Oy Vey!

Maximus was trying to fit a ton of spare parts into the back of Mr. Potato Head today. Like they do in Toy Story 2 he says things like “and your angry eyes, because you never know”. I laughed and was willing to help him open the back and put things in until he decided to add an extra pair of shoes (which are huge) in with everything else.

Teaching moment! I thought to myself…

Me: Maxx, you can’t fit all that in there. Just because they do it on TV doesn’t mean you can really do it.

Maxx: Yes it does.

He waked away and came back 5 minute later with everything crammed into it.

There will be no living with him after this.

Happy #29!

My Grandma Jackman loved to keep track of how old her relatives would have been; it drove my mom nuts. She would always say, “no, he’s not 112 because he died 40 years ago”. :) Daughter-in-laws, there’s no pleasing them.

Anyhow to respect my mother’s wishes she will never age past 52, and really I am sure she looks and feels a lot more like 29.

So Mom, happy #29 again, I love you.

Perspective

I overheard an entertainment station the other day on TV. Headlines included the story of a plastic sugary nightmare, rehab, and new homes. Then on facebook I was sent stats on the staggering needs of people in America and resentment toward our help of other countries when we are so bad off ourselves. I get it, I agree, things are hard even in the greatest country in the world, however and it is a big however... This is my platform of yelling shut up, toughen up, and get your head on straight. If we are lucky enough to be born here or among the minority that are allowed into this place where you can be free to live as you wish, count yourself blessed.

Surely our leadership is not perfect, but what world do you think you live in? Being an American does not ensure you bread on your table, life-time payments because you were hurt at some point, free access to world-class health care just because you were born although is sure seems like that is the attitude. Those benefits may have their place and time for individuals and families, but my point is this. What you get, what you are so ENTITLED TO is opportunity. We sit on our computers in our air conditioned homes and throw a fit about money that dare go to give a child his meal for the week during a flood, that may free a country from oppression of religious and other basic freedoms we take for granted. So many in our country are struggling and need help and our nation should help their own... good news for us, another opportunity, for surely we are "the nation".

Before blaming the president, your up-bringing, the irresponsible neighbors, or market conditions I would ask when was the last time you gave 100%? Do we fight to solve the problems we see or just complain about the method others are using in an attempt to? I would like to offer an alternative to this attitude that I believe not only doesn't serve us, but hurts others. Accept that this life is not easy, it is a test, if you are coasting you are probably missing out on some growth opportunities. Take responsibility for you own life and situation fully. Lastly see that you can be the means of blessing others, here and abroad. I fear one day seeing Him who gave me talents and blessings and explaining why I insisted upon hording them for me and my own. It will take focus and work, ridicule from others, sacrifice, creativity, energy, and a whole lot more I am sure, but aren't we worth it?

I like the way Anthony J. D'Angelo put it, "If you have time to whine (or blog) and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it". So I'm off, to do something about it and don't let me hear how picked on you are for surely we are spoiled brats.

Focus

The constant reminder that life is fragile seems to be in the air for me. That sick feeling of shock when someone moves on and the heartbreak for their family always seems new and foreign. Nothing is faster at refocusing me, to live, and live right.

Small, but Mighty

Hanging out the other day our 13-year-old friend Carlos said, "I can't wait to be a dad!"... Today we were at the park before going to the hospital to see Nate and Wendy's baby; Maximus said, "I don't want to play anymore, I just want to go see the baby". Champions

Too Much Dr. Seuss

Maxx sings constantly at the top of his lungs... I'm a PUNK, I'm a SNUNK, NO BODY LOVES ME!!! NOT ONE LITTLE HUNK!

Yesterday it took a while to nap because he told me all about I'm a gree, I'm a grifious, grufious, grou.

Then this morning when I asked if he wanted eggs for breakfast he said no, I want green eggs and ham.

Cracking me up, in our house, with a mouse.

Hope

I had the opportunity of spending the week with my niece Madison. She is talented in so many ways, but also responsible, fun, smart, and kind. It is interesting how invested you become from the moment you hold them for the first time to every decision they make bad or good. I am at the age that you watch the decisions of your friends really start to show. I am impressed that the 11 year old has so much of life figured out, fight to keep it sweet girl...you define cool.

Jr. Days of 47 Queen