I am always busy, but I would love to add you to my Blog Roll. I can list you or if you send me a image or logo that is 155 x 40 Pixels I will add that with the link.
You know I must be busy if I can not find the time to blog. The last couple weeks have been a complete blur and a true test of my sanity. With all the Spring yard work and of course the list of projects it is making it difficult to get even the simplest things done. I had hoped to get more stuff done during the week, but the baby has only been napping thirty minutes at a time. This makes it difficult to get even the simplest things done since lately he has been extra clingy. Combine that with a three year old full into the “Terrible Threes” yes terrible three’s not two’s I am actually finding that at this point I am getting overwhelmed. Everything keeps pilling up, but even when I get one thing done two others are added to the pile. The biggest project is entering weekend number three, but is looking great. I spent 12 hours working on the swing set this past Saturday with the help of a good friend for about half that. Thanks Mr Handy Andy… I will be taking some pictures today and then this weekend to have a full article written on the building of the Swing Set. Yesterday I was able to add two of the swings which made the older boys really happy!
3 Year Old Not Listening…
Don’t get me wrong for the most part he is very well behaved. I can take him places without fear of him being a tyrant. When he gets tired however he has started to not listen and do the strangest things and he is tired a lot lately. He has never been a good sleeper and still rarely makes it through the night and is typically up by 6:00am. Combine this and a desire for attention and we have situations where his needs cross the babies needs and the world comes crashing down. So we are working on being patient, but this is trying my patients as well.
7 Year Old Skin Care…
7yo has major Eczema and we had another dermatologist appointment yesterday. First with the new Doctor and she is really nice. Actually the entire office is very friendly and polite. So now we have piles of lotions to go on 7yo in an attempt to push back a major flare up.
Tonight was my final workshop for being certified as an ESL tutor. I have one more night in a classroom then I am officially a tutor. I will then wait to be placed with the appropriate student. It has been a learning experience and I look forward to working with a student soon. It may take a little while since the classes end next Wednesday and do not start up again for a month. I have also been contacted to do some Internet work for the Volunteer center. They want to do some social networking so I will be assisting with the different websites. I have a Myspace, Facebook, Cre8buzz and a few others… This is something I already do, plus the blog… So I will be able to add the content they want anytime…
One of the Moms!
Yesterday after preschool a bunch of the moms invited me and my son to go play at a park down the street. We normally hang out at the preschool park which is next to the village hall. We yesterday we went to the big park. The kids had a blast and baby was really happy getting so much attention. A bunch picked up from the local Golden Arches and the kids played for 2 hours. Baby was so excited and actually fell asleep in one moms arms. Once we were there it was a fight to hold the baby first… When 3.5 yo was born and 7.5yo was in preschool only one mom made direct contact with me and became friends. Here a whole bunch have become friends… We are even planning some play dates for the summer as well as group play dates and park outings…
At Home Dad Playdate
Another At Home Dad is coming by tomorrow. We are getting the kids together and then going through the old lumber from our old fort. He is building a tree fort and I told him he could have any of the wood from the old fort. Looking forward to spending some time with another SAHD…
The 5
The Golden Compass DVD - Have that to watch. Looking forward to just seeing the Bears…
The Golden Compass Audio Book - Next up from the Library.
Star Wars Legacy Series - Started on the first Audio Book and have to say it is just ok so far. the book has yet to grab me.
Speed Racer - Need to take the boys to see that. Probably in a couple weeks. Busy Schedule right now.
Well I have been away from blogging for a few days due to life catching up to me and running me down then backing over me to finish the job.
Friday…
Friday was just another long day and I was not in the mood to write about anything. 7yo had a 1/2 day at school and I needed to drop by a “Sample” to the doctor in the early afternoon. (see V is for Vasectomy Pts I, II, III, IV) After stopping there the boys and I did some shopping and then stopped by my folks for a bathroom break. We arrived home not too long before the wife so we were tired. I “Passed” the test with the “Sample” BTW.
Saturday… Rummage Sale Ready
There is a very large rummage sale in a town near us that is rather well to do. The sale has been going on for years and so the wife and I decided to take a look. We got up early and dropped the kids off at my parents house at 8:00am so we would not have to worry about them. The weather started out nice and when we arrived at 8:30 it was crowded. We went our separate ways and looked for stuff. During my travels I picked up a race track for 3yo, a box of 9 games (Chess, checkers…) for 7yo, a cool Poker Chip Case with chips for me, Christmas Lights and last but not least the Monkey Bar Kit for the swing set I am building. I paid $3.00 for it, but paid $20.00 for the one at Home Depot. I decided to get it and keep both allowing me to create a few additional things for the fort. The wife was meeting her sister there so when we separated she met up with her and found a ton of cloths for the boys.
