It’s a mild summer afternoon, a rarity in the seemingly unending scorching weeks that we’ve had this season. After a busy morning of cooking with Rebecca during our quarterly freezer “cook days,” I decide to indulge in two of my favorite vices: a cigar and a beer. Taking my e-reader, I retire to our backyard, a little postage-stamp area that we invested time and money in to create a sort of outdoor haven. Today, I plan to enjoy that investment for forty-five minutes or so.

My oldest daughter “Reader” decides to join me, grabbing her latest book and a couple of spares. As we both sit there reading, I put down my book to watch her, a rare opportunity given since she and her three sisters have to take turns clamoring for my attention.

The afternoon sun just starts to creep around the side of the house and begins to make her glow; she is well-tanned after many days spent at the pool the past couple months. Reader suddenly feels the urge to don a hat and runs back inside to fetch her favorite pink baseball cap. Coming back outside, she realizes that the hat only makes her hotter, so back inside she runs. Appearing only a minute later, she proudly boasts of the perfect ponytail she’s managed to fashion by herself - a pride-worthy accomplishment indeed since it’s certainly better than any I’ve ever managed. Expertly, she threads her ponytail through the opening in her cap and gets it settled on her head.

Satisfied, she sits back down to her book and begins to read in earnest. Her appetite for books is nearly insatiable and weekly trips to the library have begun to quickly exhaust material that can both challenge her reading ability and contain age-appropriate content. As I watch her read, her face conveys the vivid images dancing through her mind as her expressions change from fierce indignation to overwhelming joy.

She is blissfully unaware of the concerns for her future that run through my mind. Images of her a mere six or seven years from now flash by: she’s studying for an exam, worrying about a boy she likes, wondering and dreaming about what she wants to do “when she grows up.”

Unaware that I am watching her, she begins to absentmindedly wiggle a tooth that she’s certain is nearly ready to come out. Her inspection complete, she settles back in to her story, another chapter book centering around her favorite subject: fairies. I notice small details that are invisible most days: peeling green polish on her tiny toenails; temporary fairy tattoos that are only half intact, the way she fidgets when engrossed in a good story.

Returning to my own book, I’m startled when, near the end of her book, Reader suddenly shrieks and nearly jumps out of her chair. Apparently the heroine in the story has managed to save the fairy kingdom – which, amusingly, surprises her, even though this is the plot line in nearly all of her books! – and brings a wide smile to her face, a smile characterized by gaps from lost baby teeth and large secondary teeth still emerging.

Finished her book, Reader dashes off to practice riding her bicycle, which per her request are now free of training wheels. Just one more step towards her independence that may some day culminate in her marrying and moving away to begin a journey building her own family. I’m glad I had – albeit briefly - this afternoon to share with her and that I took the opportunity to fully appreciate her company.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I decided to capitalize on this problem by posting her “cheese face” in video form. Watch it a couple of times and tell me you don’t start laughing out loud! Somehow, Cutie is able to transform her typically adorable face into one that resembles Drew Carey.

If it doesn’t load in HD quality automatically, please switch to that mode as it’s a much better experience.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

These were taken from my Android phone, so I apologize for the graininess and stutter. I’ll need to explore my settings to see how I can improve the quality of the videos.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I was also intrigued by the author’s assertion that dads should not only take an active role in their children’s discipline, but that they should handle all discipline issues when they’re around. When I’m home, Rebecca and I split the discipline 50/50. The bottom line for me, though, is that parents should be on the same page regarding discipline. And, if recent events are any indication, we’re doing just fine in that area!

What discipline measures have you found to be particularly effective for your kids?

Well, I won. (We’re not keeping score, of course…) I snapped the following last night – Enjoy! (Easter egg: see if you can find Myra “digging for gold”.)

Click here to view the embedded video.

I was alone with the four kids and had begun prodding them to begin their evening bedtime routine. This amounts to little more than “herding cats,” but we usually slog through it. We usually only let the girls watch about 1/2 hour of television a day, so “movie time” is a big deal. But before we can get to the main event, they need to clean up, brush their teeth, and get their pajamas on. As any parent knows, this can often be  excruciatingly long to complete. Such was this night.

As the minutes wore on and the cleaning up process failed to progress, I decided to “up the ante” with a challenge: I would give them five minutes, then begin my inspection of the main floor. Five minutes was probably five times what was actually needed, but I was feeling generous. I announced that when the time was up, I would become the temporary owner of anything not cleaned up. Motivating, right?

Not so much. They continued to procrastinate and at the end of the five minutes, I carried out my threat, picking up the various toys that lay strewn about the living and dining rooms. One of these was part of a birthday present Z recently received. Naturally, she threw a fit, claiming “Unfair!” but I maintained that the toy belonged to me for 24 hrs.

I (yet again) issued instructions to the two older girls to finish getting ready for bed, then left them sulking and went downstairs. Apparently, they believed that since I was out of sight, I was therefore unable to hear them, for I was able to eavesdrop on the secret scheming that began to happen. It started with Z complaining to R that “Daddy took my birthday present.” Then R, in full support, said something like, “Yeah, that wasn’t fair!” To which Z retorted – and this was the kicker – “I’m going to tell Mommy that Daddy took my birthday present and he’s gonna get in trouble!”

