Our schedule and the elements have been conspiring to put our annual pilgrimage to Lynd's fruit farm in jeopardy, but when the sun broke through early Halloween afternoon I said, "I'm not ready to give up on their childhood yet." We packed up, and headed east on a trek we had executed many times before. The ground was still soggy, and we didn't hunt pumpkins, but the continuity of the experience persisted.
Recently, Alex was sick with his annual bout of croup and spent many lazy days on the daybed. With his voice hobbled, alternative forms of communication were used while he was ill, in particular he leveraged one of Michael's birthday gifts. Not his cell phone as might guess, but instead, his spy car. Instead of getting up and asking for food, he gathered Michael's new spy car, post it notes and a pen composed a note that proclaimed "Feed Me." Then he skillfully drove it from the great room to the master bedroom. It was more work and more fun, but more importantly it is affirmation that the continuity of the Alex experience isn't in any jeopardy.
RAP (11.5.2009)
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Ready For Camp
Michael went away to camp Wednesday with the rest of the kids on his 6-2 team. He has always wanted to go away to a camp, so this was a thrill, and he was up at 5 AM packed and ready to go, even though he didn't need to be to school until 8 AM. This trip is a long standing tradition in our school district, and I went as a counselor while I was in high school, so I know just what to expect for him. The night walk, the bonfire, the hiking through the hills of southern Ohio and the cabin exposed to the elements without heat. I think he will have a very good time as he embraces his increased freedom as he goes from a boy to man.
The day before he left, I won a contest to fly out to see the Foo Fighters tape a show. The Foo Fighter's are one of the bands that Michael really likes, and I pursued it with the idea of taking him. When I told him the news he was excited, but I had to disclose that there was a catch: the trip would have me away for Beggars Night (The City holds it on a different night than Halloween when it is on a Friday or Saturday night). Upon hearing the news he said he could go, because he, "wouldn't miss trick or treat for anything in the whole world." It seems even with his new independence, he hasn't discarded his childhood and the wonders it holds yet.
RAP(10.23.2009)
The day before he left, I won a contest to fly out to see the Foo Fighters tape a show. The Foo Fighter's are one of the bands that Michael really likes, and I pursued it with the idea of taking him. When I told him the news he was excited, but I had to disclose that there was a catch: the trip would have me away for Beggars Night (The City holds it on a different night than Halloween when it is on a Friday or Saturday night). Upon hearing the news he said he could go, because he, "wouldn't miss trick or treat for anything in the whole world." It seems even with his new independence, he hasn't discarded his childhood and the wonders it holds yet.
RAP(10.23.2009)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Like you, but better
I've enjoyed the boys' birthday celebrations over the years; Alex's beat Michigan birthday bash has been great, and Michael's costumed Halloween mini-raves are fantastic fun. Apparently, last year's party was particularly epic, because I keep hearing about it months later; I guess that is what happens when you have 22 boys spend the night, more LED and Glow toys than one can imagine, and an inflatable obstacle course. Although the one thing I keep hearing about is how the kids loved the human piñata; that is when yours truly sprints around holding a bucket of candy on my head as they try to keep up and shake it out of me. I did that 3 or 4 times to squeals of delight.
For this year's celebration, Michael chose to have his party at Movie Tavern, a bistro that combines stadium seating with waiter service; what more can a 12 year old ask for? They find the concept amazing. We invited 11 of his friends and took in Where the Wild Things are. It was a bit chaotic, and our first waiter was fired after the first half hour (not by us, but by them), but he, and they, had fun. It is a bit more reserved than he has had in the past, but still light years ahead in sociability than what I used to do although mine was in the same vein; For my 12th I took one friend to see Mel Brook's To Be on Not to Be. But isn't that what you want for your sons, to be like you somewhat, but better?
RAP (10.19.2009)
For this year's celebration, Michael chose to have his party at Movie Tavern, a bistro that combines stadium seating with waiter service; what more can a 12 year old ask for? They find the concept amazing. We invited 11 of his friends and took in Where the Wild Things are. It was a bit chaotic, and our first waiter was fired after the first half hour (not by us, but by them), but he, and they, had fun. It is a bit more reserved than he has had in the past, but still light years ahead in sociability than what I used to do although mine was in the same vein; For my 12th I took one friend to see Mel Brook's To Be on Not to Be. But isn't that what you want for your sons, to be like you somewhat, but better?
RAP (10.19.2009)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
We're on a Mission From God
As their father, it is my responsibility to ensure that the boys are culturally educated. This effort has included trips to museums far and wide, concerts and screenings of films that have cultural importance. One such film that captured their imagination, and tickled their funny bones, was "The Blues Brothers." Recognizing how it resonated with my set of brothers, I suggested that this Halloween they should go as Jake and Elwood. On October 31st, out amongst the sea of princess, zombies and Pokemons an iconic pair might knock on your doors and utter "we're on mission from God" instead of "trick or treat." Don't worry about them lingering though, because you never know who might be chasing after them.
In addition to applauding their choice as one of excellent taste, I am also proud of myself in that I was able engineer them to select these costumes. After all, how often do you get your kids to beg to buy them a suit? Perhaps, I should start talking about how great James Bond is, because I'd bet they look great in a tuxedos holding chocolate milks that were shaken, not stirred.
RAP (9.29.2009)
In addition to applauding their choice as one of excellent taste, I am also proud of myself in that I was able engineer them to select these costumes. After all, how often do you get your kids to beg to buy them a suit? Perhaps, I should start talking about how great James Bond is, because I'd bet they look great in a tuxedos holding chocolate milks that were shaken, not stirred.
RAP (9.29.2009)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Run After Each Other
Michael had his first middle school dance last Friday night, although it is more like a giant party than a traditional dance. In addition to pseudo-dancing to the music played by the DJ in the school's gym, there was foosball, ping pong, guitar hero and other games along with a massive amount of junk food. I know this, because Alex and I snuck in before the party concluded to see how things were going.
As soon as I walked in the door, I spied my old offensive line coach and we chatted for a bit. He told me that the "dances" were hilarious, and that, for the most part, they boys and girls "ran after each other" and maybe "by the final song they would get in a dance." When we caught up with Michael we found him hanging out with Sterling and Nathan, both kids that are on his football team; he just met these kids a few weeks ago, and this type of camaraderie generated is a big part of the payoff of being on the team.
Of course, these events aren't all about male bonding; the entire school was there, including his friend Suzanne. I would have talked to her, but she and Michael were literally running after each other as the final few songs blasted in the gym that night. They didn't dance, but this was only his first opportunity.
RAPatton (9.16.2009)
As soon as I walked in the door, I spied my old offensive line coach and we chatted for a bit. He told me that the "dances" were hilarious, and that, for the most part, they boys and girls "ran after each other" and maybe "by the final song they would get in a dance." When we caught up with Michael we found him hanging out with Sterling and Nathan, both kids that are on his football team; he just met these kids a few weeks ago, and this type of camaraderie generated is a big part of the payoff of being on the team.
Of course, these events aren't all about male bonding; the entire school was there, including his friend Suzanne. I would have talked to her, but she and Michael were literally running after each other as the final few songs blasted in the gym that night. They didn't dance, but this was only his first opportunity.
RAPatton (9.16.2009)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Footsteps
Even though Michael has moved on to Middle School, Alex remains at Eli Pinney and even has one of his brother’s previous instructors, Mrs. Archer. For a younger sibling it often seems that you are often walking in someone else’s path, which can be comforting but also constricting.
A great thing about Alex is that he is one who, for the most part, leverages the trail blazed for ahead to his advantage. He sees what is to come and takes what he likes. For instance, Michael now has a study hall; Alex likes the idea, and even though he has no significant amount of homework, has embraced the concept, and has decided that he is going to start a study hall of his own, after school one day a week. Being a social creature, he has already roped in Kami and Jane to join him.
