Band Aids are a big deal for kids. In the times of BK (Before Kids) we had a small first aid kid for emergencies. Now we’ve got bags of band-aids stashed in locations throughout the house for when the wailing begins “I fell off my scooter!” “I slid off the swing!” It happens all too often. Sometimes I fear someone will think we’re abusing our kids they have so many bumps, bruises, cuts, and scrapes.

Kids seem to fall down and get hurt way more often than adults. Maybe it’s because they’re taking more risks and getting involved. They sure play hard.

I believe one reason that band-aids are a big deal is because they fall into the sticker category. Did you know that band aids come in varieties of sparkly, colored, Muppets, Dora, Transformers, Phineas & Ferb, Sponge Bob, Tinkerbell fairies, Spiderman, Toy Story, Barbie, Mickey Mouse, My Little Pony, Cars, Disney Princeses, and Hello Kitty? My kids do…and they’ve taken inventory of every type we have. There are even “collector series” band-aids. Does someone actually have a collection of band-aids?

The practical side of me wants to buy the mega pack generic band-aids with 120 strips all the same size and all one color…flesh tone…and get the most for my money. It’s just a band-aid…and like toilet paper you end up throwing it away…so who cares what it looks like?

But colored Band-aids announce to the world that something tramatic happened. You got hurt and there’s a story behind it. No sense in hiding it. Let it out! Away with the flesh-tone! “Look! I fell down…and it was a big fall. But it’s OK. I’m going to get better. Wanna see!?”

Our girls are constantly asking for band-aids. I should buy stock in the company. They want to put a band-aid on even when there isn’t an owie. As parents we protest “There isn’t even any blood! You don’t need one.” Maybe that’s the point. If I put one on my body, then I feel better.

Band-aids represent healing. They are something that you can do…even if there’s not a lot you can do. You got hurt. It’s going to be painful for a while and you just need to wait it through. Once we put the band-aid on, your pain is redirected to the pretty sticker on your body and it doesn’t hurt as much. It’s actually a small miracle…and worth the $2.95 for the special box.

So yesterday when we were at the store, I let them each choose a box of fun band-aids…and maybe I’ll even choose one for myself next time. For now, I’ll use the flesh toned ones and draw on them with a marker for some pizazz. The best of both worlds.

The next time you’re in pain, think about what your band-aid is…a distraction from the hurt. Maybe it’s a listening to favorite song, immersing yourself in your hobby, talking to a trusted friend, taking a bike ride, or escaping for a walk in the woods. Whatever it is, relax in the fact that you’ll get through this. Even if your band-aid doesn’t completely take away the pain, it may make it tolerable and remind you that you’re OK and you’ll get better soon.

What kind of husband are you looking for?
Arianna (age 7) – “I want a guy with brown hair that loves me. He should not be allergic to anything. He should know how to dance, work at the Apple Store, and love God.”

Where are you going to live?
“We’ll live in North Oaks West because there are lots of trees and deer there. My husband should like deer.”

Are you going to have any kids?
“I’m going to have five kids and give two to Brielle. The two girls I keep will be named Cimburia and Elisia. The boy will be Alex.”

Brielle (age 5)
“I’m going to live next door to Arianna and adopt two kids from Arianna. I’ll have one girl named Elise and one boy named Jack. The boy’s nickname will be Michael Jackson.”

OK…any boys age 0-11…you need to wait 20 years before these girls are available. (Dad)

• bouncing from trampoline to trampoline like you’re on the moon and off the wall.
• dunking basketballs.
• letting out your aggressions by throwing nerf balls at others in a game of dodgeball.
• flipping into a huge foam pit.

It was super fun and I want to go again…but be prepared. One hour is long enough and you will be sore for a couple of days afterwards which proves it’s great exercise.

So here’s the edited video. You can see me walking in on the left side at about 1:34 into the video. I’m kind of in the back row but you can see me sometimes as one of the few guys actually participating. During rehearsal the choreographer told us that “real men dance” for some encouragement. Sure is a great way to get some fun exercise. Brenda and the kids were there, too watching nearby.

“Griffith Park is the greatest place on earth. It’s why the US is number one. I take the kids there to ride donkeys and go in a circle… In other countries their donkeys have to work for a living…dragging lumber and coal…. Then they get in a miniature train and that thing goes in a circle… Then you go see a fountain with clean drinkable water that we don’t need just firing it up in the air and down the drain. We have so much as a country we don’t even need the water. You want to irrigate or drink? We don’t care. Fire it up in the air…and then if you look IN the fountain you see money! They were weighing my trousers down so we decided to throw money into the thing of clean water while the donkeys go in a circle. That’s why we’re number one.”