I nearly bit my tongue off to keep from laughing…

After I settled down a bit, I calmly walked upstairs to check on them. R promptly informed me of Z’s plan, which immediately set me to laughing again. Z, with a scowl and in her most serious voice, repeated her plan to “get me in trouble.” Trying not to chuckle too hard, I looked her in the eye and said, “That sounds like a good plan.” That seemed to take all the wind out of her sails! Now smiling, Z turned to R and said, “He said that’s a good plan!” in a tone of voice that indicated she thought I’d lost my mind.

Naturally, by the time Mom arrived home that night, Z had already forgotten about her threat. So I was obliged to remind her. My reminder renewed her ire and, with passion in her voice, she followed through on her threat. She conveniently left out certain details, of course, but Rebecca was quick to ask follow-up questions. I stayed quiet the entire time to see how the scene would play out. To my amusement and Z’s horror, Mom completely supported my decision. So much for “getting Daddy in trouble.”

While the outcome didn’t necessarily surprise me, I did reflect on the fact that not all parents are as in sync with one another as Rebecca and I are. I’m very thankful – and blessed – that we have both put in the work with one another to achieve that level of solidarity. Our parental messages may not always be right or perfect, but at least they’re consistent. And I hope that our kids look back one day and recognize the stability and consistency that their parents gave them.

*I have recently decided to remove as many references to my kids’ names on our site as a protective measure for them. In an age of Google, I want my kids to decide – at the right time – how much information about them is on the web. Those of you who know the kids will know them by their first initial. I may at some point let them come up with “pseudonyms” that I’ll use instead.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Lest you get caught up in the marvel of their incredibly intricate production (and when you see the ending, ponder how many takes they endured…), I’ve included the lyrics below, which are also worth reading.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Lyrics:

You know you can’t keep letting it get you down
And you can’t keep dragging that dead weight around
Is it really all that much to lug around
Better run like he** when you hit the ground

When the morning comes…

Can’t stop those kids from dancing but why would you want to?
Especially when you are already getting good
‘Cause when your mind don’t move then your knees don’t bend
But don’t go blaming the kids again

When the morning comes…

Let it go, This too shall pass
Let it go, This too shall pass

You know you can’t keep letting it get you down,
No you can’t keep letting it get you down
Oh is it really all that much to lug around,
And you can’t keep letting it get you down

When the morning comes
(Oh you can’t keep letting it get you down,
No you can’t keep letting it get you down)

• Tools Become Important When They Are Technologically “Boring”
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  A fantastic approach to social media engagement by the Ogilvy PR company.
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This included a new social networking site for kids, the Olympics and social networking, and brushing up on fashion sense, and questionable choices in tattoos and location-aware technologies.

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  While the Guardian is claiming the Vancouver games are the "worst ever," it could just be that for the first time, more people are able to gripe publicly and the public is able to see the aggregated gripes.
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  This is either sad or funny, but it's 100% truthful.
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  Some fun-sounding new games from Lego! (as if they needed to get any better...)
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  A well-written post on Internet research that is useful even for veterans of the web.
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  Unbelievable (alleged) invasion of privacy. The Lower Merion School District of Ardmore, PA issues MacBooks to its students, then spies on them by remotely activating the webcam. Supposedly, the kids were aware of this "security feature" and many had resorted to covering up the camera.
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  A nice analysis of three of the big social networks: Facebook, Twitter, and Buzz. Includes a chart comparing the major differences.
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  From a kids' security perspective, I like this idea. What I don't like is the $$$ parents are going to need to shell out. And unlike Webkinz where you get a nice stuffed toy, all kids are left with here are plastic tokens. If they come up with a creative way kids can re-purpose those tokens, this could be really cool (I don't have any ideas). Also, there is no bulk discount for multi-packs ($5/5, $10/10, etc.) and no way of conveniently carrying these around - you know, so you can pass them out to your friends?
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  Good tips for guys who no longer remember (or never learned) proper fashion etiquette!
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While you’re over there, why don’t you subscribe to that blog, too? Happy reading and I love to read your comments!

In an upcoming post, I’ll review the kid-friendly podcasts that I make sure to have loaded on my iPod for road trips and unexpected shopping wait times.

Note: Prices on Apple’s non-free apps tend to change frequently. The cost I included is as of the writing of this post.

