AP News — Sandpoint, ID — There have been recent reports of a cataclysmic alignment of planets and stars over one section of the sky just north of Sandpoint, ID where it is said that one family has climbed Everest. Not literally, that would be ridiculous, but metaphorically through the potty training of their two year old daughter, Elliana.

This marks a special day for them in that they no longer have any kids in diapers as she has mastered both number one’s and number two’s in the potty. The associated press was made aware of this inspiring story when the local sheriff was called due to reports of much shouting and the smell of something burning.

Upon arriving at the house law enforcement officers discovered that this was not a domestic dispute, but rather a celebration. The shouts were not arguing but rather shouts of joy as the family celebrated this monumental occasion. There was a fire as reported but it was a properly contained fire being fueled by unused diapers.

When asked for comment amidst a shower of champaign and confetti Nick Higgins stated, “Not since David defeated Goliath or since Lance Armstrong won his seventh consecutive Tour de France has such a feat of incredible magnitude been accomplished. Against all odds that little girl silenced the critics and overcame all doubt. This momentum is going to give her the confidence she needs as she faces forthcoming difficult seasons of life such as learning how to get her slippers on the correct feet, drinking out of a cup without spilling milk all over the place, and asking for something without crying and throwing a big fit. All the credit for this goes to my wife who persevered after several accidents. She didn’t give up, stuck with it and got the job done in just four days!! We’d like to thank our sponsors: Underoo’s, Bounty, and Tide. I feel like Jack Dawson, ‘I’m king of the world!’”

We’ll have more on this story as it develops.

I never thought I’d be at a place in my life where the word “Pee” is a logical response to the question, “What is that?” But, as I approach the end of my 27th year of life with two toddlers and a puppy that is exactly where I find myself. It’s always interesting to catch up with old friends on Facebook and see what they’re up to. Some have taken the path of starting families, some have started thriving businesses, some are balancing careers as well as families, and others are struggling just to become a functioning member of society.

As you reflect on what you thought they’d do with their lives it becomes easy to get introspective. Am I where I thought I’d be at this point in my life? In some aspects yes and others no. But, I realized something as I sat hoping that the suspected pee was on the hardwood and not the carpet again: I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. It’s been an adventure every step of the way and God is continually revealing more and more of himself through it.

What about you? Did you have aspirations to become a senator but couldn’t even get voted onto the board of your homeowner’s association? Did you want to be a pro athlete but pull muscles when playing Wii? Big deal! Stop thinking about where you are at and let God take you where he wants you to be. Pursue Jesus with everything you’ve got and you’ll find the journey of life to be much more satisfying.

Now, off to find that pee…

We borrowed a “Best of Looney Tunes” DVD set from our local library and I’ve been watching it with my kids (okay, so more like THEY’VE been watching it with ME).

I forgot how awesome those old school cartoons were. It really made me appreciate the old school animation in a day and age where all cartoons look like video games. There’s just no comparison to these oldies–except Jimmy Nutron, that show is freakin’ hilarious!

We often forget how perceptive our children are. I am reminded of this regularly when my kids, 2.5 & 1.5 years old, say something like, “Look dad, coffee” when we pass Starbucks on the road or “Ooh, daddy needs that guitar for church” when we’re browsing through a music catalogue. The reality is that although kids are loud, difficult to understand, and incapable of sitting still, they pick up on many of the things you do, say, or feel.

While we had a spell of nice sunny days last week I dug through my closet and blew the dust off of my shorts so my pasty white legs could be on display. I came out of our bedroom dressed for summer and my wife said, “You look really good honey.” My son, who was eating breakfast at the table started laughing and said, “Yeah, daddy’s cute!” We both began to laugh at my son’s proclamation but something really stood out to me at that moment: children perceive their parents in the manner they are portrayed to them.

As parents we need to be careful how we communicate to and about our spouses, especially around our children. Failure to do so can result in a loss of respect and a minimizing of their parental authority. I saw this a lot when I was a youth pastor. A parent would constantly belittle and vent about their spouse or ex-spouse either to their child or in front of them and sure enough that child would have absolutely no respect for the other parent. As a result the belittled parent would often disengage from even trying to be an influence which would just further frustrate the relationship with their spouse. I’ve even seen parents get on Facebook and publicly berate their spouse to everyone on the Internet—it’s pathetic and immature and there is no excuse for it.

I want my children to respect my wife. A lot of that respect will be earned by my wife’s relationship with them; however, some of that respect will be learned by what I demonstrate to them about her. Sure we all get frustrated and say things we don’t mean at times. But we need to be careful to guard our emotional explosions from our children who may not be around to hear us apologize for the things we said but didn’t mean. My kids have challenged me to make sure I honor my wife in front of them. What about you? What message are you sending about your spouse? Even if you’re not married to your child’s other parent, are you speaking things about them that will help them have a place to contribute and have positive influence? It may take some work to get a healthy habit established, but it will be worth it in the long run!

Yesterday we made a quick stop into the central hub of Sandpoint socialization (Walmart). They always have some really good desserts or pastries that are on sale right by the main entrance and I’ve never thought about how often we stop and look at those entry bargains.

We were kind of in a hurry so we walked right by them. Except Judah. He stopped and started pointing at them while saying, “Ooh, that’s a good deal. Ooh, that’s a good deal.”

I looked at Tamra, while laughing, and said, “Wow, he totally learned that from us!” Neither one of us realized that browsing the snacks had become part of our routine.

It is moments like those that remind us of one of the most important lessons about parenting: you are ALWAYS teaching your kids something. Always! Think the language you’re using out in the garage won’t be heard? Think the jokes you make with your buddies won’t be repeated? Think the way we act towards authority won’t be picked up on? Wrong! Those little ears and eyes are learning even the most simple lessons when we don’t even realize it.

There’s an old expression that says, “Don’t do or say anything you wouldn’t do or say in front of Jesus.” I think you could aptly say, “Don’t do or say anything you wouldn’t want your kids to do or say–because they’re watching, listening, and mimicking everything you do!”

My sons ability to communicate has really grown over the last couple of months and my ability to decipher what he’s saying has as well. In fact, even my daughter is starting to make some sense to me. The other day Elli spilled Judah’s cup of water on the floor and he began to cry about it so I decided to use my dad-skills and distract him while I soaked up the water. I told him it wasn’t a big deal (gotta love Pergo floors) and that I would get him some more water. Then I asked him, “Judah, do you know where our water comes from?” To which he boldly responded, “Yes!” I was a little bit surprised and thought maybe Tamra had taught him the concept of well water so I asked him, “Where does it come from?” He casually pointed to the kitchen and said, “Over there!” At that moment the concept of “child like faith” was made plainly evident. Read the rest of this entry »