Cheeky Giveaway: ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS toys and games by Hasbro! #MayThe4thBeWithYou

   Who remembers their first Star Wars moment? I recall certain memories. There was the newspaper article when Return of the Jedi had people camping out for the theatrical release. I remember my dad's incredibly bad pirated copy of the same film. Along with some of the obvious toys, like the Tie-Fighter, Ewok village, etc., there were the trading cards that didn't survive in our home all that long.

   Speaking of Star Wars swag,...anyone here play Angry Birds? The good folks at Hasbro have asked a select few Jedi,...I mean dads, to help hand out some great new toys from the Angry Birds Star Wars line to ring in Star Wars Day (May the 4th). Follow it all on Twitter at #MayThe4thBeWithYou. Enter below and one lucky Padawon,....I mean reader, will receive at random, either the ANGRY BIRDS™ STAR WARS® AT-AT™ ATTACK BATTLE GAME or ANGRY BIRDS™ STAR WARS® MILLENNIUM FALCON™ BOUNCE GAME. Here are the details about each awesome game, along with the new FOAM FLYERS below!

ANGRY BIRDSTM STAR WARS® AT-ATTM ATTACK BATTLE GAME
(Approximate retail price: $39.99; Ages: 5 & up. Available: Now) 
Stack, launch, and destroy with the AT-AT ATTACK BATTLE GAME, which includes 21 blocks to create the signature AT-AT, a LIGHTSABER LAUNCHER and 12 ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS figures — including two that are exclusive to this set! Players can also unlock ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS in-app content with a special code in each pack.


ANGRY BIRDSTM STAR WARS® MILLENNIUM FALCONTM BOUNCE GAME (Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages: 8 & up; Players: 1-2; Available: Now) 
Bounce into action with the new ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS MILLENNIUM FALCON BOUNCE GAME. Bounce three balls at the MILLENNIUM FALCON to knock down as many enemy pigs as possible, and land in the cockpit to score big! Players can also unlock ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS in-app content with a special code in each pack.


ANGRY BIRDSTM STAR WARS® FOAM FLYERS
(Approximate retail price: $9.99; Ages: 5 & up. Available: Now)
Toss around these 3.5-inch soft foam, iconic characters for a new way to play ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS! Available in LUKE SKYWALKER, CHEWBACCA, DARTH VADER and STORMTROOPER. Each sold separately.

HOW TO ENTER

Follow the prompts in the Rafflecopter Widget below. START by leaving a comment with including your favorite Star Wars character (I'll be checking, so do not think you can fool the Jedi Master). Follow instructions for additional entries....and may the fourth be with you. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Details: Promotion open to U.S. residents ages 18+, void where prohibited. Winner will be chosen at random on, about, or after May 3, 2013, and will be notified via email to obtain their shipping address. If no response within 24 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen. Shipping address must be a street address - no P.O. Boxes. Prize provided by Hasbro Gaming and delivered by Hunter PR. Not responsible for lost or misdirected mail. Many will enter, One will win. 

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Hasbro, practically another member of the Cheeky family with how long they've been in our home. All opinions are that of The Cheeky Daddy, Jason Swann. 

Making New Neighborhood Friends

 

 

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

   We're out front a lot, doing all the things that go with it. The kids play, ride, dig, and so on, while I work on stuff in the garage. It's really only been in the last two or so years, as the previous two places we lived have been at the bottom of a hill the made it feel like we lived along the Indy 500. Thus we've been very grateful to not only have a wonderful street that we live on now, but we also have a lot of children in the neighborhood that come out to play also.
   So the story goes that I'm in the garage doing stuff, ...manly stuff, like hammering and cutting wood, etc. I hear the typical yelling and screaming that accompanies child play, and think nothing of it. Then my ear picks up what sounds like our little group shouting to another. I wander out and my 'Lil Miss is shouting across the street to no one, "You with the swing set! Hello!!!" I smile and dismiss it, as I've heard children playing in that backyard before. We've even waved at them when they're up in the clubhouse looking over the fence. After going about my "manly" garage business, my interest in the result the shouting makes me wander back out. I see what is in the above photo taking place.
   At first I want to bark, like an old man, to get down. Then I remember what The Wife has reminded me lately. That I was young once too, and used to climb WAY more than a simple fence and small tree (that's the confession post that will never be written). It was adorable to see our little crew meeting a new one. They said hi, made introductions, and then the new friends were up the tree and back over the fence. I then encouraged my 'Lil Miss to come on down so there were no injuries. She had a smile and skip to her step as she and her brother and friend ran off. You could see the excitement of a new friend and that fact that they were boys that were,...well...nice.
   It took me back to my childhood, when making friends was easy. There was less about specific interest and even less opinions that were already formed. There was just the desire to play, have fun, and dream up the next adventure. I think that's half the reason we get out as much as we can. The playing with and making of new friends. I'm seeing my little ones learning the essentials of social life. They're learning to take turns, share, get up after falling down, and so on. They're recently taken up hunting for caterpillars and butterflies in the past week or so. It's fun to watch and fun to remember. Do you have any fun neighborhood stories?