	Balloonimals Cost: $1.99 This simple but addictive game involves selected a balloon, inflating it (with a slide on the Touch or blowing on the microphone on the iPhone), shaking it to twist it into an animal shape (you’ll really have to trust your kid not to let it go flying), then using various sliding gestures to make it do hilarious things. ALL of the kids continue to play this on a regular basis.
	Checkers Free Cost: Free What can I say? It’s a cool, free checkers game. ‘Nuff said!
	Dots Free Cost: Free This is a digital version of the paper-and-pencil dots game I grew up playing on restaurant placemats. This is probably better for older kids, though adults (like me) may find it nostalgic.
	Fling Cost: .99 This an addictive game that is suitable for kids and adults. My oldest (aged 6 years) started playing with the free version and got pretty good at the puzzles up to level 3 or so. That’s when I picked it up, conquered the remaining levels in the free version, and promptly downloaded the free version.
	Fluid Motion Painter Cost: .99 This finger-painting app has an almost hypnotic quality to it. While not specifically designed for kids, I regularly find them playing with this, tweaking the settings to produce “artwork” similar to digital spin art.
	Four in a Row Cost: Free Another game that doesn’t need much explanation. Remember Connect Four? This is that game…just on a touchscreen.
	Google Earth Cost: Free This free app is amazing. While  this isn’t a game nor an app for kids specifically, it regularly comes it useful for showing the kids geography in a way they can visually understand. (Note: requires an Internet connection.)
	I Hear Ewe Cost: Free This simple game shows two screens of cartoon animals that, when touched, tell you the sound that animal makes. Simple, but my younger ones regularly play this one.
	iWriteWords Cost: $1.99 A little critter helps the kids draw lowercase and uppercase letters as well as numbers. I was surprised the older kids liked this since they do more challenging writing assignments as part of their homeschooling. I was equally surprised that my 2-year-old could actually play the game. The free version is more limited, but is a great way to see if your kids like the game play.
	Jumbline Cost: .99 This is a word-jumble game for adults and is addictive for word-game nuts (like me and my wife)! However, I include it here because I’ve set it to 5-letter puzzles with “infinity” time limit and my oldest has fun with it, even if she can’t solve many of the puzzles.
	Kids Art Puzzle – Sliding Slices Cost: .99 What do you get when you mix classical art with a basic puzzle? This fun game that exposes the kids to several iconic pieces of art. The settings allow you to set how many slices are used.
	Peekaboo Barn Cost: .99 One of the kids’ absolute favorites. When the barn shakes, you touch it, it slides open to reveal a farm animal and the sound it makes. Repeat. Has a really cute ending, too! There is a free version, but really, just download the full version! If you really like this app, I suggest getting the sequel Peekaboo Wild, which is currently $1.99.
	Preschool Animal Find Cost: Free Like digital flashcards, this game asks “Where is the [animal]?” and provides decent feedback when the child touches a correct or incorrect choice from the four pictures shown. While the cartoon animals aren’t very realistic, it’s still a fun game.
	Preschool Music Cost: .99 This cute app includes four music-oriented games. The kids like this a bit, though it doesn’t hold their attention for too terribly long.
	Sprout Player Cost: Free This is a video player for PBS Sprout Kids clips. My kids always clamor to play this one, so if you, like me, limit how much TV they watch, you might not want to introduce another thing to fight over! I’m not sure how often they add new content, since the kids seem to have viewed all the clips at least once by this point. (Note: requires an Internet connection.)
	TappyTunes Cost: $1.99 Select a tune from the catalog, then either tap it out (with adorable icons bouncing out) or simply hit the play button. The free version includes a very limited catalog, but will give you a sense of the app. The full version includes a very extensive library of songs.
	Tic Tac Toe Free Cost: Free Another “duh” app, though this one can be enjoyed by younger kids.
	Toddler Jukebox Cost: $1.99 The kids took awhile to warm up to this one, but now they all love it. Offering six full songs (Wheels on the Bus, Working on the Railroad, Head, Shoulders Knees & Toes, Row Your Boat, BINGO, and Word by Word), there are no flashy visuals, just a simple acoustic recording that the kids sing along with.
	Topple Cost: .99 Think of Tetris meets Jenga. As the squishy blocks fall, you place, twist, and rearrange them so the stack doesn’t topple! They’ve since come out with a couple of new versions, but I’m perfectly happy with the original.
	Wheels on the Bus Cost: $2.99 While this is most expensive app in this list, I’ve certainly gotten my money’s worth. Each verse in this song favorite has an interactive animated cartoon that makes singing along that much more fun!

What other apps have you found that are a must-have for kids? Let me know in the comments!

• Astronaut Tweets Beautiful Earth Images From Space
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  Wow, I literally laughed out loud at most of these suggestions for married guys.
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The Seeds site itself is amazing in that you can listen to every song in its entirety and download the chord charts. And, while you can order the CDs from the site, I intend to get the mp3 files digitally from amazon.

Below, I’ve embedded three videos they posted on YouTube that combine the awesome songs with engaging visuals. I hope to see more!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This one Rebecca took of the girls with their first real snowman…

This one is a professional photo from the White House web site…

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  Are these results all that surprising? After all, other studies have shown that most user-generated content is created by a small percentage of users. This isn't necessarily bad news: if everyone is talking and no one is listening (reading), what's the point?
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  This cool visualization shows the crayon colors Crayola has offered since it first started making kids happy with those little yellow boxes. I don't know about you, but I sort of miss the days of the basic eight colors. Now when I open the kids' crayon box, I'm almost hit with a paralysis of wondering which of the dozen blue hues I should use!
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