Bazinga!

Good morning everyone. We had a busy week, and a pretty good weekend. Wednesday was Mia's parent-teacher conference. It expected "she's a shy little girl" but got something totally different. Her 3k teacher had said only positive things. She has a great imagination during class and recess and gets along with all of the kids. She can count well and can recognize the majority of her letters and numbers as well. I felt very proud of my little Mia. It's a weird feeling going to a conference as a parent. I always went along with my Mom to our parent-teacher conferences. It's just a different feeling going as a parent. I'm so stoked to hear the progress she's making. This was the same pride I had when she was just a baby, rolling on her side, or crawling for the first time..Or that time she said "Daddy". She's growing up and it's been a surreal experience for both Jill and I. Mia's got a Halloween party this Wednesday at school
. Should be fun. She had a great day in class Friday. In fact, for some reason they had a lot of kids there including old pal Hannah. When her Mom dropped off Hannah, her sister Gracie saw Mia, and gave her a huge hug. (all told to me by Mia) Her teacher said that she was happy to see some familiar faces.

Friday night, Tommy and Jill's pal Leanne came to town. Tommy, to visit with friends and trick or treat, and Leanne, for a party we were attending. Saturday morning, Jill, Leanne and my Mom went to an arts and crafts fair. Mia and i hung out here. Later, we took Mia full in costume to Delafield where they do the business trick or treating. She took a 8 minute nap on the way, but when I woke her up, she was ready to roll. Lots of cute kids in costumes hitting up all of the different stores and restaurants. My favorite was the kid in the shark costume. He had a hole in the mouth so they could drop treats in. There were so many Elsa and Anna's and of course Mia was Anna despite having the natural hair of Elsa. Later we dropped her off at my parent's house, and we headed out to a party. Jill and I went as Amy Farrah Fowler and Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. Most could tell who we were, especially when I was walking in . Jill wasn't in costume yet, but I'd hear "SHELDON" from people passing by. The party was fun. Always enjoyable catching up with old friends. Jill played flip-cup. When we went to get Mia, she was fast asleep on my Mom's lap. We took her home and ended up staying up for a while watching Orange is the New Black. Still an addicting show.
Delafield

Sunday, we went out for breakfast, and I watched the Chelsea vs Manchester United game. It was a close one. We had the one-goal lead early in the 2nd half from Didier Drogba and I really thought we'd get the win, but after a trip outside the box from Ivanovic, which resulted in a 2nd yellow (which of course lead to a red) Van Persie was able to squeeze a late-goal resulting in a 1-1 draw. Still at the top of the table, no matter the result. I went to work at 2, and later Mia went trick or treating with her cousins and my brother in law. From what I heard, they had a really good time. The weather was perfect for it. Made me real sad that it was the first time since she's been born that I missed trick or treating with her.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading.

The Gourd Gutting Festival

Good Afternoon. It's been quite a week, and this coming week promises to be even busier! Tuesday, Mia and I met up with my friend Nicole and her boy Benny at Kids in Motion. They had a blast running around and playing. Wednesday, my little brother, his boy Easton plus Mia and myself went to the trampoline park. It was my bro's first time there, so they were stoked. Well, they changed a few things. You have to purchase their jumping socks now for a few bucks to participate. I assume someone got hurt and filed a complaint or something. The kids had such a good time. Mia always enjoys Helium Trampoline Park more with a friend to play with. It's always fun hanging with my brother, and we hope to make it a weekly thing that we meet up somewhere and do something with the kids (since he now works 3-11 during the week at a new job)

Wednesday night, I was fortunate to play some pick up indoor soccer at Brookfield Indoor. I had this feeling that after trampolining for an hour and a half, I'd be dead exhausted playing soccer. At the same time, I also knew that I wouldn't be able to play virtually ANY soccer (indoor or futsal) throughout the Fall and Winter season. This was my very last chance. Thanks a lot work!! :( Anyways, it was a lot of fun. The opening 3 minutes, I was able to secure two fantastic assists (like Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas). I megged one fellow through his legs to a teammate who made a simple goal. My 2nd assist was off a great cross to the right side. After these, I felt super confident. Wasn't able to get any goals sadly, but blew a few chances. While playing on the left side I had received a very fast cross and my attempt to one-touch shoot it. Couldn't get my body behind it and it went wide. I passed it to a teammate and he missed too. Sad efforts, but I was able to get a few shots off. One of my prouder moments was being able to spin out of a challenge from a teammate. The craziest part of the night was when one of the opposing guys had accidentally stuck his boot out with the cleats up into one of my teammates ankle. He went down in pain, got up and almost punched the kid right in the face. They had to hold him back. It was quite brutal. I don't know what is is about some of these guys, but they take the game WAY too seriously. A kid earlier was throwing a fit too. All in all, fun time. Sad it's my last.

