A Little Something About Time

I wrote this over two years ago, and never knew then how real the underlying statement of it would be to me now, so I decided to post it here.

"A Little Something about Time"

It's all in due time; these things, hopes and dreams that we all wait to come true. Dreams of being rich, having it all, or doing more in life than just getting by. But time is an endurance run, a marathon, and you are always coming in a close second.

For some, time is just a unit of measure. We count down the minutes until we are off work or out of school. People counting down the hours they have been on the road, yet they are not even close to being home. We count the seconds as we near the end of our lives, and count the days being served in sentences.

Time is a beast that we are all a slave to. We try to do everything "in due time", yet time devours us without a second thought and before we can count the time it takes to do it. Time, is on nobody's side. In a world where time flies by and life never stops,  nobody stops to stand in awe of the moments that make time stand still. We live our lives by the watch, all the while the clock of life keeps ticking away. We are none the wiser to realize it is ticking faster and faster and our watches are useless. One day, mankind will figure it all out, but perhaps, just maybe, it's all in due time.

John T

My Children, My Dearest

I wish for you, my children, my dearest, a lifetime of love, and eternity of happiness.

I wish for you the best life has to offer, and the best life I can give.

I wish for you, my children, my dearest, all the riches of the heart and soul.

You'll never know how much I watch you, observe you, and study you.

You'll never know how much I envy you sometimes, and how I admire you.

You'll  never know how much I know you and how little you know this fact.

I know your faces. I know your smiles, and your frowns.

I know your happy from your sad. Your angry from your hurt.

I know your dances and your motions.

I know your love for each other, brilliant and true.

I know your thirst for affection, and your hunger for life.

I can read your minds and your hearts

I can feel your vibrant spirits and young souls.

I can see your feelings through your eyes and I love them all.

Never have I loved anyone the way I love you.

Never have I adored a human being the way I adore you.

Never could I dream of the feelings you bring to my life.

Never would I have imagined such perfect love.

You, my childen,  are the reason I breathe.

You , my dearest, are the reasons I hope and I dream.

You are the ones who make me be my best when I feel I am my worst.

You are my children, my dearest, my pride and my joy.

I will always put you first, my children, my dearest.

I will always there when you need me to be, want me to be, or ask me to be.

I will always care for you, nurture you, and guide you.

I will always love you with infallible love. With unbreakable, steadfast, incalculable love.

My children, my dearest, when my life comes to an end, remember I always loved you.

My children, my dearest, never forget who you are, and who's you are.

My children, my dearest, the world is your stage. Take it by storm

My children, my dearest.

Written in humble adoration, and unsilenced love,

Your father

Letter to Marlee: Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

To My Precious Marlee:

Today, you turn 1 year old. Now, I know that the number one is a very small number, but to your daddy, this is a big occasion. One year ago today, our family, and my heart became whole. The piece of the puzzle that I had waited 9 long months for, was brought into light and her screams filled my heart with cheer and my eyes with tears.

I will never forget the way I felt the first time I held you, the first time I kissed you, and the first time I gazed into your beautiful blue eyes. I will never forget the gladness that swelled up inside me to the point I thought my body would explode. (not to mention the first time I felt the fear of "OH MY GOSH SHE WILL BE A TEEN ONE DAY)

It has been such a joy and an honor to watch the miracle that is life once again over this last year. Watching you go from the infant that slept in my arms, to the little girl I'm always chasing around, pulling off the bottom stair, the cabinets, the chairs, your brother. The time has gone by so fast, and every minute that seems to have just slipped away, has not slipped away unnoticed.

You have my heart, and my promise; the promise to protect you, provide for you, and be your shoulder to cry on. You have my soul and my will, that no matter how hard it may seem, that I will always press forward, and be the best father I can be, because you deserve it.

You may never read these words, and that's okay; and right now are too young to understand. But always know this: Daddy will always love you, and always be here for you. You are MY daughter, and that is something that nothing, or nobody, can ever change.

I love you baby girl!

