. . . . . ya know, life is WONDERFUL . . .

It has been a long while since I wrote anything - after promising myself that I would be more active - HA! Guess that I need to work on improving.  Well, improving on the blog that is.  In life - I am super happy right now and I have started to understand why. 

A while back I made the decision that I needed to be more "positive" with my general outlook and acceptance about things.  It wasn't that I was walking around angry and bitter but I was spending too much time thinking about things I couldn't correct or control.  Yep, I don't have the amount of money I want and geez . . . bills suck. Yep, I go for days and days without getting a return call or text from the kids and that sucks. But - none of these things are something that I can control and all I can do is be the best person that I am suppose to be, right?

One of the biggest changes that I decided to make was to stop from reading so many political blogs. Honestly, my "favorites" section on Internet explorer had more than forty blogs that I would read or look at daily. I also decided to give up talk radio in favor of K-Love (96.9). Both of these decisions have greatly helped me learn to walk away from thoughts and feelings that I have about the behavior of others and has given me "prospective". I have wrestled with this idea of "prospective" for a long time and even renamed this blog because of it. I, just like everyone else, have to contend with the idea that it, "prospective" is an ever evolving creature and one that can only be seen clearly with a firm foundation. K-Love, the music and commentary, has really helped me start building a better foundation or rather a more clear foundation.

Laura has been and remains nothing short of AMAZING and I can't express to her in words how much I appreciate and love her. During the past two years she has stood beside me and supported me more than I ever thought possible. She is an terrific mother and I am proud to call her, "my girl"! She has reminded me of the things that are important to me; my kids, family and believing / feeling that I am doing something helpful with my life.

I feel so happy and thankful for the great things that I have been granted; Jacob, Hannah, Knoah, Ethan and of course; Laura Leigh! My position at work is wonderful and I love what I do so it is much less work than something that fulfills my desire to feel as if I am helping.

Work has led me to meet some wonderful people and thinks to one of them, I have been nominated for a terrific opportunity that would be a great honor for me. The lead agency that is my program granter, has nominated me to apply for the American Express Leadership Academy. The program ran by American Express is a year long commitment that begins with "pre-conference" work before being invited to New York for a week to learn from professionals with American Express on how to integrate non-profits, NGOs and the corporate community. I am humbled just to have been nominated to apply and will be awestruck if I am accepted. There are only 48 persons a year admitted and if by God's blessing, I happen to be one of them, WOW. . . how cool is that!

There have been somethings that, in the past, would have been a "set back" for me; Knoah needing to be admitted into U of M (more on that later), not hearing from the kids, bills that seem to "pile up" but . . . they have not only been taken in stride they have each been good learning experiences for me.

I believe the biggest change has occurred for one reason - I have made the decision to commit myself to being the man that God would like me to be and to ask him for direction and assistance. I am so very thankful that he has accepted my apologies for my past behavior.

I have begun to surround myself with positive things and the one that has been most easily recognized has been in the music I listen to. Since I have switched to K-Love, I have found a whole new genre of music that is becoming more and more important to me for it's meaning and outlook. So - that is where I am. I am happy, content, satisfied and in love! Life is well.

Some of the songs / artist that have become important to me:


Bandon Heath - I'm not who I was


Tenth Avenue North - Losing


Big Daddy Weave - Redeemed

Enjoy! 

Just a bit "overdue" . . . :-)

Now that Ethan is more than eight months old and I am still not caught up on sharing him I thought that the quickest and most simple way would be to "pirate" some of the video's that Laura has made so that he can not only be seen but be "heard".




Ethan on Halloween . . . . just 2.5 months old. 




Ethan at 4 Months . . . . "Giggling" and being his normal happy self.




The now "famous" . . . "Ethan Song" . . .

So he, like every kid, changes nearly daily and is gaining so much more personality then you could ever have imagined.  He loves playing with Jacob, Hannah and Knoah and it is so cool to see him (as he is now crawling) go after Knoah. 

There he is . . . . eight months old and the entire world waiting in front of him!

