Live A Revolution... Every Day

Day Off Photos of Kids

Spending some time off with the kids!

When I Grow Up I Want To Be ____________ & the Art of Dreaming

There were a number of things I wanted to be when I was growing up. What that was depended on the stage of life I was in. At one point, I would have told you I wanted to be the trash man. I guess riding on the garbage truck looked fun. Baseball player, police officer and ice cream truck driver were on the short list too. 

As I look back, there was an extreme joy in dreaming. It's something I want to do more often, not only in my own life, but with Carter, Morgan and Jami. Dreaming about what could be. Dreaming about the what if's. Dreaming about what God could do in our lives if we just simply take the a first step.

That's what God does with us. And as a father, a parent, it's my (our) job to do that too.

How cool is that.

So, while I no longer want to be a garbage man, I still want to ride on the back of one at least once in my lifetime. :-)

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
 

Kids' Video Summary of 4th of July Weekend

4th of July Weekend - 2010 from Todd Ruth on Vimeo.

My first video created from iPhone 4 and the iMovie app. Good learning experience. Can't wait to do more in better quality. 

Hope your 4th was as good as ours!

My Three Blessings

There's a lot that goes on in life... a lot that I'm striving to be successful at... a lot to stress over. There's a lot of "what-if's"... But even if I fail at everything. There is one thing that remains true... I will always have three blessings.

Thank you.

Are You the Pride of Your Children?

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. - Proverbs 17v6

This is a haunting verse.

Can your children say, "Ya, THAT'S my mom. THAT'S my dad."

Are they proud of you?

Or a better question is...

Are you putting yourself in a position where your kids can be proud of you? Of the life you're living?

Parents...

BE the pride of your children.

One Thing You Need to Make a Difference

If you want to make a difference...

Have More Conversation.

If you want to better your marriage...

Have More Conversation.

If you want to be a better parent...

Have More Conversation.

If you want to be a better friend...

Have More Conversation.

I think I need to...

Have More Conversation.

You?

 

Our American Idols... Sort Of

TokBox - Free Video Chat and Video Messaging WWSS - What Would Simon Say?

Superman, Batman, Zorro, Wonder Woman Underdog... and Me

 I loved watching superhero tv shows...

Zorro, Batman and Robin, Superman, Underdog, AirWolf, M.A.S.K. and yes... Wonder Woman.

There was even a time in my childhood where I would dress up like Zorro and save the neighborhood from crime and criminals. I even had a special hiding spot in the alley where I would change into and out of my alter-ego. 

I loved the idea of being a superhero. 

And as I've gotten older, I've noticed that the idea of being a superhero has transitioned to being a father.

I want to be Carter and Mo's hero.

There's nothing wrong with that. It's a good goal.

But I've noticed that I suck at being a hero...

And for me, I think there's a better role for me. A role that far exceeds any possible gain I could give or get by attempting to be a hero...

I want to be John.

My efforts, from now on... is to be John.

John's a cool name. Afterall, my dad's brother - my uncle, is named John. And he's a great guy. Other than my dad, he's one of my favorite people I grew up playing catch with at family picnics. 

But he's not the John I'm talking about...

There's another dude named John. Check him out:

John announced: "Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I'm not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.I baptize you withs water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!" - Mark 1:7, 8

 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, `A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.' - John 1:29, 30

John wasn't a hero. He simply pointed people towards Jesus. That's the role I want to fulfill.

My kids don't need their father to be a hero. My kids need me to be John - in EVERYTHING I do.

I don't want my kids to stand up at my funeral and say, "My dad was my hero." If that's all they say, then I would have failed.

Instead, I want my kids to stand up and say, "My dad was my John." 

I'm sure that will get some "what?" looks!

Growing Up Too Fast

As I was heading to bed last night, I checked on these two one more time. Then it hit me... again. They are growing up. Carter is 5. Mo will be 3 in February. In the blink of an eye, these guys will be graduating high school. They will be moving out. My time to be able to hold them will be done. And I was reminded to

slow down,

give them experiences,

build memories,

and be a better daddy.

