The Egg Hunter

Good morning, Mr. Richards.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it:

Find as many orange Easter eggs as possible and place them in the basket provided.

If you select the wrong color and are caught, the agency will disavow any knowledge of your activities. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds.

Big Willie Style

In college, my roommates and I were "creative" to say the least. During sophomore year a rivalry developed in our suite between Will Smith and Johnny Rivers. Sally and I chose the theme of Big Willie Style for winter term. Our answering machine message changed weekly to reflect various Will Smith masterpieces and we had a large sign above our mirror proclaiming our loyalty. In the end, it was determined that Will Smith kicks Johnny Rivers' butt.

When Max and I go to the library, we utilize the Grab-and-Go method with books. Often I don't examine the books we have checked out until we arrive home (this is how we ended up with the sing-along potty book). Much to my delight, one of our selections last time was "Just the Two of Us", a picture book of the Will Smith song!

Most of the lyrics create a sweet portrait of the bond between a father and son, although there are a few stanzas that we skip over due to language. As amusing as it is to read the lyrics like a story, Max adores the chorus and wants us to sing it and get our groove on. Here is an excerpt from our latest performance:

Next up: Getting Jiggy Wit It.

And, by the way, Auntie Beckers and Auntie Lala - Big Willie still kicks tail.

Culture Clash

Imagine a place where different cultures could intermingle while still demonstrating dignity and respect for all their various members. A place where differences are celebrated and others could learn about one's heritage and traditions. Welcome to South Carolina.

Our weekend included a wide sampling of cultural diversity in upstate South Carolina. First, we met and mingled at the Anderson Jockey Lot. Being a native, I had often heard of this national marvel, yet had failed to ever visit it. 65 acres of yards sale finds - trash and treasures included. According to the website, the Jockey Lot was originally based on a flea market in Mexico, except this version has "plenty of parking and clean restrooms". Highlights include: Helicopter rides for an ariel view of the wares, customized tombstones, and (my personal favorite) a booth that advertises "Guns, Knives, and Dolls".

Later, a routine visit to the park turned into a fiesta. A Mexican family was holding a wedding at the park downtown during the busiest time of day. The gold tuxedos immediately caught Max's eye, as did the catchy music from the mariachi band. They seemed comfortable in sharing their celebration as entertainment to the public. No pictures were taken in an effort to not intrude on the couple's "private" moments.

The weekend was rounded out by a visit to ShalomFest '10. Having attended the interfaith celebration last year, Max was a veteran this time and headed straight for the music and food. This year he consented to actually trying the food and discovered a fondness for chocolate covered matzo. We even made a stop at the cooking demonstration.

The live band (complete with an accordion) and dancers gave Max the opportunity to try out his best dance moves!

Who knew South Carolina was so diverse?

March Madness

On most Saturdays since early December, Jason and Max have been in attendance at some type of basketball game. The Max does not pledge allegiance to any certain team or even to a particular age. They have attended games for High school boys and girls, the Furman Lady Paladins, and even a fifth grade church league. Each weekend, Max would awaken asking for "ball-ball" or "b-ball". He claps and cheers with every basket and dances along with the cheerleaders. He has even been hitting the court with his own version of the game:

Showing off his skillful ball handling

Looking for the shot...

He shoots....

Ok, so he doesn't score, but it's not about the points

just the thrill of the game!

The tournament awaits - let the madness begin!

Little Boys Love...

Power Tools

Big Dump Trucks

Trains

Kitchens?

Pink Balls?

Tea Sets?

The Max is not afraid to show his sensitive side!

No Child Left Behind

Recently when I picked Max up from school, his teacher laughing relayed how Max always checks to make sure everyone is with the class when they leave the room. On several occasions he has alerted the teachers that a child is missing from the group. Max always strives to be certain that all are present and counted!

Max has a pure, kind heart. It is one of the traits that I most wished for him to possess - a generous spirit with the desire to care for others. He demonstrates it in multiple ways. When another child in his class was crying as his mother left, Max took him a toy to make him feel better. Then he gave toys to two other students...just because. He shares his most precious possession, Pelt, with the kitties in pure delight. When he knows I am upset, he will pat my face with his chubby hands and pucker up for a kiss. He distributes his play doh to Daddy, Mama, and Mimi and then giggles with glee because he has given it away. Max is generous with his hugs and pats on the back. He loves people of all sizes and ages. Even if he is not actually interacting with them, he adores watching and laughing at the antics of others. And his smile and laughter are contagious! We cannot go anywhere without someone commenting on his sweet smile. Max, you are a gift.

Lenten Lessons

When we sat down for lunch following church today, Max prompted us to put our hands together to pray. That's right, our 2 year old has to remind his parents to pray.

I have been searching for children's books that explain Easter for Max. As I have found, it is a very difficult concept to convey to a toddler. We have read the spectrum from Easter bunnies and chocolate ducks to river baptisms and resurrection. One book even described an Easter dinner of pancakes, steak, and Cobb salad...perhaps that is someone's tradition. Max has accepted the variety without complaint and we had a non-stop reading marathon of Easter books from the library this weekend. The only non-Easter book allowed - the singalong potty book. I wonder if Jesus had one when he was potty trained.