S.I. | A Note From Dad

Underwear Man is Dressed for Church

August 3, 2014

A Note From Dad S.I. boys, heroes Leave a comment

One of my resident superheroes, “Underwear Man”, dressed for the battlefront…which this morning is, apparently, church.

A hero’s hero, Underwear Man is able to leap a tall ottoman in a single bound. Able to stop speeding bullets (hey, those Nerf guns shoot pretty hard and fast nowadays). Faster than a loco…well he’s pretty fast, let’s just leave it at that. 🙂

Superpowers and technology include the Tornado Punch, Chameleon Camo (a.k.a. Wall Power – “for blending in with the wall”), Cool Cloaking (a.k.a. Invisibility), Karate Kick (pronounced Kay-Rah-Tee) and the Glue Gun (you know…to stick the bad guys to the wall). His kryptonite is…

Woah up there hoss! You didn’t really think I’d tell you that did you? Come on now, I can’t be giving away all his secrets…the enemy is, after all, lurking in the shadows just waiting to strike. Speaking of the enemy…
Is there evil afoot? Danger on the horizon? Trouble around the corner? Nah…just trying to remember if the underwear is clean or dirty.

“Oh yeah, it’s clean!” Victory!

Underwear Man…tirelessly defending the world from the bad monkey in the attic. Oh, and raccoons…he keeps us safe from raccoons too. And evil lions…don’t forget all the evil lions he’s saved us from. Oh, and elephants. Yeah, definitely the elephants too.

Thanks for all you do Underwear Man. You rock!

Love,

Dad

You Deserve A Better Happy Birthday

June 2, 2014

A Note From Dad Family, S.I. birthday, family, firefighting Leave a comment

SI,

You came up to the firehouse so we could celebrate your 5th birthday together. As a family. I wish we had taken pictures. I regret that…because I so dearly want to look back on today some day and see a smile on your face at some point during your visit.

I’m sorry that halfway through your birthday dinner I had to leave for a house fire up the street. I didn’t want to go any more than you wanted me to leave. But I’m glad you stayed and waited for me to get back.

I enjoyed watching you open your presents. The smile on your face always brings one to mine. And that laugh…I simply love and adore your laughter, buddy. I enjoyed singing happy birthday to you and eating ice cream cake with you. I’m sorry that halfway through building your new Lego plane I had to leave again, this time for a car accident. I’ve been looking forward to building that together with you since your mom and I bought it last week. I like hanging out with you…doing stuff together. Leaving in the middle of that time together hurt me.

But I’m glad you stayed and waited for me. It was comforting to feel you hug my leg as soon as I jumped out of the fire truck, even over my bulky turnout pants. That feeling was…indescribable. And one I will cherish forever. You didn’t see it, but I cried a little then. And I’m crying now as I type this. Because you deserve better.

I’m so sorry that this job I once loved with every fiber of my being has cost so much. I’m sorry it has left you waiting for me to be present in your life. I’m sorry that I’ve had to put strangers above you on days like today. Your birthday means so stinking much to me, and I love you so, so very much son. So much so that tears are uncontrollably running down my face as I type this…I’m sobbing like a baby, and I’m powerless to stop it. You cannot begin to imagine the depth of my love for you, your siblings and your mother. I pray that you can forgive me for days like today and not hold them against me. And that one day you will also feel the same kind of love, with children of your own. When you do, I pray you’ve chosen a career that doesn’t find you missing the important days in their lives…days like today…leaving you feeling like I do now.

I’m so sorry son. I hope and pray you had an awesome birthday, despite my absence. You certainly deserve it. You deserve better.

Love,

Dad

Bowling Bubba

March 24, 2014

A Note From Dad Family, S.I. Date Night, family, Raising children Leave a comment

It was a good first date night Bubba. You’re one super cool dude and a lot of fun to hang out with. Looking forward to doing this again soon.

Love,

Dad

Sunday Afternoon Nap

February 9, 2014

A Note From Dad Family, S.I. Leave a comment

The feeling that comes from knowing my legs are numb, my back feels broken from the angle we’re in when him climbed on, and my shoulder hurts so bad I can’t hardly take it. But I don’t dare move him for fear of waking him…knowing these moments are so far and few between nowadays that this may well be the last. Four (almost five) years has flown by way too fast! I’m gonna miss this bud! I already miss it from your brother and sister. There is no better feeling than the total and unconditional love of my child.

I’m Missing a Wheel, But Not The Point

February 7, 2014

A Note From Dad Family, N.E., S.I. children, family, family time, kids, Raising children Leave a comment

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a note…been busy living life. Today, I’m just checking in long enough to share my favorite part of this last week. Last night, I got to hang out with all three of you for a couple hours, and we played Legos…building creations with our imaginations. That was, by far, the most relaxing and fun night I’ve had in a couple weeks.

Hanging out with you is fun for me. I don’t always show it, but I’m going to keep working on that. I’m still learning the value of disconnecting from the outside world for awhile so that I can better connect with you. I have a lot of forces competing for my time, and I know from your perspective it can often seem like I place spending time with you near the bottom of my priorities. I want to assure you, though, that I may not always show it, but YOU are the most important of those forces to me. Last night was a good wake up call for me…just chillaxing with you and creating with our imaginations…making up stories about our creations and just being silly. Smiling. Giggling. Laughing. Bonding. I gotta get me some more of that.

