Keys Perspectives

It seems that resolutions are made to be broken. Is it any wonder then, that kids often say parents talk the talk - but don't walk the walk?   Breaking resolutions may seem like no big deal.  But if our kids hear us make those pledges and then not keep them... we're giving them another example of how it's okay to break your word.  Then they might figure it's also okay to violate contracts, or even ignore things... like marriage vows. So if your kids know about your resolutions... let them hold you accountable... so they can see that you don't take promises lightly. 

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My 11 year old has grown his hair out a couple of times.  It was getting really long, so his mother and I were both suggesting it might be time for a "trim". We both got some push back. I think this had more to do with the 'crazy hair" day that will happen at school later this fall than a real desire, but if he really wanted to wear his hair long, that was ultimately OK.

So I was pretty surprised when I got a call yesterday that they were at our local barber, Manny in Key Largo.   Manny is really good but he can be a little aggressive unless you give clear instructions.

Since I always take Ryan, it was the first thing I asked when they called. Well it seems like Manny had VERY clear instructions...from Ryan.

Ryan and looked through the book and decided he wanted a SPIKE!!!  It was well underway when they called to share the moment.

Not sure it is what I would have suggested, but he is a happy boy.  It actually looks pretty cool. I am just glad it was his mother who took him.  I would probably never have heard the end of it if I was the one there and she was the one on the phone.

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Trying to explain why a bath and deodorant this morning would probably a good idea to my 11 year old son this morning who just didn't want to do that ....

So instead of stumbling, we just watched this.  Can we say analogy?

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As my son starts back to school next week, we decided to try and learn enough about quantum physics to be dangerous.

We will be reading Ken Ford's classic for 30-45 minutes every night after dinner.

Wish us luck!!!

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A sweet Tuesday night turn down service from Darius Rucker to celebrate the end of my son's 11th birthday.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful gifts and comments for Ryan today.

       ...watching them, it breaks your heart, because you already know ...  it won't be like this for long ...

Remember to hug and play with your child(ren) each and every day  .... 

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11 years ago today I met my son Ryan for the first time. It was one of those truly important days that helps you understand that life is about much, much more than the "noise" that fills it most every day.

Ryan, this poem by Rudyard Kipling is one of my favorites.  I hope I show you every day what life can really mean if....

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master,
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)

Happy Birthday Ryan!!!

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My 11 year old son Ryan has been playing piano for about two years.  Of course, I am biased, but he has the interest and talent. Not sure where it will go, but I enjoy watching him develop the skill.

Yesterday, he asked my to find the sheet music to the Tetris Theme.  We found one and took it along to his piano lesson.   His teacher worked with him a little, but told him it would probably be another year or two before he could really play it.

This morning after he practices, he tried the piece anyway.  He came down and asked if we could try and find a simpler version online.  We didn't find easy sheet music, but we found this You Tube tutorial.  He wrote down the notes and is up trying really hard.

It is amazing when you see your child doing something just for themselves.

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