Couch Potato Weekend . . . thankfully

WOW - - work has been kinda kicking my butt this past week and even worse I have been feeling sick, so; while I was happy as a tuna fish in the open ocean to see the kids this weekend (28 - 30 January) I was also not feeling very well and hoping that we could simply "hang out" together. Thankfully - the kids were up for that too!

Except for venturing out for needed items and a short "sledding" trip we stayed close to home. Of course we still had a great deal of fun playing the Wii, board games, tag, building a "paper circus", fixing the "weasel" and simply being near each other.

Without too many words here is our weekend in pictures, enjoy:


Hannah's Paper Circus (thx's to Family Fun Magazine for the idea!).


Another view of our "circus".


Knoah helping with the circus.


Surgery on the "Weasel".


A happy Hannah with the "Weasel" in post-op!


Jacob and Knoah . . . .playing the Wii.

Sadly, as is always the case the weekend ended too soon and the kids had to go back to Monroe and to there Mommy way to early for me. But - Knoah did a great job of giving me the best reminder of how wonderfully relaxed, happy and inviting this weekend was . . .



. . . . like normal, I missed them as soon as I dropped them off and was texting Jacob within hours! But I know that I will see them in just a couple of days - hopefully we will all have the energy to go out and do something together, if not . . . just being with each other is kinda awesome too!

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! ! !

Merry Christmas 2010

Here it is. It has now "officially" been one year and there have been so many changes in my life and the lives of my Children. I have written, re-written and then deleted this post three or four times and after all of that I have come to this: I am at Peace and Happy with who, what and where I am and where I am going. Life is not what I expected but it has become more than enough and I am hopeful, happy and excited.

I miss my Children every second that we are apart and I can't think of what it would be like if I was only able to see them every other weekend as some divorced fathers do, truth - I would stress, cry and be a total emotional wreck!

So - Merry Christmas to the greatest Children walking this earth - Jacob Matthew Reagan, Hannah Noel and Knoah Franklin - I adore, admire, cherish and love the three of them more than they will every fully understand until the day that they become a parent. (and if your a parent, you get that).

Here is the 2010 Christmas in words and pictures:



2010 Christmas Banner.



Santa's footprints (something we started years ago . . and did you know that North Pole Snow is edible . . taste just like powdered sugar!).



The 2010 Christmas Booty at Dad's House.



Knoah opening his gifts.



Jacob and Hannah opening gifts.



Mr. Happy . . . Knoah Franklin.



Knoah helping me open my present from the kids.



Jacob "schooling" Knoah and Hannah on Mario Kart!



Playing "don't break the ice".



Knoah the "victor".

Merry Christmas to all and may 2011 be the year that I have been praying for - it's starting off wonderfully already and I pray that it continues. God Bless everyone.

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.

Fall Blues . . . . . Homework . . . (blah . . . . ).

We were ready for another great weekend (15 - 17 Oct) but had to temper it with the reality that a lot of the time would be spent doing "homework" as Jacob and Hannah are both far behind in school. Jacob seems to be struggling more than Hannah and honestly has me very concerned for him. So - we knew that we would not be all "play" this weekend.

Friday we were invited to a "Taco Dinner" and play date with William and Quinn at Erin's house. I have become very thankful for Erin, William and Quinn. It is awesome that the kids get along so well with them and I enjoy the adult company and conversation with Erin. So - the four of us made the journey to Erin's on Friday night and had Taco's, played, X Box 360 and played outside. Erin lives "way - way" off the beaten path so the yard is huge and the kids had a ton of area to play in. This is new for them as although my house is large there really is no "yard" to speak of. So it was a great joy for me to go out and have fun outside with them. They enjoyed playing on the swing set. Hannah loved playing with the boys dog, Reese (yes, he is named after the peanut butter cup).



Hannah, Quinn and Knoah playing on the slide.



Jacob (foreground) with William (background) playing on the swings.



Knoah and the slide!