As much as he loves, admires and looks at Michael’s choices for guidance, Alex isn’t quite a follower. He doesn’t so much rebel against his brother as choose his own path as shown by his choice to play guitar, his preference for action over comedy in entertainment and his social nature. In Alex’s case, there is no doubt that he admires his brother but following in his footsteps doesn’t mean he doesn’t make his own along the way.
RAP (9.15.2009)
A great thing about Alex is that he is one who, for the most part, leverages the trail blazed for ahead to his advantage. He sees what is to come and takes what he likes. For instance, Michael now has a study hall; Alex likes the idea, and even though he has no significant amount of homework, has embraced the concept, and has decided that he is going to start a study hall of his own, after school one day a week. Being a social creature, he has already roped in Kami and Jane to join him.
As much as he loves, admires and looks at Michael’s choices for guidance, Alex isn’t quite a follower. He doesn’t so much rebel against his brother as choose his own path as shown by his choice to play guitar, his preference for action over comedy in entertainment and his social nature. In Alex’s case, there is no doubt that he admires his brother but following in his footsteps doesn’t mean he doesn’t make his own along the way.
RAP (9.15.2009)
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A Good Start
Michael started middle school last week and things seem to be going pretty well. It is a big change, but he has stepped into those shoes and they seem to fit; perhaps I should say it was the reading glasses that fit, because the same pair he refused to wear last school year suddenly became part of his wardrobe as he rushed over to see Suzanne at the bus stop.
He is on the same "team" (6-2) as some of the kids from his football team and has been having lunch with his teammates Sterling (a sweet, big, happy kid who wears red cleats) and Nathan (a new kid from Centerville). He enjoyed his homeroom teacher, Mrs. Honeycutt, is especially excited about Tech Lab (an afternoon class where they learn about computer animation, graphic design) and thinks his science teacher Mr. Baker is "really funny."
The greatest hallmark of change came after the first day of school, when he wasn't even home. I had rushed home to change after my workout, so I could go watch him, and his brother, at football practice, when the door bell rang. It was Suzanne. She let me know it would be OK for Michael to ask her to go to one of his games or a choir concert, and if he wanted to, he could watch her tennis match or come to her concert. It seems that middle school is off to a good start.
RAP (9.3.2009)
He is on the same "team" (6-2) as some of the kids from his football team and has been having lunch with his teammates Sterling (a sweet, big, happy kid who wears red cleats) and Nathan (a new kid from Centerville). He enjoyed his homeroom teacher, Mrs. Honeycutt, is especially excited about Tech Lab (an afternoon class where they learn about computer animation, graphic design) and thinks his science teacher Mr. Baker is "really funny."
The greatest hallmark of change came after the first day of school, when he wasn't even home. I had rushed home to change after my workout, so I could go watch him, and his brother, at football practice, when the door bell rang. It was Suzanne. She let me know it would be OK for Michael to ask her to go to one of his games or a choir concert, and if he wanted to, he could watch her tennis match or come to her concert. It seems that middle school is off to a good start.
RAP (9.3.2009)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Shepherd and Rockin' Sheep
As the dawn of their teenage years approaches, I expect that music is going to become more important to the boys, as it often does at that age. As their father, it is my responsibility to shepherd them as they discover their musical taste to help them discover the better material and avoid the musical junk food. I've always had them listen to what I listen to, and that has shaped them to this point. One of my happier moments was when a very small Michael charmed the sales girls at Vroman's Bookstore singing "Molly's Chambers" as I checked out years ago.
This past year I've decided that they are old enough to start attending live shows. They've had a pretty good time, enjoyed some of the performances and they liked hearing from all the enthusiastic (and drunk) concert goers about how "cool" it is that they are there. To this point, we've only taken them to outdoor shows, so as not to damage their hearing, but I've been able to take them to meet a few bands for smaller acoustic sets at indoor locations. One such opportunity happened Monday afternoon of last week when I was able to introduce the boys to the lovely Emily Haines and James Shaw of Metric; it was quite a thrill, and, I hope, a memory that will last. It was a good way to cap off the summer, but school has started and with it homework. Yesterday, Michael had to fill out a questionnaire as part of his choir homework. I glanced over it, and when I saw that he wrote "Alternative" for his preference in music, I smiled.
RAP (8.27.2009)
This past year I've decided that they are old enough to start attending live shows. They've had a pretty good time, enjoyed some of the performances and they liked hearing from all the enthusiastic (and drunk) concert goers about how "cool" it is that they are there. To this point, we've only taken them to outdoor shows, so as not to damage their hearing, but I've been able to take them to meet a few bands for smaller acoustic sets at indoor locations. One such opportunity happened Monday afternoon of last week when I was able to introduce the boys to the lovely Emily Haines and James Shaw of Metric; it was quite a thrill, and, I hope, a memory that will last. It was a good way to cap off the summer, but school has started and with it homework. Yesterday, Michael had to fill out a questionnaire as part of his choir homework. I glanced over it, and when I saw that he wrote "Alternative" for his preference in music, I smiled.
RAP (8.27.2009)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Task is the Reward
Finding the right thing to motivate a child isn't always the easiest thing to do. I almost always prefer the carrot to the stick because, although you can make them do something with a stick, I'd rather have them make themselves do it to acquire the carrot.
Somewhere between all the books, films and travels, an essential skill of childhood had fallen through the cracks for Alex; he had never learned to ride a bike. Part of it was the time; the good weather months are always very busy. The other component of the equation was that he never really had any interest it. Early this summer, I finally discovered what would make a bicycle appealing to him; he lit up at the prospect of riding to the pool with Michael. The sort of freedom and adventure it could bring was too much for him to resist any longer. I acquired a bicycle for him that would be easier to learn on than his brother's, and we worked with him. As the summer progressed, he became better and better at riding. And last week he was ready to ride off to the pool with his brother (shown here).
I prefer to use rewards are as motivation, but it is especially sweet when you can find a confluence where the task itself is part of the reward, and I am hopeful that they will realize that most things that seem hard can take them places they may want to go.
RAP 8.26.2009
Somewhere between all the books, films and travels, an essential skill of childhood had fallen through the cracks for Alex; he had never learned to ride a bike. Part of it was the time; the good weather months are always very busy. The other component of the equation was that he never really had any interest it. Early this summer, I finally discovered what would make a bicycle appealing to him; he lit up at the prospect of riding to the pool with Michael. The sort of freedom and adventure it could bring was too much for him to resist any longer. I acquired a bicycle for him that would be easier to learn on than his brother's, and we worked with him. As the summer progressed, he became better and better at riding. And last week he was ready to ride off to the pool with his brother (shown here).
I prefer to use rewards are as motivation, but it is especially sweet when you can find a confluence where the task itself is part of the reward, and I am hopeful that they will realize that most things that seem hard can take them places they may want to go.
RAP 8.26.2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
A Stroll on their Own
I've always tried to watch the same movies and television programs as the boys, just as I encourage them to read books I've read. It controls the quality of storytelling they take in, steering them towards (what I believe) to be better written and execute material, but it also gives us something that we can relate with and talk about; it acts as a cornerstone as they share what they thought about a particular piece.
However, they are getting older, and as much as I see myself in each, they are not just a subset of me, and they have to be allowed to become their own people (with guidance), with their own tastes and experiences. For the most part, I've been hanging farther back in recent times, usually within ear shot. This summer I've taken it a step farther, by allowing them to go to the movies nominally on their own. They have to stay together, I give them a cell phone, and I choose earlier less crowded shows, but they are watching it on their own. At Michael's age, I would often spend the day at the cinema, watching film after film, and it seemed that they were ready for this step. Of course, while not in earshot, I am not to far away; just the next theater over, in case they need me, or more typically so that they can share what they loved about the movie.
