Monday, September 22, 2008

Our Daily Game of Charades - Talking



The key word in this video is GRADUATION. It is a typical thing for us to do a kind of charades as we talk with James. We made this video tonight and when I asked James about school he was glad to report that he was doing well - grade 17 (not sure what that is about other than he wants to be 17 years old very bad). He also is glad to say that he has an A+. At least he shoots for the top. He also is all about something else that I did not pick up on right away. If you watch carefully, he puts on the graduation cap and then buttons the graduation robe. It took me a while, but I did finally get it. (I don't always get it,) When James is tired and less than enthusiastic about getting up in the morning and getting ready for school reminding him if the goal - GRADUATION - is a great motivator. He has watched his two older sisters graduate from high school and Tiffany from college. He knows all about the excitement of that moment and the GRADUATION PARTY that follows. He is all about celebrations and especially parties.

This is a great reminder to us all to just keep our eye on the goal. There will come a graduation day and a party if we keep going. James gets this. We can all benefit from simple reminders like this. Whatever our challenge, keeping the vision and goal in mind can help us overcome the daily struggles with greater energy. Thanks James. You often remind me of the important things.

Correction

After posting the picture of James thinking he took it of himself, I was informed by Holly that she actually took the picture. While it is not a self portrait everything else I said about him taking multiple pictures of himself and his love for a computer is still true.

I just want to give a shout out to all of my other children who have complained that Dad has only put up a blog for one of his kids. Hey kids, I have not favorites. I love you all with everything in me. I am not so sure you want me blogging about everything going on in your lives. Furthermore, I just would not have the time to chronicle all of the fun stories and drama we share around the table. James does not ask to be able to shape my posts to his liking like as you all would. So just a word of clarification. You all are great but you if you want a personal blog, you will need to write you own. Love you, Dad.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

James Self Portrait


James loves his Mom's new Macbook. It is amazing how much he can do with that computer. Most of what he knows he has taught himself when he steals away with this wonderful machine to experiment. He loves the photo booth program. The built in computer allows him to look at himself, pose and then snap the photo. We are constantly taking pictures of this little guy of ours. Amazingly one of our favorite pictures of all times was one he took of himself. It says, life is good and I am a happy boy.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

A picture is worth 1000 words.



Motorcycles are cool.















School I like.



















Haircuts I could do without.

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Monday, September 1, 2008

Late Afternoon Labor Day Shopping



James was less than enthusiastic about a quick run to the mall. He does not like the idea of walking around the mall very much. But then after the sad resignation that his protests were not going to cancel the plan, he saw a reason to shop - THE ESCALATOR. In a flash he was off to ride the escalator. As he walked away I firmly said, "James, come back here." He took a quick glance behind to see me. He clearly had decided that whatever the consequences for running were going to be, they were worth the thrill of the ride he was about to enjoy. I quickly picked up the pace catch up to him. I did not want him to fall so I told him to turn around and pay attention to where he was going. After a nice ride up and down, before we knew it, he was off again. This time Mom went to get him. If James is not looking for an escalator he is looking for a place to sit down. Our mall is great because there are some great places to just sit and wait for Mom and sister. A little shopping at the mall with James goes a long way for both James and me.