With adoration,
Daddy

"I know a girl

She puts the color inside of my world
But she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls are continually changed
And I've done all I can
To stand on her steps with my heart in my hands"

"Daughters" by John Mayer

My First Book Review: "Faith of a Child" by Stefan Lanfer

There are a lot of parenting books out there. I mean, TONS of them. From faith based to sheer comical genious, each with its own approach when it comes to handling the ever changing, ever more difficult subject of parenting. There are so many to choose from that just looking at the rows of them in most bookstores is enough to send any new or soon-to-be dad into a black hole of "OH MY GOSH, WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?!?!"

So what IS a man to do? What's a soon-to-be or brand new dad supposed to do? Most the books are geared towards women, or they are repeats of the other 10,936 books you have already read. Your mind is racing and heart is pounding at this point, grasping for any sense of reality in these books that might just hit that "A-HA" switch to put you at ease. So you ask yourself, "Which one of these books is going to do it for me?"

Past, Present, and High School Reunions

It's funny how quickly history becomes just that: history. I always liked the part in Lion King (watching it a million times with Caleb) where the baboon hits Simba on the head and when Simba asks him what he did it for he says "it does not matter, it's in the past". The instant after events happen or words are spoken or written, they become the past, and in a lot of ways, are no longer a part of our lives.

I started thinking about this as I was reading a blog post by an old high school friend of mine, Marc. In his post he talks about the upcoming reunion of our senior class next year. He'll never know how much the post had an impact on me last night as I started thinking about a certain day where I have probably not actually had a whole conversation with Marc since this day, 9 years ago.

Motherhood Madness Monday: Guest Post by Cynthia

As we dad's know, and have probably heard a thousand times from our spouses, mom's have a lot more stress from parenthood than we do. If you don't know this yet, then just ask any mom.

Motherhood Madness Monday is for moms to share their thoughts and feelings on certain subjects that relate to momhood. Being a dad, I obviously cannot give these words of wisdom and advice, or share the feelings of being a mom. So once a week I will ask a mom to guest post on a certain topic to give everyone the mom's eye view.

This week I asked Cynthia, 22 year old mother of a 3 year old with one on the way, to share with us her biggest fears and biggest dreams for her children. Thank you so much, Cynthia, for sharing with us.

Balancing Jobs and Kids: Guest Post by my Dad

Growing up, I can remember my dad being gone for days on business trips, being called in at 4am and not coming home for at least 24 hours. Constant phone calls and e-mail checking, late nights and early mornings. But all of that is greatly over powered by the other memories I have of my dad: Punk rock concerts in Charlotte  and Columbia, overnight trip to Charleston; driving lessons (and some scares for him), teaching me how to ride a bike in the high school parking lot. But most of all, that my dad was a provider, and a good one at that. No matter what the job called for, my dad had a higher calling to answer, and that was to be "Dad" and to provide. Thank you dad for everything you did for our family, and thank you for sharing this post.

Letter to Caleb: Happy Birthday Son!

TO MY SON ON HIS BIRTHDAY:

The day you were born was one of the proudest days of my life. To see you for the first time, hold you for the first time, give you your first "nosey" and tell you I love you for the first time. It was such an incredible feeling. I was now a daddy. And you were my son. My beautiful, wonderful, wide eyed son.

I remember that day very vividly. I remember the sights, the sounds, the smells, the wonderment of that day. I remember holding your mommy's hand as you were being born, and I was overcome. I felt such joy, such happiness, such excitement. There you were, my baby boy.


I remember the very first time you were put into my arms. I was so scared because you looked so fragile. But they laid you in my arms, and I felt you breathing, and felt your heart beat as I held you tight, and I knew I would never be the same.

It has been such a joy to watch you grow these last three years. From an infant who couldn't do anything but cry, eat, poop, and sleep; and now into a little boy who could do anything he put his mind to. From a mind that only knew so little, to a mind with such a vast imagination, full of amazing things still not known to your mother and I. A creativity that could only be yours, and a passion for life that can only be that of a child.
I love you my son. I have always, and will always love you. From the first time I layed my eyes on you, till the moment I take my last breath, my love for you, as your father, will always be strong, always be pure, and always be yours; and I will always be here for you whenever you need me. All you have to do is call for daddy, and I will be there.