RAP (8.21.2009)
However, they are getting older, and as much as I see myself in each, they are not just a subset of me, and they have to be allowed to become their own people (with guidance), with their own tastes and experiences. For the most part, I've been hanging farther back in recent times, usually within ear shot. This summer I've taken it a step farther, by allowing them to go to the movies nominally on their own. They have to stay together, I give them a cell phone, and I choose earlier less crowded shows, but they are watching it on their own. At Michael's age, I would often spend the day at the cinema, watching film after film, and it seemed that they were ready for this step. Of course, while not in earshot, I am not to far away; just the next theater over, in case they need me, or more typically so that they can share what they loved about the movie.
RAP (8.21.2009)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Hail to the King, the Raiders and those on the Road
We've taken the boys to Mardi Gras (not once, but twice), on hikes down to blacks sand beaches and erupting volcanoes, to the best museums (Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian, Getty Villa, Field Museum etc.) and have exposed them to a variety of other experiences to broaden their view of the world in order to help them find what parts of it are for them. A component of that effort has been bringing them to the CAPA Summer Movie Series at the Ohio Theater each year to show them some of the best films ever made the way they were meant to be seen. Well, perhaps Raiders of the Lost Ark, which we took in last Saturday night, was not meant to be seen with an intermission and with an organist, but it was meant to be taken in with an audience that laughed and cheered; having 1,800 of your closest friends giggle and clap as Indy pulls his gun on the swordsman at the market in Cairo is something that you don't get when you watch it on your plasma screen TV, even on Blu-Ray.
Another film I took them to view was the 1933 version of King Kong. They really had no idea what Kong was going to look like, and just as audiences had to patiently wait 70 years ago, so did they. When the King of Skull Island appeared there was a small amount of delight, and a bit of dismissal from the kids of the CGI era with the cutting edge claymation of the 1930s. However, it soon entranced them as Kong fought a Stegosaurus, an Apatosaurus and T. Rex in succession. After the production, they claymation was all they could talk about, and in the twinkle of their eyes once could see new avenues open up in their imaginations.
Next week I hope to take the to Hope & Crosby's Road to Bali. It is an entirely different sort of film from Kong and Raiders, but I suspect that they were really like Hope's humor. Maybe the will, perhaps they won't, but it will add to their experiences, and give them something more to pull from, a perspective broader than just the days that they have lived.
RAP (8.20.2009)
Another film I took them to view was the 1933 version of King Kong. They really had no idea what Kong was going to look like, and just as audiences had to patiently wait 70 years ago, so did they. When the King of Skull Island appeared there was a small amount of delight, and a bit of dismissal from the kids of the CGI era with the cutting edge claymation of the 1930s. However, it soon entranced them as Kong fought a Stegosaurus, an Apatosaurus and T. Rex in succession. After the production, they claymation was all they could talk about, and in the twinkle of their eyes once could see new avenues open up in their imaginations.
Next week I hope to take the to Hope & Crosby's Road to Bali. It is an entirely different sort of film from Kong and Raiders, but I suspect that they were really like Hope's humor. Maybe the will, perhaps they won't, but it will add to their experiences, and give them something more to pull from, a perspective broader than just the days that they have lived.
RAP (8.20.2009)
Monday, August 3, 2009
New and Old
One of the hallmarks of any trip is the new things to which we are able to expose the kids. This sojourn to southern California included their first visits to the Getty Villa, the Skirball Center and Griffith Park Observatory; the Observatory, which had been closed for renovation in recent years, was particularly wonderful as it allowed them to see the city from new perspectives and gaze at the details of the moon through the telescope.
As a society, we tend to obsess on newness to a degree and somewhat overlook the depth of experience gained by going to the same places over and over again; a trip to Los Angeles certainly wouldn't be the same without heading to down to Santa Monica for some fun, sitting at the counter with your ice cream at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy or browsing the bookcases at Vroman's. There is a familiarity that allows you to be free to know the greater details and make it more than a place, but one of your places.
More importantly than acquainting the boys to places new and old are the people - the joy of seeing old friends and sharing your new experiences with them, plus the excitement of meeting new friends with whom to play in the park or have dinner.
RAP (8.3.2009)
As a society, we tend to obsess on newness to a degree and somewhat overlook the depth of experience gained by going to the same places over and over again; a trip to Los Angeles certainly wouldn't be the same without heading to down to Santa Monica for some fun, sitting at the counter with your ice cream at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy or browsing the bookcases at Vroman's. There is a familiarity that allows you to be free to know the greater details and make it more than a place, but one of your places.
More importantly than acquainting the boys to places new and old are the people - the joy of seeing old friends and sharing your new experiences with them, plus the excitement of meeting new friends with whom to play in the park or have dinner.
RAP (8.3.2009)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Never Too Old For Fun
Watching them dance in the fountains at The Greene, weaving through fountains and younger children, reminded me that I am very happy to see that Michael and Alex aren't in a rush to be older. I've seen it with many of their friends, a rush to appear older and more mature so that they can be cooler by disposing of anything that can be considered remotely childish, no matter how much fun it is.
They are growing up, and will continue to get older and more mature no matter what they do, so their is no wisdom in forcing it by jettisoning the things that they love; conforming doesn't make you cooler so much as less interesting. In the interest of full disclosure I must confess that I have a penchant to behave like a child with my sons, and do the things that I enjoyed as a kid with them. Alex informed the girls this last week about such as lobos, a very childish form of general roughhousing we like to play, and their wide eyed response was that he has a cool dad.
RAP (7.16.2009)
They are growing up, and will continue to get older and more mature no matter what they do, so their is no wisdom in forcing it by jettisoning the things that they love; conforming doesn't make you cooler so much as less interesting. In the interest of full disclosure I must confess that I have a penchant to behave like a child with my sons, and do the things that I enjoyed as a kid with them. Alex informed the girls this last week about such as lobos, a very childish form of general roughhousing we like to play, and their wide eyed response was that he has a cool dad.
RAP (7.16.2009)
Monday, July 6, 2009
... And the dark clouds passed
Despite the inclimate weather in the late afternoon, I believe our annual Fourth of July party was a success once more. It brought me joy to see that the kids were not too old for the bounce houses, and I took particular pride in how the new LED items in the goody backpacks were such big hits; from young to old, the kids seem to have a magical time with them in the twilight hours.
One of the thrusts of this party, and the birthday parties, has been to help the boys socially by creating the circumstances where good experiences can happen and friendships bloom. Michael spent the day with Suzanne, and even watched the fireworks by her side as the best of friends. Alex is always the life of the party, and in between horseplay it was amusing that we had three different sets of adults, not kids, ask "Where's Alex?" when they saw us. Our sons aren't the only ones that can benefit, and I didn't know when it started, but this year, it was another child that would gain a needed, little boost socially. That kid seemed to gain a little confidence and camaraderie as the day went on and the dark clouds passed.
RAP (7.6.2009)
One of the thrusts of this party, and the birthday parties, has been to help the boys socially by creating the circumstances where good experiences can happen and friendships bloom. Michael spent the day with Suzanne, and even watched the fireworks by her side as the best of friends. Alex is always the life of the party, and in between horseplay it was amusing that we had three different sets of adults, not kids, ask "Where's Alex?" when they saw us. Our sons aren't the only ones that can benefit, and I didn't know when it started, but this year, it was another child that would gain a needed, little boost socially. That kid seemed to gain a little confidence and camaraderie as the day went on and the dark clouds passed.