". . . . ticking away . . . . "

". . . ticking away, the moments that make up a dull day . . . . You fritter and waste the hours in an off hand way . . . you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it's sinking . . . . and waiting around, it comes up behind you again . . . the the sun is the same in a relative way but your older and shorter of breath and one day closer to death . . . "

(Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon)

So - Mothers Day 2012 has now passed and I am working 68 plus hours a week and have one day off (Saturday) to kinda plan on what I was going to do for Laura on this her first Mother's Day and what I could "encourage" or help Jacob, Hannah and Knoah do for their Mom. Which means, for anyone that knows me . . . . I am a bit stressed! I feel like I have been "chasing" the sun and . . . well . . he / she is winning! Not "winning" like Charlie Sheen was but . . . really, "winning".

I have had to cram a lot of "thought" into what I wanted to do for Mother's Day in a short amount of time and sadly . . . I will be working on Sunday but . . . that does not mean I can't be thoughtful, right? So - Laura was a great help and decided that she knew what she wanted (which to be fair is actually cooler than what I thought about getting her) so I got her a case for her newest toy (an iPhone) with a photo of Ethan and Snickers (see below) on it from Easter. I also know that I will make her breakfast and deliver it in bed with fresh flowers.

I am going to help Jacob, Hannah and Knoah put together a photo montage for their Mom and want to make sure that I encourage them to be "extra nice" to her on Mother's Day.

So . . . what have I been up to? I feel like after the last couple of blogs that I have kinda veered into being a bit of a cry baby when . . . nothing could be further from the truth. I am really enjoying myself right now.

I have an audition coming up with a band that plays my kinda music . . . . . which is to say . . . blues rock. I am not counting my chickens before they hatch but I am really excited about this. In talking with the guitar player it's kinda funny that he and I have not crossed paths in life at some point. Although he is a few years younger than me (three to be exact) he grew up in one of the most wonderful towns in America . . . . yep, Monroe! We are looking at some really cool music (OK, if your an old cat that digs BB King, Albert King, the Black Crowes and the likes of folks like that . . . you would dig it). Anyhow . . . keep your fingers crossed . . . . :-)

Since . . . . nearly forever . . . I have not been feeling all that great so a couple of weeks ago we went to the Blissfield train days and in walking around I became pretty winded and made the kids a promise that I would go to the doctors. Well . . . I kept my promise and found out that I actually have had pneumonia for a while which is not really all that wonderful. They gave me some antibiotics for it, a bunch of shots and did some blood work, EKG, chest x-ray and some other poking and prodding. I felt pretty good for a couple of days but have seemed to go back to where I was. I am planning on calling a doctor soon and will find out what is up. I know I should be a bit more worried because of the symptoms but . . . . to be fair . . . . I am just not that stressed about it, ya know.

Summer is coming and I have been looking at how can I spend as much time doing things that I really . . . . enjoy and at the same time . . . work to make the money I need. I have concluded that while this isn't possible I will still try! I am going to take several "long weekends" so that I can spend time with the Jacob, Hannah and Knoah and the Ethan-ator with me all day! This will be really helpful for me on so many levels.

I have already started planting some flowers in pots (as I do every year) and they are starting to sprout which makes me really happy . . . I have always loved planting flowers and taking care of the yard. In the course of my adult life one of my biggest "man prides" was a pond a pond that we once had that had fish and flowers all around it . . . vines growing and flowers blooming with a fountain and fish . . . . it was way cool! We have a ton of flowers starting to come up around the house and I still have a more seeds that I want to get into the ground . . . I am really looking forward to seeing things bloom.

Hannah's dance was awesome and very sad at the same time. My daughter is growing up and this is . . . . . so sad for me. Jacob asked me if I would go with him on his class trip to Cedar Point in June and I am trying to get the money together to take him. He is going to go with me in June when I got to Chicago for five days for a conference. Both he and I are really excited about this.

Ethan had his nine month doctors appointment and continues to do "amazing". He is standing and (honestly) trying to take a step. He has already said his first word . . . yep, "da da". He is now eating more "human food" and is in the 95% in all of his development!