Friday, Mia went to school. Her teacher told me she can attend their Halloween party Wednesday. We also have parent/teacher conferences! Really? 3k? Well, okay then! Sadly Jill can't attend because of a Wild Tree event, but I'll be going. Hope to hear good things. When I was signing up for the day we can attend, Mia was giving her classmates hugs goodbye. Well apparently a boy had got up and snuck in a kiss to her cheek. I didn't see it, but Mia sure told me about it. "Dad! HE WAS A SNEAKA AND KISSED ME! EWWW GROSS!!" So that story was shared throughout the weekend. Saturday, I watched the Chelsea vs Crystal Palace game. Quite intense. Oscar got a goal off a free kick near the box. Azpilicueta got a red card for a bad challenge but soon after that, one of their players picked up his 2nd yellow card, which meant he was red carded out. 10 vs 10. Fabregas got our 2nd goal off some beautiful passing. I missed the 2nd half because the NBCSports.com feed completely went down. We ended up winning 2-1. Great game for the Blues and we're still top of the table. Tuesday we've got a Champions League game. The rest of Saturday we did yard work and carved pumpkins with my parents. I free-handed a Minion, Jill and Mia worked on two Sophia The First ones, and my parents did some creative pumpkins.

This Saturday, we're going to a Halloween party. First one in probably 4-5 years. Should be a great time, plus Jill's friend Leanne is coming in. Sunday is trick or treating in our neighborhood. I just found out the weather will be a nice 73 degrees. Perfect for her Anna dress. I'm very bummed out that I'm missing it because I'm stuck working 2-10. First Halloween I won't be going trick or treating with my little love :( Hopefully she has fun.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading :)

Midnight Moon

Good Morning. We had a pretty good weekend. Saturday after breakfast, I cut the back grass (hopefully for the last time for the year, but we'll see) before we headed out to the Elegant Farmer with my parents. It was a fun time. Amazing weather. Mia and Jill picked out some pumpkins as well as my parents. Mia also rode a pony.  My friend Nicole and her kid/fiance came out as well. I think it was Mia's first time on a hay ride. Bumpy, but fun for her. On the ride back she tried to stand on one leg while the tractor pulled us. We had fresh donuts and cider. All in all, fun time. Sunday, didn't get much done around the house, and I worked 2-10. Mia attempted to fly a kite with Jill. Hate how fast Saturdays go. My time off to spend with my family and it goes so quickly.

One week before Halloween. Mia's gonna look adorable, plus we're going to a Halloween party too. Stoked since we never get to hang with these people, plus Jill's friend Leanne is coming in, so that will be awesome too :)

I've been suffering from a creative drought lately. The little time I've got to get creative, my mind goes blank. Friday, we had the plumber here, so I wasn't super motivated at all. Hopefully this Friday after I drop her off I can get something started. I ended up spending most of the time cleaning HIS mess in the basement and doing some light cleaning in the living room while watching Orange is the New Black. Great show. If the weather cooperates, I can kick the ball around. Who knows. I just want to play.

Last Wednesday morning, I was able to capture the eclipse, or "Blood Moon". First time getting up very early for an eclipse. One time at our old apartment, we stayed up late to watch an eclipse. So I took Remi out at 5:30am. The moon was eerily beautiful. The sky was clear and the stars were bright. I on the other hand, struggled to get a good photo while holding Remi. I had to slow the shutter speed down (which was hard to see in the dark) while holding a very antsy dog. He did his best with patience , but in the end, I walked him back home (after he scared to large deer away) and I took Jill's car out and parked it where I stood. The reason, to place the DSLR camera on top of the car to keep it SUPER still. I didn't know where Jill's tripod was, and didn't want to mess with it anyways. Luckily, I was able to get a good photo. I was mostly pleased with it, and couldn't wait to show Jill. She liked it too.

Chelsea plays Saturday. FINALLY. It's been a long two weeks of international break. I watched a little bit of the Armenia vs Serbia game. Ended in a draw. Anyway, that's all for now. Thanks for reading!