RAP (7.6.2009)
Friday, June 26, 2009
Some of the best things in life...
The boys read a great deal, and, for the most part, I they read whatever they like, but occasionally I shepherd them into titles that they wouldn't select for themselves. I contend there is some value into being forced to expand a bit outside your comfort zone.
In the past, the titles I have chosen for them included Jules Verne's Mysterious Island, William Golding's Lord of the Flies and Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game. Last week, I asked Alex to read Neil Gaiman's Newbery Award-Winning Graveyard Book and Michael to read Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer. They both enjoyed their assignments; Alex staying up past midnight to finish, and Michael enjoyed it so much that asked if we could watch the movie. I was very agreeable to the request, if only to reinforce the good experience, so I downloaded the 1973 version from Amazon, and told him he could invite the neighborhood kids for a screening.
Kami, Suzanne, Patrick and Jane came over and watched the movie with us while feasting on popcorn, junior mints and root beer; a good time was had by all. However the highlight of the evening for the kids was the 20 minutes of ghost in the graveyard at the conclusion of the film. They were screeching, laughing and hollering in a manner that would best be characterized as joy. Some of the best things in life are the things that aren't planned like the chaotically organized backyard games at the end of day, or the book that you were asked to read.
RAP (6.26.2009)
In the past, the titles I have chosen for them included Jules Verne's Mysterious Island, William Golding's Lord of the Flies and Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game. Last week, I asked Alex to read Neil Gaiman's Newbery Award-Winning Graveyard Book and Michael to read Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer. They both enjoyed their assignments; Alex staying up past midnight to finish, and Michael enjoyed it so much that asked if we could watch the movie. I was very agreeable to the request, if only to reinforce the good experience, so I downloaded the 1973 version from Amazon, and told him he could invite the neighborhood kids for a screening.
Kami, Suzanne, Patrick and Jane came over and watched the movie with us while feasting on popcorn, junior mints and root beer; a good time was had by all. However the highlight of the evening for the kids was the 20 minutes of ghost in the graveyard at the conclusion of the film. They were screeching, laughing and hollering in a manner that would best be characterized as joy. Some of the best things in life are the things that aren't planned like the chaotically organized backyard games at the end of day, or the book that you were asked to read.
RAP (6.26.2009)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Triumphant Return
Sunday afternoon, Alex was helping sand and paint the bench that sits in the front walkway; when offered the opportunity to join the endeavor, Michael declined, and I can't blame him. It isn't something I would want to do either, but Alex seemed to enjoy it. Later that afternoon, Michael decided to open up a lemonade stand, and when asked to become part of the enterprise, Alex chose to forgo the offer.
That lasted about 8 minutes, until Michael came storming home because he had sold out his first batch. It seems that Michael had chosen a very good location and a very good time to hawk his golden citrus beverage of a bygone era: the Memorial was ending, causing a stream of people to exit Muirfield, and Michael wisely chose to place his business where the people were. When Alex witnessed the success Michael was having, it was as if he heard a call to arms and he jumped right into the melee. They sold lemonade as fast as we could make it and had a line of people waiting when the lemonade pipeline ran dry.
As alike as they are they are, they are different people; Alex likes to accomplish things and enjoys success; he wants to see the new bench, smell his fresh cake and see a line of customers. Whereas Michael craves a specific type of success: he is most happy when he makes a vision of his reality. He doesn't want an editor for Kool Kid or Jack the Ghost Hunter; he wants to tell his stories, his way. On this day, he wanted to be a barker successfully soliciting people to his "home made" lemonade stand, and living what he envisioned is what made him happy.
What brings me joy is that they are there are becoming their own men, but are able to align and leverage their desires and skills in a common cause; speaking of which, they are already planning what they are going to do in the late Saturday and Sunday afternoons during next year's Memorial.
RAPatton (6.10.2009)
That lasted about 8 minutes, until Michael came storming home because he had sold out his first batch. It seems that Michael had chosen a very good location and a very good time to hawk his golden citrus beverage of a bygone era: the Memorial was ending, causing a stream of people to exit Muirfield, and Michael wisely chose to place his business where the people were. When Alex witnessed the success Michael was having, it was as if he heard a call to arms and he jumped right into the melee. They sold lemonade as fast as we could make it and had a line of people waiting when the lemonade pipeline ran dry.
As alike as they are they are, they are different people; Alex likes to accomplish things and enjoys success; he wants to see the new bench, smell his fresh cake and see a line of customers. Whereas Michael craves a specific type of success: he is most happy when he makes a vision of his reality. He doesn't want an editor for Kool Kid or Jack the Ghost Hunter; he wants to tell his stories, his way. On this day, he wanted to be a barker successfully soliciting people to his "home made" lemonade stand, and living what he envisioned is what made him happy.
What brings me joy is that they are there are becoming their own men, but are able to align and leverage their desires and skills in a common cause; speaking of which, they are already planning what they are going to do in the late Saturday and Sunday afternoons during next year's Memorial.
RAPatton (6.10.2009)
Friday, June 5, 2009
Campfire Tales
Yesterday was last day of the school year, and the boys celebrated with their annual end of the year camp out. The excitement has been palpable as they have been planning each detail in recent weeks. They made the invitations, drew up the guest list, planned the menus, prepared the activities and even thought up and rehearsed some shenanigans. You may worry about them missing out their lives while looking forward to something so strongly, but the thing is, the joy in the anticipation far outweighs the night of s'mores and ghost stories with Kami, Suzanne, Jane and Kai the way I see it. Of course, I am knee deep in planning our annual 4th of July celebration even now.
RAPatton (6.5.2009)
RAPatton (6.5.2009)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Life of the Party
In a continuing effort to broaden the boys horizons we took them to not 1, but 2, big time concerts last week. On Thursday night we ventured to see the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They are a band that are going to popular for years to come, and looking forward, there attendance at this concert should impress their friends when they start getting into music in a few years. Originally, I wasn't going to take them, but they sold out the Newport in 6 hours and the show was bumped up to the LC, an out door venue; I wasn't really pleased about that, but I decided to make lemonade by taking the boys with us, which I wouldn't do to an indoor venue yet (in order to protect their ears).
On Friday night, we returned to the LC to enjoy Jane's Addiction; whereas the Yeah Yeah Yeah's are a band of this millennium, Jane's Addiction is an important staple of the last one. The boys both thought the Yeah Yeah Yeahs was a better show, but Michael had a great time at Jane's Addiction; he was dancing with people, and, in general, was the life of the party. People were telling us what a great kid he was and wanted to shake my hand at the end of the show because of how cool our Michael was. It was a pretty amazing thing, because even though they liked the music and the performances better at the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Michael was able to broaden his world by reaching out to people, and manufacture his own very good time.
RAPatton (6.1.2009)
On Friday night, we returned to the LC to enjoy Jane's Addiction; whereas the Yeah Yeah Yeah's are a band of this millennium, Jane's Addiction is an important staple of the last one. The boys both thought the Yeah Yeah Yeahs was a better show, but Michael had a great time at Jane's Addiction; he was dancing with people, and, in general, was the life of the party. People were telling us what a great kid he was and wanted to shake my hand at the end of the show because of how cool our Michael was. It was a pretty amazing thing, because even though they liked the music and the performances better at the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Michael was able to broaden his world by reaching out to people, and manufacture his own very good time.
RAPatton (6.1.2009)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Return of the Lobos
Last Thursday, I was a bit down, so I went out and made some happiness. I called the boys in and without warning I let out an ancient battle cry; "Lobos!" I screamed, as I hurled pillows across the room at a fantastic velocity for an old man. Moments later the counter attack began:
Michael to right of me,
Alex to left of me,
Pillows in front of them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with cushions and pillow!
