Being a Dad is quite a responsibility, but there are some great rewards.
Recently, I have been reading The Chronicles of Narnia series to my son just before he goes to bed. It started off, initially, as a means to get him to wind down as well as give Mom a chance to relax for a few minutes as well. It has become one of the things I look forward to in my day. Timmy seems to enjoy it as well. The other night after Shannon set Alexa to bed I sat down in the traditional place I do to read to him unaware that I had done so. Without missing a beat, Timmy went to the bookshelf and pulled down The Magician's Nephew and brought it over to me to read to him. Ready or not, Dad, it was time!
Now, I think, he looks forward to those times. Even though he still plays with his "fir cuk" (which, being interpreted is "Fire Truck") and gives a hearty "Whoo Whooo!" he still sits right next to me while I read to him. In fact, sometimes he grabs his own books and tries to read aloud to me while I am reading to him.
Well, he is only a year and a half. But I think we have great fun with our time. When she gets a little older, we will include Alexa to "Storytime with Dad."
Good traditions start somewhere.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Thursday, August 25, 2005
The experience of being a Porter...
The experience of being a Porter is, well... To be honest, it's exhausting.
Both my children are going through this "clingy-I-only-want-mommy" and "if-mommy-leaves-the-room-I'm-gonna-cry" phase. My children are a joy and a blessing... But I gotta have some me time.
So I am enjoying my time back here cooped up in my craft room, all by myself. I am on this quilling kick (see my craft web site for more info on that) and I have been back here doing my thing, on the computer just surfing. It's nice to be able to do all that and not have a toddler in your lap who feels it necessary to touch everything in site, and who likes to "type" IM's to daddy at work. Lexa is almost as bad... She is in the grabby stage, so anything with in her reach now, she has to have it, and once she gets it, she puts in her mouth.
Proof of this came this morning. I took my car to get the oil changed, and they had complimentary donuts, so I took one, thinking I would share with Tim. Guess Lex had other ideas... She grabbed for that doughnut so fast it took me a second to realize what she had done. In that second she put that piece in her mouth and then proceeded to look at me with that, proud "look, what I did mommy" look. It was so funny, I had to laugh, and the gal at the desk (who had seen the whole thing) laughed too.
Anyway... Thought I'd share... Enjoy!
Both my children are going through this "clingy-I-only-want-mommy" and "if-mommy-leaves-the-room-I'm-gonna-cry" phase. My children are a joy and a blessing... But I gotta have some me time.
So I am enjoying my time back here cooped up in my craft room, all by myself. I am on this quilling kick (see my craft web site for more info on that) and I have been back here doing my thing, on the computer just surfing. It's nice to be able to do all that and not have a toddler in your lap who feels it necessary to touch everything in site, and who likes to "type" IM's to daddy at work. Lexa is almost as bad... She is in the grabby stage, so anything with in her reach now, she has to have it, and once she gets it, she puts in her mouth.
Proof of this came this morning. I took my car to get the oil changed, and they had complimentary donuts, so I took one, thinking I would share with Tim. Guess Lex had other ideas... She grabbed for that doughnut so fast it took me a second to realize what she had done. In that second she put that piece in her mouth and then proceeded to look at me with that, proud "look, what I did mommy" look. It was so funny, I had to laugh, and the gal at the desk (who had seen the whole thing) laughed too.
Anyway... Thought I'd share... Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
In honor of...
One of our dearest friends has accomplished a major milestone. She is a single working mother of four who has recently graduated from college with her degree in Elementary Education.
Considering the last four years of sacrifice, struggle, heartbreak, stress, and ultimate victory, I would like to mention Christina Escobedo.
We are very proud of her accomplishments and have come to respect and admire her determination and passion for her work, life and, most of all, her children.
Christina, you've done great. Congratulations, Wonder Woman!
Mike and Shannon
Considering the last four years of sacrifice, struggle, heartbreak, stress, and ultimate victory, I would like to mention Christina Escobedo.
