Category Archives: Adventures in DaddyLand
I WON!!!!!
Ok, I didn’t win the lottery but I did win an autographed copy of “The Modern Mom’s Guide to Dads” by Hogan Hilling and Jayne Rutherford. I must say that I can’t wait to check out this book. I love reading books on being a parent and am really looking forward to reading this one. I will post a review and picture when I get it in!!!
On another note I plan on in the near future to begin doing video blogs. I think it would add a little sweetness to my blogs!! I must confess that it is 11:07 pm and I am spent!!! Time for bed!! Until next time.
Much love,
Shawn
Things I have learned while being a Dad
First off it’s been WAY TO long since my last blog!!! I will try and not space out my post so far in the future!! However, the reason for the time difference has been a good one as I have begun a new business and have been crazy busy getting that up and running!! I will give you details later. For now, here are some things I have learned while being a Dad:
* Going out to eat with your kids is a lot like wrestling an alligator. It’s a cool idea at first but when you get to actually doing it, you wonder what you were thinking!!
* Kids will puke and poop on you at the worst possible times. Like when your getting interviewed by the newspaper.
* DVD players in cars are God’s gift to parents and I am very thankful for them!!!
* Sleep is something that you used to get in college but thought you never needed. Now you would kill for an extra 10 minutes!!!
* The faster you try and change a poopy diaper will directly determine how fast it is filled once you put your child on the ground again!!
* Kids will wake up from a coma during the following times, movies with your wife, sex, times where you REALLY have to go to the bathroom and you are the only parent, just as you fall asleep for a nap, when the dog 30 miles away farts in your general direction!!
* Work is just beginning at 5 pm when you get home!!
That’s all for now. Got to get back to work. Everyone have a great week.
God Bless,
Shawn
Throwdown Bed (Dad Gift of the Day)
Crafted from poplar hardwood poles, MDF frame with steel undercarriage bed supports.
With the use of actual fencing, 9 gauge 6 core centers, foam padded rails and synthetic leather covers, this will last forever, just like the real deal. MDF Stairs include replica diamond plating Throwdown Anvil detail.
Looking to get this bed for someone other than the little guy or gal? In addition to Twin, we have Full, Queen and King size as well!
The nickname appears printed on the back post of the bed. Please specify the nickname below.
Dimensions: (Twin Bed Measurements)
Headboard/Footboard 46” Width x 61” Height, Back 85” Width x 61” Height
Shipping in continental US only. Contact us for other shipping arrangements.
*For multiple beds, contact us for special shipping discounts
To get your MMA bed go here. I plan on getting one soon!!!
The Dad Life
I must confess that I have totally missed my time on this blog lately!! I have been busy preparing for a new business venture and haven’t really had the time to share my thoughts like I would like to. It’s amazing how much busier life seems with two kids instead of one. However, I will work harder to post a little more often. Until then I thought I would share this video a friend of mine posted on his blog. Enjoy:
Day 2: Humble Pie
Ever have one of those days? One of those days where you learn more about yourself then you really wanted too? That was my day today. I pretty much learned that when I am in a hurry to get things done, I am a bit of a jerk!!! NOT GOOD!! I learned that sometimes you have to listen to those in your life who know more then you do, even if you don’t think they do!!! I learned that failure really is the best teacher, no matter how many times people have told me that and I didn’t believe them!!!
While the last 6 months have been financially frustrating, they have also been emotionally draining, and a time of deep spiritual searching. Of course it is during these kind of times that you REALLY learn about yourself, mainly because you are finally able to see the things everyone else could see but you were blinded too. Things like pride.
Oh yeah, I said it!! The big elephant in the room. Pride. Ever wrestled with this giant? He is relentless!!! He sneaks in and makes you think that you got everything under control and your the big man on the block when in reality, you are way to big for the britches your wearing. However, what Pride doesn’t tell you is that the bigger man is always meek and humble (Matthew 5:5 and Proverbs 11:2)!!! The more powerful man is one who is teachable (something I tend not to be). The greatest of all is a servant (Matthew 23:11)!!!
I find that God often allows us to learn the hardest lessons, not by watching a movie or reading a book about it. But by allowing us to experience every, single, agonizing moment!!! But I also find that those moments are the ones that shape our destiny. Right now I am eating a large portion of humble pie. Is it good? It’s kind of like medicine, it taste bad but is good for you. For now……..I am thankful. Thankful that God loves us and allows us to repent. Thankful for the Grace of God and those of my family and friends. Thankful that everyday is a new day and starting over can happen every morning!! Was it a good day today? Yeah, I learned more about myself and grew up just a little bit more. Until next time.