It was a melee of absurd violence as I used the pillows as projectiles and to sweep their legs while the would return file and even jump from the bed to my back as they used their superior numbers (2 versus 1). Even using my flash as a blinding weapon, they were giving me all that I could handle. The best thing about it was last night, Michael and Alex came to me when I was on the computer, and without any warning, let out a scream "Lobos!"
RAPatton (5.28.2009)
Michael to right of me,
Alex to left of me,
Pillows in front of them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with cushions and pillow!
It was a melee of absurd violence as I used the pillows as projectiles and to sweep their legs while the would return file and even jump from the bed to my back as they used their superior numbers (2 versus 1). Even using my flash as a blinding weapon, they were giving me all that I could handle. The best thing about it was last night, Michael and Alex came to me when I was on the computer, and without any warning, let out a scream "Lobos!"
RAPatton (5.28.2009)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
So That They Can Become Independent Young Men
The heat arrived and the pools opened last weekend, just as the seem to come in tandem each Memorial Day weekend. As we are ones to embrace what is good in each season, we rushed to the pool to dive, splash and swim once more, just as we have done before, and as I hope we will do in years to come. There could be a tendency to say that all that has happened before, will happen again, and that things don't change, but that statement will be a bit lazy; much has changed in the foreground as the background remains in rhythm
For one thing, Michael is getting so big, he certainly doesn't fly through the sky when I throw him like he once did, and Alex is now doing flips off the diving board like his big brother. A more important step forward in their coming of age is that the boys spent time at the pool all by themselves on Sunday. It was only 90 minutes, but they managed to return home without any broken bones and all of their teeth. They are growing up, and not only don't need their parents overlooking them at all time, but require a degree of freedom so that they can become independent young men who can operate on their own with confidence.
RAPatton (5.27.2009)
For one thing, Michael is getting so big, he certainly doesn't fly through the sky when I throw him like he once did, and Alex is now doing flips off the diving board like his big brother. A more important step forward in their coming of age is that the boys spent time at the pool all by themselves on Sunday. It was only 90 minutes, but they managed to return home without any broken bones and all of their teeth. They are growing up, and not only don't need their parents overlooking them at all time, but require a degree of freedom so that they can become independent young men who can operate on their own with confidence.
RAPatton (5.27.2009)
Friday, May 15, 2009
Clowing Around
Last night I took the boys and Suzanne to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus; they enjoyed the animals, daring stunts and jesters fighting over a hat, but I could have taken them to the zoo to see animals, watched a movie see daring escapades and turned on any of the Sunday Morning programs if I wanted to see a bunch of clowns brawling over the trivial.
I brought them to the Circus so that they could share an experience together, and it was more successful than I could have hoped for. They did all sorts of things that generated smiles: Suzanne would feed Michael one of his assorted sour balls and make him guess the flavor, Alex engineered a cha-cha-cha conga line that had them bouncing up and down and even a few of the things the performers did had them talking.
However, the highlight of the evening came when I was tired and just wanted it to be over; I was up early that day, and it was already late for a school night. I looked over to my left, after hearing some giggling, to spy Michael and Suzanne were pulling an oversized hat over their noggins, completely covering their eyes and then laughing at their mischief as they pulled it off. It went on and on, as they alternated, and their hearty laughs often rose above the music of the final act. I pretended not to notice, because I didn't want my observations to interfere with the reason why we ventured to the Circus that night.
RAPatton (5.15.2009)
I brought them to the Circus so that they could share an experience together, and it was more successful than I could have hoped for. They did all sorts of things that generated smiles: Suzanne would feed Michael one of his assorted sour balls and make him guess the flavor, Alex engineered a cha-cha-cha conga line that had them bouncing up and down and even a few of the things the performers did had them talking.
However, the highlight of the evening came when I was tired and just wanted it to be over; I was up early that day, and it was already late for a school night. I looked over to my left, after hearing some giggling, to spy Michael and Suzanne were pulling an oversized hat over their noggins, completely covering their eyes and then laughing at their mischief as they pulled it off. It went on and on, as they alternated, and their hearty laughs often rose above the music of the final act. I pretended not to notice, because I didn't want my observations to interfere with the reason why we ventured to the Circus that night.
RAPatton (5.15.2009)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Our Little Baker/General
Last week Alex didn't feel well in the morning and stayed home from school, and by late afternoon he was feeling fine and had played out his toys and read all his books; what does a 9 year old boy do when boredom sets in? In Alex’s case, he asked Jenny if they could bake. They made a vanilla cake with vanilla icing, his favorite, although he didn't eat a piece. He just enjoys creating something in the kitchen, much like his father. Society may consider our propensity to dabble in the culinary arts a less than manly activity, even though I am certain it will help him with ladies in years to come.
Early this week, Alex gave his report on General George S Patton Jr., which involved research into the tank battles, the Olympics and other things that you might expect a testosterone fueled boy to find engaging. He wore his grandfather’s bronze star, camouflage clothing and dog tags. It was all very masculine, and it was a huge success, but that may have been because he attacked his speech as a general and leveraged his resources: he brought in the class Aunt Jo’s cookies that he baked the proudly bakes the night before.
RAPatton (5.14.2009)
Early this week, Alex gave his report on General George S Patton Jr., which involved research into the tank battles, the Olympics and other things that you might expect a testosterone fueled boy to find engaging. He wore his grandfather’s bronze star, camouflage clothing and dog tags. It was all very masculine, and it was a huge success, but that may have been because he attacked his speech as a general and leveraged his resources: he brought in the class Aunt Jo’s cookies that he baked the proudly bakes the night before.
RAPatton (5.14.2009)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Literary Heroes of Today and, perhaps, Tomorrow
Saturday, I took the boys to the Ohioana Book Festival to see two of their favorite authors, R. L. Stine, author of the Goosebumps books, and Jeff Smith, author of "Bone." To be in their presence at all was too good to pass up, let alone in such a small venue. Each kid asked many questions, and were able to chat with their literary heroes one on one.
During R.L.'s session he joked about how he has only 6 plots, and as he continued it occurred to me there is a pattern to the books and comics that I push the boys to read. They seem to be one of two types: the first class of tales are the stories about the kids who are different and don't fit in. They start off wanting to be ordinary, but in their hero's journey they learn to embrace being extraordinary, like the X-Men or Harry Potter. This is something that we have worked with extensively with the boys on, that their quirks are strengths to be used. The other is are the tales about an ordinary kid that does amazing things when tested by unusual circumstances, like in the Goosebumps tales.
In my mind, both are true of both authors; they are two ordinary kids from Columbus who went on and did extraordinary things, and at they same time, they were people who were different, and were able to use those differences to accomplish those great things. My hope is that be seeing and listening to them, that Michael and Alex understand that two more kids from Columbus can do anything they want, if they embrace who they are, and are ready to take advantage of the opportunities throw at them.
RAPatton (5.11.2009)
During R.L.'s session he joked about how he has only 6 plots, and as he continued it occurred to me there is a pattern to the books and comics that I push the boys to read. They seem to be one of two types: the first class of tales are the stories about the kids who are different and don't fit in. They start off wanting to be ordinary, but in their hero's journey they learn to embrace being extraordinary, like the X-Men or Harry Potter. This is something that we have worked with extensively with the boys on, that their quirks are strengths to be used. The other is are the tales about an ordinary kid that does amazing things when tested by unusual circumstances, like in the Goosebumps tales.
In my mind, both are true of both authors; they are two ordinary kids from Columbus who went on and did extraordinary things, and at they same time, they were people who were different, and were able to use those differences to accomplish those great things. My hope is that be seeing and listening to them, that Michael and Alex understand that two more kids from Columbus can do anything they want, if they embrace who they are, and are ready to take advantage of the opportunities throw at them.