We are very proud of her accomplishments and have come to respect and admire her determination and passion for her work, life and, most of all, her children.
Christina, you've done great. Congratulations, Wonder Woman!
Mike and Shannon
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Some kids really understand the proper role and purpose of a mom.
Timothy and I were singing different songs --ABC, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and some others. I decided to sing Lean on Me to see if he would chime in since I used to sing that to him when he was still on the bottle.
You might know the lyrics, "Some time in our lives we all have failed, we all have sorrow. But, if we are wise, we know that there's always tomorrow..."
Timmy entered his own well timed lyrics.
Daddy: "But, if we are wise, we know that there's..."
Timmy (interrupting): "Mommy!"
Yeah, I guess it would be wise to know that there is Mommy. Good job, son.
Timothy and I were singing different songs --ABC, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and some others. I decided to sing Lean on Me to see if he would chime in since I used to sing that to him when he was still on the bottle.
You might know the lyrics, "Some time in our lives we all have failed, we all have sorrow. But, if we are wise, we know that there's always tomorrow..."
Timmy entered his own well timed lyrics.
Daddy: "But, if we are wise, we know that there's..."
Timmy (interrupting): "Mommy!"
Yeah, I guess it would be wise to know that there is Mommy. Good job, son.
Yowzers! Make a self-deprecating comment and get thrown on to the proverbial couch.
Anyway, so now the pictures are finally flowing (see Shannon's post below). Now, as you can see, we have the the lovely Alexa as she poses ever so politely and dignified for the camera (take a look at those georgeous eyes of hers), and the World Famous Timothy the Magnificent working on his latest masterpiece. Note the hues, the tones, the brushstrokes. Note the mixture of reds and blues...in his mouth after tasting the yummy crayon. Well, ok, it is not in this picture, but this was our experience at a Mexican food restaurant recently.
So, last night Alexa made Dad's day. She clearly said "hhrruh!" And we all take that as clear articulation if, "Hi Daddy!" That's Daddy's little girl. Of course, she is really attached to her mom. (Audience participation: "How attached is she?")
She is so attached that whenever mom leaves the room Alexa (who still can't crawl) rolls in the general direction that mom went and has an expression on her face as if to say, "Oh no you don't!"
Tim was a riot at Grandma and Grandpa's place (I should say, the Phoenix-based Grandma and Grandpa). It was Open House and the Improv where Timothy was raising the roof.
He saw a family picture of the four of us and is now able to distinguish between picture and person. He was walking around for...ever looking at the picture, pointing to it and saying, "Daddy!" Then he would look at me and say, "Daddy!" Then back and forth over and over. He was so proud of himself.
He then shifted to Mom ("Mommy!" in the picture and "Mommy!" in real life), and "lil' girl" which is what Mom frequently calls Alexa and Timothy emulates to the pitch!
He was also rooting for James Bond to beat the bad guys (hey, prove to me he did not!)
Look out Larry King, the better man is coming to take your job away...
Anyway, so now the pictures are finally flowing (see Shannon's post below). Now, as you can see, we have the the lovely Alexa as she poses ever so politely and dignified for the camera (take a look at those georgeous eyes of hers), and the World Famous Timothy the Magnificent working on his latest masterpiece. Note the hues, the tones, the brushstrokes. Note the mixture of reds and blues...in his mouth after tasting the yummy crayon. Well, ok, it is not in this picture, but this was our experience at a Mexican food restaurant recently.
So, last night Alexa made Dad's day. She clearly said "hhrruh!" And we all take that as clear articulation if, "Hi Daddy!" That's Daddy's little girl. Of course, she is really attached to her mom. (Audience participation: "How attached is she?")
She is so attached that whenever mom leaves the room Alexa (who still can't crawl) rolls in the general direction that mom went and has an expression on her face as if to say, "Oh no you don't!"
