Tonight was one of those nights where you sit back and reflect on the million different pieces that have come together to form your life. Life is full of ups and downs, an emotional roller coaster ride that you can’t quite imagine if you’ve spent your time worrying about other people.
With so many things going on in my own life right now it’s hard to take time to worry about others. It’s hard to not think about your place in this gigantic world we live in. Sometimes though it helps to take a step back and realize that we all play a small roll in improving someone else’s life. We all mean something important to someone.

 Today I watched my son enthusiastically walk down the isle of Ryan and Lindsey’s wedding rehearsal. I watched him closely as he held Emma’s hand and realized that Jackson is going to walk down the isle with the little girl (who isn’t so little anymore) that I’ve watched grow up into such an amazing young lady. And that the two of them will help usher in a lifetime of happiness for the Fahys. Today it wasn’t about one particular person or feeling… It as about the bigger picture.

There isn’t much else that makes you feel like living life to the fullest after watching your son and one of your best friend’s daughter hold hands and enjoy life the way it’s supposed to be enjoyed. That is until you get home and read something that gives you goosebumps. Something that makes you realize that you are making a difference in someone’s life… That you have been mentioned in the same sentence, let alone compared to the late principal Dawn Hochsprung, who gave her life for her students at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I am honored to part of something that is bigger than any one individual. Our school represents what Ana represents… Love, kindness and friendship. 

I hope my son will grow to be selfless, kind, generous, understanding and loving. But most of all I hope he knows that he is important to someone somewhere and that his presence makes a positive impact on the world.

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” -Buddha

Dear Jackson,

Whilst riding a tractor lawnmower one must always remember the laws of physics.

It is a imperative whilst riding said mower to rememberNewton’s First Law of Motion:  An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

That being said, if your forget to continually recite Newton’s First Law of Motion as you now the lawn, and you hypothetically crash said mower down an embankment head first into a tree… do not panic.  Simply rip out the shrubs you planted a few years earlier, take down a few feet of the rock wall you built… Then simply single handedly lift it out of the embankment and pull it to safety… And DO NOT EVER TALK OF IT AGAIN!

Jax first visit to the dentist was a success. This kid is just a fantastic little boy.  

Actual conversation that occurred VIA text message after said dentists visit:

Dad: “How was Jax at the dentist?”

Mom: “He was so good.  We have to brush twice a day and floss. 😳 lol”

Dad: “Omg no way?!!!  I don’t even do that to my own teeth 😬”

Mom: “That’s what I said, lol”

“For in dreams we enter a world that is entirely our own. Let them swim in the deepest ocean or glide over the highest cloud.” 

Why having a child is the best thing in the world:

1. His hugs after a long day 
2. Getting kisses when you get home from work. 
3. Being able to pass on the tradition of your favorite sports team   
4. The fact that he eats like two chicken fingers and French fries and then is full. 

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Lawn Mowing at its Finest

So apparently my child is going to open his own landscaping business… i cant get him to change his own diaper or wipe his own butt… but put a lawn mower in his hands and he is all work!

That brings me to the point of this blog entry… when can I start making him do manual labor chores.  Is two years old too young to start cutting the grass?  I mean obviously I’m not going to put him on the riding mower and set him free… but he should be able to use a weed whacker by now right?  Pruning shears at least?  Can I at least get him to take the dogs out?

Being a dad is so tiring… not only do you have to raise a kid… but you still are required to do home maintenance and keep up with yard work… its a lot for a guy to do.  Isnt that the whole reason to have kids anyway?  To create an army of minions that you can force to do your bidding?  To have someone available at your beck and call?  Becuase at this point im not sure what I am getting out of this whole “having a child.”  Like where do I benifit… the tax write off really isnt that good… and I am still mowing my own lawn and weeding my own gardens!

Its just a little frustrating.  Come on Jax… earn your keep.

There’s that one day in every person’s life where you look back and remember your first best friend.  

For me it’s an easy memory. One that still lives vividly in my mind.  Building forts and climbing the GIGANTIC ROCK on Hearthstone Drive with Brian Jacobs are some of the best moments of my life. I’m pretty sure I cans till feel my eyes well up with tears the day I watched him and his family back out of my driveway that morning as they left Bethel forever.  

I hope Jax meets someone important he can cause trouble with and just enjoy growing up around… 

Unless… he already has.  

A boy and his dog.