Sunday, December 31, 2006

Lessons Learned - 2006

With 2006 drawing to a close, I bring to you my top 5 Lessons Learned from this past year.

Top 5 Lessons in 2006:
1 - I need to learn different communication styles for my children. Jaclyn & David now require a more mature approach.
2 - Parenting means sacrifice (in a good way). If you dont want to sacrifice what is "YOURS" for others, than parenting is not for you. Specifically, I sense that I will sacrifice for their education.
3 - You live with the choices you make. It is not simply because you were given a bad deal.
4 - I want to be the type of man that improves other people's lives. A man with soul.
5 - A holy family perserveres.

Writer Note: This list can also be named as top 5 things I remember at the moment as child rearing has increased my loss of brain cells.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Daddy is Santa Claus?

Friday night we celebrated Christmas with my family. When I was young, there was a tradition for my father to dress up as Santa - we still have the Santa suit. My sisters asked me to bring the suit & dress up for the kids (Jaclyn, David, JP, Abigail & cousin Isabella).

After dinner, I dressed in my sister's kitchen. I had the complete Santa suit on (including pillow as stomach) except for white beard, hair and hat. As I was trying to tie the belt, I turned around and David is standing at the kitchen door. David looks at me & says, "Wow, Daddy is Santa"

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Live Nativity & GATB Party

Last night Rachel, Jaclyn and baby Abigail participated in a live Nativity. This event was held outside our church in a barn with a live cow, sheep, llama and donkey. Jaclyn played the role of an angel, Rachel played the role of Mary & Abigail played the role of baby Jesus. We had a great time especially when the congregation said "Amen" followed by a long Moooooooo from the cow.

After the Nativity scene, Rachel & I went on a date to the Suarez Christmas Party. It was very good to be with my wife. Rachel fell asleep on the way there & ya know what - I loved it. The most fun was chatting with my college buddies about our lives, especially sharing family stories (good & bad). Rachel also mentioned that she shared parenting stories with the GATB wives. We had a lot of fun & laughs late into the night. Now remember, these are guys I have known since I was eighteen (almost 20 years ago). To share our current lives, especially OUR KIDS lives is very special.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

You Win Some, You Lose Some

I had a great day with the kids. After going to mass, I picked up Jaclyn, David & JP for Sunday School. Jaclyn & David went to school, JP and I played. We played in the park for 1 hour during this crisp December day. When done, JP fell asleep. Jaclyn & David came out of class & then we all played again in the park. We played until 1 pm. The fun continued at home as we played Thomas the tank engine, stoop soccer, baseball catch & puppet fun.

MAJOR MILESTONE: David & JP played Thomas the tank engine together. It was amazing to watch for about 30 minutes. Interacting, playing - lots of laughs.

The day ended with JP crying & complaining about going to bed. Well, you win some & you lose some.