Daddy the Grouch

After a horrible night of rest I can barely keep my eyes open this morning. It all started with that sensation of waking up every 30 minutes or so all night long. It abruptly ended at 2:15 AM when I awoke from a nightmare of Graham being eaten by a shark. Wow, where did that come from? I am not sure I really want to know.

Regardless, it was a nasty way to start my morning and, even though I tried briefly going back to sleep, it seemed nothing would take. Now that I cannot keep my eyes open I am wishing I had tried a bit harder. This is not the way I wanted to start the week. First off, I like to hit Monday's fresh. Secondly, this morning I am supposed to be officially starting my second month of Insanity(infomercial exercise program that identified me as a sucker). The second month is supposed to be twice the intensity and, after barely surviving the first month, I was already a little apprehensive. I know I needed the sleep to help fuel my body for a very intense workout and I fear I will not have the energy necessary to get the most value from my workout. Perhaps I will feel better after some breakfast and my final trip to the dentist for the finishing touches on the never ending root canal.

I know this is a really bad start to this week but it really was no indication of the weekend. Although it rained, it really was a tremendous weekend for the Dungans. We had a blast. Despite my grogginess, I guess I should shed some light on some of the highlights.

Well, I finally had some great one on one time with Graham while the girls attended some birthday parties on Sunday. Graham and I grunted and did boy stuff. We ended up at Sports Authority. We shopped and practiced on the putting green. It turned out they were having a pretty good sale and something caught Graham's eye - an Airsoft BB gun. Yes, it was a very official looking handgun that shot those little 6mm plastic biodegradable BBs.

Hmm. That sure is a boyish thing to get. Sure, he is young but what a great little hobby for us to bond over. Furthermore, what an incredible opportunity to teach him some responsibility.

Yeah, I decided not to confer with Lynley on this one. This was a manly decision.

Next thing I know, Graham and I were in the back yard shooting plastic BBs at a milk carton as I taught him the ins and outs of gun responsibility. (I.E. how to use the safety, how to hold the gun when shooting, how to hold the gun when it is not being used, how to load the gun, how to cock it, what to shoot at, what not to, etc.) Before you call CPS, you should also know that the gun is kept in the safe and he is only allowed to use it with Mommy and/or Daddy.

Well, of course, this was the best day of his life. And, of course, he and I really bonded over this exercise. The only items left to address were the breaking of the news to Lynley and teaching him to keep his mouth shut about it at school. The last thing I wanted him doing was running around his gentle Christian school screaming about how his daddy bought him a real gun.

Telling Lynley was easy. Frankly, I knew she would like it about as much Graham. Her fascination with guns should also give you insight into why I am such a dedicated and well-behaved husband. Regardless, she had the same concerns as I and I think we are addressing them appropriately. Graham and the girls will have the requisite fear of and respect for guns.

As we sat around the dinner table, of course the discussion turned to the amazing super-duper Airsoft BB gun Daddy purchased for his 6 year old son. This discussion was quickly quashed as I broke into a lecture on the danger of guns and another overview of the rules. This was followed by another plea -

"Please do not go to school and tell everyone that daddy bought Graham A BB gun."

Graham:"I am a good secret keeper Dad. I love you."

Sydney:"I won't say anything."

Ainsley:"I can't keep secrets. If I hear something, I have tell my teacher and all of my friends at school."

Oh well, no good deed goes unpunished.

Okay back to reality, time to put away the BB gun and get out my purpose guns.