This guy is NICE!

I wonder at what point my kids will begin to take interest in reading this blog. I suspect that like most things that parents do, they will probably think it's weird or uncool. Perhaps the word 'cool' would be consider antiquated. Anyhow, I was raised hearing advice from my grandma and fortunately at the time of this writing, she is still around to give me more advice on life. There's an immense value in listening to advice rather than attempting to reinvent your personal wheel in life. The song "Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw was fairly new when Joey was born and listening to it makes me wonder what this life holds for him. What will be his interested and hobbies? What challenges will he face? As I write this though, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to be part of his story.

You know there's a lot that goes by the front door
Don't forget the keys under the mat
Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind
Go to church 'cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won't be a waste of time
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got moutains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flying
Always stay humble and kind
Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
I love you ain't no pick up line so
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got moutains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When those dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

When it's hot eat a rootbeer popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind
Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're goin'
Don't forget turn back around
Help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind

Big Brother

I often wonder if my blog comes across as the boastful ramblings of a stay at home dad. It does appear that my life is great, we travel, my family smiles with every picture taken, we are never bored and each weekend holds a new adventure. But reality is different and photos are able to freeze a moment in time. Our living room is a constant mess of scatter toys and we are embarrassed of our tiny neglected bathroom that desperately needs a remodel. It's easy to compare ourselves to the Jones yet it's far more productive to focus on where we stood just 5 years ago.

Raising Ben these past two years have been undoubtedly the best years of my life. Despite that I often lack sleep and Ben occasionally throws his fits of rage, a huge percentage of my time with him are memorable. It comes down to figuring out if the cup is half empty or half full and as far as I can see, the cup is over flowing with good times. The scattered little moments of joy, laughter, cheer and humor throughout the days are a constant reminder that God has given me more than I deserve. I will admit that I was skeptical of being a dad before Ben was born but I now ask myself, "How did I ever live without him?" Then again, in a few months I will be asking myself the same question when my second kid is arrives.

I have been told before to not think about the future and the mournful days that lay ahead. Take for instance, the quiet emptiness that Ben will leave behind when he moves out. Or as Kenny Chesney puts it, "Next thing you know your better half of fifty years is there in bed and you're praying God takes you instead." But it's thoughts like these that place a different perspective on life. Yes my life is pretty good, yet simply listening to my elders reveal that, all good times must one day come to an end. Not to say that I dwell on these thoughts but instead it helps me realize that what I have before me is exceptional, rare and truly special.

Last month we acquired a good accumulation of snow. Ben was excited to play outside in the snow with his Tonka's and even insisted on pulling his dump truck. Although he sometimes wants his space, he constantly reminded me to walk right beside him down the sidewalk as he described the blanket of snow. It's little moments like these that remind me that in 4 months the best years of my life will begin. The climatic years of my life are just around the corner. Perhaps I will begin to write less on my blog in the efforts to not miss a beat of my kids growing up. Perhaps I will memorize the whole Car's movie in a few months. Who's to say? All I know is that the popcorn is popping, I've got my slippers on and my 3D glasses are handy because life is about to get epic.

Trick or Treat

It's interesting seeing these two children grow up. A month ago they actively played together and chased each other. They have now reverted to playing along each other and not with each other. It does leave me wondering what the future holds for each of them and how their friendship will alter as each of them change. Will they remain in contact through the years? What direction will each take when they proceed to higher education.

This year Ben was an astronaut for Halloween. On the Friday before the 31st, downtown closes the roads to vehicle traffic so children can visit the local shops and acquire "Tooth Loosen-er." Ben had his first taste of candy so we walked to Whitman College to release his burst of energy. Ben walked ahead of us, well, mostly ran ahead while kicking the pile of leaves along the sidewalks. It's fascinating to see how cautious girls tend to be in comparison to perpetual motion.. I mean, my son or boys in general. As we approached a side street, Ben began to run and she immediately grabbed him to prevent him from crossing the road without looking both ways. I quickly captured a photo of the moment and rushed to help her detain Ben.

"Ben!" I said in firm voice. "You need to listen to her." He immediately looks at her and in a sincere voice says, "Sorry."

It's nice to see how she cares about his safety at such a young age.