 |
| My Oldest Prince Joins the Denver Mounted Patrol |
|
Recently, we took the kids to the National Western Stock Show. It was exciting for all of us. Last year, we went on the afternoon of the last day of the show because the tickets were cheap. The problem is the tickets are cheap for a reason. When we got there most of the show animals had left that morning. On the trade show floor most of the booths were winding down so they had little to no interesting exhibits. This year though we paid to see a competition and get there when show animals would still be around. It was really fun. The kids were very well behaved. They got to see and even touch some show animals.
My queen and I had many teachable moments during our visit. I have been trying to create more of these moments with my kids. My new years blog (click the title to read it) talked about my commitment to spending more time with my kids individually. I am looking for those teachable moments where I can impart to my kids values and character I feel are important. At the Stock Show, there are some great moments because of the fact that my kids are according to my Queen, "poor city kids." They don't know a lot about big farm animals. I don't know much either but we get to learn it together. We also get to see the hard work that goes into show animals.
 |
| My youngest princess ready to ride |
The Stock Show was a great parenting experience. I am finding that just taking my kids out without a clear plan in mind the rest of the time is not working very well. We enjoy going out to get ice cream, but then we just sit there eating our ice cream and talking about frivolous topics. "How was school today?" or "What would you like to do this summer?" are good things to talk about but they don't really give me any openings to teach or impart things to my kids. Actually focusing on my kids and their development is a lot harder than just doing the bare minimum. I had an idea recently on some gifts that I could give to my princes to mark the transition from boy to young man. Problem is, I don't want to just give them the items without some instruction on what being a man means. Some of you might not have thought about before, but if you were given building tools without the proper training or instruction how could you build anything. "You'd have to learn how to use the tools as you go," is what you might hear. But doesn't that result in some missing fingers or some badly constructed projects? Eventually, a person can learn how to use the tools they've been given but not without some pain. Pain that can be diminished if not avoided with the proper training. So, where am I going to find the proper instruction? Unfortunately, our society doesn't really have the proper instructions. That's why so many men aren't really men. I am going to have to craft instructions myself from my faith, my experience, and my heart. Stay tuned to find out how it goes.
Well that's about all I have to say for now, God inspire me to give my kids the proper instruction to life in this world. Amen.