What else could I discuss about my life right now . . . . . not much, honest. Things are going pretty good. I still have a ton of things that I need to take care of and I will do that as time goes on but I do see that things can become the way that I want someday . . . . I just need to take baby steps and I will get there!

Ready and waiting . . . . without an occupant (yet).

So . . . with just a few days before Ethan's arrival his bedroom is finally finished. Laura and her Mom (Debbie) did a great job with his room - oh, I did paint and move stuff :-). So . . . what is it like? It's pretty cool - and here it is:



Ethan's ceiling . . . with clouds!



The "Bengal Tiger".



The "Meerkat".



Ethan's cradle. (The crib was brought from Germany by Laura's great grandfather and was used as a cradle for her grandfather, father, uncle and even for Laura and her sister Kristi - that's amazing to me).



The "gator" along with the tree.



The "giraffe".

Well - there it is - the room is ready - wonder if Ethan is?

Amy joined the "27" club and we all lost :-(

I love music and from as early as I can remember I had a passion for female singers. I used to joke that I would give anything to have Toni Braxton, Randi Crawford, Anita Baker or Etta James sing me the phonebook. Over the years the list have grown to include some women with beautiful talent. Today - that list became just a bit shorter with the passing of Amy Winehouse.

It seemed from the beginning the beautiful, talented woman was on a path of destruction and today it seems she has ended her journey. Irrespective of your thoughts or feelings about her music or her public image she was amazingly talented and she will be greatly missed.

It saddens me that Mrs. Winehouse is gone but it is also a not so sutle reminder of that we all to often lose some of the greatest artist at a young age. Ironically, 27 seems to be the "magic" number for many. Twenty-seven is the age that the world lost; Robert Johnson, Brian Jones, Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Alan Wilson, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Peter Ham and "Pig Pen" just to name a few.

RIP Mrs. Winehouse and may God Bless your family and friends - we will miss you.

Here is my personal favorite song that I would like to share, "Tears Dry on Their Own" - I doubt the tears caused by today's sad news will dry anytime soon. :-(.

Happy 235th Birthday Amercian and Happy Birthday Laura!

The weekend is not over yet and still it has been filled with some great memories; Building a damn with Jacob, catching crawfish with Hannah, Jacob and Knoah, having a baby Racoon walk up and say hello, catching a pearch in my shoe, swimming with the kids, celebrating Laura's birthday, baking a cake, grilling chicken and of course . . . . fireworks!

235 years ago America declared independance from England. Not even three decades ago Laura was born on this earth - not sure that the two are related but . . . they do share the same date.

So far this holiday has been wonderful and filled with play, excitment and honesty. It's not over yet but I wanted to share some quick thoughts and maybe a photo or two.

God Bless. Happy Birthday Laura and Happy Independance Day America!



Jacob admiring his hard work - the damn you see in the background.



Hannah and her new "love" . . . . . LOL :-)



Knoah Franklin.

. . . . offically scared . . . .

It's now been over ninety-days since I was last employed. This is the longest I have ever been without a job. Truth is that I have NEVER been unemployed for more than two weeks since I was sixteen and stared working at Nortel Lanes bowling alley in Monroe, MI.

As a young man I worked as a caddie during the summer when I was 13 - 15 to make money. Then once I turned sixteen I began working as a stock-boy, "runner" at Nortel Lanes. Since that time I have never not had a job. Even when I left the military in 1992, I found employment within days of leaving.

I have filled out in excess of 150 applications in either hard copy or on line format and while I have had three interviews for positions I have not gotten a job offer.

It is really terrifying because at this point I have exhausted my savings and I feel a bit like a slug. I have not been able to get unemployment at this point.

Wednesday afternoon I was at the unemployment office and I was talking to one of the workers there and expressing to her my frustration. She - very nicely - said to me that yeah - it's frustrating but you have to look at it from the prospective of the employer: "your "middle age" (43), have a lot of experience as a director and as a program coordinator and of course you are on probation as a result of the misdemeanor assault you pled guilty to so many of the employers would rather higher someone half your age for half the money". WOW - it wasn't encouraging but it was honest.