Props to SI for having the heart and spirit of a giver! Dude, I couldn’t have built this thing without you. Literally. I was a wheel short. I tried for 20 minutes to use the pieces we had left to make it into a 3-wheeler instead, but couldn’t find a way to get the front wheel mounted facing forward. I finally said, “I don’t think I can make this work with just three wheels…I don’t know what to do now.” Bubba, you just looked right at the pieces I was holding…looked back at the two you had…one with wheels and one without. And you said “dad, you can have mine.” And proceeded to take yours apart to give me a wheel. There. Are. No. Words. Don’t ever change buddy!

Props to NE too for your creativity in helping me to piece together various parts of my creation…but also in telling stories about yours and mine throughout the night. Your imagination is inspiring and just simply fun to be a part of. Others are…and will continue to be…drawn to you for it. Don’t ever change buddy!

By the way…one of my favorite memories of being a young boy your age is of playing with Hot Wheels and Legos. It does this daddy proud to watch you enjoying the same now, 30+ years later. Secretly between just you and me…last night brought out a little of the kid still in me. I’m looking forward to doing that again. Soon. 😉

Love,

Dad

It’s a Good Plan

February 7, 2013

A Note From Dad Daily Grind, Family, S.I. death, Jesus, Raising children Leave a comment

Conversation with a 3 year old on the drive to preschool:

“Dad, why is dat pweece man parked dare?”

“He’s waiting there to see if people are driving too fast, and then he will tell them to slow down.”

“And he will take dem to jail?”

“No, he’ll give them a ticket for speeding because driving too fast is breaking the law.”

“Were you breaking da law when the pweece man gabe you a ticket too?”

“Yes. I was breaking the law.”

“But if you bwake da law, you will go to jail?”

“Sometimes, yes. But when you get a ticket, you don’t have to go to jail. You just have to pay the money.”

“If you will pay the money, den you will go to jail?”

“No, if you don’t pay the money you will go jail.”

“Did you pay your money?”

“Yes.”

“Cuz if you go to jail den we won’t have a daddy anymore. And den I would be sad.”

“I’m not going to jail son. But you will always have a daddy because no matter where I am, I’ll always be your daddy.”

“Even if you die?”

“Yes, I will always be your daddy, but if I die I won’t be here to see you.”

“Cuz you will be in heaven?”

“Yes.”

“With Jesus?”

“Yes.”

“Can I have ice cream after school?”

“I don’t think so. We’ll see.”

“But it’s a good plan!!”

“Hahaha!”

A Christmas to Remember…I’m Gonna Miss This Some Day

December 25, 2012

A Note From Dad Family, N.E., S.D., S.I. Christmas, Raising children, traditions 1 Comment

It’s been a good Christmas Day. Every Christmas Day is good, because we get to celebrate the birth of our Savior. But today was remarkably cooler than recent ones of memory.

It was a day of traditions. Early morning rising to read the Christmas Story.

Opening presents and being silly.

Cinnamon rolls for breakfast and baking sweets.

Two hours of assembling your presents.

Followed by a full day of watching you playing together.

Making our own pizzas for lunch.

Mom says she had fun teaching you how to play your new DS.

I think she just used it as an excuse to have a little fun herself. 🙂

We even had time to add a new tradition…that promises to become an annual one. You liked the first course of vegetables and bread with cheese fondue…but not as much as the fruits and “mallemows” with chocolate.

It was definitely fun watching you try something new.

And there’s nothing better than a belly full of chocolate to cuddle up and watch our favorite Christmas movies together before bedtime.

It was indeed a Christmas to remember. I’m thankful for the miracle of the birth of Christ, and I’m thankful for days like today. I’m gonna miss this some day.

Love,

Dad

Spaghetti Smiles & Cotton Candy Mustaches

September 30, 2012

A Note From Dad Family, N.E., S.I., Uncategorized All Pro Dad, Chiefs, football, game day 1 Comment

Most people I know think it crazy of me to drive all the way across the state to Kansas City to watch an NFL game when I could stay in the Lou and watch one without the drive. What those peeps don’t know is that there is no comparison. I’ve watched a Rams game in person, and the experience pales in comparison to a Chiefs game day experience at Arrowhead Stadium.

The 5:00am wake up call this morning for a 6:00 departure is actually 2 hours later than I would prefer. It’s the first game for NE and SI, though, so I chose to take it easy on you…this trip. Eventually, we’ll be leaving by 4:00am though, so be ready. 🙂

There’s just something electric about coming within sight of Arrowhead Stadium…and pulling up to the entrance to the lot. It’s the culmination of all the excitement building over a three hour drive. It’s the sea of red all around you. The anticipation of what’s ahead. The atmosphere. The people. The noise and the sounds. The smell of thousands of grills cooking up everything from burgers and brats to shrimp, steak and lobster. It’s all that wrapped into one exciting moment that gives me chill bumps every time.

