Broken washing machine??? Only on Sunday.

Well Sunday morning is off to a fabulous start. Tired from work, I come home to a broken washing machine. Just what I wanted to do today, deal with broken appliances. Maybe it's mad because I was cursing at it yesterday lol. I called my neighbor Bob, who is retired from the appliance industry, to come take a look. Hopefully it's a simple fix. I'll have to update y'all later as he's not shown up yet. 

Ingrid's gotten into extreme couponing so we clipped coupons together this morning for a few hours as our way of spending time together. I know, we're weird. I think it's something we could both get into. Although I know I should get some sleep, here I sit watching a movie and daydreaming aimlessly about the thought of us purchasing a house. Which by the way, we're going to look at it again and take some of our own pictures today at 4p.

Work last night was fairly decent. I've recently tried to quit smoking and I always do great until we have a stressful night on the job. Last night was one of those night. Everything was running smoothly until just before lunch and production came to a screeching halt. Like they say "if you never had a bad day at work, then you'd never be able to appreciate the good ones"

So much running through my head....... So much i should do........ Should I do this, or that or neither. Can it wait until tomorrow? I'm busy most of the day tomorrow and don't know if I'll get any sleep but there is so much I want to get done. I miss Rylan and Lilly already. I dropped them off with their mother last night. As all parents do, I constantly wonder how they are doing and if they're alright. Not that I have any reason to.  One nice aspect is the house is very quiet. Just wishing they we here with me so I could see my little ones. Kaden spent some time in the Johnny jumper last night and this morning. He's not one for jumping yet but enjoys sitting in it. 

I think I'll drift off to sleep for a few hours. Pretty uneventful morning. Hoping and praying the washing machine will be an easy fix. I just have to remind myself to be thankful for the wonderful things I have and not what I don't have. Keep true to my roots on what's important. Family, friends and happiness. I'm off to bed and that's daddies days. 

Engagement Ring? Just a promise ring

Wednesday was Ingrid's grandmothers memorial service. Although sad circumstances, I was able to meet some more of her family. During the conversation with Ingrid's cousin, the jeweler, I was given a cute idea for a ring. 

Cute right. I know it's not much and not an engagement ring yet. It will come with time. Just a fancied up zip tie. Kinda cheesy but its a memory that we can joke about for years to come. 

Then came Thursday July 4th. My pervious post sort of showed off the fabulous idea for t-shirts to wear for holiday festivities. Here is the final outcome. 

Yes we've turned into the family that coordinates outfits. I thought it was pretty awesome. 

Friday consisted of tearing apart a piano for scrap metal. It's always fun to demolish things. Left a big mess in the garage but that'll all be good fire wood. 

After tearing that apart, I met Bobs brother and we have a peaceful evening enjoying some adult beverages, good conversation and good company. 

On another note we made an offer on the house we liked and they accepted the offer so hopefully Ingrid and I will be homeowners before the new school year. Yay - excited. 

Off for work another night but not before collecting rent from the apartments. 

Once again missing my loved ones Ingrid, Rylan, Lilly and Kaden.  Wishing you all sweet dreams until the sun comes up tomorrow. This all from just another one of daddies days. 

Long eventful weekends

It's been a few days since my last post so I'm sorry for ignoring y'all. It's been a busy week. My oldest 2 children, Rylan and Lilly spent the first few weeks of June at their moms. This was the first week I've spent with them since being transferred to night shift. 

Amidst working nights and having 3 kids at home, Ingrid has continued to be a huge help. She is wonderful at allowing me to get some needed rest on my work nights, helping with meals and keeping the house clean. She is so wonderful and I can't tell her enough how much I love her and everything she does for me. 

I'll start with Saturday morning. I worked Friday night and luckily made it home before all the kids woke up.  About the time I'm climbing into bed, Ingrid was informed that her grandmother passed away at 93 yrs old after a long drawn out battle with her health. She was extremely shook up over the loss. I can't express enough sympathy for what she's having to go through. I wish i could take all of Ingrid's sadness and sorrow away from her so she would not have to hurt. 

After insuring she was emptionally stable to watch the kids I dozed off. I ended up sleeping until noonish before being woke up by Lilly. After only getting 4 hours of sleep, I struggled the remainder of the day but made it through. We didn't accomplish too much. I was trying to just spend some quality time with Rylan and Lilly. Our excitement came from making bubbles outside and then watching the neighbors set off fireworks. Saturday night we fell asleep on the couch watching a movie. 