NO SOLICITING
(unless you’re selling girl scout cookies)
We’re sure you’re a nice person with a worthy charity,
ideas to share, or great products to sell but
please DO NOT ring the door bell or knock.
We already give to charity, support great ideas,
and search out services we need on the internet.
Have a great day!
(If you’re a friend or neighbor just stopping
by to say hello, we’d love to see you.)

Anyone notice Mickey Mouse in this?

The night was a lot of fun…though I’m a bit sore today after being hit. I had no idea what to expect. Here are some observations and tips for those of you who might think about going:

• Leave most of your valuables at home. There weren’t any lockers so I carried my phone and wallet on me.
• Wear lots of layers or padding. (Guys…Protecting the groin area with a cup or something is a great idea.) Paintballs hurt when they hit…especially open skin patches like your neck or hands. I bought some cheap knit gloves and cut off the fingers. I also wore a hoodie sweatshirt so I could easily cover my neck…at least in back. If you wear canvas type material it will absorb the impact.
• We bought 2000 paintballs for $75 and split them between three people and they lasted the evening for 3 hours.
• The court we played on was split into two halves green and blue. Our games started with 2 teams against the back walls and we moved forward to try and take out the other team. It was intense.
• Don’t worry too much about ruining the clothes you’re wearing completely. After the event, I washed my clothes separately and the yellow paint came out pretty easily.

They had some great safety rules that I really appreciated: (1) ALWAYS wear your goggles. Never take them off on the court. This protects your eyes and face. You are not ever supposed to aim for the face. (2) Use your BBD (Barrel Blocking Device) whenever your gun is not on the court. This prevents misfires when people are not protected with goggles or if the trigger lock wasn’t set. (3) If you’re within 20 feet of another player you’re both out. This prevents point-blank shooting.

We had a great time. It was new and different. I felt like I was in a movie. Our goggles looked like we were storm troopers. The experience made me have an appreciation for real combat challenges. Your heart really gets pumping when you’re in the middle of the action.

MATH
Arianna was playing the educational game TuxMath where addition problems roll down the screen and you need to get the answer right before it’s too late. The little smarty PAUSED the game at each question and figured out the answer on her fingers!
Arianna counting: “97, 98, 99…daddy what comes after 99?” Answer: “100. Then it starts all over again. 101, 102, 103…” “Wow. That’s cool.”

WHEN I GROW UP
Arianna’s pajamas were getting too short. I told her “You need to stop growing.” She replied “No dad, I like growing so I can get bigger and be a mom some day.” – A
“I don’t want to go to college because I don’t want to leave home.” We’ll see about that. – A
When Arianna grows up she wants “to be a doctor in the morning, a dentist in the afternoon, and a dance teacher in the evening.” Another day she said she’d “like to be a doctor on Mondays and Thursdays, a dentist on Tuesday and Friday and a mommy on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.” Pretty ambitious and specific.
Arianna is saving a 20% off coupon for Babies-R-Us “in case I grow into a mom and have a baby…”. Wonder if it’ll be valid in 20 years?
When she grows up Brielle wants to be “a marshaller”  for aircraft with illuminated beacons and “a surfer girl”.
“When I get to be a grown up I’ll go to the zoo ALL BY MYSELF. I’ll see all the animals and go on some scary rides.” – B

MUSIC
“We have enough pianos in our house!” Arianna. Yes…1 is probably enough.

MONEY AND PURCHASING POWER
Arianna made her first purchase at Target. She bought a Lego car for $5.35. It took her forever to pay in change as she counted it all for the cashier.
Arianna had $2 to spend so I took her to Toys R Us. It broke my heart multiple times as she saw something she liked and asked how much it was. When she heard the cost she sighed “Ohh…It’s more than $2?” She soon realized you couldn’t get much for $2. I told her she may need to save more money so she could get something she really wanted. Then on the way out there was a claw game where you could have a chance to win a stuffed animal. I explained that it might not be a great financial choice and that it was really difficult and you might get nothing. But for $1 she could afford the game and wanted to try. She didn’t get anything and was heartbroken. We went to Target where she found some Disney princess gloves for $1.99. (I chipped in the extra $1.) She really appreciated those gloves because of all the experience behind getting them.
“Dad, if you give me $100, I’ll give you a quarter.” Why? “Don’t you see? I don’t have any! Daddy…please trade me.” – A
“When I gave the penny to my teacher it made my heart happy.” – A

BIRTHDAY
“I’m three…and when I have my birthday I’m going to be five!” Evidently, she’ll just skip over 4. – Brielle
“You know what I liked about the party? I lov-ed the jumpoline.” – Brielle
How do you become a grandpa? “Every number you get bigger for your birthday. If you are a boy daddy and you get to be a big number then you turn into a grandpa. When a mommy’s number gets bigger then they’re a grandma.” – A