Tim was a riot at Grandma and Grandpa's place (I should say, the Phoenix-based Grandma and Grandpa). It was Open House and the Improv where Timothy was raising the roof.
He saw a family picture of the four of us and is now able to distinguish between picture and person. He was walking around for...ever looking at the picture, pointing to it and saying, "Daddy!" Then he would look at me and say, "Daddy!" Then back and forth over and over. He was so proud of himself.
He then shifted to Mom ("Mommy!" in the picture and "Mommy!" in real life), and "lil' girl" which is what Mom frequently calls Alexa and Timothy emulates to the pitch!
He was also rooting for James Bond to beat the bad guys (hey, prove to me he did not!)
Look out Larry King, the better man is coming to take your job away...
Ok so my husband does not think I am wise....hmmmm, me thinks he may sleeping on the couch tonight....LOLWow, things have been a little crazy here, and it's only Monday. We had to endure almost 24 hours of no air conditioning... Anyone who has ever lived in AZ knows that it gets HOT. Our house when we got home from Church yesterday was 90 degrees... YUCK! Well, we survived with fans and lots of water... and it's all better now, the thermasat reads a comfy 79 degrees.
I thought I would post a pic here of my beautiful daughter, she sat in the big high chair for the first time the other day. This high chair is special. It used to be mine when I was her age. My grandmother kept it all these years (we will not mention
exactly how may years that is) and she gave it to us when my son was born.Hard to believe she is almost 7 months old already... where does the time go?
Oh I and I cannot forget my son... wow, at 19 months he is a heart breaker. He amazes me everyday with something new that had learned. His latest thing is to help me "clean" (anyone with toddlers knows that when toddlers help, they end up making a bigger mess... but that's ok) He likes to help with the dishes (what he really likes is to splash water all over the kitchen floor) he also likes to help sweep (any piles that I make are promply spread back all over the floor, in the pretense that he is sweeping) and he also likes to help out with his sister (like dumping powder all over the place while I am trying to change her diaper) I guess I should be greatful that he is helping at all, I mean one day he will be a teenager. Heheheh
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Well my hubby has been bugging me for a post all day...
So here it is.
Ok, ok I was going to leave it blank, but I just could not do that to all the poor, lost souls who would come looking for some element of wisdom.
So, here is my thought for the day....
"In the cookie of life, friends are the chocolate chips!"
Hehe, sorry, I have been making cards all night, and I guess I got carried away.
I will post more (hopefully) tomorrow, along with some really great pics of the kids....
Nite nite
So here it is.
Ok, ok I was going to leave it blank, but I just could not do that to all the poor, lost souls who would come looking for some element of wisdom.
So, here is my thought for the day....
"In the cookie of life, friends are the chocolate chips!"
Hehe, sorry, I have been making cards all night, and I guess I got carried away.
I will post more (hopefully) tomorrow, along with some really great pics of the kids....
Nite nite
Friday, August 19, 2005
Ok,
So, who expected that it would actually take this long for us to finally get blogging about our exploits, adventures, and general ruminations? Well, those of you that know us realize that the last few years have been like trying to drive a 3 cylinder Geo Metro up a 6% grade hill while dragging a Chevy Impala with three flat tires.
The challenges and blessings of two children barely a year apart, Shannon being the ever diligent wife and mom, Tim practicing to take over Larry King's talk show, Alexa working on taking over the world one heart at a time, and me attempting to learn the ancient martial art of Get Sum Do (also known as making more money than I currently am) has been enough to suck up all our time.
And yet, Shannon still makes the time to stuggle to get her home-based business going (imakecraftstuff.blogspot.com - take a look) and I have been making time to read and study as often as I can and still practice martial arts (the real stuff).
Whew!
