Man Of Character

We attended a charity dinner for Hopeline Pregnancy Center on Thursday night. The guest speaker was Ryan Dobson. This is the first I learned of him, although I've listened to his father, James Dobson.

Ryan used the term "Man of Character". That term touched me. I am searching & struggling to become this type of man in all aspects of my life. I am particularly trying to become a "father of character". Maybe achieving this is a lifetime journey? Maybe it is unattainable? Maybe I am not trying hard enough?

What A Weekend!

Friday, Saturday and Sunday was absolutely gorgeous weather here in Newtown, CT. The kids & I spent most (if not all) of our days outside. We worked (built patio furniture) and played soccer, tag, basketball, bike riding, running, exploring.

On Saturday we attend Andrew Vincent Caparelli's 1st Birthday party. What a lot of fun for the whole family. Jaclyn said, "Dad, this is the best day of my life!"

On Sunday, the Hoffman & Soloman families visited our home. We had our first BBQ. Again, what a blast for the kids as the day ended with ice cream sandwiches!

I am finding more & more joy in the little moments of life with the family. I enjoyed spending so much time with them this weekend.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

On Saturday, David said to me - "Dad, can you & I have boy time?" I was touched & honored, I happily said "of course". Jaclyn & JP were most gracious as they allowed this time for me & David.

I asked David, "What do you want to do?" He said, "I want to put the lower case alphabet letters in the coconut tree". This is in reference to a children's book - Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Disheartening for me. I wanted to wrestle, play football, or have a catch. We set the metal easel along with the magnetic letters. One by one we placed each letter on the board in alphabetical order, removed the vowels, organized by color and then went through the book - WORD BY WORD. David memorized the book.

This is disheartening because the letters are a source of repetition - a calming mechanism for David. After we completed the story, David wanted to do it again. I told him that this was enough focus on the letters. He looked at me & said, "Dad, I love you. Can we have boy time again soon?" I proudly told him we would (heart melting)

David - I look forward to boy time & ya know what - we can do whatever YOU want!

Enjoying (not sweating) the Small Stuff

I learned from my children this week that the small & simple things matter. I learned that spending time with them - just playing - they find great joy in that.

5 small wonderful things from this past week:
- We made homemade pizza together (me, JP, David, & Jaclyn)
- We played Robots (kids are robots and wind them up)
- Jaclyn made her 1st basketball shot (no help) on Saturday, April 7
- Abigail turned over for the first time on Sunday, April 8
- We made a chocolate cake for Easter (Jaclyn licked the bowl)

I am going to make a dedicated effort to enjoying those moments - these small moments where joy is found.

A Father Getting Right with God

I attended Morning Prayer this week in preparation for Easter. Lesson learned - get right with God. Most importantly, getting right with God sets the tone for the rest of your day, interactions, work, relationships, family & fatherhood. I am not perfect but trying.

I carry this lesson with my children. I continually have to step back and re-learn that they are not perfect, they are trying. In doing so - they want to be closer with me & I with them.

Lovable times today with David and J.P. We wrestled, played with dinosaurs, played with baby emperor penguin. Boy time at its best.