Because they will not always be this small. 

My Christmas Memories #2 - The sound heard around the Christmas tree farm

 
For years, my family has gone out to cut down our family Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. Some years it was cold. Some years it was warm. Some it snowed. Some it was muddy. Each year was different and fun. But one thing remained the same... each year me and my two brothers would pull off the pine cones and chuck them across the Christmas tree farm. And we did that until one fateful day - the day of the errant pine cone. You see, when we went to cut down our tree, other families were there as well. And this day, the day of the errant pine cone, we heard a sound after I threw my pine cone. Actually, we heard a couple of sounds.

First, I heard the sound of my pine cone hitting something. Next, I heard the sound of a large man yelling, "What the fu*%!" Next, I heard a small child start to cry. Finally, I heard the footsteps of the large man walking in my direction. They were so loud at the time that they sounded like Goliath coming to kill me.

As the large man came in our direction, he was carrying his little boy. Supposedly, my pine cone hit the boy in the face. I think, based on the sound the pine cone made, it hit the boy's large winter coat. It just didn't sound like it hit flesh. But I can't prove that now. What I do know, is that had to be one of the most embarrassing moments in my dad's life. We left that day without a tree. We eventually got one that year. That's how my parents roll. But we never again threw pine cones.

Now, years later, and I mean years later, we still go out and cut down our family Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. And each year, we say the same thing... "Remember when Todd hit that boy in the face with the pine cone?!" And then I say, "I still think it hit him in the coat."

My Christmas Memories: Number 1

In light of our family starting the Elf on the Shelf tradition at our home to give Carter and MoMo fun Christmas memories, I thought I would share some of my memories from Christmas past.

Candy canes were part of our Christmas Tree decorations growing up. Each year we would hang, not only our ornaments, but also a box or two of candy canes. Each year, I would grab some candy canes and hide them in the middle of the tree. It started out as me trying to hide them from my brothers so I could have more. Then as the years went by, it became more of a tradition. I loved pushing myself under the Christmas Tree, like a mechanic under his car, to try and find some of the best hid candy canes. Not one time did the tree fall down, although it would sway like the Sears Tower on a windy day! It was so cool... at least to me it was. And to this day, if I have the chance, I still hide at least one candy cane in our tree.

So, what are some of your Christmas memories?

We've Got A Date with an Elf Tonight!

 After reading Carlos Whittaker's post about this, I had to get one myself. I know it costs $30 bucks. But really, $30 bucks is cheap to make my kids' Christmas memorable. I want to give them experiences where they can look back and say, "Remember the stupid elf you said did recon of us and told Santa if we were naughty or nice..." I've got stories. And I want my kids to have them as well. So tonight, we start The Elf on the Shelf! I can't wait.

What are you doing to give your kids Christmas experiences?

The Christmas Gift That Could Kill Me

I'm in the middle of trying to figure out what to get Jami for Christmas. And she's no help! Me? I'm full of ideas. Jami? Not so much. Knowing that she loves perfume, I ran across this Pon Farr Star Trek perfume. Even though she's not a Trekkie, do you think I should get it for her? I'm guessing not. My guess would be that this gift could be worse than buying a new vacuum cleaner, thereby not help me in my efforts to live long and prosper.

So what are some good Christmas gifts that would not get me killed?
 

Falling Down and Squeezing It's Guts Out! Pumpkin Fun!

Here's the latest video of our yearly family pumpkin carving event. It's full of near blood and guts.

More Than Genes

When I was growing up, my mom and dad constantly reminded me that I was setting the stage for my brothers in school. They reminded me that as the oldest, the reputation I had in school would be renembered by my teachers and passed down to my brothers. Check this out:

"I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you." 2Timothy 1:5

So here's the question...

What are you leaving behind for your kids?