Much love,
Shawn
Work/Life Balance
The Work/Life balance. Is there really any such thing? Can we really balance our work life with our home life? I have been thinking about this a lot lately, mainly because it’s such a big issue for me right now. After a lay off in January from a job I had for 6 1/2 years, I have had to work 3 jobs just to pay all the bills. I must be honest when I say this time in my life has been the most difficult!! I come home exhausted!! However, I know that my wife has been working all day with the kids, doing dishes, laundry, getting lunch and dinner together, etc. so I know that I can’t just come home and “relax” in from of the tv watching ESPN!!
What is a man to do? Well, for me I am doing my best to be “in the moment” with the time I get with my family. Every minute I get I am doing the best I can to stay engaged. Is it easy? NO!! Sometimes I can barely keep my eyes open. Is it worth it? YES!! Just to spend time playing with my 16 month old, or to hold my 1 month old, or to spend 15 minutes talking about nothing and everything with my wife is WORTH IT ALL!!
Guys, I know things are tough in many of our lives, but we must do our best to be there for our families!! My FIRST calling as a man is to my family!! If I can’t provide for them in what we have now, then we will downsize and go a new direction, but I will NEVER allow my job (or jobs), hobby, etc. to take the place of my family!! They are TOO IMPORTANT!! Our families need our love, life, and attention!! May we give all we can to them with the best of our ability!!!
As for me I am working toward being self employed again. That is why I am working 3 jobs. I want to work from home again and determine the hours I work. While that is not for everyone I would encourage all my brothers out there to find the balance for your life. Everyone’s balance point is different. For my family and I we are working together to get our new business off the ground. Are we close? Yeah, I think so, but even if it takes another couple of months I will not let work come between the love of my life and the kids we have made together. God Bless you guys today in your struggle for work/life balance. Until next time.
Much love,
Shawn
Horror Movie Shower Curtain & Bath Mat
In a follow up to the “Blood Bath” soap from a few posts back I thought I would find something that would go perfectly as a follow up gift. So here you go:
Insert screeching violins here
You are sound asleep when suddenly a piercing noise jolts you out of bed. You slowly slink to the bathroom and flip on the lights. Your eyes are assaulted with the goriest of sights – a shower curtain smeared with bloody hand prints and a bath mat stained with bloody footprints. Your heart is now racing; there’s no way you’re going back to sleep now. Which is perfect because the piercing noise was your alarm clock, the gory sight was your new Horror Movie Shower Curtain & Bath Mat, you’re now fully awake, and it’s time to get ready for work.
scary.
Horror Movie Shower Curtain and Bath Mat
- Because sometimes it’s just scary having to wake up in the mornings. Try it with a “blood stained” shower curtain or bath mat.
- Choose from:
- Shower Curtain
- 100% polyester
- Includes a full set of shower curtain hooks.
- approx. 71″ x 71″
- Bath Mat
- Acrylic fluffy fibers (rubber bottom)
- approx. 27.5″ x 19.5″ x 0.5″
- Shower Curtain
Dad Updates
* I am SUPER tired today!!! Don’t know why either. Got plenty of sleep last night.
* Was working on getting a community group up with ning.com but they are going to start charging to use their site, so I have to think of another way. Anyone got ideas?
* I am seriously thinking about writing a book on being a Dad.
* I could sit and watch my kids all day long for the rest of my life!!!!
* Did I mention I am tired.
* I was going to update everyone on a bunch of cool ideas I had, but I can’t remember a single one!!! ARG!!
* I love the pic above!!!
* I’m 28, married, and have 2 kids. I am blessed.
* How is everyone’s work/family life balance? Mine is ok. I’m working 3 jobs to keep up with things because of a layoff back in January but things are picking up. I work for a non-profit, a little with my father-in-law, and am a health insurance agent. Life is busy.
* Would you subscribe to a newsletter if I put one out on Fatherhood? Just wondering.
For now that is all I got!! I am beat and still have a load of work to do today!! Hope everyone has a great evening. I will try and post tonight some more thoughts. Until next time.
Much love,
Shawn
The Evolution of Dad
A few weeks ago I posted the trailer for the documentary “The Evolution of Dad.” Well, since then I have gotten the opportunity to check out the film before the official release date and I must say……….THIS IS A GREAT FILM!!! I HIGHLY recommend it!! Here’s the trailer I posted:
This film is going to revolutionize the role of Fatherhood in this country and I am so glad I have gotten the chance to know some of those that have made this film possible!!! Because of that, I have gotten the opportunity to share will all my readers a little gift from Dana and everyone at The Evolution of Dad. If you know a great Dad that exemplifies the role of Fatherhood, then check out this this link as a gift from The Evolution of Dad staff and The Father’s Perspective. Remember, Father’s Day is coming and this would be a great addition to a gift letting the Father in your life how much he means to you!!! Until next time.
Much love,
Shawn