RAPatton (5.11.2009)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Bad Films and Better Understanding
Summer movie season arrived Friday with the "Wolverine" film. It was mediocre, as you would expect from a film with such a name, but even if it was christened "Buckeye," I don't think it would have been art. The notable thing about our viewing is that the boys were able to attend it with us. Yes, they are now old enough to be subjugated to bad films for adult audiences at the theater.
I am very happy about this because not only does it cost less without a babysitter, but it allows us to experience it together, and I am believer in the importance of shared experiences in building a relationship. In the past we've taken them to most every kids film available, but this greatly expands the amount of cinema we can share, discuss and use as a touchstone for understanding, and it spares me from seeing anything like that masterpiece "Doogle" ever again. Beyond that it also increases their ability to connect with people through a great immersion in our culture and it sharpens their analytical skills as demonstrated by Alex's summary review of our entertainment: "There are things I would have changed."
RAPatton (5.4.2009)
I am very happy about this because not only does it cost less without a babysitter, but it allows us to experience it together, and I am believer in the importance of shared experiences in building a relationship. In the past we've taken them to most every kids film available, but this greatly expands the amount of cinema we can share, discuss and use as a touchstone for understanding, and it spares me from seeing anything like that masterpiece "Doogle" ever again. Beyond that it also increases their ability to connect with people through a great immersion in our culture and it sharpens their analytical skills as demonstrated by Alex's summary review of our entertainment: "There are things I would have changed."
RAPatton (5.4.2009)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Pictures or it Didn't Happen
On holidays, it has been customary for the boys to wake me so that I can document the before, during and after of such things; after all without pictures, did it even really happen? This really hasn't been an issue though, because, for the most part, I am typically rise long before they are, so I didn't remind them Saturday night before I closed my eyes and escaped to the realm of my dreams.
What seemed like moments later, I heard Alex gleefully exclaim "Nintendo DSi!" This came as a major surprise, not just because protocol was broken, but that on Muirfield place, future coffee junkie Alex "I'm Tired" Patton was the first awake, before Michael "I greet everyday with a smile" Patton. I jumped out of bed, and found that Alex was already back in his room waking his brother with his jubilant news. Even though I couldn't see his joy, I still experienced it, and I assure you it most certainly happened; you will have to take my word for it.
RAP (4.16.2009)
What seemed like moments later, I heard Alex gleefully exclaim "Nintendo DSi!" This came as a major surprise, not just because protocol was broken, but that on Muirfield place, future coffee junkie Alex "I'm Tired" Patton was the first awake, before Michael "I greet everyday with a smile" Patton. I jumped out of bed, and found that Alex was already back in his room waking his brother with his jubilant news. Even though I couldn't see his joy, I still experienced it, and I assure you it most certainly happened; you will have to take my word for it.
RAP (4.16.2009)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Change is in the Air
The boys are getting older and things are changing slowly. Michael's best friend is Suzanne, which is interesting because being a female introduces wrinkles that are just starting to ripple in their consciousness. Most days with good weather, she will stop by while walking one of her dogs and asks if Michael wants to join her. Often Alex wants to go too, but we sometimes we hold him back; Alex can dominate a discussion, and this is an area where Michael needs some latitude.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream opened up last week in Old Dublin, so Friday night I took the boys and Suzanne down their for a treat. It was a nice time. After we returned her safely home, we returned to Muirfield Place and watched Twilight Zone the Movie. The following day I come home and discover that Michael was showing Suzanne the Twilight Zone, my son was watching a scary movie with a girl, who may only be a friend but still a girl. He is getting older and change is in the air.
RAP (4.9.2009)
Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream opened up last week in Old Dublin, so Friday night I took the boys and Suzanne down their for a treat. It was a nice time. After we returned her safely home, we returned to Muirfield Place and watched Twilight Zone the Movie. The following day I come home and discover that Michael was showing Suzanne the Twilight Zone, my son was watching a scary movie with a girl, who may only be a friend but still a girl. He is getting older and change is in the air.
RAP (4.9.2009)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Cult of Alex
Alex needn't be versed in classical history to understand the power of bread and circuses as a tool to gain favor. In March, he discovered that his school library had a cooking section, and not only found cook books, but polled his classmates as to which were the best (gathering buy in), and promised to make these recipes for them. This was a Thursday, on Monday he delivered them beef tataki with lettuce wraps and orange tea served in an authentic tea pot from Japan. Of course he did not do this all on his own, he enlisted the aide of his mother, delegated, if you will, part of the preparation and the service of the banquet.
After all, while they were eating their bread he need to be giving them their circus; her discussed the items, their intricacies and touched upon points of Japanese culture as the cult of Alex grew. Our young Caesar's empire is growing within the 3rd grade, but he does not have a Cleopatra. Instead, he has two female friends, that are not girlfriends, who compete for his attention and like to be around him all the time. Hail Caesar!
RAP (4.8.2009)
After all, while they were eating their bread he need to be giving them their circus; her discussed the items, their intricacies and touched upon points of Japanese culture as the cult of Alex grew. Our young Caesar's empire is growing within the 3rd grade, but he does not have a Cleopatra. Instead, he has two female friends, that are not girlfriends, who compete for his attention and like to be around him all the time. Hail Caesar!
RAP (4.8.2009)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Scene of the Crime (6 days shy of 20 years later)
It has been a few years since the boys have been to DC, and in those years they have studied a little bit of history. and a tad about our government; so we decided to take a break from the tropics and head to the nation's capital for spring break. Although we were there for a brief time, they boys took in a great deal; they went to the Lincoln, Vietnam and WWII memorials. They marched to the Natural History Museum, National Gallery, Air and Space Museum and Spy Museum. The saw pandas, panhandlers and political speakers of the mentally addled variety as they rode the metro from here to there. We even found time to catch a movie and enjoy gluten free pizza. It was enough to make the heartiest souls feel weary, and certainly made my body feel its age.
There was one final destination we made time for, one that focused on the boys personal heritage as opposed to the nations, one that reminded us of our youth more than our age; 6 days shy of 20 years we took the boys to the Georgetown Guest House, the place where we first met on April 3rd 1989.
RAP (3.31.2009)
There was one final destination we made time for, one that focused on the boys personal heritage as opposed to the nations, one that reminded us of our youth more than our age; 6 days shy of 20 years we took the boys to the Georgetown Guest House, the place where we first met on April 3rd 1989.
RAP (3.31.2009)
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Echoes
When I worked late at the grocery store in high school, often I would buy a bag or two of candy before walking home. The next day I took it school with me and I'd toss Skittles, Starbursts, Peppermint Patties and the like around in my Honors English class when Mr. Rogers had his back turned; as soon as his back turned, hands all across the room would go up, candy would zoom across the air, and generally we all had a good time. Mr. Rogers was in on it, and occasionally a Reese's peanut butter cup headed in his direction.
I believe that little celebrations in life are important and as such I like to make Fridays a bit more special for the boys, so I often sneak a surprise into their lunches for that day. During Lent it has been Easter Candy, mini-Cadbury eggs in particular. I also add the a bit of wisdom each time: "It's nice to share." I see it a bit as a candy dish, and it never hurts to have a candy dish at your desk. Well, it has grown and now Fridays are special for more than just our boys. It has turned out to make Fridays special for me once more as I hear Michael, in particular, tell me that he shoots them around the table, harkening back to a time that doesn't seem so long ago.