Saturday Night…
The wife went with her sisters to an “Event” with silent auctions and prize gambling for the night. The boys and I got to have some fun, but all night the three of them complained that mom was gone. The wife had a great time and ended up winning a gift card.
Sunday Construction…
Sunday was construction day for the fort. I began working on it at 8:00am and my Dad, a couple friends and a BIL came to help the best they could. We worked hard and I had help at different times all day. The fort is pretty darn cool and the construction is solid. I just wish we could have gotten a little more done, but even after all day it looks like we did very little. By the time night rolled around I was too tired to do anything but sleep.
The 5
Construction - The construction is not too difficult, but really time consuming. I really can not wait until it is complete.
ESL India - Two new students joined the class I have been volunteering with. They are from India.
Sun Burnt - Of course my Scottish/Irish skin burnt. Top of the head and my neck.
Second Round - Next weekend I will be working more on the Swing Set and Fort. I can not wait to see the final fort done.
Well I have finally begun to make some changes to the blog. I have added a couple new pages on the top. See the Links and Video Tabs. I have added a bunch of videos, but the link page is still in the works. Soon I might have a few more things set up the way I want…
Daily Picture: “NEXT” Current Audio Book borrowed from the Library…
My current listen is Michael Crichton’s NEXT. I have actually found a character that has quickly become a favorite, Gerrard the Trans-Genic Parrot.
The morning did not start out as smoothly as it did yesterday. Today I woke and was rather cranky to start. I did not sleep as well as I should of and I just felt tired. The baby was up early, but had a great time hanging with mom while she got ready. 3yo got up way too early and quickly started complaining about not feeling well. After I 7yo got on the bus 3yo spent the rest of the morning whining about not feeling well and no matter what I did or offered to do he was over the top in complaining. I tried to get him to nap with no success and we finally just took a walk and ended up stopping at the local 7-11 and got him a sucker. This at least kept him quiet for the return walk. By the days end I was and the end of my rope with him, but luckily mom was home now taking the brunt of it. I would have been volunteering tonight, but with 3yo sick and 7yo going to soccer on had to stay and one had to go. So I took 7yo to Soccer.
The Return of the Laundry Monster…
I think I have mentioned this before, laundry is pure EVIL!!! I did all the laundry and put away a backlog or laundry, but I feel tomorrow it might try to attack again.
The 5
Audio books - I have been focusing on this because of how much I enjoy the books. I really do not have the time to read, and when I do I am way to tired. The audio books allow me to listen while doing housework, working or even yard work.
The Hobbit - Sir Ian McKellen is back and Guillermo del Toro is directing with Peter Jackson Producing and writing… Exciting…
Star Wars Clone Wars - This Summer will mark the release of the New Clone Wars TV show. Starting with a two hour movie released in theaters. See the TRAILER HERE…
Looking For New Book Obsession - Currently I am looking for a new book obsession. The Legacy of the Force series and the Ender’s Game series are on the list… Still looking for the one new series. Also waiting for “The Stand” to be available on audio book.
Dead iPod Wall Charger - I have or should I say HAD a wall charger for my ipod which I used when I traveled or when I just did not want to sync. Well the other day in a puff of smoke it died… Before vacation this summer I will have to find a way to charge it. Might need to bring wifes laptop to the cabin…
Daily Picture: More Cars Lined Up (3yo Lined up some cars out of the 400 he has that he could not identify where they came from. He then had me identify which were mine, which were 7yo and if I knew when he got the others)
For the most part many mornings involve the baby waking somewhere around 6:00am and the wife feeding him. Most times he goes back to sleep while the wife goes and gets ready for work. Well this morning he was not going back to sleep so he and I decided to get going early. I did my normal morning routine and then packed lunches and made a nice breakfast for the wife which was Scrambled Eggs, Turkey Bacon, Whole Wheat English Muffin and Orange Juice. The boys got a very typical Mini Chocolate Chip Pancake breakfast which they both asked for. Getting moving this morning allowed me to have a ton done before getting 7yo on the bus, but in the end I was a little more tired come this evening.