This blog will be primarily for family and friends, of course, who are gluttons for more blogging punishment, but who also would like to keep up with us, see pictures of great kids and a camera shy mom, and maybe feign a passing interest in what the dad does (which is ok, because the other three are far more interesting anyway, unless that is you wish to know what I am currently reading, in which case I would tell you that it is Justification and Variegated Nomism: The Complexities of Second Temple Judaism Volume 1...I warned you...the other three members are far more interesting).
Now, if anyone is still reading after that last parenthetical statement, that is, if you did not fall asleep just reading that title (for the record, I am also reading the Lord of the Rings series), then I will have Shannon post some pictures and make some comments herself later. And, Dad, yes, I realize that my last paragraph consisted of one long sentence, but in my defense, I claim that it is biblical. If you don't believe me, translate Galatians where three verses might be only one sentence. Don't blame me, blame Paul! I love our victimized society.
And, just so you know, I won't subject you to lengthy posts on my readings or studies. I have another blog I started and will post some observations there and link them for all interested.
Besides, anyone who has been the recipient of an email from Shannon (especially those poor souls who are still on dial-up) know that Shannon will be flooding this site with a veritable portfolio of mini-models, hams, and adorables. When will I have the ability to blog here, anyway? :-)
And, don't get used to this look. My parents remember what my room looked like until I started dating Shannon, and how they suddenly they were no longer ashamed if I left my door open. Give Shannon a decent web designer and she'll go nuts (husband resists the temptation to comment...realizes he has to eat and sleep sometime).
Ok, I have waxed long on profound nonsense, so I'll stop. I hope you all enjoy our site. And, feel free to comment.
So, who expected that it would actually take this long for us to finally get blogging about our exploits, adventures, and general ruminations? Well, those of you that know us realize that the last few years have been like trying to drive a 3 cylinder Geo Metro up a 6% grade hill while dragging a Chevy Impala with three flat tires.
The challenges and blessings of two children barely a year apart, Shannon being the ever diligent wife and mom, Tim practicing to take over Larry King's talk show, Alexa working on taking over the world one heart at a time, and me attempting to learn the ancient martial art of Get Sum Do (also known as making more money than I currently am) has been enough to suck up all our time.
And yet, Shannon still makes the time to stuggle to get her home-based business going (imakecraftstuff.blogspot.com - take a look) and I have been making time to read and study as often as I can and still practice martial arts (the real stuff).
Whew!
This blog will be primarily for family and friends, of course, who are gluttons for more blogging punishment, but who also would like to keep up with us, see pictures of great kids and a camera shy mom, and maybe feign a passing interest in what the dad does (which is ok, because the other three are far more interesting anyway, unless that is you wish to know what I am currently reading, in which case I would tell you that it is Justification and Variegated Nomism: The Complexities of Second Temple Judaism Volume 1...I warned you...the other three members are far more interesting).
Now, if anyone is still reading after that last parenthetical statement, that is, if you did not fall asleep just reading that title (for the record, I am also reading the Lord of the Rings series), then I will have Shannon post some pictures and make some comments herself later. And, Dad, yes, I realize that my last paragraph consisted of one long sentence, but in my defense, I claim that it is biblical. If you don't believe me, translate Galatians where three verses might be only one sentence. Don't blame me, blame Paul! I love our victimized society.
And, just so you know, I won't subject you to lengthy posts on my readings or studies. I have another blog I started and will post some observations there and link them for all interested.
Besides, anyone who has been the recipient of an email from Shannon (especially those poor souls who are still on dial-up) know that Shannon will be flooding this site with a veritable portfolio of mini-models, hams, and adorables. When will I have the ability to blog here, anyway? :-)
And, don't get used to this look. My parents remember what my room looked like until I started dating Shannon, and how they suddenly they were no longer ashamed if I left my door open. Give Shannon a decent web designer and she'll go nuts (husband resists the temptation to comment...realizes he has to eat and sleep sometime).
Ok, I have waxed long on profound nonsense, so I'll stop. I hope you all enjoy our site. And, feel free to comment.
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