In love, and adoration:
Daddy

Dancing with my Daughter: A Vid-Text Blog

Wordless Wednesday: B-Day Bash 2010

Fatherhood Friday - Faith Like A Child

"They say that I can move the mountains. And send them crashing into the sea. They say that I can walk on water. If I would follow and believe, with faith like a child" - Jars of Clay

Awesome lyrics as I think about the subject of today's post.  Faith like a child. You know, it never ceases to amaze me, the mind of a child that is. How the world is so open and full of new ideas and incalculable possibilities. Somewhere in the course of life we lose that ability to just walk with blind faith and unshakable ambition.


The photo above makes me think about this as it is my niece and my son looking out over Lake Murray in Lexington, SC. These two children have no fear about life and a passion for living that has no way to be explained in adult terms. They have a faith that cannot be broken and a hope that cannot be smashed.

Why is it that we lose this faith as we grow older. Sure, we know more about the dangers, uncertainties, and realities of the world as we grow, but why does this shake our faith down to it's foundation? Do we lose the ability to have this kind of faith? Do we lose the recognition of this faith?

Children all over the world, poor, rich, white, black, disabled, fully able, children everywhere, no matter the background, have a faith of the world that is to be admired, and in all honesty, something to be jealous of. Many children as they grow older will say "Daddy, I wanna be just like you" or "I'm going to be an astronaut when I grow up." We will say "okay, you be an astronaut" or "thank you for saying that." But do we believe like they do that these things are possible? If not, then why don't we?

I know this post seems more like a pointless ramble about stuff, but really, take a study of your children. Study how blindly they will follow you and believe everything you say. Watch as the hairbrush becomes a microphone to start the singing career they believe they will have when they grow up. Watch, in their eyes, this faith that allows them to greet each day with no fear, no animosities, and no worries. It is an amazing thing to behold and be inspired by. Where is our faith? Where is our childlike sense that will allow us to go out, dream, and believe that anything is possible with just a little faith?

"They say that I can walk on water. If I will follow and believe, with faith like a child"

Quick Q&A with Bruce Sallan

So I had been playing around with a few ideas for the blog, some different things to do other than my normal posts, and decided it would be awesome to do a few Q&A posts with figures in the world of parenting. It was with no question that as I was reading through some of his writings, that Bruce Sallan would be the first person I asked to take part.

Bruce, a former television producer and executive, is now a SAHD with quite a remarkable career going with his column "A Dad's Point of View", other writings carried on several websites, and the launch today of his radio show. He is available for coaching and speaking engagements, as a dad passionate about being a dad and helping others to become the best parents they can be.

Thank you so much for answering Bruce, and we look forward to your radio show live launch today! Now, without anymore waiting: Q&A with Bruce Sallan

Almost Wordless Wednesday - Four Generations of Proud Fatherhood

Below are two sets of photos. In these two sets are four generations of direct father/son relations. The first set was taken in 1994 and the second in 2007. I am honored to have been present in both and to have been around for the great stories and wise words from all the men in the two photos. My great grandfather and papa are no longer with us, but their love of family and conviction to do whatever it took to take care of their families will never be forgotten.

Left to right: My Papa Bo, My Great Grandfather James "Jim", Me, My Father

First Row: My Papa Bo, and Caleb

Second Row: Me, My Father

Honesty is the Best Policy

Okay so almost 2 weeks ago I was tagged by @tessasdad to post "10 honest things about me". I just came across that post (sorry it took me so long) in trying to catch up with the blogs I read. I really need to get the rss feeds sent to my computer that way I never miss a single one. Anyway, the principle of it is to write 10 honest statements about yourself then tag 10 other people to do it. So here we go: 10 Honest Statements about Myself


1. I am heavily addicted to caffeine. For a few years I have struggled with the use and abuse of caffeine pills. I found that as the years have started to take a toll on my health that it was time to give up the 1200mg a day habit. I haven't taken or abused a caffeine pill for 3 days as of right now. Coffee has been the only source of caffeine, and I am working to lower my intake of it as well.

2. I am very, VERY stubborn and have a hard time admitting when I am wrong. This has been an issue for a long long time. I don't like to admit when I am wrong. It is something I struggle with and try daily to improve, although my stubbornness even gets in my own way sometimes.