It's crazy - in the last three years America's unemployment rate has not been below seven percent. Not to mention the State of Michigan's rate has remained at or over ten percent for much of that time.

So - I am officially scared. I am trying to be as optimistic as possible but to be honest - each day is a struggle. I know that I have great things in my life to be thankful for and while I am thankful I am also cautious in known that unless I can find or create an opportunity in the very near future . . . . wow . . . like I said, I am scared.



Nortel Lanes:

http://www.bowlnortel.com/

Bureau of Labor Statistics:

http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS14000000

Information on my Termination from the ALCC in Monroe:

http://monroetalks.com/forum/index.php?topic=7812.0

Share Something HAPPY! ! !

OK - clear violation of my "post standards" here . . . but as my "update" post really did not contain any "pictures" thanks to the whole "laptop" crashing thing I wanted to share some "happy" moments that I have not posted yet:



Knoah and his friend "snickers"!



Jacob . . . . being fun and silly!



Hannah Noel . . . . the "monster"! ! LOL . . .



Jacob and I . . . . playing at Michael's Crafts (funny thing is . . . they never asked us to leave either!).



Hannah, Knoah (yep . . . passed out! er, ok, asleep), me and Jacob . . . having an "early St. Pat's day" celebration!.



Laura and I standing in front of Poseidon at COSI in Columbus.



Jacob . . . his first "Lion's" game day! ! He was like six days old!

Yep . . . that makes me pretty happy - enjoy!

June 2011

Hannah, Knoah and Jacob

Nearly caught up! ! ! Yeah! ! !

June 3 - 5th, 2011

What a fun weekend we had. Although we stayed at home we had a great bomb fire, played a new game called "Zumba", watched movies and even did Hannah's nails!

We had such a great time. Laura even made an desert with the kids of chocolate and snickers bars! I wish I could recall the name of it but I can say - it was gone pretty quick!



Knoah . . . . making "dinner"

June 10 - 14th, 2011

Yeah . . . we had an "extended" vist and had so much fun! We did art work, arrainged a play area in the garage (with ALL OF THE TOYS), did a bombfire with s'mores and hot dogs, played Wii, worked on the flower garden, caught a snake, played football, caught a frog, played golf and even went to Lincoln School Park in Adrian to play with a friend of our's (Michelle) and her dog Roxie.

Overall - We had a great time . . .



Knoah . . . Helping Decorate!



Knoah, Jacob, Me, The "snake" and Hannah.

April 2011

Continued update of monthly visitation:

April 1 - 3d, 2011

The kids and I spent the weekend just "hanging out" and moving things trying to get situated. We found a new place in Adrian, thanks to Laura, that the kid's fell in love with - Frosty Boy . . . so, Ice Cream was had by all. We also enjoyed going to Tressel Park for a nice walk.

April 7 - 10th, 2011

We continued the simple enjoyment of being at home and then having ice cream thanks to Frosty Boy. Jacob helped me as I put his soccer goal together and the four of us played outside the majority of the time during an extended visit.

April 15 - 17th, 2011

The kids and I continued to enjoy playing with each other at home as I continued to work through getting all of my things (including the WAY TOO MANY toys that we have) situated. Kids are excited about next week as it will be an extended visit thanks to spring break!

April 22 - 27th, 2011

Long extended visit for spring break! Yeah - it was so awesome to have them with me for so many days in a row. We played at home - a whole ton of Wii along with soccer and other outside games.

April 29 - May 1st, 2011

We had a terrific time at the Tecumseh Art Walk on Friday and then went swimming at the Lenawee Family Christian Center on Sunday. The kids had a great time as did I.

Here we all are having fun and enjoying the "water slide"!

Weekend in C-bus . . . and MLK Day. . .

"The greatest film of the last thirty years or so, man."

Laura's sister Kristi is a pharmacy major at "the" Ohio State University and Laura had learned back in December that over the weekend they would be playing one of my all time favorite films "The Big Lebowski" at Studio 35 in Columbus so we decided to make the trip for a nice "weekend" away.

