Modern Handmade Child

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Points2Ponder by Alan P. Scaglione

“father and son: one teaching, one learning-- both playing!”
Ever have one of those perfect moments?


You know…when you are suddenly looking around, almost in slow motion, and you go “Wow! This moment could NOT be any better!”

And you just take it all in…breathe in the moment and go…”glad I lived today!”

There’s a sign we have in our home:

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take; it’s measured by the moments that take our breath away!”

It’s those moments that make it all worthwhile, and those breathtaking moments…are usually, unexpected and unplanned.



POINTS2PONDER Why does it matter whether it’s a Kodak moment? Sometimes, the best memories can’t be captured in a picture.



I spent the day recently with my son and his son…that would be Jett.

We rode the carousel at the mall—3 times! Jett kept picking another horse he wanted to ride…third time, he picked a dolphin—we have to ride the dolphin, right? Dad said no, but Nano said….”he’s 2, I’m his grandfather, he can have whatever he wants!” And he did…did I mention the larger than life mnm chocolate chip cookie he had his hands on and his mouth full of…while he was riding the carousel? Yes…you can get the visual… priceless!

We then took him to see my frail aunt, who is in her last days here on earth. My son and his son visited while I gave them this moment with her. You just don’t get to redo those moments in your life—I was thankful that he is a thoughtful man and wanted to honor my aunt. Again priceless!

When we stopped for lunch, my son went to get Jett out of his car seat. Jett put his hand out and shouted “NO! Nano!!” He wanted me to get him out of his car seat, not his father. My son just lifted his hands up and said, “Looks like he wants his Nano!” I admit it—I was beaming with pride. Priceless!

We went to lunch at an Italian restaurant my family frequents and Jett decided he was big enough to sit in the big boy chair; he did not want the high chair they offered. He again said, “No! Jett Big boy!” I love how he is communicating—definitely a true Scag—not a loss for words!

So…there we were. The impromptu board meeting of Scaglione Heirs: Past, Present and Future! We talked about their new home they are moving into, about work, about Jett, about life. It was just good to connect with my son…sharing his son…for this moment in time. Priceless.

But none of that is the perfect moment I experienced that afternoon.

After we left the restaurant, we had to make an unexpected detour to some place, ANY place that had a bathroom—you know what I mean!

Funny, it happened to be the local hospital where I had my heart attack. I know that place pretty well!

Did I mention that he drove his new VW Passat that day? Probably should have mentioned that earlier.

He jumped out and said I may want to circle around a few times; Jett had tuckered out and fallen asleep. Funny how elderly and infants can just elect to take a nap in the middle of the day—no questions asked!

I get in the driver’s seat and drive around the parking lot; then my son comes out and I drive up; and it happens! That perfect moment that never needs words or explanations or introductions or preparations.

He got in…and we drove off! There it was…in a day filled with priceless moments, this was the one that took my breath away. I was driving my son’s new car, with my grandson sleeping in the rearview mirror and my son in the passenger seat, pointing out spots and reminiscing places we had been as a family in this town we grew up in.

As I drove us home…I thought—“glad I lived today!”





Sunday, August 28, 2011

I'm Just Sayin by Alan P. Scaglione

                                                             Papa, I remember you well!

                                         I’m Just Sayin’”
                                                                                 by Alan P. Scaglione
It’s funny what we remember about somebody? It may be their smile or their laugh; could be their demeanor or their signature saying; sometimes, it’s just the way they made you feel when you were around them.
What we remember keeps them alive in our hearts-- and lives.
My father passed away 21 years ago today. I still remember getting the call; picking up my daughters from school; going to identify his body.
All of it, I still remember, like it was yesterday; but, it’s not what I remember about him.
Naaaah…. Those memories are tied to his sayings, his stories and his example.
His sayings I have passed on to my children: “don’t buy anything at night!”; “always park under a light!”; and most importantly, “hold what ya got!”
His stories include when he was in the Second World War as a baker for the army; when he bought his only new vehicle (a truck) for his ice route; and when he went to Tennessee to be a baseball player for the Washington Senators but got so homesick, he came home.
Then there was his example: his fierce protection of his sons; his kindness to strangers, helping those in need; and always giving his grandkids a quarter every time they saw him, without fail.
He even taught me that those who leave us are never gone from us…as long as we remember to teach our kids about them.