Sunday morning rolled around and go figure, I'm up at the crack of dawn. For some reason, I always revert back to a day schedule. It never makes for a good first day, I mean night, back to work. Sunday morning was pretty laid back. We played with bubbles, watched some tv, built a train, colored and much much more. Sunday afternoon came by and there were a few open house for some new construction in our neighborhood so we decided to check a couple out. Both Ingrid and I really liked the few we did look at but were disappointed the the basements were not finished. After looking at a few houses, we chose to take all the kids swimming for the afternoon.  Boy was that relaxing. We went swimming at Ingrid's mom's community and just by coincidence, all the others swimming were leaving when we got there. How fun?  We had the whole pool to ourselves. 

We invited some friends to bring their kids swimming as well. It was just a great afternoon with friends. Don't the ladies just look lovely. 

After swimming, it was back to Nani's for some refreshments and some burgers off the grill. Finally as the sun was setting, we headed home. It had been a long exhausting day for Ingrid, I and all 3 kids. I was just happy that all 3 of the kids fell a sleep in the car and remained asleep for the remainder of the night. It was the first time in a week or so that Ingrid and I were able to have some time to ourselves.  

Monday started off with a bang.......  Off to swimming lessons. This was the kids second year in lessons. They did not fair too well last year so I was relieved that this year was off to a better start. After swimming lessons, we stopped by our realtors office to pick up some baseball tickets won in a drawing. Yay, something we can go to at a minor expense. Of course there is a firework stand next to his office so to appease the kids, I broke down and bought a few to set off for the kids. More exciting, we got a good lead on a nice house for sale from our realtor. We set up a viewing for later in the day. We just drooled in excitement until 5p when we could go look at the house. 

Meanwhile I took Rylan with me as I went to an apartment complex I own to finish cleaning out a unit and meet the new tenant. After about 30 minutes at the apartment, that turned very old for Rylan.  What was originally planned as a quick visit, turned into a four hour ordeal as I had to make a few repairs while at the apartment. Finally on the road back home. 

It was just about 5 when I got home so we rushed to get in the truck and head to view this house. Luckily it's only about 5 mins from our house now.  

This house we looked at was immaculate. Ingrid and I fell in love with it as soon as we stepped foot in the door. And it only got better from there. After discussions later that night, we've decided too move forward with purchasing. 

Tuesday morning was sort of a drag. I had a meeting at work which began at 8am. So much for sleeping in. Our meeting was very productive as well as informative but it did last until 1130. At that point I'm thinking that a chance of some sleep before work is pretty slim. On the travel home I received a phone call from my mortgage company regarding a home mortgage. I'd been approved and could move forward with purchasing the house. Yay we are so excited. 

I attempted to take a nap but between the excitement of being approve for a mortgage, the kids playing, not being tired and a lot on my mind, I didn't sleep but an hour. Ingrid had a neat craft project she'd wanted to do with the kids but was still lacking a few key parts. Because we were all up, off to Target for the last items needed for our project. White T-shirts. From Target, I headed straight to work, joy joy, and Ingrid took all the kids home. Just a little bit later she sent me a picture of the kids crafts along with a text stating "Kaden's doesn't look so good...note to self should prob use fabric paint when 2 adults are home"

This all in preparation of course for July 4th.

Activities like this are just another one of the million reasons I love Ingrid and am blessed to have such an amazing woman in my life assisting in raising the kids. 

And that my friends is what consists during daddies days. Off to work I go, jealously dreaming of being at home with the ones I love, Ingrid, Rylan, Lilly and Kaden. Sweet dreams to you all. 

Sunday morning party

Work last night was good. I think I'm starting to adjust to overnights. I wasn't too tired when I got off work and it was an easy night. 

I spent most of the morning out on the patio with Ingrid, Kaden and a few neighbors. We had a great morning while enjoying one another's company over some dress brewed coffee. John and Bob spent some time interacting with Kaden.

It was a fabulous morning with friends, family and a fresh breeze. 

The hours passed quickly and before I knew it, it was 1130. I had to stop playing around, get in the house to eat some breakfast before getting some shut eye. 

