SparkDad

Today was an emotional rollercoaster! This was the first full day alone with boys in over a month.  It was tough. The big problems that I had today were that the boys fought a lot. They were having problems with sharing. Everything that I have read says that this is normal especially with Pork Chop since he is only five. But Skeeter knows better and still has a problem with sharing his toys.

Skeeter’s problem is not so much the “sharing” part, but the “destruction” part where Pork Chop breaks or looses something. Skeeter goes ballistic. He is very, very picky with his toys. Especially with the Legos. We have taught him that we are not made of money and cannot just go replace a broken toy. He takes a lot of pride in his toys and takes very good care of them. This is a value that Mama and I feel is important, but it can be a problem at times because Andrew wants to play with them.

I sat them down today and explained to them that at the end of the day when all the toys are gone they will only have each other. Brothers are very important. More important than any “thing”.  Pork Chop said “We are not friends, we are brothers.” I then explained that while they are Brothers and not friends, the fact that they are brothers makes them very special friends.

They hugged and were angels the rest of the day…whew! (Spark Dad wipes his brow)

After getting the vacation clothes put up, laundry in progress, sweeping and cleaning the wood floors, I made dinner for Grandpa Joe. Grandpa Joe is very special to us so we made brownies and bought a cake. The boys made a very good card for him and since we could not find the keys to the car and could not go buy him a present they opened up their piggy banks and gave him about $2 and change in the card. I believe that Grandpa Joe will cherish those $2 for many years.

Now all the dishes are in the dishwasher and the kitchen is clean! This brings up a very important point. For all those stay at home Dads and Moms out there, I truly believe that a clean kitchen and sink before bed really helps keep the house clean and in order.

This morning when I got up there were dishes in the sink. I avoided the kitchen all day. I did  not want to cook or do anything in there. In fact I made the boys fish sticks and corn because it required no cooking. One of the biggest favors you can do for yourself is to make sure come hell or high water that your kitchen is in order before you go to bed.

With that note, I am out!

Spark Dad

Whew! We are back from 10 days vacation and now the clean up is on. I have a lot to do today.

1. Un-Pack and put up clothes

2. Wash dirty clothes

3. Put up fold up chairs, life jackets and vacation gear in garage.

4. Go get mail from Post Office.

5. Go to Bank

6. Go to grocery store..

And in the middle of all of this, I cannot find my keys!!! Argh!

More updates later!

Spark Dad

Most of you have seen my picture. The first thing that  you notice is my shining bald head. Well getting that smooth ball of perfect skin takes a lot of work!

I started shaving when my hair really thinned on top. I know that some of you might say that there is Rogaine and other products for thinning hair, but there is nothing for frontal baldness.

So about three years ago, at the request of Mama, I shaved my head. The comment that I mad above about a lot of work is true. The hair that I do have grows very fast. So in one day I will have a considerable amount of stubble. Shaving is rough on your head. Constantly shaving dries my skin out and dry skin cuts more easily.

I have tried all sorts of razors, electric razors and disposable razors. I have ended up using the mega-expensive Mach 3 razor for years now. But at $20 per 6 blades that is very costly. When I worked it was no big deal, but now that I am a Stay At Home Dad it is has become a very large expense. I have cut back the number of days that I shave my head, but I fell grubby when I do this.

My solution is going to be to buy a classic safety razor, such as the one pictured. I will report on the results of the purchase and calculate the cost savings once I get it in and start using it.

In addition I have tried all sorts of shaving creams. To combat the dry skin I used lots of lotions. The problem with lotions is that they make my head incredibly oily. This results in a blinding shine on my head, which is not one of my goals.

I also tried rubbing baby oil on my head first and then the shaving cream. This works well but is a pain and requires a lot of work. This is when my Comadre saved the day!

She introduced me to the Skin So Soft Shaving Gel from Avon. This stuff is great. It is about the same cost as buying Edge gel from the store and actually lasts longer. I use less of it to shave my entire head and face.

I hope this helps any of you bald guys out there!

C YA

Spark Dad

Today on the Google Blog, Google Voice released Google Voice for Android and most importantly for me Blackberry.

You install the Google Voice Application on your Blackberry and then you can dial from your phone using your Google Voice Number. Very cool.

I just made a test phone call to my wife and we will see how the quality turned out when she calls me back.

You can see the original link on the Google Blog here.

C YA

Spark Dad

I have just returned from our friend Johnny’s funeral. He was only 40 years old.  I knew him for only a brief time and only met him on a few occasions. The picture here is of him and his wonderful wife of 1 1/2 years at our Halloween party in 2007.

Many people came to his funeral and all spoke of him in very kind words. He served in our military and will be buried with military honors.

He is survived by two wonderful children Jacob and Lexie. Please keep them in your prayers.

A death like Johnny’s reminds us all of why we are here. We are here to build good relationships with those close to us, to touch all of those whom we come into contact with and build solid families and circles of friends. Johnny lived a good life and he was rich with compassion, love and friends.

He will be missed. Rest in Peace Johnny D.