fanfestful outing

Habakkuk 3:18-19- yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength;

I bet you didn't even know the Mariner's still had fans! Well, apparently they do and apparently, they're us! And not rain nor sleet nor snow nor blistering cold could keep us away from taking part in the annual Mariner's Fanfest at Safeco Field.



Kayla mostly entertained herself by people watching and fixating on her new mittens, but it was much too cold and crowded to do much running around. Sam was having fun, too, but he hid it well.



We tried our hand briefly at "playing catch" with Kayla out in right field. Not sure if she got that it was all a game or if she was just insulted that we were throwing things at her. At any rate, we decided it might be a bit early to be getting Kayla her own glove. I guess we'll just work on switch hitting this year.



After that fantastic display of eye-hand coordination , we decided to let Kayla sit out on the pitching portion of the day. Sam, on the other hand, well, not to be a boastful wife, but you can see who the true sportsman of the family is.



One of the highlights of being a parent is seeing your kid light up with joy when you take them some place "really fun", or the anticipation you feel when you know they're about to experience something "really awesome". Kayla, as you know, is quite the bubble burster on that particular aspect of parenthood, but we don't mind. After all, it keeps us humble and reminds us where our real joy is supposed to be anyway.

toddler rules

The older Kayla gets, the more apparent it becomes to Sam and Liz that they are clearly sinners saved by grace, utterly helpless apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. The most current lesson in parenting concerns the never ending struggle to maintain consistency with regards to rules and discipline. In general, the Pak household tends to be pretty laidback, and thus the list is short and sweet.

1. Clean up your own messes
2. Don't touch means don't touch
   
3. Share your toys and keep your fingers out of your friends ears/noses/mouths
   
4. Tables and counter tops are not interchangeable for chairs
5. If you must throw a hissy fit, do it in the privacy of your own room and rejoin the rest of us when you've maintained your composure

Kayla, on the other hand, has a fairly extensive list of rules. A modicum of conduct that Sam and Liz have had to learn the hard way, trial by fire style. For those of you who have yet to travel the unchartered terrain of toddler-hood, we thought we'd share this list with you. Perhaps now when your time comes, you might be a little more prepared than we were.

Toddler Rules
author unknown

If it is on, I must turn it off.
If it is off, I must turn it on.
If it is folded, I must unfold it.
If it is a liquid, it must be shaken, then spilled.
If it a solid, it must be crumbled, chewed or smeared.
If it is high, it must be reached.
If it is shelved, it must be unshelved.
If it is pointed, it must be run with at top speed.
If it has leaves, they must be picked.
If it is plugged, it must be unplugged.
If it is not trash, it must be thrown away.
If it is in the trash, it must be removed, inspected, and thrown on the floor.
If it is closed, it must be opened.
If it does not open, it must be screamed at.
If it has drawers, they must be rifled.
If it is a pencil, it must write on the refrigerator, monitor, or table.
If it is full, it will be more interesting emptied.
If it is empty, it will be more interesting full.
If it is a pile of dirt, it must be laid upon.
If it is stroller, it must under no circumstances be ridden in without protest. It must be pushed by me instead.
If it has a flat surface, it must be banged upon.
If Mommy's hands are full, I must be carried.
If Mommy is in a hurry and wants to carry me, I must walk alone.
If it is paper, it must be torn.
If it has buttons, they must be pressed.
If the volume is low, it must go high.
If it is toilet paper, it must be unrolled on the floor.
If it is a drawer, it must be pulled upon.
If it is a toothbrush, it must be inserted into my mouth.
If it has a faucet, it must be turned on at full force.
If it is a phone, I must talk to it.
If it is a bug, it must be swallowed.
If it doesn't stay on my spoon, it must be dropped on the floor.
If it is not food, it must be tasted.
If it IS food, it must not be tasted.
If it is dry, it must be made wet with drool, milk, or toilet water.
If it is a carseat, it must be protested with arched back.



Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord

You're welcome