The sort and sweet of it is . . . (1) Cosi Columbus is AWESOME! (2) who knew that there were more than 200 types of Gecko's? (3) OSU is a beautiful campus and downtown Columbus seems equally wonderful (can't wait till the weather breaks to go see it again). (4) White Russian's RULE! ! (5) I missed Gino during the movie, I think he would have enjoyed it (inside joke . .). (6) Studio 35 ROCKS (OK - nearly any theater that has tables in front of your seat and a full bar has to be cool!). (7) You can get some pretty good chicken strips at 1:00 am at Raising Cane's in C-bus! (8) You would be amazed where you can find "sparkly - flying pigs". (9) Albion Burmese Python's are really heavy and (10) . . Man -- I miss Jacob, Hannah and Knoah when I don't see them! !


Laura and I infront of Posiden at COSI in Columbus.

It was a great get away and I am so happy that Laura asked me to go, thank you. I am starting to understand that with work (yes, I do work three to four days over each week - i.e. 12 - 16 hour days), weekends committed (having "Jannob" Friday - Sunday) that I need some "down time" to decompress and be healthy.


Laura, Me, Kristi and . . . . the Snake!

After returning to Adrian I had a wonderful nights sleep and then headed to Monroe to spend the day with Jacob, Hannah and Knoah. Although not the best way to spend MLK day the three of us enjoyed going to the movies and then having dinner at McDonald's with my niece's daughter and my Dad. I was able to give the kids the gifts I picked them up during my visit to Columbus and then I headed home to begin the next three days of overtime!

I have been thinking about the kids, my life, my future and Laura alot of late - and for good reason. I am not getting younger and I know that I am coming to peace with my life and what it has become. It has not been easy but it has been necessary that I learn to deal with and accept those things that I cannot change and to embrace the things that enhance my life and make it better. Music has become, once again, a huge important thing to me and I have fallen back in love with Van Morrison and have found myself finding new meaning to his music and a new outlook. It's a good time to be a father and although is sounds "weird" at my age it's good to have a "girlfriend" who has shown me something in myself that I have forgotten.



A couple more images from our quick trip to Columbus.


Laura and I at COSI . . in the ol'wagon!


At Studio 35 . . with a White Russian ("hey, careful, I have a beverage here, man!") and a Walter "cupcake".

Links to some really "cool" places in Columbus:

http://www.studio35.com/

http://www.raisingcanes.com/

Mr. Thrifty (LOL . . . )

OK - Here is a clear blog violation that I just have to share (oops - the violation is based on my first post (please read the "ground rules" if you have not - http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2010/04/so-who-am-i-and-why-am-i-doing-blog.html) in that this "post" has not set for two days before being shared. But - as the kids are still in bed (yes, it's 12:00 on New Years Day and they are SLEEPING (everyone except Knoah who has already beaten me at Wii Resort Bowling four times!) - guess that is what happens when you don't get in bed until after 3:00 am! ! (oh, well, we had fun and I will share the pictures once I write a post - although they are already up on Facebook).

So - what I am I sharing? How about this; what does 42.00 get you at Value World when you have a 50% off coupon?



How about:

1 Pr American Eagle Jeans (Jacob)
1 Pr Urban Outfitters Jeans (Jacob)
1 Nike Michigan Pullover (Jacob)
1 Detroit Tigers Hoodie (Jacob)
1 CCCP Zip Up Jacket (Jacob)
2 Pr Justice Jeans (Hannah)
1 Pr Levi's Jeans (Hannah)
1 Pr Doc Martin Zip Up Boots (Hannah)
1 Pr Kid Tech Shoes (Hannah)
1 Pr US Polo Association Jeans (Knoah)
1 Pr Nike Tennis Shoes (Knoah)
1 Pr Lands End Boots (Knoah)
2 Button Up Children's Place Long Sleeve Polo Shirts
2 Pull over Children's Place Sweaters (one v neck, one zip up) (Knoah)
1 Ralph Lauren long sleeve polo (Knoah)
1 Carter's Children Wear Pull over striped sweater (Knoah)
1 Pull over zipper sweater (Knoah)
1 Old Navy sweater vest (Knoah)

and . . . .

