Happy Birthday... to me! :) The Horoscope & a #1...

Hi Max!

You are sleeping now. It is 11:23 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2011. Today happens to also be my Birthday. And a great one it has turned out to be.

First, last night at 6:10 p.m. (7L) The Seven Levels of Communication hit #1 in the Real Estate category on Amazon.com. Your daddy has written a #1 National Best-seller! As you may or may not "be conscious" of, I have said an affirmation for 3 years now: "I am a #1 National Best-selling Author!" I have said it over 1000 times in the morning. And even through best-seller status and the continued sales, I kept the #1 as part of the affirmation - not knowing the difficulty, luck, and work it would take to be #1. The amazing thing is this feeling of a large weight being lifted off my mind. Now, I can replace that giant thought, that DREAM with another BIGGER DREAM. Hmmm. What should my new affirmation be?

I have to share this with you. I am not a huge Horoscope person, but I always read it on my Birthday - you know, just to see how my year will go. :) Well, today's stopped me in my tracks. Wait until you read this! (And yes, I read it to you this morning, but at 2.5 you don't appreciate it now as much as you will later). Here it is:

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY! June 11, 2011 ***** Dynamic Day: This year, call on your creativity with children and romance. You will enjoy yourself more, as will those around you. Funnel some of this fun imagination into your daily life. If you are bored, do whatever you need to do to revitalize your days. You could change the hours you work and create a new feeling. SCORPIO always adds a practical element to your life."

Okay... WHOA! Did you notice anything about that paragraph? How about that last sentence? Out of all the signs, this said one sign: SCORPIO... SCORPIO is YOUR SIGN! Wow! Just an amazing horoscope because this is going to be an incredible year - I can feel it. Two phrases come to mind as I think about 6-11-11 to 6-11-12: "Critical Mass" and "Going Global". I don't know why, but those keep coming up and pop into my mind at absurd times. But what that horoscope AND this post will do is re-focus my mind to what is most important: you, family, fun, recreation, and time to stop and smell the roses.

We went to the Festival of the Trails today in Gardner and had a blast. Can't wait to share those pictures! Next time...

Blessings,

Max's Dad (Michael)

05-28&29-11 Sunday is Son-Day... THE TRAIN!

Hi Max!

This weekend was Memorial Day Weekend and as always, we had the Maher Family Reunion in Independence. Any doubts as to how good your memory is were erased when you instantly asked if we were going to ride the train again. Sheri and I had a big laugh. Then, for the next 3 hours, you said, "Ride the train? Ride the train?" It was cute the first time, not so cute the next 900 times. :)

As we turned into the Independence (KS) Park, the first thing you saw was the REAL train that is parked at the Park for people to climb on and see a train up close. Nevermind the water slides, full-size fighter jet, dinosaur slides, pool, putt-putt golf center, and other distractions (er, I mean attractions). :) You were all about the trains. But alas... a hitch in our plans... the train that goes around the park was DOWN! Battery dead and no driver according to the rumors! I thought, "Oh boy."

You took the news a lot better than I thought. We sat down to eat and you were pretty focused on making a mess - and eating some. After lunch, you played trucks and cars with the other kids. Your big dump truck was a hit and besides fitting dirt and branches was the right height for you to run and push it - or is that push it and run? :) You were momentarily distracted. We ate, talked to relatives (relatives who really love YOU: Great-Aunt Linda, Great-Uncle Dan, Great-Uncle Jim, Great-Grandma Maher (still sharp as a tack), Taina, Nancy, Teresa, Paula, Uncle Rob, Aunt Lisa, Aunt Susan, Uncle Steve, Uncle Brian, Grandma Maher, and cousins Allie, Brady, Luke, Marissa, and Daniel). It was a great reunion - the most I've seen at a reunion.

You and I happened to be right next to each other when we heard, "WOO WOOOOOOO!" The train's whistle had blown and it was up and running again! Knowing that it could be one of only a few circles the train would make, I grabbed you and we made our way to the train. Fifty cents later (yes 50 cents) you and I had our tickets and were in line. They opened to gate, we went towards the front (same seat as last year?), and before we knew it, we were yelling, "All Aboard!" and we were riding THE TRAIN!