Do you want them to share the reputation you have in each area of your life?

Is your faith something you want to pass down to your kids?

If not, what needs to change?

Cause we give more to our kids than just genes!

Stoned - Pillars

 
I love pillars. That's one of the reason's I love going to Washington D.C. There's just something strong and beautiful about them. When you look at the Jefferson Memorial, you can't help but notice its pillars.

But Washington D.C. isn't the only place where you will find pillars. Check this out:

"I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of truth."

1 Timothy 3:14-15

There's deep meaing in the word, "Pillar."

Pillars are strong.

They stand for something.

Pillars are noticeable.

They stand out.

Pillars are beautiful.

They're majestic.

There's deep meaning in the word, "Pillar."

Paul, the writer of 1 Timothy, tells us that the church of the living God is a pillar of truth.

My question is...

What are you a pillar of?

At your job.

In your marriage.

In your relationships with your friends...

And kids.

We all stand for something. We are all noticed.

The question is...

What are you a pillar of?

Daddy... You Aways Work

There are times when my kids say something to me and I say "Awe..." and it melts my heart.

Other times they say something and I wonder where the heck they heard "that" from.

More times than not they say something completely hilarious.

And then, yesterday, Carter said something that broke my heart.

He said, "Daddy...

you

always

work."

At first, I got angry and became completely defensive. But as those words rattled inside my heart and head... "Daddy... you always work." my heart sank.

Jami said that he probably doesn't understand.

I think he does. It's truth to him. And if that's truth to him, I need to do everything I can - everything within my power to change it.

That means changing my schedule to be able to take him to school one day, and pick him up from school another. It also means getting away with just him by myself one to two times a month.

Small things. But things within my control.

As a parent, that's my job - to make changes in my life so I can be the best dad possible.

Because my baby boy below deserves it.

What Do Squirrels, Crying, Pancakes, Ants & Whales Have in Common?

They're all on my Father's Day card that Carter made for me last night in church. As you can see, I'm as strong as a SQUIRREL (teacher added "stronger" for my ego - thanks teach). I like to CRY. Carter likes when I make him and Morgan a PANCAKE with ANTS on it. And, if I was an animal, I'd be a WHALE.

Thanks Carter!

Love you too. :-)

Suck-cess

Success, I'm always attempting to put the the puzzle together - to find what it means to be successful. What does it look like to be a successful husband, father, friend, ministry partner, employee, follower of Jesus? 

There are times where success lines up and I know it.

Then there are times where it feels more like "Suck-cess".

"Suck-cess" is when you're running hard. You're working. You're putting in time and effort. And in the end, you feel more like you've failed then you've succeeded.

I've experienced this a lot in the areas above - especially in the areas as a husband, follower of Jesus and parent.

But, I've also experienced this a lot in student ministry. In fact, I'm feeling that way right now.

But I also know, that even though I'm feeling this way now, I need to push through - remaining confident in God's calling. Because, in the arena of student ministry, I may never know which kid will hear something I say, or remember something we do which changes their life. 

Working with students is tough. If you're in the "Suck-cess" period of ministry or life, push through. Don't give up. Stay with it and the puzzle that is success will work itself together.

Just remain faithful. 

Marriage Relationships: 50/50 Doesn't Work!

Craig Groeschel, pastor at LifeChurch.tv, said, "Marriage is not a 50/50 deal."

All of my life, I've heard the exact opposite. "Marriage is a 50/50 relationship." And on the surface it sounds good. And that's how I've viewed my own marriage relationship. It sounds like a great idea. I mow the yard while Jami cleans up the house. I do the dishes while Jami gives the kids a bath. I vacuum while Jami cleans the bathroom.

50/50

Sounds like a great plan - a great idea. Sounds like it creates a "team" relationship, a "team" environment.

