To My Fellow Parents

Just a note of encouragement to say…keep going, keep wanting the best for your kids, keep training them up, keep trying, keep loving them, keep believing the best, keep leading them, keep their perspective in mind, keep trusting He cares for them more than you ever can.

Don’t give up. Parenting is one of the most important roles ever created for us on Earth. If you’re a parent, you know it’s one of the most challenging, too. There is no manual and it may get stressful to the point it hurts, but it is worth it. Your kids are worth it.

So, take a deep breath and know you are making a difference in their lives when you do your best as a parent. Sure, you’re not perfect, but they don’t need perfection. They need you to show them how to live, as best as you – flawed, imperfect but caring, loving, dedicated you – possibly can.

Love on your children today. It is a deposit you will get back with interest. It’s perhaps the best investment you will ever make.

Have a great day.

Fun with Fatherhood – Getaway with the Guys

Here are a few photos from the recent camping/canoeing/fishing trip I took with my sons.

It was a great time. Had fun talking with them and hanging out, plus enjoying the beautiful scenery.

It’s become an annual event, a tradition of sorts – we go to the same place, get the same campsite. It’s a lot of fun.

What are some of your traditions with your kids? Or, ones you shared as a kid with your family? I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments section, below.

Have a great day!

Fun with Fatherhood – Rockets

(FYI – I had intended on posting this about a year-and-a-half ago when it actually happened, but didn’t have the video link. Just found it in my Drafts folder and added the video, so here ya go!)

The other day, we put together the launching kit for the boys’ model rockets that they got for Christmas. From there, it was off to find the right launching spot.

After explaining to the boys the need for some space to make this happen, and an unsuccessful stop on a dirt road that we noticed was marked private after walking around to scope out the location, we landed on a perfect spot. Then it was time to get these birds in the air. Here’s a look at the big moment(s).

Yes, those were multiple camera angles. As someone who has always worked with video for a living it was a must to do this Hollywood style. We had five cameras rolling and man, it was awesome to see those things take off. The boys were totally stoked! Part of me was actually surprised they launched, but it was great that they did. Mission accomplished.

We’ll have to do this again sometime. Would highly recommend it as a fun family activity!

Fun with Fatherhood – Messages I Really Like to Receive

Took the boys to see God’s Not Dead today.

If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll know why this message I just received from my youngest son means so much to me…

Fun with Fatherhood – Emoticons

So, my youngest son has learned how to use those wonderful little emoticon things in messages. His Dad only recently learned how to do this, thanks to a more iPhone savvy friend who was gracious enough to help.

I showed him how to set it up on his iPod last night.

Now I am getting messages like this one from my little guy…and apparently I’m going to have to procure plane fare to Antarctica as a result.

Gotta love technology 🙂