6 Beanie Babies (Hannah)
1 board game; History of the United States (Jacob)
2 "Shake and Rumble" cars from Fisher Price (Knoah)
1 Little Tykes "rock n ride" pony (Knoah)
Video Toy Story 2

WOW . . . . what an awesome shopping experience! ! !

Lazy . . . . weekend for "Wii", they and me . . .

After last weekend's "birthday" extravaganza in addition to the last several "weekend" birthdays and Thanksgiving, I think the kids and I were both just kinda "tired". So after discussing what to do for the weekend (17 - 19 December) we settled on simply spending time together playing games (Wii and or one of the ten or twenty board games we have amassed). Considering Christmas was so close and I still had not finished shopping this was fine with me.

We spent Friday as a family playing "Wii" bowling . . . which of course as a rule, I am required to lose; mostly because I sux! Saturday was spend playing with Thomas, The Artin Race Track (which I received as a Christmas present about ten years ago), playing Connect Fours, Blues Clues, and Harry Potter Chess! We did decide to dress during part of the weekend and made it out to Tecumseh to pick up some "snacks" from the local Bush's Grocery Store and of course - Knoah was his normal "clown" self once we returned and he felt the need to run around in Hannah's winter boots . . which of course Hannah tried to act "upset" about until I pointed out that she was the one that helped him "put the boots on".



Hannah "helping" Knoah put on her boots.



Knoah "Hamming" it up in Hannah's Boots.

We enjoyed a "quiet" Saturday night followed by a quick and early Sunday morning as the kids had a birthday party to attend for one of there cousin's. Dropping them off and saying good-bye I don't think will ever be easy and driving away will always be heartbreaking but at least I know that I will see them again soon and this time it will be to celebrate Christmas! Until then I can keep some wonderful "peaceful" images in mind.



Knoah "sleeping" on the way to the birthday party.



Jacob playing with the "Lego" Iphone application.



Knoah, Hannah and Hannah's new "friend" Allie . . . sleeping on the way to the party (although, I am not sure "Allie" was really asleep!).

At home . . . to play . . .

So . . . here we were with another weekend and I was feeling . . . BEAT. Jacob - once we got on the road headed west announced that he was feeling "sick" and so we quickly stopped for medicine at Wal-Greens. The whole - "I don't feel good" became a theme for the weekend (3 - 5 December) as we simply stayed put in the house - playing Wii, making cookies, watching Movies and of course napping! Sadly - not much to report but that even spending "down time" with the kids ROCKS! in amazing ways! I love them so very much.

It's cool . . . because it's random . . .

Happy things that I found around the house (and one outside the house) this morning before the kids awoke to face the day.



Hannah's "sailing painting" in the bathroom.



Hannah's "Popsicle" book marks.



More of the "Popsicle" book marks by Hannah.



Hannah's "Lion's Rule" drawing.



Hannah's "Tiger's Rule" drawing.



Hannah's "Bull" drawing.



Hannah's "Rainbow Lion".



My car door - Thanks to Hannah!



Hannah's "Blue's Clues" for Knoah.



Jacob and Hannah drawing from Chuckie Cheese.



Knoah and Me drawing from Chuckie Cheese.



Good memories.

Not so "Happy Hump Day" . . . again . . .

So - here we are . . . 6 October and another chance for a mid - week visit missed on work! Oh well - there is no way to be happy about it but I can at least think about something good - Jacob, Hannah and Knoah preparing for Halloween 2010.

Mid Week Visit . . . What a Happy Hump Day - Again ! !

So after this past weekend (3 - 5 Sept) I was really missing the kids and so I took the chance on to arraigned a dinner meal on the 8th of September.

We met at Buffalo Wild Wings in Monroe. Yeah, I know not the most wonderful restaurant but they do have good food a cool enviornment and on Wednesdays a clown that does balloon animals!