You loved it! We talked about the pool, the slides, the water, the jet, the child statues in the middle of the park, the dinosaur, the carousel, the giant slides, and the putt-putt golf center. It was like you were seeing them for the first time (again). It was almost like your entire focus was the train and now that you had achieved your goal of riding the train, the entire park came into view.

We waved at mommy and she took the photos. The conductor was kind enough to go around twice and we saw things we missed the first time around (can't look to both sides at the same time! :) It was great to ride the train with you. Makes me look forward to next year's Maher Family Reunion at Independence Park.

Blessings,

Max's Dad (Michael)

P.S. We also stopped by a carnival and had some more fun! Photos -->

Never Again...

Hi Max!

Well, you, mommy, and I just landed last night after our trip to Atlanta for GenGenAtlanta (events for the Generosity Generation)! You chose our little week to want to get up at night - and I understand, there were a lot of differences and changes thrown at you at once and mommy and daddy were pretty stressed with everything to do to get ready. Our positive? We care. Our problem? We care. :) We want to provide the Ultimate Learning Experience for the attendees and sometimes pushing to such high standards early can make for some stress behind the scenes and then of course getting only 2 to 4 hours or sleep at night compounds the effect of the overwhelmed feeling.

At the end of the trip, I'm like, "never again, never again." Never again can I take you to a GenGen event because I'm worried about you and I'm worried about the attendees (along with the wonderful people who help us put the event together). Flying is stressful any way, moreso with you. Sleeping is tough, just eating out adds to the hassle. Never again...

But in hearing the "End of the World" talk (a group has predicted the world to end at 6:20 p.m. Eastern (5:20 Central) today May 21, 2011) and in reflection of the trip, I really like you being there and I like spending the time with you. And of course, you had a secret message for me this morning (more on that later)... Perhaps the answer isn't "never again," but "how can we make this work?"

We could easily pack your meals so that you have those at your regularly scheduled time - you were so out of whack with eating times in Atlanta that of course you were out of whack with sleeping.

Number 1) We need to keep your schedule. I'm such a believer in systems I realize the power of this for you. Solution: pack your meals rather than trying to hunt down a restaurant and then getting you food.

Number 2) We could make one of our first action items - get milk. We would need to proactively ask for a room with a refrigerator for you (and perhaps one with a microwave). One of our biggest frustrations was running out of milk at night. Without milk, you struggled to sleep and yes, I could write for an hour on how we need to eventually break this habit, but sometimes you just have to go with the now over the future (milk now, work on habit later). And having a refrigerator in your room flows into Number 3.

Number 3) Have separate rooms at least the night before I speak. I need to make sure I get my sleep. Sleep-deprivation never made a good speaker - and of course you know me, I want to MASTER speaking and teaching to help others MASTER learning. With separate rooms, at least for that one night, there isn't the HUGE frustration that comes with you perhaps keeping me up all night like Atlanta.

Doing these items may cost us $100 - $400 more for the trip, but that is a fair trade for having you there. Because I love you. I'm sure the trip was as frustrating for you as it was for me. You like to make mommy and daddy happy just like we want you to be happy.

This morning you crawled in bed (note that you just had a regular 8 hours of sleep in your normal "Max's bed") and said, "Daddy, I love you." I'm almost tearing up just typing this with the memory of that! I instantly thought, "Okay, I forgive you. All is forgiven" and it isn't "just shut down the problem" it is "solve the problem". So once again, I learn a very valuable lesson from you.

Can't wait for GenGenNewEngland on June 15 with our new "system" to see how well we do with having you on our trips! We'll see... regardless, we'll learn something from it... AND I'll learn something from you.

Blessings,

Max's Dad (Michael)

Had to share this Facebook strand from today...

Hi Max!

Started a strand on Facebook today and my answer to my own question surprised me a little bit. Surprised me and compelled me to post this here:

The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals (Michael)
"For you parents, if you had an hour with your child and you weren't sure if you'd ever see them again, what would your advice to them be? What would you say? Write it in the comments below and then you know what I'm going to ask you to do right? Share it with them - if they aren't available, e-mail them, write them, or blog it to them. It's time it was said. Share. Your. Wisdom. +m2"
10 hours ago · Like ·
3 people like this.