RAP (3.18.2009)
I believe that little celebrations in life are important and as such I like to make Fridays a bit more special for the boys, so I often sneak a surprise into their lunches for that day. During Lent it has been Easter Candy, mini-Cadbury eggs in particular. I also add the a bit of wisdom each time: "It's nice to share." I see it a bit as a candy dish, and it never hurts to have a candy dish at your desk. Well, it has grown and now Fridays are special for more than just our boys. It has turned out to make Fridays special for me once more as I hear Michael, in particular, tell me that he shoots them around the table, harkening back to a time that doesn't seem so long ago.
RAP (3.18.2009)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
There Is Nothing To See Here
The boys report cards arrived yesterday, and it was as you would expect, nearly perfect in both cases. As such, it did not tell me much about them, but their is an academic activity lately that has done a fine job at illustrating facets about the boys.
As a way to promote their overall growth I've decided to have the boys commit to memory a few things. in exchange for a trip to the candy store. In this first iteration, Alex chose Dylan Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle" and Michael chose Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address." This was what you would expect: Alex chose something passionate, whereas Michael displayed his affinity for Mr. Lincoln. Alex has been very diligent and is essentially done, but Michael is taking longer (as part of the dynamic, they are only rewarded when both complete their task); this is interesting in that Michael has a fantastic memory, but Alex has out worked him. Michael works very hard on his passions, but not as much on other tasks, whereas Alex can be directed. It is something that we need to continue to work on with him.
The most intriguing thing about this exercise has been to see that Michael has a natural cadence, and reads and recites his piece with rhythm, but Alex does not. "Rage, rage" erupted from his mouth, running together with the words like an explosion and in the process lost all of its poetry. This was something that I did not expect, but we have used recent days to teach him where to place emphasis, which has been a nice bonus of this task, and I believe is a skill that might serve him well.
RAPatton (3.11.2009)
As a way to promote their overall growth I've decided to have the boys commit to memory a few things. in exchange for a trip to the candy store. In this first iteration, Alex chose Dylan Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle" and Michael chose Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address." This was what you would expect: Alex chose something passionate, whereas Michael displayed his affinity for Mr. Lincoln. Alex has been very diligent and is essentially done, but Michael is taking longer (as part of the dynamic, they are only rewarded when both complete their task); this is interesting in that Michael has a fantastic memory, but Alex has out worked him. Michael works very hard on his passions, but not as much on other tasks, whereas Alex can be directed. It is something that we need to continue to work on with him.
The most intriguing thing about this exercise has been to see that Michael has a natural cadence, and reads and recites his piece with rhythm, but Alex does not. "Rage, rage" erupted from his mouth, running together with the words like an explosion and in the process lost all of its poetry. This was something that I did not expect, but we have used recent days to teach him where to place emphasis, which has been a nice bonus of this task, and I believe is a skill that might serve him well.
RAPatton (3.11.2009)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Guitar Heroes
I like to expose the boys to a wide variety of experiences, as a way to help them understand their world; they help make you who you are, and be able to see the depth behind things that seem simple. Late Sunday afternoon I was able to finagle some passes for the sound check of Airborne Toxic Event, who were playing a sold out show that night. I thought this would be something interesting for the boys to see; after all, how often will the boys be able to hang out with rock stars?
The boys have never been to an indoor concert and were very pleased from the get go when they noticed that were playing Cartoon Network up at the bar; Michael proclaimed, "You're right, this is a cool place!" We ended up talking the violist, drummer and lead singer. The lead singer in particular talked to the boys about sports, doodling, school and guitars. Later, he pulled Alex up on stage during the sound check and tutored him on guitar, letting him work the floor pedals and offering sage advice like "the great thing about punk rock is you don't have to be in tune." But it wasn't all rocking out; in the 2 and half hours we were there, the boys watched them setup their equipment, tune it, set their marks and a variety of other things that they may not have realized were involved in being a guitar hero.
RAPatton (3.3.2009)
The boys have never been to an indoor concert and were very pleased from the get go when they noticed that were playing Cartoon Network up at the bar; Michael proclaimed, "You're right, this is a cool place!" We ended up talking the violist, drummer and lead singer. The lead singer in particular talked to the boys about sports, doodling, school and guitars. Later, he pulled Alex up on stage during the sound check and tutored him on guitar, letting him work the floor pedals and offering sage advice like "the great thing about punk rock is you don't have to be in tune." But it wasn't all rocking out; in the 2 and half hours we were there, the boys watched them setup their equipment, tune it, set their marks and a variety of other things that they may not have realized were involved in being a guitar hero.
RAPatton (3.3.2009)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The "I Love You" Game
As she dropped the boys off at school this morning, Jenny informed them that she "loves them to pieces." Being boys, they immediately took that notion and turned it around into an ever escalating, competitive frenzy to find smaller pieces to love:" love you to bits" ... "to ashes!" ... "to dust!" ... "to atoms!" A bit ornery, but sweet.
On this same morning, Michael shared with me that he dreamed of Suzanne last night; she came over, but there was a rocket in our backyard. He had to chose between a trip to the moon and playing with her. He chose her. One day, in a few years, they boys will most likely play a competitive "I love you" game with a girl who is not there mother. I venture that it will be more sweet, less ornery, and instead of trying to find smaller pieces, it will be about comparing it to the greatest things they can imagine.
RAP (2.25.2009)
On this same morning, Michael shared with me that he dreamed of Suzanne last night; she came over, but there was a rocket in our backyard. He had to chose between a trip to the moon and playing with her. He chose her. One day, in a few years, they boys will most likely play a competitive "I love you" game with a girl who is not there mother. I venture that it will be more sweet, less ornery, and instead of trying to find smaller pieces, it will be about comparing it to the greatest things they can imagine.
RAP (2.25.2009)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Unwritten, Byzantine Rules of 3rd Grade Lunch Room
Last Friday Michael took Suzanne to see Coraline, and although they are just friends, he was very excited. The best part of the evening was how he skipped back to the car after dropping her off at her doorstep. He insisted on picking up and dropping her off alone, which pleased me. The whole exercise is to make ensure that he feels comfortable around girls and not become one of the boys who line the gym walls at dances, too intimidated to engage with the fairer sex.Alex tends to take his cues from his big brother and seems to have learned that it is all right to talk to girls, even if you must circumvent the unwritten, byzantine rules of 3rd grade lunch room. Alex wanted to have lunch with Michelle, but there are only self regulated boy only and girl only tables; a mingling of the existing table would be tantamount to walking away from a double dog dare. Not one to be intimidated by the way things are, Alex found an empty table and made it a new table, one that was boy girl, and had lunch with a friend.
RAP (2.12.2009)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Cornerstone
One of the joys of parenthood is hearing the echos of your childhood memories as your kids share in things that you used to do, and you remember things that you have forgotten. Two Wednesdays ago, the boys finally got the snow day they had invoked so much voodoo to achieve, and they built a snow fort. Having built one or two in my day, I passed on tips such as using a little water to help freeze the bricks.
This past Wednesday there was no such snow, and, alas, they would have to go to school. As they prepared, they were asked what they were looking forward to that day. Without hesitation, Michael exclaimed, "Comics!" One of the joys of parenthood is seeing your children grow up and share in the enthusiasms that you have.
RAP (2.9.2009)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
On Thick Ice
We like to go with the flow of the seasons and enjoy what each has to offer; instead of fighting the current by longing for the amenities of other times and places. So the confluence of a lush snowfall and a warm winter day led us to hike the Indian Run Falls trail on a sunny, Sunday afternoon.
It was a beautiful and tranquil experience; the highlight for the boys was walking on the frozen creek bed. It was no more than a foot a half deep at this point and it was solid ice. So while our favorite tributary of the Scioto roars in Summer or wears its finest in Autumn, only in winter can we achieve a sort of grace and walk on water.