The haze that covers the parking lot before the game can’t be seen well in a picture, but once you’ve experienced tailgating KC style, nothing the Lou has to offer will ever come close.

Game day brings good food.

Good fun.

And memories that will last a lifetime.

And if you’re paying attention, you might just find a cotton candy mustache.

Or a spaghetti smile.

I had a blast today boys. Can’t wait to bring you back. Next time, I won’t forget to pack the headphones. After all…it IS Arrowhead, the loudest stadium in the NFL.

And while someone going to a game in the Lou might be home long before us, it’s the long, quiet drive home that I get to enjoy one of the best views all day.

Love,

Dad

Happy Tears

August 15, 2012

A Note From Dad Daily Grind, Family, S.D., S.I. children, family, Raising children, school 2 Comments

I never understood happy tears…until I became a dad. I just put my NE on the bus to school, his first day of kindergarten.

Excited For His First Day of School

Ready To Go

My little man is growing up. It literally seems like yesterday we brought you home from the hospital…all 5 pounds of you snuggled in a pumpkin seat. As I sit here with my youngest buddy, a 3 year old SI on my lap, a wave of emotion is flowing over me. I think today (and this week) is going to be harder on me than you.

I never understood happy tears…until I became a dad. The “firsts” in life are often the best. And the most bittersweet. Your first words…your first steps…your first time going “Wa Yay” on the Potty…those milestones in life we celebrate a little more than the rest. By the end of the year, I’ll be used to this, and it won’t be so dramatic. But for now…I know happy tears.

It’s not easy trusting your 5 year old to the world. It’s all I can do to pray that we’ve made the right choice and trust in God to protect you. That’s harder to do than I thought it would be. Until today, we have controlled almost 100% of your life. When you eat…sleep…play…what you watch…who you play with…what you see…what you hear. And as I reflect on giving some of that up today, I know happy tears. Because I’m happy to watch you grow into a young man…and I’m sad to know you’re growing into a young man.

Sending my little buddy out into the world is hard…and quite honestly, I’m having a hard time typing this through the tears. I trust that God has your back. But I’m your dad…my trust in God is not often tied to my emotions. Your brother misses you already. He’s been hugging me over and over for 30 minutes. Perhaps he senses my sadness and knows its what I need. Either way, you two have been together almost 24/7 for 3 years. Where you go, he goes. Your momma said it best: “He’s gonna miss his partner in crime.” So am I.

And yet it’s time to stop wallowing in my sadness. I find comfort in this verse today:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

I find comfort in knowing God is preparing you for a great work. He’s preparing you for the world…and the world for you. For Him to do that, I have to let go…and let God.

So I will continue on with my day because I have the attention of my 3 year old Bubba all day. He has me all to himself today, and I am going to soak it all up. Because two years will pass in the blink of an eye, and tomorrow he’ll be getting on the bus to kindergarten too. And I’ll again know happy tears.

Love,

Dad

Run on Dudes!

May 12, 2012

A Note From Dad Daily Grind, N.E., S.I. Healthy Lifestyle, Raising children, Running Leave a comment

It dawned on me today why I “enjoy” running. Yes I sarcastically say “enjoy” because it’s not something I find pleasure in, except when I’m done for the day…it feels good to have accomplished a good run. In the sense of the way I use the word “enjoy” above, I find some satisfaction in running because I have a hope that it will improve my overall health and level of fitness.

I’ve been discouraged a little here of late because I’m not seeing the pounds drop off like I’d hoped to have already seen by now. It’s been over a year since I started running, and my weight has not really changed much…and my pace is not improving because the weight means it hurts more to run as much as I need to to maintain my training level. I know why the weight’s not coming off like I want, and I know what I need to do to change that…implementation is the part I’m missing. But that’s subject for another note.

Yesterday was NE’s 5th birthday, and he asked for a running hat…like the one I wear when I run, except red. Today as we were running errands, NE was wearing his new hat and SI was wearing mine.

These two beautiful faces smiling back at me say it all. Watching the two of you running around all day, and then NE running your “race” around the cul-de-sac, reinforced for me that while I run for my own health, it ain’t all about me. I may never see the results I want to see in my own body. But the choices I’m making now are changing my family tree. Choosing to be active and eat healthier now are setting a better example for you in these young, formative years…setting a higher standard for you to live by than what I was previously setting. Watching you following in my footsteps, trying to be more active is doing my heart good…knowing that you want to live a healthy life…even if you don’t realize what that actually means yet. And that in itself is worth all the pain and hard work I put into my running. Even if I never lose another pound, if my being active keeps you healthy, then I did good. I pray that’s the case. Run on dudes!

Love,

Dad

A Note From Dad

Underwear Man is Dressed for Church

You Deserve A Better Happy Birthday

Bowling Bubba

Sunday Afternoon Nap

I’m Missing a Wheel, But Not The Point

It’s a Good Plan

A Christmas to Remember…I’m Gonna Miss This Some Day

Spaghetti Smiles & Cotton Candy Mustaches

Happy Tears

Run on Dudes!

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