It’s been 21 years, and I can tell you that one of the best pieces of advice I have shared with my children has been “hold what ya got”; I understand that “homesick” feeling because each weekend, I still drive 100 miles  just to be close to my family; I have done my best to protect my children, maybe too much; and every time I see my grandkids, I always give them a dollar (the price of inflation—a quarter doesn’t go very far these days!”)
I remember that sparkle in his blue eyes (like mine); the fact that he was left handed (so am I); how he showed his love more than he spoke it; he always said, “If each generation does a little better than the last, then the family progresses!” I think he would be proud of how our family has progressed.
Papa accepted Christ late in life, even though he took us to church and dropped us off; he didn’t think he was good enough to ask Jesus into his heart; not common thinking these days; today, most people think they are too good and don’t need a Savior!
My father couldn’t understand how a perfect God could love an imperfect man—until he finally understood grace!
“For by grace are you saved, through faith, and not that of yourselves, it is the gift of God! Not by works, lest any man should boast!” Ephesians 2:8,9
He finally got it—we can’t get good enough to go to God; we go to God, and HE makes us good!
We can’t earn unmerited favor—it’s a gift we have to accept!

I remember that my brother Paul led our father to the Lord and my brother Joe gave Papa the large print Bible that he read each day.
I remember how happy I was when Papa told me that he had accepted Christ as his Savior; and I know how proud I feel to still have his Bible.
That’s what I remember about my father; in the end, he made it possible for our family to be together in heaven—he accepted Christ.
So…when I remind my kids and grandkids about my Papa, I tell them, “you’ll see him someday…when we all get to heaven.”

It’s funny what we remember about somebody… that memory will hold us until we see them again…in heaven!
Makes me wonder… What will my kids remember about me?

Until next time,
I’m Just Sayin’…
Brother “A”

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione

Yes, it’s the simple things…that matter most.

Like taking Jett to feed the swans around Mirror Lake in Lakeland, Florida. He was elated! He stood there, while 30+ swans, ducks, egrets and other birds all gathered around him to get their piece of bread he was throwing out. Not one moment of fear. He just kept throwing the bread and laughing each time.

You ever see that commercial with the pig in the back of the car going “Wheeeeee!” all the way home? I laugh each time I see that.

In the midst of feeding white, black and silver(which look brownish) swan, mallard ducks and egrets, Jett let’s out this impromptu “Wheeeeee!!!”—Nana and I literally laughed out loud!

Yes, it’s the simple things…that matter most.

Like Macie, who is four years old now, deciding that she wanted to show me her latest trick. We had no idea what she was going to do. All of a sudden, she puts her hands in the air, smiles real big for the camera, and proceeds to do a full split…yep, all the way down to the ground, legs spread on each side of her body—never letting her arms drop one time, and…continuing to smile that million dollar smile throughout her trick…she did it perfectly! And when she was finished, she just started laughing hysterically.

Yes, it’s the simple things… that matter most.

Like Mykai, my all grown up, about to start first grade, first-born grandson, sitting in his room, just the two of us, asking his Nano if I wanted him to read something? Reading is his newest trick—he’s reading at a second grade level going into first grade.

Of course-- I say yes. From his nightstand beside his bed, he pulls out his very own Bible, old and new testament, and starts reading. He turns to John 3:16 and reads, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternable life!” yes, he said eternable instead of eternal. I didn’t have the heart to correct him. I was too busy wiping the tears of joy from my eyes—my own version of “Wheeeeee!!!”

POINTS2PONDER Why do we spend so much money on toys like iphones and ipads, trying to entertain ourselves or occupy our time, when…the most memorable moments are free and unplanned…just allowing ourselves to enjoy “the simple things in life!”

Some of my favorite sayings about grandkids:

“Grandkids…God’s way of entertaining an adult without spending a penny!”

“If we had known grandkids would be this much fun…we would have had them first!!!”

“Spend your children’s inheritance on your grandkids—it’s the only way to assure it will be well spent, and you will enjoy every dollar!”

“You know you’ve lived long enough when you hear your child tell their child “because I said so!”

To which I say….”Wheeeeeeeee!”



So…the next time you want to answer the questions surrounding the meaning of life…

Just know… it’s the simple things… like grandkids, that make it all make sense!


And no, you can’t borrow mine…go get your own!