But looking at my marriage as a 50/50 contract, is not God's idea of what a marriage is. Because marriage is not a contract between two people, it's a covenant. - Craig Groeshel

Contract = Two people signing a legally binding agreement so each other won't get screwed. - My definition.

Covenant = A binding agreement. A blood commitment. It's sacrificial.

So here's where I get into trouble - when I start looking at my marriage as a 50/50 contract as opposed to a covenant. It's the, "If I do this then what are you going to do mentality." I get one kid from the children's area at church while you get the other. It's 50/50. The way it's suppose to work.

The problem with this thought is that it doesn't work. Because when I do something and Jami doesn't do the other 50 %, I get pissed. And that's not God's idea of marriage.

We're getting ready to dive into a marriage series at Granger Community Church called, Sex for Sale. Jami and I have also committed to do the 30-day sex challenge. 

And I'm making one more commitment, to view my marriage in light of a covenant - to live out Ephesians 5v22 - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." To be the husband that protects and promotes an environment where Jami can be successful and loved. To be the husband that wants the best for Jami. To be the husband that gives myself up for Jami. Because that is what is required of me. And that is what I want to do.

Because I'm done with 50/50 thinking.

Happy Birthday Little Mo Mo!

Little Morgan Grace isn't all that little anymore. She's 2 years old today. Two years ago, Jami and I were like, "Shut up. We're having a girl!" I still can't believe we have a daughter. She brings so much life and joy to our home. Mo Mo is crazy cool and crazy cute, and insanely sensitive. I hope she never loses that sensitive spirit. 

This is a shot of her and a wet wipe. She loves her wipes. When she's got one, she's constantly wiping her face clean. She knows what they're used for - to make her clean, spotless. Little Mo, when you get a chance to read this, as you grow older, I want you to know that there's another who can make your life clean, spotless - whiter than the wipe you hold in your hand. His name is Jesus. I pray you hold him as tight as you hold on to your wipes.  

And Carter, at 4 years old, your little sister who is now 2, looks up to you more than you can know. I am so proud of how you love on her - of how concerned about her you are. You give so much so she can be happy - from letting her watch Dora before the Backyardigans, to sharing your toys. Carter, I hope you never lose your giving spirit. You have helped mold your sister into the little girl she is today.

So, happy birthday Morgan Grace from mommy, daddy and C-Dawg.

Dating Life Picking Up Steam

One of my regrets of 2008 is the lack of dating in my life. I can count on one, maybe two hands the amount of times I had date night with Jami... PATHETIC. And I'm sad to say that I just started going out on Daddy Dates with C-Dawg and Little Mo. But that's changing. 2009 is a new year. And I'm being intentional about getting my dating life back up. 

I love these guys. And I love dating each one of them... or when it comes to Carter, "hanging out." There, that's masculine enough. :-)

Drug Testing Your Kids At Home

 

I was driving to an appointment listening to a Chicago radio station when an advertisment for First Check Drug Tests began. The ad was selling the idea for the need for parents to randomly drug test their kids at home.

So that got me thinking, would I ever drug test my children, Carter & Morgan? I'm still undecided. What about you. Would you ever drug test your child at home? Why or why not.

It's Christmas Eve

I think this will be a new family tradition... making a Ginger bread house - even when they're 22 years old. Although I think they ate more candy then they put on the house!

Nine Freaking Years

 

Today marks our 9th wedding anniversary. I am so freaking excited.

  

And I can't think of a more appropriate photo to post than the one above with Morgan. Because here's the deal with Jami, it's probably the greatest thing I love about her yet - she is dedicated to walking through life connected to people. She's dedicated to walking through life helping others. She will lock hands and will hold people up. She is loyal. She is trustworthy. And she's a builder in the kingdom of God. I cannot think of another person I would want to walk hand in hand with through life. These last nine years have been great. I cannot wait to dream about the next nine years. I love you.

P.S. And Jami, I cannot agree more with your shirt in the photo above.  How about tonight! :)

Trains, subways, Cubbies & Carter

So this past Friday, me, my brother-in-law Matt and Carter took the day and went to hang out in Chicago.