Ingrid made one of my favorite breakfast meals. Bacon and eggs. I know, typical guy. So deliciously filling. After that it was straight to the bed for some sleep. 

My alarm went off around 5p. The house smelled like fresh baked cookies. Yup you got it, Ingrid made some cookies. It was a new recipe. They were pretty delicious. You're welcome to follow her blog at OnTheHip...Side for details into the recipes she uses. I don't want to steal her doings. 

I was fairly lazy upon waking though. Ingrid, Kaden and I just relaxed in the bedroom talking and playing until 545. Finally I was ready to go. Grabbed my coffee and kissed my loved ones goodbye for the evening as I headed out the door. 

Until I'm done in the morning and can return home to the ones that make me smile. 

Sleepless in Kansas

It's been a few days since my last post. For those of you joining, my job schedule has recently been changed and I'm now working night shift. My body has not been handling that too well. Most days have been getting home from work at 8a and going to bed shortly thereafter. Sleeping until 3-4p before spending a few hours with Ingrid and Kaden before leaving again or work at 6p. Luckily Rylan and Lilly are with their mother this week which is giving me time to adjust before they're back with us. 

I had Friday night off work so that morning Ingrid asked me to go swimming with her and Kaden. I elected to go with them over sleeping. The morning stated out fine. We did some grocery shopping and them went to the pool. My intentions were to take a nap there but all I did was sweat. It was way too hot for me to sleep comfortably. After that we preceded home. Finally I could take a nap at 530p. I was tired. Ingrid made some fish for dinner and it was delicious. After dinner, I could barely keep my eyes open and decided to turn in for the night. 

Today was fairly unproductive. I slept in until 930, was up for a few hours and took another nap. Ingrid was going to a bridal shower so that left the house nice and quiet. I've just been so tired during this transition. Off to work again for a 12 hr overnight shift. Can't wait to see what in store for my night. 

Anniversary

June 19th was our anniversary. Usually I am pretty original and on the ball when it comes to gifts and dates etc etc. this year however I really dropped the ball. So I was just exhausted this morning when I got home. I knew I'd forgot to do something. Maybe because I was drained. As soon as I walked in the door she wished me happy anniversary and the only thing I had to say was sh*t.  

Ingrid was the creative original one this year. She's made this awesome photo book with pictures throughout the past year. It was pretty neat. I loved it. You can check it out at the link below. I'm not the best with computer stuff so if it doesn't work I'm sorry

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Sbs27hqzZPQA&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET

I was going to get Ingrid photo shop so she would be able to edit and print whatever photos she wants too for scrap books, pic frames etc. As stated earlier, I just completely forgot. Ingrid didn't seem to mind too much but that's still no excuse to forget an anniversary gift and miss an opportunity to make her feel that she's loved. 

After sleeping until 5ish I woke up and Ingrid had made beef stroganoff for dinner. While making small talk she was also excited that she gotten a lot done around the house today.  God love her. I'm such a lucky person the be blessed with her in my life. 

I left for work around 6p and I must say, working during the days is much easier on the family life. 

Happy anniversary Ingrid. Thank you for being you. I happily await spending many years of joy and happiness with you. For ever and ever I love you. 

The day after

Last night was my first time working overnights in a long long time. The night at work started out alright and made a gradual downhill turn. It ended up being an alright night but wow am I exhausted. With not too much sleep yesterday, I'm ready for bed at 830a. Pretty pathetic I know.  Apparently Kaden had a diaper blowout last night in the bed too but I was so tired, frankly I didn't care. I was going to bed. 

As much as society tells me drinking in the morning isn't acceptable, it's really tasting good at this time of day. I mean after working all night not necessarily 830 in the morning lol. 

My arm has been bothering me lately and I really should go to the doctor but I'm kind of thinking about saving that feat for another day. Maybe later this week once my body adjusts to the new schedule. 

Ingrid had some fresh coffee made when I got home this morning which was very thoughtful. I guess it could have been just for her. After drinking coffee all night I really wasn't in the mood. I could tell that she's already done some dishes and started laundry. Super woman I tell you. She's just amazing. 

Time to sign out as I'm dozing off while typing. Just another episode of daddies day where everything is a daze where I continue to prioritize what I can procrastinate on until tomorrow and then repeat until it gets done.