Sunday, August 21, 2011

I'm Just Sayin by Alan P. Scaglione


             "Animals aren't the only thing we should be kind to..."
“I’m Just Sayin’”


by Alan P. Scaglione

There are a lot of people hurting these days. Just this week, I have encountered a friend in financial distress, a friend who lost a court battle and a friend who is dealing with the impending loss of an aging parent. Just so many good people who are hurting.

And it’s not just those three. Just stop and ask yourself if you know someone who is dealing with some pain or hurt?

Maybe it’s a chronic physical condition; or an emotional pain dealing with conflict with your grown children. You may know someone who has been unemployed for a while; maybe a single parent trying to deal with the aftermath of divorce.

Just so many people going through so much at this time in our world, our nation, our lives.

What can we do?

The Bible says, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

Kindness… it can go a long way…and a little kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day.

It could be just checking on a friend. Friends used to do that a lot.

Maybe a card as a reminder that you know it will get better; and until it does, you are there for them.

Then there’s the hug that makes a day get better.

Kindness is something that costs nothing but offers great reward—to both the extender and the receiver.

A kind word of encouragement, support, understanding, comfort;

Kindness can come in different packages but, open it up, it’s the same message—“I care about you!”

And sometimes, that’s all someone needs to hear.



I was coming up the stairs at work, and I saw that someone was on the phone; I walked past, opened the door and, out of the corner of my eye, I could see they were crying as they hung up. I walked through the door and immediately turned and asked, “Are you okay?”

The gentleman responded, “It’s my dog. He’s dying.” I knew how much his dog meant to him. He had had him for many years; constant companion.

I immediately extended sincere concern during this painful time.

This display of kindness caused an email with details of the dog’s impending demise. I responded with concern, comfort and care. It was received well.

Did I mention that this was the gentleman who “unfriended me” back in February—it’s the first interaction we’ve had since that “unfriending”.

Kindness…it really can make a difference! You just never know.



They need to know you care—even if you can’t win their court case, pay off their debts or fix their dog.



Years ago, I stopped one of our secretaries and commented that I liked their new haircut. She blushed and said thank you. She then told me that I always seemed to care about people. I told her “I always treat others like I would like to be treated”. She said that I had made a difference in her life that day. I wondered how?

A few years later, I received a “thank you” note from her. She said my kind words that day stopped her from committing suicide that night.

Just a kind word—saved a life. You just never know.



Anybody remember the old song “You’ve got to try a little kindness, show a little kindness, just shine your light for everyone to see!”

My friends Judy, Terri and Mike used to sing this… it said a “little” kindness – just a “little” goes a “long” way!

Our world could use a little kindness…can you think of a “friend” who could use some kindness?

Take a minute out of your day to turn around and ask, “Are you okay?”

And remember…

“Be Ye Kind…one toward another”



Because…You just never know.



Until next time,

I’m Just Sayin’…

Brother “A”

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Points2Ponder by Alan P. Scaglione

August-- the last month of summer. Some schools are starting back. Before long…kids will be having afterschool practice for sports. Football games.

Might be your last chance to make a summer memory.

So….Road trip any one???

That’s right…just get your family into the car and plan one of those “one gas tank trip” wonders—get out and see your backyard!

It can be a state park, a tubing adventure, a picnic, a visit to an old neighborhood. Just vow to discover and uncover somewhere new!

It can even be a “why haven’t we ever gone there before?” trip.

Just get out, get in the car…and wander!

If you’re empty nesters, like we are, invite another couple to go wander with you.

You will be surprised what you will uncover when you stretch your neck of the woods.

It will be an adventure—the kind you will experience together—not by sitting in a movie theatre or watching TV—Just get out and explore!

POINTS2PONDER Why do we assume that we have to spend a lot of money to have a good time? Remember when fun was a Road Trip!

We recently discovered a part of our state that we had never visited. We are natives but nothing ever took us to that part of the state.

Until we reconnected with Sandy and her husband Derrick.

We took them on a road trip this past Saturday and we travelled to Cedar Key, Florida….by way of Crystal Springs and Homosassa Springs.

I got to see my first nuclear plant at Crystal Springs—don’t laugh! That really was on my list of things to see! LOL

We just got in the van and headed out to visit a destination none of the four of us—all Florida natives—had ever visited!

And…we made a memory together!

That’s the whole point of the road trip! Making a Summer Memory with friends and family.

It doesn’t have to cost a lot—greatest cost is your time! But greatest reward? Your memories!

Don’t go to an amusement park where you spend a lot of money and spend the day dreading the money you spent.

A road trip costs the price of a tank of gas—I know in today’s world that could cost a little, but…consider the reward.

Stop along the way to take a moment, share an experience—that may just last a lifetime!

And the best part of the road trip…the conversation that just unfolds as you’re driving, looking out, discovering your neck of the woods.

For example—that nuclear plant—I always thought the stacks were tall and thin; not these, they look like a potbelly stove! I didn’t know that?

And the best part of the road trip? The next time someone mentions Cedar Key, I will always remember who I saw it with-the “NativeFloridianFour!”

We ended our trip at another place I would never have found if I hadn’t visited Sandy and Derrick’s backyard of Dunnellon.

A hole in the wall restaurant on Hwy 200 and the Withlacoochee (say that three times—I dare ya!) River called “Stump Knockers!”

There’s a really cool story I heard explaining why they call it that! See—that’s another benefit to a road trip—the stories you hear!

They serve the best catfish you will ever eat while on Hwy 200! Check it out sometime-- on one of “your” road trips through Florida!

See that picture of the blue bottle tree? Compliments of my new catfish stomping grounds- Stump Knockers!

Aww! The things you’ll see -- when you take the time to see them!

Aren’t ya ready for a road trip???






Sunday, August 14, 2011

I'm Just Sayin by Alan P. Scaglione


                                           

                                              I’m Just Sayin’”
                                                                          by Alan P. Scaglione

Ever hear the line “give til it hurts!” ?
I have a friend who is a hair dresser. She told me that she is cutting kids hair for free to help the families get ready for school. She said so many families don’t have enough money for school supplies, clothes AND haircuts, so… she volunteers her talent to cut their hair—for free!

You have to know—she is struggling financially, so this is money she could be applying to her financial situation, but… she wants to give back to families who are struggling just trying to get their kids ready for school. I remember being one of those families.

Made me wonder? We have seen so much about the nation’s budget and the reluctance of our politicians to accept that we as a nation must live on a balanced budget…we sometimes forget…families are doing this every day, all around us. If they don’t have it to spend, they just can’t buy it.
It’s a basic fact of family life—some things you can afford, other things you go without. Cut and dry—facts of life. We can’t have everything!

So my friend’s helping hands really impressed me—it’s not always about the big grandiose presentation of thousands of dollars to underprivileged causes—although those are certainly appreciated. Sometimes, it’s just the simple gift of talent and time—that go such a long way.

Made me wonder…again.
 A lot of us could probably help out a struggling family get their kids ready for school.
What could we do, you might ask? Here are some suggestions:
 - a backpack filled with school supplies;
 - a gift card to a clothing store;
 - how about the good old fashioned way—just a $20 bill that leaves your pocket and somehow makes it into their hands! Hands Across America!
It doesn’t have to be a big gift—whatever you can afford is probably more than they can.
There are families all across America—who just need a little help—especially now, with school starting.
Perhaps they are: in your neighborhood; at work; at church; in your family—

Right now-- take a moment to ask yourself—Which family can I help?

I’ve found that it’s not only the homeless who are still needy—sometimes, they live in a house, have a car and 2 jobs, but…money is so tight.
Preparing for a new school year can be a financial burden, and sometimes, the kids go without. Without supplies, without clothes, even without haircuts!
Let’s face it…if you are a grandparent, you know exactly how a little help here and a little help there goes a long way for a struggling family.

That’s where we can get involved— let’s decide to help a family out this week—before schools starts!

Luke 6:38 says…”Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over shall men give into your bosom!”

But remember…we don’t give to get! We give because...we’ve already gotten! It’s the greatest example of Pay It Forward!
God has been so good to so many of us—why not share His goodness with those who just need a helping hand…to get their kids to school!

So…here’s your challenge—perform your “random act of kindness”:
Give to some family in a way you wish someone had given to you WayBackWhen-- you were getting kids ready for school!
It can be: supplies; backpacks; gift cards for clothing; buy a hair cut; or just a hallelujah handshake with a few presidents changing hands!
I can assure you—it will be greatly appreciated!
You will feel the joy of giving…by sending a child to school with one less worry and relieving a parent’s burden!