After playing outside we all ventured in for Taco's and games which mostly meant X Box 360. Jacob and Quinn are really enjoying playing together while Hannah and Knoah are having a hoot playing with the many thousands of Lego's! We all had a good time but needed to venture west to my home. We arrived at my house just before ten and of course, Knoah was fast asleep. I put him in my room only to find that he would be coming out of to the living room to join me by 11:00. I am not sure why but the kids have been really needy over the last several weeks and have spent a great deal of time wanting to sit on my lap or hug me. Part of me is really cool with this because I am a very affectionate (translation - touchy / feely) kinda person so I was good with it. But, I am growing a bit concerned that Knoah has gotten to the point that he now does not sleep anywhere in my house except on my chest. Hannah is making it a point to always hold my hand and always be in the same room with me - which is a really good feat inside my house as it is a pretty big rental. Jacob, well - we will get to that later.

Saturday Morning came with some not so good surprises for me (see blog post; Go to a happy place, go to a happy place . . . below for more details) and some wonderful surprises for the kids! I was able to find Jacob's Halloween costume on Amazon and that was ordered so he was happy but that now means we had to go out and find him a Ninja Sword. After breakfast and a bit of homework we all dressed and set out to find the swords we would need for Jacob.

I had decided that we would start out looking for his ninja sword at Value World (honestly - because if I can get a good deal . . . yeah, that's what ya do). We set out and made the trip to Ypsilanti and began shopping. Sadly, we were not able to find his sword at Value world but - OMG! What we found was awesome. We found three Ralph Lauren sweater vest for Knoah (total 3.00), the game "silly golf" (2.00), a pair of Timberland boots for Hannah (4.00), a pair of Children's Palace saddle shoes for Knoah (2.00), three Coach belts for Jacob (2.00), Harry Potter board game, Candy Land Boardgames, trouble tracks play set, dress up dolls (wooden play set), power kicker play set and Thomas the Tank Engine board game (7.00) and walked out of Value World with a huge hall for only 20.00! Yeah! !



We then went to Wal-Mart and found Jacob's swords for his costume. By this point the kids were ready to eat and so we decided to grab a quick bite at McDonald's. We then had an appointment to meet Quinn, William and Erin at one of your favorite places; Jungle Java!

If I have not been more forceful with saying this I will do so now - if you live near Jungle Java and have young children - you have to go! The food is awesome; organic, reasonable prices (for Ann Arbor - keep that in mind) and the best part is that you can sit for hours as the kids play. On site free Wi-Fi and a terrific atmosphere, what more could you ask for.

We found ourselves playing until they closed at 8:00 which is always and awesome thing. I have really found that I love rolling on the floor and goofing around with Knoah! Sadly, I really need to lose some weight so that I can get back up into the big play area with Jacob and Hannah more often. Oh, I can fit but I just feel a bit more "sluggish" than I should!



Playing with Knoah in the "Toddler" area!

Hannah had a bit of an attitude Saturday night at Jungle Java. I think much of this was because she was enjoying playing with some of the "girls" that were there instead of being surrounded by Jacob, Knoah, Quinn and William. Hannah darted from place to place with her "new friend" and then at the end of the visit asked if she could, "give your telephone number to her" . . . yeah - no - she didn't quiet get the idea but it was cool to at least have Hannah playing with some girls for a change and she obviously loved it.



Hannah and her "new" friend.

Jacob enjoyed running and playing "tag" in the upper play area including the tree house. It is so cool to see Jacob running, playing and smiling - he is such a wonderful young man and I can't really express how much I love that guy!



Jacob - playing in the large play area at Jungle Java.

We ended up leaving once Jungle Java closed down at 8:00 and made the 40 minute drive to my house where the kids all quickly went to bed. Knoah has been doing this thing the last several weeks where he does not want to sleep in the bed but instead will only sleep laying with me. The cool thing is that I am good with it and it gives me a great chance to simply be with him and spend some quiet time.

Sunday came way too early and sadly was set aside for Lions football tailgate - which has become a staple of our visits and more homework. Jacob was able to finish nearly everything that he had brought with him for work and of course the Lion's win steak ended at one thanks to Eli Manning and the NY Giants!

We then headed east and met up with Mommy at 7:00 pm and it was time for the weekend to end. Leaving them is always hard and I keep praying that it will get more and more simple but - I am nearly sure that it wont! The good news was that come Monday afternoon (18 October) I get to go to Monroe and hang out with the kids for the evening. I am working sixteen hour days on Tues, Wed and Thurs so it will be awesome to see them during the week.

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: