Saturday, June 27, 2009

8 month pictures!...

Hi Max!

We went to Portrait Innovations for your 8-month photos. We had a lot of fun and I'm always amazed at how comfortable you are in front of the camera. You're photogenic and the photographer was having fun. Do you always smile?! I love it. :)


Sunday, June 7, 2009

The Car Jar...

Hi Max!

I was reading on Facebook and a note by Joe Stumpf caught my eye. 

> How To Create your Jar For The Car

The day my oldest daughter Traci was born, September 10th 1986 my best friend and mentor Milton Merrill said to me “ today is the day you start the jar for the car.”

I said “ what do you mean,” he said get a couple of empty 5 gallon sparkles jugs put them in you closet and every time you have loose change throw it in the jar because in 16 years you will need to buy her a car and hopefully you will have a your jar full which will be the jar for the car. 

I did what he said, and 16 years latter I saved $7,200 in penny's, nickels, dimes and quarters. A smart man once said to me," Joe when it comes to money most people overestimate what they can achieve in 1 year and underestimate what they can achieve in 5 years."

But when your commit to the long term, amazing thins start to happen. Saving $1.25 a day doesn’t amount to much over a month, but over 16 years it’s $7,200 and bought ½ a car.

What sort of life do you want to have in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years? 

Go to the website 
http://www.ingyournumber.com/ and discover how much money you need in the future to create a vision of the future you desire, then become willing to do whatever it takes to bring it into being. 

As you focus each day on the future you’re creating and keep taking action to continue bringing it into being, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish

As you continue to deepen your money making mindset you may choose to further embrace the wisdom of Woody Allen when he said, "Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons." 

Today ask yourself.. What can I start saving today that will have a big effect in the long term?

Joe Stumpf <


Today, I start my Car Jar for you Max (I have a change jar started and today it gets bigger and more important - behold The Car Jar!). At 16, I'll help you buy your first car. It will be some sort of tank and it will have a speed governor, but it will be your first car. :) 

Thank you Joe for the great note and the inspiration to consolidate my change to a specific goal. What was ordinary change, now has a name and with that name, a purpose. Max, remember that. Take what may be insignificant and taken for granted, give it a name and a purpose. For example, your mom and I have been going on Date Nights every Friday for several years now. What is Date Night? Essentially, it is time for your mom and I to quit thinking about our professions and focus on each other. Date Night legitimizes this time off and has now become something we both look forward to each week. 

To Your Success, 

Max's Dad (Michael)

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Quick update on your head!

Hi Max!

You are doing so well with the helmet. We had a doctor's appointment yesterday and you went from a 19 (not good) to a 16 in a matter of 10-12 days! We can SEE the difference (especially at the front). I've been so proud of you with your smile and laugh. The helmet doesn't bother you. You've slept and kept your schedule. That helps mommy and daddy tremendously. 

You are getting much more mobile. I heard the cabinet doors open and close this morning. You are active in your walker, but still getting used to moving around. Sometimes you just like to sit in the walker and play with the toys. You're doing awesome, I'm so happy you are my son and I love you. 

To Your Success, 

Max's Dad (Michael)

Monday, June 1, 2009

Your head is rounding! Your head is rounding!


Hi Max!

I wish you could talk. :) My mom said, "You try for the longest time to get them (kids) to sit up and speak up and then you spend the next several years telling them to sit down and shut up." My mom, the humorist. :) She doesn't mean that negatively. But she raised five very active kids so I'm sure there is some truth there. Remember, there is always some level of truth behind every person's joking. 

Your head is ALREADY rounding into shape! The front left forehead area was protruding a little bit and now that is already back to round (and matches your right side). Incredible. The difference is incredible. It's only been 10 days! The back of your head still is irregular with some denting and some lumps, but we are encouraged with the results from the front. The helmet slides on now rather than being a struggle as it was earlier. It's working. For any parent who has considered a helmet to cure plagiocephaly or misshapen head syndrome, I HIGHLY suggest it. Plus, in case of crashes, he has protection. :) I'm impressed with the speed and results of the helmet. 

To Your Success, 

Max's Dad (Michael)