When It Rains, It Pours

Good morning. Late, per the usual. It's been a hectic few days. Over the weekend we visited Jill's family for her bro Tommy's birthday. He's been working crazy hours, so we didn't get to see him till about 10:30pm Saturday night. Mia was so anxious and excited. Jill made rhubarb pie for the birthday boy. All in all, it was a fun day. Sunday morning before we headed back to Wisco, I watched the Chelsea vs Arsenal game. Great win for the Blues. Any time we defeat a rival, its a great day. Hazard's PK was perfect and Costa's 9th goal sealed the deal. International break this week, so no games, which is fine. When we got back to our house, our lower-level bathroom sink had over flood. So today, we've got a plumber coming to fix that. THEN on top of that, our furnace went out. We've had no heat for two days now. We got a space heater from Jill's work and she picked one up from Walgreen's the other night for upstairs, but it's still been incredibly cold in here. 54 degrees yesterday. So glad it'll all be done today. THEN when picking through clothes the other day, I noticed I stupidly washed Mia's Torres jersey and like an idiot, didn't realize I tossed it in the dryer. Even with it inside-out some of the thread unraveled. Super pissed about that one. May find another one for her (not Torres), or see if Jill can fix it.

Over the weekend, Tommy gave us his Roku for Netflix. Jill had resigned up for Netflix on Friday. His Roku will allow us to watch Netflix on instant on the TV rather then sitting at a computer. We used to have Netflix before we had Mia on my laptop and the mail-in movies, but after she came along, we just didn't have time. Mia's already loves watching Scooby Doo.

She had a great day in school Friday. I love hearing about her day, even if it's just a few hours, it gets her into a more social environment. If we could afford it, she would easily do the two days/per week, but she's told me she really likes her class. She even hugged her new friend Olivia goodbye Friday. I on the other hand, took my few hours of peace and quiet, and played my drums, did some cleaning and working on art. I will be restarting a portrait I was working on. Didn't like the direction it was going. Oh well. I found out recently that there are TWO indoor games (this wed and next wed) that I could play. 6pm is the problem. Jill gets out of work at 5pm so I don't know how it'd work. She'd have to meet me at the arena and I'd bring Mia or something. I dunno if I'll be able to do it, but I REALLY want to. Okay that's all for now. Thanks for reading!

Someday Somewhere

Good Morning. Once again, late and with lots to go over with. Tuesday, I took the day off so Jill, myself and Mia could drive down to Illinois for Jill's Grandma's funeral. I'm already not a big fan of them, but taking a 3 year old and having to explain the whole process will be both confusing and a little heart breaking, but in the end, Mia did very well. She didn't go into the actual funeral part because I didn't want her seeing her Great Grandma in the open casket. We hung out with a couple of kids in this other room and colored. She did go to the burial at the cemetery where I did a lot of the explaining. I was glad I was able to get off from work to spend time with Jill and her family to pay our respects to her dearly departed Grandma. She lived a good life and unlike a lot of senior citizens, had every bit of her memory in tact before she went.

We came back to Wisconsin Wednesday evening because both Jill and I worked Thursday. Friday, Mia had school which went well. She was a pain to get moving (per the usual) but had a great day. Her teacher told me "Mia said that she was excited to be in class, but didn't want to get out of bed because it was comfortable" Too funny. She cooked for her class outside using sticks and leaves and seems to be getting along well with all of the kids. We watched the Chelsea vs Aston Villa game Saturday morning. Great 3-0 victory securing 3 well-deserved points. Loved Oscar's goal. Willian picked up one as well as Costa. Costa has 8 goals in 7 games. He was a great pick for the Blues and I hope he can continue his success throughout the season. Champions League game Tuesday so hopefully we can pull off the win.

Friday, I had found out that there was an opening for a spot in a coed indoor soccer league. Great! Except they meet on MONDAYS. DAMMIT. I so wish to play in a league. It's been a frustrating Summer (and now Fall) that I can't get into some sort of league to play. There is a new indoor place in West Allis called Strikers of WI LLC that hasn't been open too long. I asked them if they plan on doing any open times. Sounds like they might start at some point. I just hope it doesn't fall through.

So back to Saturday. We went to the Harvest Fest at the Stare Fair grounds with my brother and his wife and kids. Mia got her hair done like Elsa. Blue with snowflake stencil sprayed on her blonde head. She loved it, but it was a pain to wash out at night. Still, she looked gorgeous and kids throughout the day were complimenting her on it. She also tried pumpkin bowling. Knocked two pints down. Not bad.

Later at night. Jill and my sister-in-law went out for dinner while my bro and myself hung back with the kids. It was fun, and Mia really enjoy herself as well. She made him food while he played guitar for us. I've got to take her to a work meeting this Wednesday. Hopefully it won't be too long and she can make it through.  Okay, that's all for now. Thanks for reading.