MARRIAGE
“I’m going to marry Zach and Brielle will marry Andy. We better write that down. When I grow up and be a mom my name will be Sally.” – Arianna
“I want to marry Brock because he taught me how to climb a tree.” – A
“Daddy, on my wedding day I’ll be so sad cause I’ll miss you…but I’ll give you a kiss.” Me: We’ll find you a good prince to marry. “You mean a husband? I need someone who can build stuff.” – A
Our girls want to marry husbands that are NOT allergic to cats. I’m now officially off the list of marriage material.
“I want to get married when I’m 41.” – A
“Daddy…on my wedding day can I get a prince, and go to a ball, and get some candy?” – B

ART
Arianna gave me a portrait drawing she made of me. “I know you have 5 fingers dad…but I gave you 10 on each hand!” Could be useful.

CONTENTMENT
If you could do anything today, what would you do? Arianna replied “Play Wii, color, and watch a movie.” Content and simple. In fact, sounds a lot like yesterday!

PRINCE QUALIFICATIONS
Arianna walked down the stairs in a Snow White costume and high heels. “We need someone to be a prince. You need to give a good smile and dance.”

CHEERLEADING
“Give me a C! Give me an A! Give me a T! What’s it spell? CAT!” (The only word she could spell at the time.) – A
“Give me a 5! Give me a Z! Give me a G! Give me a 9! What does it spell? Candy!” That was totally random. – B

DISNEY
After her first roller coaster Big Thunder Mountain…”That was super fun! And there were no dinosaurs!” – B
Do you know any other states besides Minnesota? “DisneyWorld” – B

WAKING UP
A shadowy figure arrived at my bedside at 5:30 am. “Dad…Is it OK for me to wake up?” Not really…you see you’re not asleep. In fact, we’re all awake now. – B

PLEASED TO MEET YOU
We met a new person for the first time as I introduced Brielle and her sister Arianna. Brielle immediately said “Arianna can do a cartwheel!” Well that’s the first thing I would want to know about someone!

GETTING OLDER
The irony of a 3 year old talking to her friend when says “When I was a little girl I used to…” You’re still a little girl! It’s all relative.
“Hungry Hungry Hippos game is what I wanted all my life!” …and she got it for Christmas. – B

FORGIVENESS
I ran up the stairs shortly after Brielle went to bed and made a bit too much noise doing so. Brielle yelled “Daddy. You woke me up!” Sorry. Then she yelled again as I was heading downstairs “Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!” What? “I forgive you.” Great. I was so relieved.

BUGS
“Help! Dad will you get this bug!” Dad does. “Thank you for the killing dad.” – A
“Daddy I killed two grasshoppers at the park.” Why? “Because they were going to hop on me.” – B
“One time I got a mosquito bite on my cheek and it was fluffy.” – B

WORKING FROM HOME OFFICE
I was up early and working on the computer in my pajamas without a shirt. Brielle came downstairs and said matter of factly “Dad. You’re forgetting about something…your shirt. That’s OK. I won’t laugh at you.” Brielle

COUGH DROPS
Given the choice between Hall’s menthol and watermelon cough drops. “These watermelon are really good because they’re not spicy.” – B

DEATH AND SHOTS
We saw a hearse driving by and I explained that it was a car for carrying people that had died. She said “We’re not going to die because we got lots of shots and I didn’t cry.” – B

DOING IT YOURSELF
“I poured the juice. Look dad, I was very careful. I guess I’m getting bigger!” – B

SCHOOL
“I can’t believe that Bill and Jill rhyme.” (Yes…it is pretty incredible.) – A

WORDS
“We watched the movie yester-night.” Compared to yester day and yester morning I guess it makes sense. – A
“My favorite words are sparkles, glitter, and diamonds. I love rainbows and unicorns, too.” – B

EMBARASSING HONESTY
As we were checking out a DVD at Hollywood Video, my daughter Arianna proudly announced to the cashier “This is the last time we’re getting a movie here! Now they come in the mail!” He responded with a smile “Netflix?” “Yeah.” I said somewhat sheepishly, “Thanks for spilling the beans Arianna.”
Walking into Target: “Why are those old people not wearing coats?” They’re greeters. – A

PRAYERS
“Dear God. Help us to be cute all the time. I’m very lucky. I can sleep with Mr. Duck, Mr. Bear, and Mr. Rabbit…and purple blanket.” – Arianna
We were having Chinese food one night and Arianna’s prayer at the table went like this “I know this food looks silly God, but I think it will be good.”
Just before bed I was in a tender moment saying a prayer and blessing for Brielle with my face close to hers and my hand on here forehead. She says “Daddy, when you pray you smell stinky.” OK. Next time I think I’ll get a breath mint.
Here’s a demonstration of sisterly competition. Would you to say a prayer Brielle? “No. Did Arianna say a prayer?” Yes. “OK I will. Dear God. Help our food. Thank you for helping me do the monkey bars all by myself. Amen.”