3. I met my wife in a Yahoo! chat room. That's right. We met online in January of 2005. We talked on the phone that very same night. 4 months later, I packed up and left my home of 22 years for a place I had never seen on a map, and a girl I had never met face to face. A year and 2 months after that, she would become my wife and the future mother to my 2 wonderful children.

4. My biggest fear when I became a father was that my children would not love me and that I would not be able to provide for them. I was scared to death my children wouldn't love me back and that I would not be able to provide for them. Times have been rough every now and then, but I have made sure my children are never without. I would go hungry before they go without.

5. Much to my mother's dismay, I am the one who taught Caleb how to make poot noises and to announce to us "Daddy I FARTED!!!" whenever he breaks wind. What can I say, boys will be boys, and I have the ability to de-evolve back to the mind of a 3 year old. Boys rule!

6. I dropped out of college twice. First time was a medical withdrawal after being treated for depression my freshman year. Second time was because I was young and stupid, and figured working and having money was more important.

7. I am probably one of the biggest Stretch Arm Strong fans there is. No, not the toy, the band. A hardcore punk band from the 803. David Sease, one of the SAS guitarist was twice my US History teacher in high school. Their lyrics have served as strong support in my life since I was in high school, and to this day I still run songs through my head when feeling down or lacking self worth.

8. I am a 5 star chef in my own kitchen. Most people think that since I work in the food service industry that I would not want to do anything like that at home. Truth is, my passion for cooking is the reason I hav ebeen in food service as long as I have. I just naturally migrate to it. I love trying new things in the kitchen, and have considered setting up a small blog with recipes that I create here at home.

9. It took all the way up until I was 22 to finally come out of my shell and not be shy. I used to have a major fear of starting a new job, or really just being anywhere I didn't know people. I had a hard time opening up and just letting it all hang out. It wasn't until after I was released from an inpatient rehabilitation program and started working again that I had the confidence to just be me and go out and face the world with open arms. And I think I can thank the programs I went through around that time and my family who accepted the new "clean" me with the same open arms they had for me all along.

10. This is one of the hardest things I have ever done lol! no seriously, to sit down and think of 10 truths to tell people that don't know that much about me is really hard to do. But liberating to, just to put it out there and let it be what it is.

Now for the fun part, it's MY turn to tag some people. I'm sure some of you listed below have already done this or been tagged, but I'm new in the blogging world so it is bound to happen. Now let's see hmmm....

nuckingfutsmama

1_CRAZY_mama

WhyIsDaddyCryin

NewYorkDad

BusyDadE

TheJackB

freckleface66

MommyCussAlot

howefitz

TheAngelForever

Motherhood Madness!!!

Okay, so in trying to branch out and do different things here on the blog and on the Facebook page, I decided that I would start posting periodically and direct it more towards the mom readers of the blog. From time to time I will be asking moms to submit a little something for the blog, based on a certain topic.

You know, when I first found out that my wife was pregnant for the first time, I didn't know what to think. I was overjoyed and extremely excited, yet at the same time I was so afraid and so worried. I had been around kids before, but never had such the responsibility of raising a child. It almost drove me crazy some days thinking about everything from "Will this child love me back?" to "Oh my gosh, what if it poops the black stuff out on the first poopie diaper change and it's my turn to do it?!?" Many things ran through my mind.

Well, turns out dads aren't alone in this by a long shot. Perhaps, even, moms have more and stronger fears and anxieties about it than many dads combines. I asked some mothers to share their biggest fear when first finding out they were going to be a mommy. Here's what a few of them had to say. Thank you ladies for sharing a little bit of the Mommy Madness with us!




LadyLiberal - Biggest fear for me was not bonding w/girl out of fear of losing her. We lost 1st baby 21 weeks into pregnancy. - Life, Liberty, and Vodka Tonics

MamaRocksReno - Definitely the biggest fear I faced was once I got the baby home from the hospital. I had a total irrational fear that someone was just going to come in and say, nope your not qualified we are just going to take her with us now.  It was so surreal to just bring the baby home without a parent handbook stating all the the things we need to do as parents.  Its just such a life changing event and once I became a mom and settled into the roll, my fears were erased and I realized I was MADE FOR THIS!! Being a mom is the single most important thing in my life and nothing I do in my life will have ever been more important than raising my 3 children and making sure they are ready for this ever changing world


Amber - my biggest fear is looseing my children or them getting hurt...