Carter's first "Choo Choo" ride via the South Shore train system. He was none-stop talking the whole way up. I love watching him when he's that excited.

After arriving in Chicago, we took the subway to Chinatown. I've never been there and have always wanted to go. So we did. We walked one of the main streets where a funeral happened to be ending. I'm fairly certain it had to be a mafia funeral based on the "body guard" looking dudes standing outside the funeral home's doors. Plus, one of the "drivers" was not in a good mood and happened to be talking about how he was going to "hurt" someone. So, after kissing a few of their rings we let the processional pass by and headed back to the subway after spending 10 minutes on the streets in Chinatown. It just felt like the smart thing to do.

Next stop, Wrigleyville.

On the scoreboard, it says Baby Ruth. That's because there was a contest to have a chance to sing the Seventh Inning Stretch at a Cubs game. I was one of roughly 1100 people to try out. I thought I had a secret weapon, Mr. Baby Ruth himself, three year old Carter Ruth. However, after prepping him to sing with me, he was more fascinated with the microphone than singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame, leaving me to sing it by myself (those poor judges).

The Cubs actually used the Corporate Suites as mini studios to record each audition. They asked you why you should be chosen, then you went straight into singing. It was well organized. Minutes later, when we were sitting in Harry Caray's talking about the day, we begin to hear this soft rendition of Take Me Out to the Ballgame coming from a smiling Carter Ruth.

Carter's best impression of a mean looking, hard throwing relief pitcher.

After hanging around Wrigleyville for a while, we headed back downtown. The dude above is Ronnie Woo Woo. If I would have thought about it, I would have gotten video of him. If you're unfamiliar with him, he's kind of a legend and celebrity around Chicago. He was great with Carter and a genuinely nice guy.

This pose, located outside Ghirardelli Chocolate, earned Carter lots of "awe look at how cute he is" stares. Actually, a young foreign couple asked to take his picture. I tried to sneak in the shot, but they said, "No, just of the cute little boy." After the shot, the dude showed the picture to his girl, to which she said, "That's the best picture of the day."

Our second-to-last stop - P.F. Changs. I always love the looks we get when we take our kids into joints like these - the, "are-you-really-serious-you're-taking-him-in-here-i-hope-he's-good" kind of looks. And he was. Chopsticks can keep a three year old busy for days. Plus, he loves Changs food too. That's his "Changs Wave".

And our last stop of the evening...

If you like caramel corn, this is THE best you'll ever have. I cannot ever leave without a jumbo bag. Plus, I scored some points with Jami.

Needless to say, the 2.5 hour train ride back home featured a sleeping Carter.

Father's Day 2008

As I sit here, in front of the computer at 10:04:26, on Father's Day 2008, I can't help but to think about three fathers I know of - my dad, Jim Ruth, my father-in-law, David Ernsperger, and my grandfather, Bill Ruth. These are three guys who are leaving a legacy to follow. These are three guys who I look up to. Thank you for your example of what it means to be a father. You make me want to be better.

Happy Father's Day.

The Open Road Ahead

 In just a few short hours (about 9 p.m.), we'll be heading out for Myrtle Beach, SC for seven days... the Ruth's, McMullen's, Callender's and s.s.s.-seven kids. I can't wait. It's gonna be a blast... and I hear we've got CB radios too!

Lions. Tigers. And Bats... Oh Yuck!

Jami and I used the great weather today to take the kids to the South Bend Zoo. As we were walking through, it took me down memory lane, like:

I remember the zoo being so much bigger when I was a kid
Ooooo, that used to be the exhibit where the ostrich bit my thumb
Yeah, the bat exhibit still creeps me out and makes me sick to my stomach

And Jami's memory... the monkey who took a crap and threw it's feces at her.

Happy times!