The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals "Max, this is dad. First, I love you. I love you more than anything in the world and when I see you, hug you, and high-five you, the entire world melts right away. You mean everything to me. My job has been to send you off to the world a loving, caring, helpful, and productive person and it is so beautiful to see that happen. I'm so proud of you. I'll always be there for you - watching over you, cheering you on, and sometimes prodding you along. My words today are: read the Bible. That's my bit of advice. Within its contents you will learn about love, people, trust, right, and wrong. If I could have written a guidebook, this would be it - and its written by a far better author than me. Follow its lessons and live its intentions. You will be fine. You are the best. You are the greatest. Love you, Dad. +m2"
10 hours ago · Like · 3 people
The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals Truthfully, my answer surprised me a little as well. It just came out of my fingers as I was typing. I was like, "that would be my advice?" and I was compelled to share it even though I knew it would probably make some cringe, others gripe, and others unlike this page. That's okay. I am very open to people - I do not judge. I enjoy my Jewish, Arab, Chinese, Japanese, and Indian friends and have gotten lots of great ideas from our conversations. What I gave was my advice to my child. Your answer may, and very likely will, be different. It is what it is. I am what I am. I'd love to see you share what you would tell them. Of course, I'd love even more to see you share WITH THEM what you would tell them. Sorry such a long strand today... but I was compelled to share. +m2
10 hours ago · Like · 2 people

Jay Pierce Wow, can I just copy what you wrote and say the same to my son? That was awesome!
9 hours ago · Like · 1 person

The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals Absolutely Jay - tweak it to your taste. Thank you! +m2
9 hours ago · Like

Andrea Boeh-Sheridan All the lyrics from "I hope you dance". Ava Grace, you will always be my greatest joy.
9 hours ago · Unlike · 1 person

The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV-Z1YwaOiw <-- for those who want to see what Andrea is talking about - love it! +m2
9 hours ago · Like

Jennifer Goodfriend-Irvin I need to do this, blog, or write to my children. It is heavy on my heart right now, thanks for the "push" to share with them. Lately my Oldest daughter, who is 12 has been on my mind. Boys, and school, and attitude and fashion, braces, clothes, are all sooo important right now. I want to share with her that although the people she is "friends" with right now may make comments to her about acne, or her clothes, or who they are hanging out with, THESE "friends" dont defy you. Sure I have middle school friends I still talk to, but they aren't my best friends, or my confidants. These years are so hard for that age. I have told her this of course, but the ADVICE part is hard! They believe nothing we say is right, you know, cause I am just MOM! But a nice little letter to her will be nice. Life is hard, and if you can get thru the " Nay sayers".. you will succeed and you will be fine! :)
7 hours ago · Like

The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals Love it Jennifer. The positive about writing it is that we can edit and make the wording "just right". Plus, they can read it over and over again and know that we love them. +m2
7 hours ago · Like

Michelle Florand Schwartz K & S: I love you. Make good choices, practice good hygiene and keep your kitchen clean. Always be honest with yourself and others, and if it is grey..stay away, because things are usually black and white. Be true to yourself and always be a person who gives and who is also able to receive. (They hear this from me on at least a weekly basis...and tell me the same things back.) Mom smiling!
4 hours ago · Like

The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals Love it! Do you mind if I share that with Max? +m2
3 hours ago · Like · 1 person

Michelle Florand Schwartz not at all. My kids are 22 and 18. They are pretty cool young adults!
2 hours ago · Like

Justin Nielsen This is extremely timely for me. My Father passed away unexpectedly Wednesday. I know a lot about his life, but for years I have asked him to write it down. Too late now and I have many questions. I love what you wrote Michael and passion will guide the pen if you let it. I have decided to write in a book about me. You can buy good ones that prompt thoughts and ask questions.
21 minutes ago · Like

The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals Sorry for your loss Justin. As someone who has lost a father, I understand but could never feel how you feel. Best wishes and prayers to you and your family. +m2
2 minutes ago · Like

Hope you enjoyed this conversation as much as I did. It was thought-provoking and interesting to me.