My Mother - What was my biggest concern when I found out I was going to have a baby? It wasn't how to take care of a baby -I had been around babies all my life. I knew how to feed, bathe, and clothe a little one. It wasn't whether I would love a baby enough. I knew our home was filled with love, and each new family addition would only multiply that feeling. No, my concerns were in altogether different areas...

As a Christian Mom, my first priority was to make sure my children would know who God was from an early age, and that they would each see and feel God's love in our home. Was I perfect at it? Not by a long shot! But I did my best to put God in front of them each and every day, and I did (and still do!) spend a lot of time on my knees, asking God to bless them and protect them and draw them close to Him.

Secondly, I wanted to prepare them for the world they would face as they became adults. I wanted my children to find their place in the world, to find a spouse to share their lives with, both joys and fears, happiness and sadness, for better or for worse - well, you get the picture. I wanted for them to find the work God planned for them, knowing they would never be truly happy if they did anything else. I wanted to teach them to look forward, beyond the here-and-now, to how their actions and decisions would affect future generations; to understand that the example they show their children now will likely be the example their grandchildren and great-grandchildren will see.

My children are grown now, with children of their own. I don't know if all my "lessons" got through to them or not - I suspect some did, and others, not so much. But I know that I love them with all my heart, and my grandchildren are the treasures of my heart. I know that I will continue to try to impart these same truths to my grandchildren, and I pray that somehow my family will be better for that, many, many years down the road

@Tilga - When I first saw that positive pregnancy test, I was 20 yrs old and had been married for 3 whole days to a man I'd known all of 6 wks. We'd already been accused of getting married because we were pregnant. That's not why we got married. We were young and stupid and thought love was enough to go ahead with marriage. Well, I was young. He was 27. He was just dumb! I literally freaked out when I saw that BFP (big fat positive)! 

My sister was born when I was just a few months shy of turning 14, so I'd taken care of a baby before. I was comfortable, if not confident, in my abilities as a care giver. That was not my concern.
We'd JUST gotten married and could barely afford to even BE married. And now we were bringing a life into the mix?! My biggest fear at that exact moment was lack of money.  Then, the humility of all those people accusing us of getting married bc of pregnancy and me denying it?! Well, turns out I WAS preg. They'd all think me a liar! Oh... And we lived in a 2-room efficiency apt downtown that we couldn't afford. Where would we put a baby?  And the cocaine and LSD we'd done over the past few weeks, celebrating New Years' and our wedding..?  The list of fears grew and grew.

Dad did a better job of calming me than anyone, reminding me that my sister wasn't expected but was so utterly loved and the joy she'd brought to our lives.. At that point she was only 7 & Mom still had most of her things. So, while we got all non-girly hand-me-downs & were pretty much covered in baby gear, we needed to move.
And the better I got to know my new husband, the more miserable I was. He was a spiteful, emotionally abusive, manipulative man. My monetary concerns were overshadowed by a deep sadness and fears of my mental and physical health and safety & that of my unborn child.

A friend helped me move our stuff to a 2 bedroom apartment. Of course, my husband didn't lift a finger. Not even to pack. This was not how I'd pictured my life would go while expecting my first child.
Things went quickly from bad to worse.  All those Lifetime movies where the woman won't leave or she let's him back in? I lived that. I didn't have black eyes, but bruises that were easily covered by clothing. The joy my baby brought me helped my breaking heart. He even seemed to know in the womb when I was upset. He'd kick more when I was crying than any other time, as if to comfort me. "I'm here, Mommy! I love you!". His kicks and gymnastics in-utero kept me going, kept me strong.

