Parenting as a Christian Single Dad

Every now and then God opens my eyes to a revelation. Of course He does this through Madalyn to make sure I am even more humbled and able to get the full context of His grace. I can be praying for my usual; money, mate, success, etc. My usual “me-me-me” prayer and in an instant I start to think about how Madalyn was a stinker all day long by constantly asking for candy, pop, chocolate, Dora, etc. She is in her “me-me-me” phase yet the difference between her and I are, she is 4 and I am 30 something. I know what she is asking for isn’t always beneficial but she won’t listen to reason and take “no” for an answer. She just keeps on asking and asking and sometimes throwing the occasional fit. “Boy this sounds familiar, but then I would never do such a thing.” J Madalyn and myself share a common feeling, we both want something that isn’t always good for us in the quantities we desire and at the time we desire. As God acting in my self-interest He knows what is best for me yet I don’t ...

Hidden Meaning of the Twelve Days of Christmas From 1558 until 1829 people in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. It was during this era that someone wrote “The Twelve Days of Christmas” as a kind of secret catechism that would be sung in public without risk of persecution. The song has two levels of interpretation: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the church. Each element in the carol is a code word for a religious reality. 1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ. 2. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments. 3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love. 4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels. 5. The five gold rings recall the Torah (Law) the first five books of the Old Testament. 6. The six geese of laying stand for the six days of creation. 7. Seven swans a swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit. 8. The eight maids a milking are the eight Beatitudes. 9. Nine ladies dancing are the...

Being divorced has it advantages and disadvantages, I can't believe I am saying that! Anyhow, today was Madalyn's birthday and she is spending it with mom. I was invited but I felt weird about it and I am scared to give Madalyn the wrong impression that mom and dad may get back together. (yes I tend to over analyze or maybe look for an excuse :-) ) Well apparently I am the proud new owner of half the bill for the party she had. I even got the call before the party was over that I owed the money. I don't recall agreeing to it but I am also non confrontational when it comes to Madalyn because I don't want her to be hurt by my stubbornness. I don't know why my ex feels I need to pay for half of everything. I take care of Madalyn and if she can't live in her means then she should cut back. I would of been happy to pay some money if I was asked up front, not after the fact. Oh well it is not worth fretting over. My little girl is growing up! The big 4!

This weekend will be Madalyn's 4th birthday, however she will be with her mother so I decided to give her presents early. Grandma and Grandfather got her a Barbie, car, and clothes for the Barbie. Pretty cool! I am curious to know if anyone else has problems getting toys out of their package without wanting to destry them? Is it just me or are the toy companies trying to make it difficult. It is probably me... So we get to putting the clothes on the doll. I think the top is a bit tight, I struggle getting the pants on and mind you I spent a good 5 minutes wiggling this Barbie into these clothes for my happy little girl. Finally, I get to put the shoes on and they are way too SMALL. I mean there was no way to cram those feet in there at all. It dawned on me the clothes must of been for a different Barbie. I just figured it was lifelike and I have seen women work their way into a pair of pants not to mention the ones that purposely wear to small of shirts. Anyhow I have lea...

Maybe the title is misleading, how about "Kids being Kids"... Ya that works. So my sister and family were in town for Thanksgiving and they have a boy, Cosmos, that is about Madalyn's age. It was a kick seeing them interact, at least for the first few minutes. They tended to get a bit rowdy with one another. I often wonder if Madalyn has it too easy. I mean the way she acts out sometimes really throws me for a loop. Often I am left not knowing what to do. It usually ends with one of us crying. :-) One night at dinner Madalyn was behaving herself pretty darn good. I was very proud of her. Cosmos on the other hand was out of control. Kicking, screaming, hitting papa, spitting and throwing food, it was a sight. It took everything in me to keep the smirk to a minimum on my face. Why? Because for once it was not my own kid throwing a fit. I have not seen other kids do it and I had developed a frame of mind that I was the lucky one. NOT! I did lean over to my sister and get out...

Have you ever sat back and wondered why it seems Americans are so out of shape these days? As I look at myself I can easily get too busy and end up cutting back on many of the things that I should be doing such as exercising and eating right. Over the years I have taken it upon myself to take care of the body that God has given me. It is hard at times but by building new habits I have been able to reach a level of success that I am happy with. This section will hold tips for the kitchen a long with some of my favorite recipes. Kitchen Tips How to Select the Right Fruits and Veggies Cutting out the Trans Fat Choosing Healthy Breakfast Cereals Recipes Easy Homemade Pancakes Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Biscuits

I can't remember the last time I really enjoyed cooking. With the hustle and bustle of being a dad, working, and trying to make some extra money from home I really don't have time to do many of the things I used to enjoy. Luckily, during this time of the year I at least do some baking. Partly because I wanted to and partly because it will save me money. Even though I did not cook, so to speak, I did whip together something that turned out pleasantly nice. Peanut butter protein bars! The consistency is pretty good and they are healthy for you. The older I get the more I develop a spare tire around my middle and eating healthy is important. I wish I wasn't so addicted to flour tortillas. Damn those carbs... I also made some dill bread with an addition of protein powder. That too turned out well. Good times! Madalyn called while I was doing this and for some reason she wants me to save her some and put it outside the front door. At least that is what I think she said. Crazy li...

I have been working with an individual for several years now and come to find out her and her family used to own a Mexican Restaurant. Anyhow, she has a cookbook online if anyone is interested in Authentic Mexican Cooking Recipes . Mexican food is my favorite!