RAP (2.3.2009)
It was a beautiful and tranquil experience; the highlight for the boys was walking on the frozen creek bed. It was no more than a foot a half deep at this point and it was solid ice. So while our favorite tributary of the Scioto roars in Summer or wears its finest in Autumn, only in winter can we achieve a sort of grace and walk on water.
RAP (2.3.2009)
Friday, January 30, 2009
A Little Bit of Magic
I think that the boys enjoy school, but the way they coax snow days into existence would make one think they were trying to evade the devil himself. At the hint of a possible snow day, elaborate rituals are invoked; first, and foremost, pajamas are worn both inside out and backwards. Furthermore, while donning this fashion, they dance on their beds, beseeching the universe for snow as our ancestors once did for rain. Being a sort of enchantment, they use an avatar of the cold in their invocations and send ice down the sink and toss ice cubes out the front door. Eventually they must sleep, but their effort is not suspended; under their pillows, where their heads lie, are spoons. Why? I don't know, but there are part of the rites. Perhaps school is awful, or maybe, just maybe, playing in the snow on a day when you are not supposed to be is a little bit magical.
RAP (1.30.2009)
RAP (1.30.2009)
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Coldest Dawn of the Year
Early last Friday morning the mercury plunged to the lowest depths of the year; the fridge would have been balmy at 37, and the freezer would have provided relief at its solitary 1 degree. In the hours before dawn, the temperature's perigee reached -11 degrees.
As cold as it was outside, there was warmth inside our home as Michael and Alex each had a friend spend the night. Christopher and John came over, played games, had a Nerf war and watched movies late into the night. However, we were cautious about the cold, and fortified all four boys with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings just to make sure they stayed warm.
RAP (1.23.2009)
As cold as it was outside, there was warmth inside our home as Michael and Alex each had a friend spend the night. Christopher and John came over, played games, had a Nerf war and watched movies late into the night. However, we were cautious about the cold, and fortified all four boys with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings just to make sure they stayed warm.
RAP (1.23.2009)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Joy and Delight
After many near misses, we finally had enough snow to go sledding on Wednesday afternoon. It turns out we weren't alone our enthusiasm, for it felt as if the whole town turned out, braving the nearly undrivable roads.
Michael has always loved the trappings of winter, but in recent years Alex has come on board. I think that is important to embrace each season for what it is; enjoy the storms of spring, the pools of summer, the leaves of autumn and the snow of winter. All of them pass before you know it, so it pleases me to observe they both are enjoying what they have, while they can.
RAP (1.19.2009)
Michael has always loved the trappings of winter, but in recent years Alex has come on board. I think that is important to embrace each season for what it is; enjoy the storms of spring, the pools of summer, the leaves of autumn and the snow of winter. All of them pass before you know it, so it pleases me to observe they both are enjoying what they have, while they can.
RAP (1.19.2009)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Chop Pong
From the black sand beaches of Hawaii to the merry making of Mardi Gras, the boys have been to many places and done a great number of things in past few years, but that doesn't mean we discount local attractions. Last Sunday we journeyed to the Wexner Center to see a foreign animated film, "Azure and Asmar." It was different from the standard fare, in both style and construction of the narrative. After the show, we escorted them through the Warhol exhibit, highlighting the pieces they knew of, and those we believed they would take an interest in.
Those were good experiences, but the best moment came while doing nothing; as they waited for lunch, the boys used a crumpled paper from a straw, napkins and chopsticks to invent "Chop Pong." You never know what will come of idle time, but I hope that by exposing them to more and more that the possibilities will be endless.
RAP (1.16.2009)
Those were good experiences, but the best moment came while doing nothing; as they waited for lunch, the boys used a crumpled paper from a straw, napkins and chopsticks to invent "Chop Pong." You never know what will come of idle time, but I hope that by exposing them to more and more that the possibilities will be endless.
RAP (1.16.2009)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
New and Different
Many of the people we know stay in a relatively small geographic area at home, and go to the same places over and over again. It is nice to enjoy a familiar place, but if you go to the same place over and over I would argue that you should explore, do new things and take in the best of the place. At least, that is what we try to do with the boys.
At the end of the year we were in Los Angeles once more, and I took the opportunity to show the boys two of its noteworthy comic shops (Secret HQ and Meltdown), its most famous record store (Amoeba) and a shop that features gluten free and gourmet churros (Xooro). I can't claim that the entire experience wasn't all new; we ended our day trip at the Santa Monica pier which we have haunted before. It may not have been new, but it was different; for the first time the boys rode the roller coaster.
RAP (1.14.2009)
At the end of the year we were in Los Angeles once more, and I took the opportunity to show the boys two of its noteworthy comic shops (Secret HQ and Meltdown), its most famous record store (Amoeba) and a shop that features gluten free and gourmet churros (Xooro). I can't claim that the entire experience wasn't all new; we ended our day trip at the Santa Monica pier which we have haunted before. It may not have been new, but it was different; for the first time the boys rode the roller coaster.
RAP (1.14.2009)
Friday, January 9, 2009
The Happiest Place in the Orange County Metro Area
To me, going to a theme park is like stepping back in time and being young once more. After all, everyone is a kid at Disneyland! While it may make us feel young, it also offers a child a chance to feel older as they are able to participate in more of the attractions.
Michael and Alex are now of sufficient stature where they are able to ride all the rides at Disneyland, but there was one attraction that Alex was wary of: California Screamin.' It instantaneously accelerates its passengers to 55 mph and, even more daunting, has a loop to loop. Alex has never experienced a loop to loop and was skeptical to say the least. In order to save face, he claimed he might lose his glasses and that is why he should not ride it, but he eventually relented. Ironically, his glass did fall, but he caught them. In that single ride his fears evaporated, so much so he and Michael rode it until the sun set, a grand total of three times. Me, I was only able to ride it twice; I must be getting old.
RAP (1.9.2009)
Michael and Alex are now of sufficient stature where they are able to ride all the rides at Disneyland, but there was one attraction that Alex was wary of: California Screamin.' It instantaneously accelerates its passengers to 55 mph and, even more daunting, has a loop to loop. Alex has never experienced a loop to loop and was skeptical to say the least. In order to save face, he claimed he might lose his glasses and that is why he should not ride it, but he eventually relented. Ironically, his glass did fall, but he caught them. In that single ride his fears evaporated, so much so he and Michael rode it until the sun set, a grand total of three times. Me, I was only able to ride it twice; I must be getting old.
RAP (1.9.2009)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
A Vocation Vacation
Due to time constraints, and some dissatisfaction, the boys are studying religious education at home this year. We still have to follow the curriculum, fill out workbooks and do the same tasks, but now we are the boys' instructors and they do not have to show up at St. Brigid's at an appointed time each week.
Alex is our spiritual child, and we have often called him "Father Alex," so this week's lesson about "vocation" was one that we were curious about. Alex was proceeding in the lesson about vocation, which he kept reading as "vacation." He learned that it is when God calls a man to serve, and that that man must have utter obedience and take vows of chastity and poverty. Alex needed a better explanation of this, to which he was told, "No breaking the rules, no girls and no money." Without a millisecond passing, and without being queried, "Father Alex" responded "No, Thanks!"
RAP (1.8.2009)
Alex is our spiritual child, and we have often called him "Father Alex," so this week's lesson about "vocation" was one that we were curious about. Alex was proceeding in the lesson about vocation, which he kept reading as "vacation." He learned that it is when God calls a man to serve, and that that man must have utter obedience and take vows of chastity and poverty. Alex needed a better explanation of this, to which he was told, "No breaking the rules, no girls and no money." Without a millisecond passing, and without being queried, "Father Alex" responded "No, Thanks!"
RAP (1.8.2009)
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