Instead of “give until it hurts”; why not “give until it helps!”

Until next time,
I’m Just Sayin’…
Brother “A”

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Points2Ponder by Alan P. Scaglione

                                                       They grow up so fast, don’t they?

One minute, you’re holding them for the first time; the next minute, they are reading from “White Fang”-- and it sounds picture perfect.

And you just think… where did the time go?

My grandson Mykai (mik kye) is going into first grade in a couple of weeks—reading at a second grade level.

He is just absorbing all the books you give him, and you just sit there and listen as he sounds out words; and you wonder, where did the time go?

He was just born, and I looked at my firstborn grandchild and thought, “he looks like me!” I know, I know… none of my kids think so, but..

My brothers, cousins and aunt, the ones who knew me when I was young, all comment “The boy looks just like you!”

But…that will be our little secret—don’t tell anyone, okay?

I remember watching him speak his first words and take his first steps and start to run…I used to jog around his neighborhood while he was on his tricycle. Okay, so I walked really fast, but…he didn’t know any better.

I will never forget when he learned how to say the word for my vehicle—he said “Nano’s Trutch!” his word for “truck”. And I never corrected him.

It was just so darn cute every time he said it…

I also remember last year when he said “I want to ride in Nano’s Truck!”—made me sad.

He’s my firstborn’s firstborn…and he’s growing up so fast…I’ve seen it all happen in his mom and her siblings, but…a grandchild—just different.

POINTS2PONDER Why does it seem like we never age but…all those around us grow up so quickly, from boys to men!

Funny thing is…he’s not the only one who has grown up in the last 6 years!

I look at my son-in-law as he’s sitting there, his son reading to him, and I think, “Wow! He’s turned into a great father!”

You say it like it surprises you? That’s because, it really impresses me.

He didn’t have any role models growing up to pattern being a father after. He came into this with only one thing—a heart that loved his son!

And that love has sustained him through more moves than we care to remember; more jobs than we want to talk about; more changes than expected!

But somehow, each of those changes kept growing this boy into a man into a dad into a great father!

And each job change progressed his career; and with prayer and fasting, his last move was “the” job and…he is thriving in his career.

More importantly, he and my daughter just celebrated their 10th anniversary. He treats her exactly like I always prayed - with love and respect.

They are leaders in their church, teaching both their son and daughter Macie how to share with others the love of God.

I watched the two of them; one reading, one listening; one struggling, one encouraging;

They had both grown up so fast, and in such a short period of time.

Father and Son; DaDa and Kye-- Perfect match!

And I realized…”hmmm, maybe he does look like his father?”

And that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be!

Proud of both of them—look how are far they have come…

And yet, I haven’t changed a bit!

Yeah right!!!


Sunday, August 7, 2011

I'm Just Sayin'

                       The Earth is God's to use...to accomplish His purpose and plan! “I’m Just Sayin’”


by Alan P. Scaglione



You just never know! Never know what-- You might ask?

You just never know what God is going to use…and how..and for what purpose?


Something as innocent as…a mass text message for Easter… look at how He used it…for His perfect plan for someone’s life!

Follow me down this road…


I sent a mass Easter text to everyone on my cell phone directory. Your basic “He’s alive forevermore! Let’s rejoice that our Savior lives!”

Sent it out early in the morning and…went on with my Easter plans for church and family dinner--no big deal.

Around 2pm, I get a response from someone I haven’t talked to in a few years. We’ve kept in touch, from time to time…mostly through text.

She said that I was the only one who had reached out to her on Easter. Her friends had not remembered her nor attempted to reach her.

She was at work earning some money for a desperate financial need that had to be met by Monday morning--said no one would help her.

Then came the words that make us all a little uncomfortable—“Can you help me in any way?”

That takes you from goodwill gesture to rubber meets the road—are you a friend or not?

My wife and I have always been sensitive to the Lord when a need is brought up. We agreed this was a need where we could help.

We agreed to meet at 6pm, in a Bob Evans parking lot, to provide the help we could.

I haven’t seen this person in a few years. She stepped out of her car, and you could tell, she had been working hard that day.

I greeted her with a hug and a “hallelujah handshake”—anybody know what that means? Without a grand gesture, we offered our help.


Then came my surprise—her son got out of the car!