I now know I was deeply depressed during that time. And until he was well into his toddler years.
We went through alot, the two of us. I was able to free myself from his father shortly after his first birthday. The "slim" years began then. Until he was 2, I never knew when I'd get food again and quickly learned I could feed him a Kids' Cuisine microwave meal every day (twice on the weekends) while I survived on free coffee from work, some cigarettes (which were about $1.25/pack back then), and a 12 pk of beer per week (1-2 each night made me forget I was hungry)...  When things were very bad, a friend would show up with arm loads of groceries, out of nowhere.
I don't think he's completely unscathed by the things he saw between me and his father that first year of his life... He's still super protective of me and can't stand for me to be sad or hurt or to not feel well. He will flip out & try to take care of me.

But we are close and had great times playing peek-a-boo and dancing on the coffee table on Saturday nights and taking long walks around the apartment complex at dusk.
My initial fear was money. We didn't have much, but we had each other. And we made it. Whatever your beliefs, I believe God saw to it that we were provided for. Him working in mysterious ways and all.
There is a (mostly) happy ending.  My first-born will be 11 this fall, shortly after I celebrate 5 yrs of marriage to his stepdad, a wonderful (if not slightly obssessed with video games) man. We also have custody of my stepdaughter (she will be 12 at the end of the summer) and we just welcomed his half-brother into this world November 2009.
Our relationship will never be the same as mine with his baby brother or even his stepsister. Not after our journey.

From sitting at that 30 yr old table in our run-down efficiency apartment, wondering how I'll provide for this child, to being a stay-at-home mom to him and 2 others.. We've come a long way, baby.
And while we still have to worry about money, we will never again have to worry about our safety, security, health or welfare.

A Letter to my Mommy

To my mom:
From day one, you were always there. You held me with your love, and comforted me with your kind and humble spirit. Through the good times, the bad times, the rough times, you were always there. You guided me with your heart, and embraced me in your soul. You were always there to be a friend when I was lonely and to be a teacher when I was uncertain.

For 27 years you have offered me guidance, words of truth, words of motherly love and concern. None of the words have gone unheard. You have always been a guiding force of truth in my life and for that I am eternally grateful.

We've had a lot of great times these last 27 years. From birthday and Christmas parties in elementary school, to Orlando and yelling "I love baked beans!" at Steak and Shakes all over. Games of Phase 10 and round table discussions that flew off the map due to both us being slightly on the ADD side lol. Family vacations, church youth trips, and band trips we shared times together. Watching Heidi chase an oatmeal cream pie across the dining room and trying to rescue socks from her lock-tight jaws.

You have taught me about the value of family, and that life is not always easy. You have been there when I stumbled, and been there when I fell flat on my face. You have been there during my greatest triumphs, and my lowest points in life.

I am very proud to be able to call you my mother, and that it is a fact that can never be changed. I praise God everyday for you, and pray for His protection over you. I share stories with friends and family and of lessons you have taught me along my way.

I love you, Mom, and you will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me, and for everything you mean to me. I hope you have the greatest Mother's Day ever this year.

In love and admiration,
The Nimrod

The Old Man (A DaddyYo Shorty)

This is where the old man used to sit. Every evening as the sun started to recede behind the mountains. it was his favorite chair and his favorite glass. It was his favorite time of day as the air was cooling, the tree frogs were waking up, and the mountains were aglow with the setting sun behind them.

This is where they gather. The old man's children. Once a year they gather here. They share stories of their father, a man of value, a man of principle, a man of his family. They tell their fondest memories and the words their father used to share with them. 

Here they remember the man who forever shaped their lives. The man who carried them, cared for them, guided them, and inspired them. They remember a time when they had not a care in the world, and that man was their superman. They didn't need the finer things in life, just their hero.

They remember his words of wisdom. The words of truth, spoken to them in the voice of a dads love. They remember why it is they still gather here. They eldest son recalls his father's greatest teaching during every gathering. He tells them of his father's saying "this house is old, it's rusting and peeling. It's cracked and worn. But my heart is full, it is strong, and it is yours forever. A man's love for his family far exceeds the boundaries of his dwelling place."

They remember their times when money was short, the days were long and the nights were restless. They remember a man who left home at 6:00 every morning, and would not return until 8:00 at night. They recall their dad's love for them and his dedication to always doing his best for them.

