Jack O'Leary Pasta Night

22nd Annual Jack O'Leary Pasta Night was held on Saturday at St. Clare's School in the Bronx, NY. This event has been held since the year of my Dad's death in 1988. D was sick this year so I went with my mom and 2 of 4 kiddies. They had a blast since the Chaluisan girls joined us.

My kids "love pasta night". It really is a blast for kids - loud music, food, dancing, raffles. The reality is that it is all about the children. Passing the legacy of my father - a servant for family, friends, and community on to the next generations.

Maybe that is my reality? Building on the legacy of my father before me.

Fatherhood Talk

I had a good talk with the kids last night. Well, at least that is my opinion.
The talk centered around 2 things:
1 - Respecting yourself and others
2 - Inauguration of Barack Obama

The goal was to ensure they were being respectful to everyone but most especially their family. They are blessed to have each other and I know they love each other just by their actions. However sometimes life gets in the way. Let's see how much sticks for an 8, 7 and 4 year old.

I was pleased to know that they also watched the presidential inauguration at school. D was very expressive in letting me know about Obama and Biden. He also very clearly told me that Obama was the 44th president but the 1st African-American president. It was beautiful to hear.

In both instances, I hope they not only heard/saw but truly understand.

Fatherhood.org

Not sure if you can learn fatherhood from reading (online or offline). But I am willing to give it a try. Although, I agree you can be inspired by learning tips, tricks and ideas. Fatherhood for me has been evolutionary. From thinking babies come FLYING OUT (me wearing a catchers mitt) of the womb. To currently trying to communicate with my soon to be 9 year old daughter (not the same communication as when she is 2).

So I will give these websites a chance:
fatherhood.org - National Fatherhood Institute
fatherhood.gov - National Fatherhood Clearinghouse

But this blog (and others out there like this) are the place where we can build up our resources to make fatherhood matter.

Coping with an Autistic Brother

I invite you to read this interesting article from NPR.....or better yet listen to its corresponding podcast.

I read this and wonder how my daughter feels.
One quote was striking, "...her brother's diagnosis has affected every aspect of her life from the time he was born."

I guess I also wonder how I cope as a Dad.

Fatherhood

Sunday I had a blast with JP. He joined me while I was a referee at 2 games. He truly enjoys watching the games - you can see the intensity in his eyes as he watches.

Afterwards we watched the Giants lose, we watched a lacrosse game, we played one on one basketball, we shared a pretzel, we had some gatorade. We finally called it a day. We spent 5 hours together.

The key was spending time together. I loved it and hopefully he did too. Nothing out of the ordinary - just time. Fatherhood.

New Year, New Words

A refers to siblings as JackA, Day Day, and Ju Ju. Well, that was 2008.

2009 she has grasped full names. Oh, with complete sentences too.

Knows proper usage for Why? and What?

Full mastery on how to hold a mobile phone (and make calls).

More gray hairs are coming :-)