It's a whole new year

 

I love the new year. It signifies fresh starts and new beginnings. With it, there's hope and ambition for the future. I don't make new year resolutions. Too much pressure to get more done. So I just don't make them. I do have some things I want to accomplish like working my way to colonel on Halo 3 for Xbox Live. Ok, so that's a lame goal, but it's what it is. I'd also like to be a more patient father and husband, live more passionately, read more books, and reach some urban inner-city students and families in Elkhart with the love of Jesus. Bottom line, it's a new year. I've got some things I want to see happen. It's a fresh start. A new beginning.

Happy New Year!

 

Top Christmas Gifts

This year, Jami and I let Carter pick out his own Christmas gifts he wanted to give to each one of us. The following are the best gifts we received this year:

Carter wanted to get Jami a camera for Christmas. This is the one he picked out. Why? Well, one reason can be found in the picture below:

Carter said Jami would like it because of the photos of the girls above that were on the box.

Now for my top two gifts:

That's right. A flashlight and a Christmas mug. He is so proud of the flashlight. After opening the flashlight, we then decided on what gift to open next by him shining the light on the present.

Not shown, is the ring Carter bought Jami from American Eagle. He wanted to buy her jewlery, and liked trying on the rings... so he said, "I want to get her a ring daddy." Ok. So we did.

Merry Christmas!

Underwear, Dirty Bathrooms & Shopping

Last night, I took Carter out to shop for Jami. This was his first trek out in just underwear - blue camoflouge underwear - which freaked me out. No diaper. No pull-up. Just underwear. But we conquered the fear of pee pants and left on our adventure.This was a let-Carter-pick-out-the-gift-for-mommy night. I didn't give any hints or suggestions. I thought he hit the jackpot with his first pick... a new hi-def flat screen tv. Unfortunately, Carter doesn't have the amount of dollars it takes to make that purchase. After an hour of shopping I asked Carter if he had to go pee. "Um, no." Are you sure? "Um, no." What!? Do you have to go pee? "Um, I think I feel like I have to go pee." So we hit the store's bathroom at the speed of light. I'm fairly certain we knocked over two old ladies with walkers on the way up. I Strip him down. Sit him on the toilet. He goes pee... a lot. He gets done and then says I have to flush with my foot because the bathrooms are dirty (thanks g-ma and g-pa Ruth). After laughing my butt off and flushing the toilet with our foot, we moved on. He eventually made two great picks - which will be revealed later. Just as important, he made it out in the real world in blue camoflouge underwear with no accidents.

Observation

Eyes tell everything. Or at least a lot. I'v been noticing a lot of different types of looks when people find out that Jami is gone for eight days. I love the looks I've gotten when I'm walked through the mall or taken them to a restaraunt. Some of the looks are "that's cool looks." The kind where they give us a cute smile. But I have to say, a lot of the looks and even responses are the type you might get when you tell people you've only got eight months to live... a mixture of sadness and pure horror. It's the "you poor thing you have to watch your two holy terrors for eight days while Jami is away, what are you going to do." It's a look and response that communicates a message where the person is almost questioning how I'm going to be able to handle it. Now, I could be wrong, but I don't think females get these kinds of looks as often as dudes do. One, it's not sad. I get to hang out with two of the coolest kids on the face of the planet. Two, I'm not flustered, scared or upset that it's two on one. Three, it's time for guys everywhere to step up to the plate and get involved in their children's life. I'm not perfect. And it's in these times where I learn just how much more I could be doing with my gangsters when Jami is here. So here's the revolutionary lesson... dudes, men, fathers... get involved... don't tune out. Our children's future depends on it.

Halloween Hotties

Calm before the storm.

I am monkey, hear me roar.

Is that a real cop, or is that a costume?

Time Out!

Did you get that banana from trick or treating?

The monkey and his lady... bug.

Hey! Come back with our candy.

Happy Halloween! 

Pumpkin Fun

Click on photo for close up of Morgan's face.