3yo’s Busy Day…
Tuesday 3yo has Pre-School which is always something he looks forward to. After his class we stayed at the park at school so he could play with his classmates. He spent 45 minutes running around, jumping, climbing and just being a boy. Once home he had lunch and then played at a neighbors for nearly 2 hours. After his major playtime his brother came home so the excitement increased again. Then on of 7yo’s friends came by and 3yo played with them in the backyard. I have a feeling he will sleep deeper then he has in a very long time. He went to bed without fighting and is out cold.
The Good Baby…
I have to admit and hope this does not jinx me, but the baby is a VERY good baby. Today he was all smiles and happy as can be. His only issues today were when I was unable to get his bottle ready in 2 seconds. Around 5:00pm he started to get fussy looking for mom. She was working a little late and so for 30 minutes I danced around the family room singing songs as they played loudly from my computer. The baby likes “The Monkees”, “The Beatles”, The Beach Boys” and “Bond.” I think he next exposure will be to a whole bunch of Simon and Garfunkel.
The 5
Milk and Gas - Both are about the same price, yet a gallon of cheap Beer is just about the same…
Three Floyds Oak Aged Dark Lord Russian Stout- Learned about this beer yesterday from the instructor of the ESL class I am volunteering at. He had sunburn and explained he was waiting in line for 6 bottles of this limited beer. $15.00 a piece. The real kicker is I guess this beer ages well. Hmmm I may have to try to get me some next year…
Book List - I am putting a list together of the books I have listened to on Audio and the ones I would like to listen to. The list is quickly becoming rather large. I wonder if I will ever have a chance to listen to all the books I want.
Poor Van - Well since I have a bunch of wood and tools piled up in the garage while I wait for the weather to give me a break for the Swing Set Build, the van sits outside. I just hope it does not hold a grudge.
Gassy Baby - While I waited at the Post Office the baby was in his carrier on the table. Riiiiiipppppp! He lets this monster Fart go that caused one person to turn quickly and another to laugh. It is funny when a baby does that, but if an adult we to let one go like that the looks would be pure evil.
Well I thought I would give a little time for my older brother today. He is a guitar teacher and has added some different video lessons online.
Dave has been playing and studying the guitar for twenty eight years. He is an alumnus of The Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, CA where he earned a certificate of completion in the Musician’s Institute’s guitar program. Dave has over 20 years of live experience, 15 years of teaching experience and has released two independent CD’s with the band Inner Sanctum who’s songs are available for download at iTunes , Rhapsody, eMusic, Napster,Groupie Tunes and Sony Connect. He has had songs played on the Johnny B Show on Chicago’s The Loop FM 97.9, Chicago’s Q101, Milwaukee’s Lazer 103 and Madison’s 94.1 WJJO. Additionally, Dave has appeared and performed on television on WGN’s Channel 9 news program “Around Town”, CBS Channel 2 program “Technogadgets” and ABC 7’s news program “The Best of Chicago Shopping”. He has opened or played with Michael Schenker, Molly Hatchet, Jackyl, Vince Neil, Big Wreck, Filter and Billy Sheehan. Dave has been on staff as a full time teacher at The Academy of Guitar and Bass for three years at The Music Gallery in Highland Park, IL and is a co-writer of the lesson material. Dave teaches all ages and is fluent in Rock, Heavy Metal, Country, Bluegrass, Jazz, Blues, and Fingerstyle playing. He also teaches Mandolin and Classical Guitar
So here is one video… Others can be found HERE on youtube as well as through his site at Guitar-Wiz
Daily Picture: Stack of Thank You notes from the English as a Second Language Students.
I have been getting officially certified to be a ESL Volunteer and tutor. For grant and funding purposes the local College is required to train and certify it’s volunteers. I am almost done and have one more 3 hour class to take two more nights or in class volunteering. Well tonight after class the instructor for the class gave me a stack of thank you notes from the students in the class I have already been helping. This was unexpected and really nice. Everyone truly wants to be there learning and really appreciate what the volunteers do. On May 7th I will officially finish my certification and be assigned a student to tutor and possibly be involved with some other classroom activities. My way to help give back to the community.
The 5 (ESL Edition)
Students - The students in the classes I have been volunteering in have been really nice. They are working hard to learn a language they did not know as a child.
Countries - In the class there are students from the Ukraine and Mexico. In another class I observed there were students from Asia and the Middle East.
Abilities - I actually think there are many kids fresh out of High School that would be hard pressed to get all the right answers in these classes.
