Legendary Dudes!...

Dear everyone!...

My brother-in-law, Andrew Young, has spent the past several months working full-time on (and years collecting footage for) his show called "Honor Park".  The trailer and fundraiser are now up on Kickstarter.com. Jeremy and I love this project and want it to succeed, and here's why:

When I found out that my first child was going to be a boy, I was overwhelmed with thoughts of "How am I going to teach him how to be a good person?".  I only grew up with sisters, so this is completely new territory for me.  How do I impress upon my son's mind the importance of honesty, chivalry, and making good choices? Will he listen to his mom in those teaching moments? Peer pressure is called "pressure" for a reason...it's hard, and a constant battle.  I want my son to be prepared for what he will face in the world. As much as I teach him, it's also important for him to hear the same things echoed from another source. If I send him out into the world, will he find those same values being placed in front of him as desirable?  Even in TV shows geared for young children, I have seen they are not. Characters talk-back to authority figures and disrespect parents. There is little to no media that shows these traits as being desirable or useful in life. We need these boys to grow up to be men that bring other people (parents, women, and peers) UP rather than tear them down. 

Honor Park is that source. It will teach skills, honesty, chivalry and more. It will show our sons that kindness and goodness are more important than being "cool". It will be fun and entertaining while also having a greater impact on our children for good. I believe in the power of positive examples and media. If you can see ANY value in giving this to our young boys, then I urge you to support this show any way you can. We desperately need our youth to learn about and value honor.

Check it out at....  www.honorpark.tv

Reality

Parenthood is really humbling.  The last 48 hours have been pretty trying for my patience and sanity.  We ventured out to Target on Friday to grab a few presents for a baby shower and cousin's birthday party the next day.  I usually don't take my children Beckett along on trips where I have to buy toys for someone else, or just have to pass or enter the toy aisles in general.  Cue panic attack and the most epic tantrum of all time.  My generally sweet and level-headed child, who can usually be reasoned with and talked out of selfish toy-wanting moments was not having it.  He put the toys back that he was demanding moments before, but as soon as we started to leave he got worked up again.  Then he started with the body thrashing and ear-splitting screams of "no" and "put me down".   After he starts double-fist-punching Jeremy in the head, he has to be carried under the arm football style to the car so I can buy the gifts as quick as possible.  On the way to the car he starts viciously scratching and biting Jeremy.

We get home and put both children down for a nap because we desperately need to recoup from the episode that just happened in public.  Lincoln's usual routine for naps now that he's in a toddler bed consists of playing for five minutes and then falling asleep on the floor.  Well that day he decided to mix it up by removing his diaper, pooping on the floor, and then painting a mural on the wall with his new art medium.  Then he gets into bed while leaving traces of poo on the wood of the bed as he climbs in.  He then sleeps and awakens with now crusted-on crud on his hands.  Not the scene I was hoping to find after I came out of my shower.  I was emotionally spent after cleaning him and his room.

But Saturday was a new day right?  Nah, my kids decided to keep things interesting.  After playing an amazing soccer game in the morning, Beckett sits at the table for the post-game snack.  A few minutes later he decides he's ready to leave, and stands near the exit gate.  I tell him not to leave the gated area, turn for two seconds to help Lincoln, and Beckett's out of sight.  He ran all the way around the building towards the parking lot...cue mommy panic attack.  We leave after having ANOTHER conversation about obedience.

The rest of the day was actually quite pleasant being spent at parties and with friends.  Just as Jeremy and I are getting into bed that night, we hear Lincoln start screaming.  He then proceeds to have his worst yet bout of 'night terrors' lasting over 30 minutes.  If you aren't familiar, it is when a child is stuck in a dream-like terrified state where they can't stop crying/screaming, and they won't open their eyes and can't hear you trying to calm them.  You basically have to stay with them until they cry themselves awake, because nothing you do will stir them out of this state.  I've noticed with him that he tends to have them on days where he ate a lot of sugar (thanks a lot birthday cake).

Sometimes you just have to laugh.
"Is this real life?"

Cousins^2

Some fun times with cousins swimming...

Party Time

When throwing out ideas for Beckett to choose from for party themes for his 4th birthday party, he ended up choosing two.  Luckily there is a line of plates, cups, etc. for...Lego Star Wars!  I knew the theme enough in advance, and Pinterest had an infinite amount of examples and ideas, so we went all out for this party.  Thanks to everyone for making it such a special day and enduring the intense heat wave that hit us that weekend!

(favors)

(Star Wars food)

(pool noodle Light Sabers)

(Death Star - Piñata Cake)

(little bro eats some cake)

(plate-lickin' good)

(best friends at the photo booth)