I haven’t seen him in 15 years…he was all grown up.

I hugged him and started talking with him—he had just found out that he was going to be a father.

I shared with him what a good father I knew he would be; then I started to speak to his heart.

His father had hurt and disappointed him—but I assured him that he would be a good father because of the example his grandfather was to him.

I then told him that I was going to pray that the “hound dog of heaven would hunt you down” if he was not that good father I knew he would be.

I asked if I could pray with him, and I hugged him while I prayed for him and his son and the great relationship God would allow them to have.

As we pulled away, I saw the tears that were rolling down his cheeks. He thanked me for my prayer and said…it was time for him to be a godly dad.

We drove off. End of story.

--not so fast!

Got a text that week-- the son had returned to church and recommitted his life to God.

He had also taken my “hound dog” line and…turned it into a rap. Apparently, he’s a rapper.

I was happy for them. End of story.

--not so fast!

Just got a text today—he’s now personal assistant for a world renowned preacher. He’s always in church, living for God… and his son.

Her text said…”thank you for sending that text!”

I just sat back and said, “Wow! All from an Easter mass text!- you just never know how God is going to use you!”

Matthew 18:12 “The Good Shepherd left the ninety-nine to go find the one sheep that had gone astray!”

He just wants you home!

God will use whatever and WHOever He chooses to bring about His plan for your life--even a text!



Until next time,

I’m Just Sayin’…

Brother “A”

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione





Nano and Jett - Lesson Learned!

Anybody got a toddler going through that period of time we lovingly call the “Terrific Twos”? If you do, then you will identify.


Jett is officially a two old toddler—equipped with the newfound ability to throw himself on the floor at any given time and proceed to scream, cry and look out of the corner of his eye to see…is it getting him what he wants? If not….continue until the adult gives up in desperation or embarrassment and gives in to the toddler. It’s as old as the hills: that old bait and switch gimmick; show up as a cute, lovable two year old and…in an instant, switch that child out with a screaming, kicking, crying, yelling two year old—hence the term “terrible twos!”

The only thing Jett doesn’t know?? It’s not my first trip to the rodeo! Nah… I came equipped with the one thing Jett wasn’t counting on—experience!

And I could see it coming a mile away—the ol’ power struggle to see…whose gonna win this battle for power?

My grandson didn’t have a chance—but, he didn’t know that—YET!

POINTS2PONDER Why do parents forget that they are the one in charge? Since when does a child rule the house?

So… you guessed it! Jett chose to throw down the gauntlet, in this case-- his body, in a public setting (of course!) On a Saturday morning in Splittsville, the restaurant that doubles as a bowling alley, my grandson decided that he wanted to bowl…with another family!

Yep! He saw this nice family minding their own business, laughing and sharing family time, unaware that they were about to encounter the wrath of a two year old. I saw my grandson as he slowly made his way toward them, not heeding my calm authoritative repeat of his name: Jett! Jett!

Nope, that wasn’t working. He decided he would just assume the position; around their bowling balls, attempting to pick one up—don’t worry! I got there in time to extrapolate my grandson from the bowling balls. Then came the look! You know the look, but it’s the first time I’ve gotten that look from Jett.

I am known in our family as “NanoYES!” I never have to tell him No—that’s what Nana’s there for—she plays the bad guy, so I don’t have to!

Thanks Nana… you would have to be in the restroom when this all transpired!

So… back to the look! He is aghast that I have pulled him from the bowling balls. He did NOT expect that from Nano!

Then he realizes…”this is where I pull out my bait and switch”…out goes the cute kid, in comes the tantrum!

And he throws himself on the ground, screaming “NO!” Kicking and crying! 0 to 60 in 10 seconds..

Then I see it…that glance! To see if he is getting his way, or…should he continue another 10 seconds?

I look at him; he looks at me; so starts the age old battle for power between parent and child!

He waits and stops for a moment, lifting his head to see… what’s “NanoYES” going to do?

And then I do what I think every parent should do in this situation—

I start to laugh! Full outrageous, laugh out loud, side splitting, knee slapping laughter!

Jett doesn’t know what to do… I keep laughing!

He looks up and realizes—he’s not getting that bowling ball!

I pick him up, give him a kiss and say, “Now that’s my JettJett!”

And then-- I go rent us a bowling lane—he bowled two strikes!!!
Lesson Learned... for now!