopher helping him learn the game I love so much.

Here is Christopher swinging for the fences in his very first at bat.

Here is Christopher playing short stop.  Yep, that's me in background showing his teammate Ethan how to get down on a ground ball. 

After the game we came back to my house to get Christopher changed into his soccer uniform.  His first soccer game of the years was also Saturday, and let me tell you, it was Africa HOT out there.  Bless those kid's hearts......they were suffering.  That, combined with the fact that one of the opposing players was the son of a major league soccer player, made for a very long day.  That boy was a true phenom.  Unbelievable.

I'm really looking forward to tonight.  Aidan has his second game of the season tonight.  They won their first last Wednesday 11-3.  I'll have pictures soon.

William

Dumbfounded

The impudence and audacity of some people is simply astounding.  I will never understand how some people go about their lives with so little regard for others.  I can only hope and pray that bitterness, that so readily rises from such circumstances, subsides before the point of disdain and contempt.  Unfortunately, I think after tonight, it's probably too late.

This blog will mark the very fist time in 6 years of writing about the family, and in 17 years of knowing Lori, I am forced to show or speak about her in a negative light.  It's painful, and makes me terribly sad to even comprehend. 

I have always taken pride in knowing that I have a soft heart.  I trust people.  Normally it's a blessing, but tonight it's a curse.  I trusted Lori one last time and it has cost me.  I really thought her word was her bond.  I took it to heart when she and I signed the temporary orders two months ago that we were trusting each other one last time, and after the divorce was final we would move on to our new lives.

Everything was going great, and the attorneys were drawing up the final papers.  I was finally going to be able to breathe a sigh of relief, and be able to pay my mother back for the unselfish sacrifice she made that allowed me to move out of our house, and into a new house.  A sacrifice that was made because of the amicable nature of Lori and my relationship, and the nature of the temp orders we signed. A sacrifice, that I'm afraid will now turn into a very real burden for her.  For that, I am horrified, and truly sorry.  I would never have let her help me if I had even the slightest inclination that Lori would change the agreement.  I feel terrible.

The call came out of the blue from Lori yesterday letting me know that she no longer agrees with our temporary orders, and we will be starting over from scratch concerning custody of the children.  She informed me that she would be seeking much greater custody.  What?  Is this some kind of joke?   What?

Nope, no joke, and I am almost as confused and disappointed right now, as I was the day she told me she wanted a divorce.  How can something like this happen?  We had a plan that was working.  She is a good mom, and I am a good dad.  Best of both worlds.  Sure the kids dislike not having mommy and daddy in the same house, but that is something that they are always going to have to get used to now.  She claims it's for the "stability" of the children.  Oh, this should make our situation much more stable.  Spending thousands and thousands of dollars in court and attorney costs over the next year and subjecting our friends and families to hours and hours of court interrogatories and hearings should do wonders for the kids "stability".

I will never understand this.  I will now be forced to fight tooth and nail for everything I can.   She will do the same.  Great.  Just what the kids need....to see us fighting with each other constantly.  Just what we need...to end up hating each other...perfect.  We were doing so well.  Really getting along better than we have in the last year.  Why now?........It really makes no sense.

She thinks the best thing for the kids will be to wake up in the same house everyday of school.   That would be great if we lived together, but to get that now would take visitation nights away from one of the parents.....meaning me!  That is what she is thinking.  What?  Like I'm just going to let that happen.  Of course I'm not.  No judge in his or her right mind would take my time with those kids away.  They need their father.  I have plenty in the bank to support the kids and myself until I find a good paying job.  I also have my home inspection business to fall back on.  That's not an issue, and certainly has nothing to do with the kids stability.  Nope not a thing.  Those kids will never want for anything.

So, now I have more stress than ever, and I will probably have an eternal shell around my heart for ever.  There is no way I'm letting anyone else in there.  Perfect...really appreciated Lori...... :-(

Hopefully her attorney will dissuade her from such a rash and unproductive action.  I am proud to say, that even though it would mean more fees and money for him, my attorney would.

William

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