Goodbye, Goodbye.

Good Morning. Lots to go over, plus I've got to leave for work in a short while, so let's get to it. Last Wednesday Mia and I watched the Chelsea vs Schalke game with my Dad. That was a rough one. We had the early goal by Fabregas which gave me hope that we'll win. Didn't happen. We ended up finishing off with a draw. Schalke was a stubborn team to try to get goals on. We had lots of chances. Drogba started and just couldn't get one in. My favorite moment of the game was when Fabregas got the goal, Mia jumped up and down and stops...looks down and realized she jumped right out of her flower jeans. "Uhh Daddy?" Couldn't stop laughing. So today, they play Manchester City, which I'll be sadly missing.

Mia had a great day in school Friday. She was hard to get moving in the morning, said "okay Bye Daddy" when I dropped her off. She totally loves school, and when I went to pick her up, she was sad because she didn't want to leave. My time Friday was mostly used on the pitch working on some shooting practice. Had the entire place to myself. I realized after about 10 shots, that I'm better right footed then left. Well, at least that day I was. I kept curling the ball with my left foot the wrong way. All of my life I've always shot lefty because it was the more comfortable one to shoot with. I get more power and accuracy with my right for some reason. Anyways, it was nice to get some quiet time to play. I wanted to get into my new art project, but that's okay.

Earlier in the week, we learned that Jill's grandma fell and broke her pelvis and with that, had a blood clot in her leg. Wonderful...Well yesterday morning when I came home from walking with Remi, she got the call that she passed away. 95 years old is a amazing. She always treated me like one of her own grand kids and Mia absolutely loved her. She's been through a lot and throughout the day, Jill kept quietly saying "it feels weird knowing she's gone" So while Jill worked on photos for the service, Mia and I went to my best friend Jay's birthday party for him and his wife's little boy Caleb. It was a lot of fun, even for the short while we could stay. Mia made friends with another girl her age.

Later, Mia, my Dad and I went to watch Carroll University take on Lawrence University at my old college while Jill and my Mom went to the early Just Between Friends sale. The rain clouds were threatening, but that didn't stop me. Well, in the end we didn't stay long because the rain+ wind blew into our section (under this overhang) so before my Dad started to "melt" we got out of there. Maybe another game in October we can hit up.

Today, 9am-5pm shift. No idea what we're doing later. Maybe laundry. Anyways, thanks for reading!

The Conundrum

Late once again on my blogging. Been pretty busy.  Fall is coming. Well, it sure feels like it it's arrived. The other day, I had a very cold walk with Remi. Can't believe Wednesday it was a delightful 80's. Yesterday it didn't even get above 50. BRRR. I sincerely hope it can improve the rest of of the month. Nothing too exciting to report this week. It's been busy at work for both Jill and myself.

Mia had school Friday. Second day. Got her in early in hopes to meet some of the other kids, and learn some names. Mia and I had time to read a book and get her to the bathroom before her class started. Didn't get to talk to any other parents. It would appear they drop them off, and head out immediately. Mia got to paint an apple tree, play outside and a variety of other fun activities. She really likes her teacher, Miss Angela and gave her a high-five when I picked her up. Her teacher told me they have an opening for a tues and thurs class (which would be with her best friend Hannah) so we're undecided on if we want to do it. The Pros-she's with her best buddy, she'll have the same teacher and she'll have a more routine schedule during the week for school. The Cons-It'll cost more per month and she isn't always the easiest to get moving in the morning. So, we're undecided. There isn't a long list of kids waiting for that spot, so there isn't a rush to decide if we wanna do it. While she was at school, I made some time for myself to drum. Felt so amazing to play again. Didn't feel rusty either, which is great because it's been long since I've played last.

Saturday was great. I got up early to watch Chelsea take on Swansea City. Awful first half. Terry had an own goal off a deflection, but luckily before the end of the half, Diego Costa picked up equalizer. Towards the end of the first half, Jill and Mia came downstairs with Mia in her Chelsea jersey. We watched the 2nd half while Jill went to the grocery store.One by one we started picking up goals with Costa getting a hat trick and newly signed striker Remy getting the 4th goal. Mia found it hilarious that there is a player on the team with the same name as our dog. All in all, great win for the Blues.

The rest of the day, we did yard work, played at the park and Jill and I were able to watch a movie at night when Mia went to bed. Sunday, we went on a family walk, I got my hair cut and will be heading to work very soon.

That's all for now, thanks for reading!