I guess just about everyone else in the world already knew this, but me: There are two ways to put up a Christmas tree – the single man’s way and the right way. Ok, I guess I’ve known it for several years, but just didn’t want to admit it. But THIS year . . .…
Tag: single parents
The (book) worm has turned at our house
We’ve found a new activity at our house that doesn’t involve television, video games, or my smart phone. And, no, the activity we’ve found isn’t sleeping. Instead, it’s reading. As in, my son reading to me. Now before you start to think I’m either a GREAT parent for thinking up this rather (ahem) novel idea…
Trying to Make the Grade
I woke up last Monday morning to something new – there was no sense of anxiety. At least it seemed new for the first day of the new school year. I’m not going to say there weren’t any problems at all. My son was already in full Do-I-have-to-go-to-school mode. But all-in-all, it was a good…
Blood, Sweat, and Toilet Water
As parents, we all have moments when we’re not always paying complete attention to our kids when they’re talking to us. But there are certain key words that always catch our ears. And that’s what happened to me recently. There I was, minding my own business trying to do something important like watch wrestling or…
Don’t Just Turn the Other Cheek, You Need to Wash It, too
Yesterday, I heard the words every parent dreads. “Dad, I did something embarrassing this morning.” I was in the bathroom at our Sunday School, and I was hoping I had misunderstood him. “What?” “I did something embarrassing in Sunday School this morning.” It’s amazing how many thoughts can race through your mind in a matter of…
Before and After
Not long after my wife died, I started seeing a counselor. It was a good thing, I think. It was something I did off and on over the next few years. I thought most of it was good. And helpful. But there were a few things I didn’t agree with. One thing that always struck…
I Was Just Worried About You, Dad
I don’t have professional training in how to worry. But as a parent, I find that it comes quite naturally. Afterall, that’s what we’re supposed to do as parents – worry. My son is going on a trip with a friend? Time to worry. My daughter is going out on a date? Uh-oh. My son is…
The Girlfriend With No Name
Dating has changed a lot for me this second time around. The first time I was single, I was young, geeky, and didn’t have any money. Now, in my second act of dating, I’m old(er), still geeky (maybe geekier – if that’s possible) , have kids, and still don’t have any money. Ok, so maybe…
Are You John Smith or Kocoum?
When my daughter was about two years old, we took her to see the movie Pocahontas. Yeah, I know, we probably shouldn’t have, but Braveheart was sold out, so the Disney movie was about all that was left. Now I’m not going to say I hated the movie, but I did construct a Pocahontas voodoo…
I’ll Do Anything for my Kids, but Do I Have to do THIS?
I love my kids. And I’ll do almost anything for them. I dressed up as a clown for one of my daughter’s birthday parties. I’ve been to events, gone over spelling words, and even ridden rides at amusement parks. I’ve cleaned up puke and nursed them through all kinds of sicknesses and fake sicknesses. I’ve worked and…
Holding together the jello 