So - the short of it; we had alot of fun and it was awesome to see them. Now - here are the pictures:

The "Trifecta of Terrible" (or just ironically funny)

Ya know, I am pretty happy with my life right now. I am employed at a facility that I believe in the message and mission of what we do. I am working (kinda - but not too hard) to lose the weight I have gained in the last nine months. I have gained some really wonderful friends over the last nine months and have reconnected with some terrific people that I knew in childhood (btw: Ronnie - got your message, your right and I honestly take your advice - have not had time to respond but I will - thx you, sir). Although I did not think it possible I have grown to adore my children even more (although I still wish I could see them more often). I am looking at graduate school and am committed to ensuring that I enroll. With the help and guidance of others I am at peace with where I am in life and where I would like to be heading. I have accepted responsibility for my actions without equivocation and have asked for forgiveness from those I have hurt. I am, I pray, headed in the right direction and although I know it will be a bumpy ride from time to time it is still the right direction. Then . . . it happens! Those events that let you know - yeah, the "goodness gods" still want to mess with you and just like celebrity deaths it comes in three's! (OK - yes, I am being funny and sarcastic - don't read into it!).

First, over the last few weeks at work one of my co-workers has been enjoying building a world and life for "Crockey" and his family. "Crockey" is a crocodile that, I would assume, was born in a toy factory (most likely in China) and migrated to the states to raise a family. Sadly, Crockey was "Crocknapped" and a ransom note was sent to the owner along with elaborate instructions. Thankfully the reptile has been returned. However, the issue here is that somehow I have been made a suspect in this devious adventure! OK; I admit that I am a bit of a prankster but - in the words of "Shaggy" - It wasn't me! Although, I do enjoy hanging out with "Crockey" - I would never stoop so low to rip a father from his family - geez, cut me some slack, people!

Me and "Crockey" in better days when I was not a suspect in the "Crocknapping" caper!

Now putting the whole - "rubber reptile for ransom" thing aside the second thing was the near loss of "freaky chimp" (to be referred to as "FC" from this point forward). Jacob managed to con me into (no, it wasn't that hard) getting him this little chimp that has light up eye's and makes a really odd and scary noise when it's button is pressed.

Jacob was enjoying "FC" (to the dismay of others) and while we were spending some time walking through downtown Dundee after dinner he decided to have a seat with "FC" on a park bench. Sadly, "FC" is very skinny and his (or her) butt was not big enough to maintain an upright seating position and "FC" fell through the bench and into the storm drain. (OK - yes, my first reaction was; "awww, sorry Jacob" all the while quietly and silently singing in my head; "Ding, dong the chimp is gone, the chimp is gone, the chimp is gone, ding dong the freaky chimp is gone"). Sadly, my euphoria of only lasted a mili-second as Jacob then looked at me, nearly in tears and exclaimed . . . "you gotta get him back"! The only think that would have made this moment any more like a Lassie movie would have been if he had included, "Pa" at the end of his statement. So, of course . . . I grabbed the storm drain and (thankfully) was able to pull it off and rescue the creature that I don't like; yeah me!

Then it came time to encounter the third thing that would make up, the "Trifecta of Terrible". Earlier in the summer I picked up a pool for the kids and put it on my back deck (concrete - don't stress) so everyone (yes, including me) could stay nice and cool. The first pool did not work out too well at my house as it was too big and decided to run, actually, roll away - rolling off the deck and down the hill toward the creek that runs behind my house! (Yes, it's funny - NOW - at the time, not so much!). So, I packed that one up and sent it to stay with the kids at Mom's house as the backyard there can accommodate it. I purchased another pool that has been wonderful till now.

The problem, really, isn't the pool but maybe me in this case. I have made it a habit of feeding the birds and cats that are in the area (OK - I live out in the country and there are cats - not mine, maybe not anyone - I don't know . . but, Hannah and I like watching them (actually, Hannah likes watching them and I like watching her) so I have been feeding them - clear enough?). Creating this "animal" haven has cost me and is the third in the trifecta. How is that, well, one of the local critter's must have needed a drink and thought that the hose to the pool was a nice place to get water! So, when we arrived home I found the pool draining out the hose from the "bite marks" left! Thanks - whomever (or whatever) you are!