The house sits barren now, remaining untouched for many years. Their their father was long gone and the children had all moved on. It was only this time of year that they can all get together, and so they do. They gather outside on the lawn, picnic lunch, and just remember.

And in this way the old man lives forever. In the hearts, the minds, the memories, and the stories. His iron will and unshakable dedication to his family is remembered for generations. Out in front of the house. The old, tattered, rusting and peeling house. In view of the chair. It was the old man's favorite chair, where he sat and watched the sun go down behind the mountains. 

To the Children of the World: From, Dad

You are the light of the world! You are the present and the future. You are our hopes and dreams, our inspiration and our lives. You are the reason we do what we do and why we never give up.

You are our reminder of what life is about. You are our comfort in times of sorrow without even knowing. You are the source of much joy in times when it seems there is not much left to take joy in. You bring new life into those who who see life as fleeting, dark, and desolate.

You are the many blessings of many people, and the answers to many prayers. You are the angels that our placed into our lives. You are the love that burns within us, and melts our hearts in infinite ways. You are the very breath we take.

Children of the world, you are OUR world. We, the dads, who care for you, cherish you, and infinitesimally love you, we thank you for being the light of our worlds. We are blessed to have you in our lives, and the world is blessed for each one of you even from the moment of birth. We promise to always be here for you, to guide you and support you. To be your strength as you are to us. To be your joy in times of your sadness. We promise to keep our heads high, do what we do, and keep pressing forward for you. You are the children of the world. We are the dads. And we love you!

Love,
Dad

Wordless Wednesday #2

The ABC's of my Children

Absolutely amazing


Breathtakingly beautiful


Charmingly capricious 


Delightfully debonair


Especially Energetic


Flawlessly fearless


Gloriously gifted



Hilariously hyper


Irresistibly imaginative 


Joyously jazzy


Knowingly kindhearted 


Ludicrously loved


Mysteriously majestic


Needlessly Noisy


Oddly observant 


Permissibly persistent 


Quaintly quixotic 


Rightfully  rambunctious 


Splendidly silly


Typically tiresome


Unequivocally  Unique


Vividly vivacious


Wildly whimsical


Xtremely xenodochial


Youthfully yappy


Zany (couldn't find another word lol)

Blogging with my 3yo

So this morning I have been trying to think of a new post topic ... hold on .....Okay I pushed the blue button and made it black. Where was I? Oh yes, trying to think of a new post topic. It's Monday so ... Yes Caleb I see the bees .... It's mond.... stop touching the laptop and get your finger off the screen .... It's okay I love you.... Monday is a bad day for me to .. Caleb I can't see ... bad day for me  try to write anyway cause the weekend at work has me just stupid in the head come monday morning. nsdihgudnkdgd.. . Caleb I said don't touch it!!! Now there are cheesies all over the screen.

This morning has been particularly challenging as my 3yo son has decided that this morning he would tell me about anything and everything under the sun. From Bee Movie, to "Where's mommy and Marlee?" to I FARTED!! Everything going on in his life this morning is going on in my ears. ... I can't do black Caleb, that button doesn't work anymore. You broke it remember?

I told @NewYorkDad earlier it's one of those moments in dadhood that while slightly irritating, it is just too darn cute. Usually Caleb just wants me to play ball or get him something to eat. Marlee is the daddy's girl and is always wanting my undivided attention. 

So this morning, mom takes sissy out shopping and it's guys day in at the house. Love having guy time with Caleb cause we get to be loud and do guy stuff over the top. Tackling, breaking wind, throwing balls as hard as we can without any regard to anything else in the house, and eating junk food that mommy would usually not allow this close to nap time. 

This morning however he is particularly interested in me almost inexplicably. Wanting to know what I'm doing, am I okay, sad, happy, immune (don't know why he wants to know that). Such a great joy to know that even when it seems like I exist only as a playmate, my son still has great interest in me and wants to learn about what I am always doing. I taught him the word blogging this morning in fact. 

I am always glad for the alone time I get with each child because it's those times that they let me know that I am more than just a waiter, chauffeur, and bathroom attendant. I am their Daddy and they love me for it!