With Love and To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

Sunday is Son-Day (on Saturday even!)...

Hi Max!

Yesterday was Saturday, but it was such a wonderful day! As a family, we went to Shawnee Mission Park. It was so nice - 68 degrees, sunny, and a light breeze. We drove around the park to see the water and the trees. Lots of people out and about!

We stopped at the same shelter at which we hold our July 4th Client Appreciation Parties. There is the huge jungle gym and slides. There is a giant sandbox. You were most interested in the creek that runs through the park. You are SO WATER-CRAZY! :) We threw twigs and branches in the water. We went down by the creek (in a very safe area) and put our hands in the water.

The weather was beautiful. We weren't in any hurry. We walked and played. It was just a really terrific afternoon. Had to share. You spell love like this... T I M E. Had a great time today!

With Love and To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

The Ride Home After the Game...

Hi Max!

I know I know... why so soon!? :) I was inspired to post a little faster than normal by Tammy Richards. Tammy and I graduated from Gardner-Edgerton High School together in 1987. She married my across-street neighbor Tim Richards, who also graduated with us. Great people and they are raising great kids. One of the reasons why is because of what they are reading - and then applying with their kids. Here's what Tammy recently wrote on Facebook:

The Ride Home
by Tammy Richards on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 10:16pm
This is part of the last chapter in a book I just finish. The book is written from a baseball perspective, but his advise goes for any sport or activity your kids are involved in. My timing in reading it could not have been better. In the last few weeks I have had a chance to ride home with the boys after baseball games. Some had gone well, and others not so much. I love baseball, so I always enjoy reliving parts of the game with them. I want my boys to remember the ride home as one of the best parts of the game. I felt it was worth sharing, so here you go. Enjoy!

Don't make the mistake of being a critic on the ride home, stewing over a loss or making too much of a victory. This is the time to let your kid know how great they are, regardless of the way they played. That they're valuable to you, and that you're glad they're your kid. It's a time of encouragement. A time to soak in your kid's kid-ness. I've said it all throughout this book, the time goes by too, too quickly to make it anything but fun. Your kids will figure out life along the way. They'll figure our the fundamentals of the game.

And one day, you'll drop that kid off somewhere- college, most likely- and then you'll ride home by yourself. And you'll miss those rides home, and you'll either wish you'd made the most of them, or you'll be thankful that you used that time wisely.

Every message your send is received. Make the ride home the best part of the game.
Bill Severns, Keepers of the Sandlot

Max, I thought you would love that and I look forward to sharing many rides home after games and celebrating your successes. After all love is spelled T I M E.

With Love and To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

The Importance of Books... A Love of Reading!

Hi Max!

I want to tell you about a love of my life. A love of my life is reading books. I read three or four books per week. And I don't read them, I devour them. I respect them (still don't write in books to this day). I have so much respect for books. You can't always be with your friends - and I truly believe that the biggest influence in your life will be who you associate with and spend your time around. The next biggest influence will be the books you read. I love books - reading may be the most important talent you can learn in school. Reading and learning. Max, become a great reader.

Here is what one of the most influential leaders had to say about books and this is why we will also incorporate an allowance system similar to Mr. Maxwell. You are not necessarily named after John Maxwell, but it did have an influence on our choice of Maxwell over Max. Here is his video:

Reading is different then watching videos or watching TV. You can learn from those, but it doesn't take any imagination. Books allow you to fill in the gaps with your imagination. I've hard Imagi-Nation referred to as the most powerful nation in the world. Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we NOW know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world and all there ever will be to know and understand." You get imagination from reading books - it triggers, hones, and broadens your imagination. Like a light into a prism that is splayed into all its glory - who knew that light was actually all colors - a book adds color to your imagination, thoughts, dreams, and ideas.

I love books. I love you. I can't wait to go over books that we are reading. I can't wait. Amazingly, you'll be reading soon - it wouldn't surprise me if you read at 4 years old. I won't push you, but you already have your daddy's love for books. Today, you played with your books like they were cars. You open them like you can read them. Great to share this love with you Max.

With Love and To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)