AMBITION
“I’m going to catch the tooth fairy. I’ll stay up all night and watch.” – B

HUMILITY
Brielle, you’re amazing. “I know.”

BIBLE AND THEOLOGY
Arianna reciting Scripture “The Lord is my shepherd…He makes me lie down in green passwords…Thy rod and thy snack they comfort me.” – A
“Jesus and God are everywhere. They don’t just stay home. Grandma is a lot farther away than Jesus.” – A
Upon hearing that heaven is a wonderful place. Brielle: “Does it have rides?” Arianna: “It’s even better than Minnesota!” I hope so.
“At gymnastics, Brielle is always cutting in line and going to the front. I don’t think that’s pleasing to God.” – A
We thought Brielle was saying “I love Jesus the best”. Turned out she was saying “I love Cheezits the best.”
Brielle said “God, make Arianna die.” Brenda scolded her “What? That’s not nice at all. We don’t say things like that. God would never want someone to die.” Not helping the situation I asked “What about the Noah’s flood?”

CHRISTMAS
Brielle said we should play a game. OK. She starts: “Simon says open a present under the Christmas tree.” Good try girl.

BEING FIRST
The girls are always fighting about who gets to go first. One night it was about who got tucked into bed first. Arianna asked me directly “Did you do Brielle first?” I said “I did you both first. You’re the first girl in this bedroom and Brielle is the first girl in her bedroom.” It confused her enough she didn’t know what to say.

ENTHUSIASM
We got a parking spot close by at the health club… “This is the best day ever!” – Arianna
“I like this pillow a lot because it’s so squeezy.” – A
Who’s your best friend? “Everyone. I need to meet everyone in the world first so I can know them all.” – A

GUESSING GAME
I was playing a food guessing game with the girls. I’d provide clues. They didn’t really connect that all the characteristics went together. It’s yellow. “Banana!” You put butter on it. “Bread!” You pop it. “Pop!” It’s green on the outside. “Apple!” Sorry, the correct answer is “Corn on the cob”. New game.

WEATHER
Arianna saw her shadow today…she said “That means summer is coming!”
Arianna: “When there’s a TOMATO warning we go in the basement.” … or look out for the pasta and meatballs.
First frost on the grass this morning in MN. I wake up to Arianna yelling “Daddy, It’s Christmas!”
It was super cold out. I told the girls today might not be the best day to play outside. The wind is blowing, it’s -40, and you can get frost bite. “But we can wear out boots!”

CONCERT
At orchestra hall concert hall. “Every chair has the ABCs.” – A

SWIMMING
The girls got new swim goggles. They were so excited they wore them everywhere looking like they were in flight training.
We told the girls it was time to leave the swimming pool. Arianna said “but our lips are not purple yet!” You can’t argue with logic.

DOCTOR AND HEALTH
I explained a secret before Brielle went to the doctor for a shot. If you keep your arm relaxed like a noodle, it doesn’t hurt at all. There’s nothing to be afraid of. She was brave and successful because of the prep. “I wasn’t afraid daddy!” – B
Brielle comes downstairs coughing. “Daddy, I don’t feel good. Maybe strawberry milk would help.” I’m sure it would.

JOKES
Not knowing the correct format of a knock knock joke Brielle says “Come in.” pretty much ends the funny.

FAVORITE PEOPLE
I like Mikala (the babysitter) ’cause she has gum. – B

HISTORY
Who was George Washington? “He was a guy who made a building to make all the money.” – A

EVERYDAY
Mom came home from the hair stylist. “Mom’s hair looks as good as new!” – A

DRIVING
I was parallel parking the car so I asked Arianna to look out and see if my margin is OK with the car next to me. “I don’t hear any scratching.” That’s good.
Arianna asked “Can you read me a book?” while I was driving the car! I said it wouldn’t be safe since I was already texting, checking traffic, and combing my hair.

DEODERANT
“Mommy, that’s the first thing we ever shared.”…deoderant.” – A
Brielle said “Daddy…I need to put an ornament under my arms.” I thought it was a strange place for Christmas cheer…finally I realized she was trying to say deoderant not ornament.

BODY PARTS
Arianna was messing with something in the car and I told her to just put it on her lap. She replied: “I can’t.” Why not? “Where’s my lap?” – A

NICKNAME
My daughter is calling me “little buddy” and I kind of like it. Is that bad? I guess that makes her “the skipper”.