Another Outlet

Hi guys!

I really love the blogging format and the opportunity to write regularly. I also love talking about my son. By the response in viewership, it I appears you like reading about him! Don't you just love it when things come together?

If you know me outside of the blogosphere, then you know that I have some really strong opinions and beliefs but those have not always lined up with my actions. I've been struggling wit understanding my place in this world, who I am, and what it all means. Don't we all, right?

I've created a new blog entitled Letters From A Father. You should click the link to read the inaugural post. Along with the reasons listed in that post I am using it as a way to hold myself accountable. If I despise one thing above all others, it is a hypocrite. I don't want to be one anymore than I want to interact with them. In that vein, I hope we can all use that blog to learn something's about ourselves, take that inner change of mind and make it an outward change of action.

Another Day, Another Diaper isn't going anywhere! Where else can I talk about Carmen's poop and other funny quirks? Please head on over to the new blog. Bookmark it and tell your friends!

 

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Fran-tastic!

 

Fran-tastic!

This photo was taken tonight at United Local High School at their show choir night. The Struthers High School Starlight Singers under the direction of my wife performed their Spring show. They were wonderful as always but this is what I will remember.

I took the 50-minute, country road drive and surprised my wife with our the boy. I had been telling her for weeks that it was just too late to keep the boy out. I lied.

The lovely lady in this photo is Fran and she is the school bus driver who transported the SHS kids to the event. She has known my wife since she was little girl. Fran confiscated my child shortly after arrival. She looks so upset to be doing the feeding…wouldn't you agree?

The girl in the background is my niece, Ashley. She and my nephew, Tyler, came with us to support Angela and her kids. Ashley is in her school choir and has a lovely voice of her own. She recorded the whole show and apparently jumped up and down when she found out that she was attending tonight's show.

 

I am hoping to have something special for you guys tomorrow. I am going to a Christian rock concert with my dad and it promises to be intense.

 

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Why Do I Do It?

Someone asked me the other day why I stay at home with the baby instead of just sending him to daycare? My first inclination was to simply say “because I can” and be done with the conversation but those that know me know that I have never shied away from a verbal confrontation, whether explicit or implied. While the above response would have been correct, it does not tell the whole story. Nothing is ever that simple. Is it? The reality is far more complex.

I was pretty happy working as the Lead Teacher in a classroom of fourteen two-year olds. I got to supervise/gawk in amazement at three coworkers, create individualized lesson plans, and interact with parents on a daily basis. The pay really sucked (paid hourly just above minimum wage for a job requiring a four-year degree) but I the work is what I loved. Then Carmen came.

Starbucks makes him tired.

To send him to daycare would have cost more than half of my paycheck. Then there was the insurance that was going to start to be offered due to the new healthcare laws. That was going to eat the rest of my check. So, instead of working for little, I would have been working for nothing. I could do THAT from home and that is what I am doing.

In spite of the good times being had by the boy and I, I find myself wanting to be back in a supervisory role. Teaching is all about supervision and I got a taste and I loved it. Yes, one could argue that I supervise Carmen everyday but that isn't the same. That is why I am interviewing at a Starbucks in a couple hours.

I wrote previously about this interview and the specifications to which an outside job must meet in order to get me. Make no mistake, my job at home is full-time and anyone that thinks that it isn't can come talk to me and I'll let him know what's up. The fact of the matter is that I loathe people on most days. The isolation of being a stay at home parent makes one long for the interaction of big people though. I suppose that is why I'm doing it.

 

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The TRUE Beauty in My Life

The Boy and The Wife

This is just one of the photos taken this weekend by my friend Lauren Fry. She lives in Virginia but has family in the area. She makes regular trips my way and has become my go-to photographer when I need something to look good. If you are interested in her services, you can email her at lmfry2@liberty.edu.

It is amazing what Lauren can see in the chaos that is trying to photograph a three-month old. Carmen's eyes see right into you, don't they? What else can I say? I am not a picture person really. But if I get more like this one, then that could change quickly.

 

Thank you, Lauren.

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The Evolution of an Outing and the Benefits of Coffee

 

Mommy's home!!

Any parent knows that outings that used to be pick-up and go require much more planning once kids enter the equation. Fortunately, Carmen is at his most portable right now. He gets stuck in a car seat and toted around town. The biggest concern is making sure the diaper bag has the essentials.

Here is picture from today's adventure to dinner (Italian) and Starbucks (caffeine)! On a side note: I will be interviewing at said Starbucks for multiple position, the best being a shift supervisor. Having done food service in the past, I know that shift supervisor is little more than the barista with a different colored shirt.

I am being very selective of employment opportunities right now because my chief job is taking care of the boy. However, this job comes with a few perks that make it worth looking at:

1. Free coffee. I read that it is something like 1 pound a week. Seriously sweet deal for an addict like me.
2. I can work evenings after Angela gets home from school. This is a must as daycare is not an option for us even could we afford it.
3. The type of establishment means that Angela can come hang out at my place of employment as much as she wants. I won't be able to spend my time with them but having them in proximity would be awesome.

 

Posted with Blogsy

 

The Evolution of an Outing and the Benefits of Coffee

 

Mommy's home!!

Any parent knows that outings that used to be pick-up and go require much more planning once kids enter the equation. Fortunately, Carmen is at his most portable right now. He gets stuck in a car seat and toted around town. The biggest concern is making sure the diaper bag has the essentials.

Here is picture from today's adventure to dinner (Italian) and Starbucks (caffeine)! On a side note: I will be interviewing at said Starbucks for multiple position, the best being a shift supervisor. Having done food service in the past, I know that shift supervisor is little more than the barista with a different colored shirt.

I am being very selective of employment opportunities right now because my chief job is taking care of the boy. However, this job comes with a few perks that make it worth looking at:

1. Free coffee. I read that it is something like 1 pound a week. Seriously sweet deal for an addict like me.
2. I can work evenings after Angela gets home from school. This is a must as daycare is not an option for us even could we afford it.
3. The type of establishment means that Angela can come hang out at my place of employment as much as she wants. I won't be able to spend my time with them but having them in proximity would be awesome.

 

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The Monkey Is Cute…

 

The baby isn't bad looking either!

 

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