Ok, so one by one once I get things fixed another thing is broken. When I bought it, it wouldnt start so I replaced the battery.

Then it stopped starting, so I replaced all the spark plugs
Then it idled rough and would die right out after starting, used seafoam
Then when it started and moved I had what they called a floating front axle, had the swaybar with both links replaced, 4 tires and rims put on, aligned.
Then front/rear pads/rotors and front calipers

NOW it runs and moves.....
....until today, it was supposed to be ready to drive finally, and now after driving home from the shop, i went to go to work and it started, but driving down the street i got "check charging system" and it shut down, now its back in the shop

I've replaced 2 batteries, and the mechanic is going to get me another one because this one is a week old, my universal is really cracked, so now thats getting replaced, beyond that is it a bad alternator? or 3 bad batteries? maybe both? who knows, either way its there now and i just wanna know what to expect him to tell me is wrong.

This car sat for 2 1/2 years and im fixing it. When it has power and starts but idles REAL rough for about 5 minutes then is fine, after I get this straightened up what should I look to add to the list of things to do, or should I just ignore it for a while?

I need battery cables/spark wires as well, I'm pretty sure I can do that myself though. Are there any other things I can do myself to help the situation? My mechanic doesnt put a priority on my Mark because I dont pay too much labor so it kinda sits around until he finishes everything else, any advice will be appreciated.

If you put new batteries in and you're still losing all charge, you should check the alt. BTW it's VERY easy to change, and you should do it yourself.

...it's VERY easy to change, and you should do it yourself.
Yeah. You'll need a 10mm socket wrench for the bolts, and a breaker bar with a 1/2 inch fitting for removing the belt.

if the shop couldnt find a bad alt you need a new shop.