Enjoyment - I have really enjoyed my time in these classes. To be able to use what I know to assist others is really nice.
Tutor - Soon I will be tutoring a couple hours a week. I am excited at the opportunity to make a bigger impact in someones life.
Time seems to pick up speed when the weekend comes, but there never seems to be enough time to get everything done. As with every weekend lately time is in short supply and I have plenty to do.
Friday Night Out!!!
We made plans with some friends to go out to dinner Friday night at a new local resturant. This was the first time the two of us have gone out just with friends and together in over a year. We both have done the dinners and lunches with friends and of course out with the kids, but this was the first time just with friends. We had a great time and ate way too much. The wife had the fish and I had the prime rib… Mmmm Two hours of time out was well spent. The Mother in Law watched the boys and when we got home at 8:20 we had expected the boys to still be up, not eaten and there toys out… Well MIL got them to bed ONTIME with out fuss, the boys ate dinner and even picked up their toys. When we came hoe to MIL sitting at the table grading papers and the boys sleeping we were in shock.
Saturday Parties…
I got up and moving quickly because we had plenty of things going on this weekend. I ran out to the store to get some grocery shopping in prior to a day running around to birthday parties. I got less, paid more and this keeps happening. When everything jumps in price just a little the bill gets bigger and bigger.
After the store it was time for 3yo and I to eat and get out to a party about 30 miles away. The party was two hours and at a really neat place with a play area and a Carasoel. Everyone had a good time and I met a few more At Home Dads. BONUS!!! While we were away 7yo went to a friends party and mom spent some time just with baby.
The plan for the rest of the day was to cut the lumber for the swing set. Well the weather was coming in looking very bad for Sunday so we canceled the plans to put up the swing set and instead did some yard work on Saturday. The plan would be during the poor weather get the lumber cut.
Sunday Disappointment
The weather was supposed to be really bad, but instead it was nice and sunny most of the day. After getting a little house stuff done in the morning I spent the day cutting lumber and switching places watching the baby as the wife tended to her landscape. It took me many hours of measuring, measuring, measuring, measuring, double checking, and cutting to get everything ready. Now I just have a few odds and ends to do and I can start pre-drilling holes and getting the frame sides assembled. By the end of the day I was rather tired and sore. I type this two steps from being ready to pass out.
The 5
Weather - The weather here is just plain stupid. 70’s then 30′, ran and the snow…
NFL Draft - The draft was this weekend… The countdown begins to the season…
CSI Miami - The Train wreck I can not seem to stop watching. The plots are silly, the acting subpar and my favorite Scientists always in gun battles. This is when my Tivo needs to protect me…
Eldest - Just finished the Audio Book and it was just OK. A few have mentioned how it was just OK, but I did have to listen to it. I found myself more interested in the cousins plot lines then Eragons…
NEXT - Michael Crichton’s book “Next” is up Next… (HaHa) Looking forward to it.
Well today was the day I needed to pick up the lumber and of course it had to rain. Mind you it only rained while I was loading the van in the outdoor lumberyard. The total time took me nearly 3 hours to make the trips, purchase, load and unload all the lumber. I had figured a bit less, but some of the lumber was considerable distance away on a second level. Also treated lumber is darn HEAVY!!! So now I have everything set in the garage and tomorrow I am getting the Compound Miter saw and table saw from my neighbor so I can make some good cuts. I am also taking full inventory of tools and parts so I make sure I have everything set for Sunday. Now I just have to hope the RAIN stays away. Having to put this off would be a real pain, plus I would have to keep hearing from 3yo what a bad daddy I am for taking down the old fort.
The 5
Pressure Treated Lumber - REALLY heavy, especially the 4×6x12′
Within Budget - The lumber actually came in under my original budget amount which is nice since I will still need stain, beer and pizza.
Tool Check - I need to make sure I have every tool, bit and piece accounted for before Sunday so that day we can focus on the build, not whats missing.
Lumber Cuts - I will be doing the basic cuts on Saturday so when I have all the help it will be one less thing to do. Any cut required to make a fit I will probably wait until the build.
The Wounds - Slivers, Bruises, Cuts and of course a bit of dirt and junk to make for a nice evening.
Daily Observation: Pressure Treated Lumber is Darn Heavy…
The 5 is my regular segment of 5 different topics to discuss in brief pointed terms. This can be organized by theme, associated with the post or just random brain farts...