J.

My Child Just Used The Word Popular

"Avoid popularity if you would have peace." - Abraham Lincoln

   In the last 24 hours, both The Wife and I have heard our 'Lil Miss use the word "popular" for the first time. We know that she's 7, and innocence cannot last forever, but this felt like the first step in that direction. I'm aware that this is the tip of the giant iceberg of lost innocence. I thought it relevant to discuss this one specifically. 

   Until now, my 'Lil Miss has been quite happy with playing with whomever was interested in joining her. In the neighborhood and the park, it never mattered if you were a boy or girl, black or white, tall or short, or so on. Play was play, for playing sake. I only really saw a problem after her play friends had to leave or go back inside for dinner. It's an innocence to the parts of society that The Wife and I hoped would last forever, but could never do so. We all face the social aspect of our society, and we all grow up through those experiences. Is it bad that I have anxiety about my children facing it?
   My 'Lil Miss, who's only worry has been "Will there be someone to play with?", is now worrying if she's popular enough to be played with. The Wife took her to school a few days back and said go play with so-n-so on the playground. 'Lil Miss replied with a slightly sad voice, "She usually already has someone to play with because she's so popular." This is NOT a phrase I wanted to hear this early. It feels like we've come so far with how we treat each other as people, yet have so far to go. There's so much that is out of our control as parents. I can teach my child to include others, share, be nice, and so on. Yet I send her to school and she comes home with new phrases, tattling, back talk, and so forth. It's enough to want to home school.
   Yet, it's a rite of passage. The only way to build callouses is to go through the initial hard work discomfort and pain. It's just that sometimes I'm not a fan of the result of this process. I've known a few individuals that are not as pleasant to be around as adults compared to how they were as youth. The world is a difficult place to live. I don't want to overprotect, as that would not prepare my children for life. I also don't want them to be overexposed, as that can harden a person to the point of cynicism and such. We as parents in our home try to keep communication lines open, and stay involved with the lives of our little ones. It's all I can do for now.
   What are your thoughts about the bridges our children cross? How do you deal with it?

J. 

Self Improvement

(The Cheeky Daddy in Heartbeat Magazine)

“Make the most of yourself....for that is all there is of you.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

   I recently had a story published in the Heartbeat Connection Magazine, an eMagazine started by Nicole Flothe that highlights lifestyle and art. I met Nicole through the Internet and have enjoyed what she's done with HeartBeatMag.com. The story I submitted was about my first art professor, who happened to be my final art professor at graduation. Somewhere in the middle of my degree, he'd grimaced at a piece I'd finished and asked, "When are you going to get pissed off enough to just get better?" 

   Ouch, right? No doubt. The pain didn't last, though. Long before that, my father had taught me to accept constructive criticism as best I could in order to get better in art and other areas in life as well. Though my father's had a hard time following his own advice, it was good advice. Since my professor's comment back in '03, my wounds have healed and his words have given me a boost in several areas of life. As I think about all the different methods to improve one's self, it all starts with the desire to make change. Some people can set a goal and start after it with ease. Others will make a goal, just to watch is wither on the vine. I'm somewhere in between.

   While I want to make myself a better father, husband, and guy, sometimes it can be easier to just plop down on the couch and flip channels. I've gotten better with time (yes,...I'm like a fine wine). These days I can set a goal and incrementally head in that direction. That takes a decision to head in that direction though, and after a day or evening with three kids, it can be tough. While not at every turn, I do reflect on my old professor's words from time to time.  A project or life goal will take root in my head and I might kick the can down the road a bit. I'll hear, "When are you going to get pissed off enough to just get better?", and find myself on the road to self improvement. Since I'm there, care to join me?

(don't I just LOOK goal oriented?)

Don't forget to check out the full story at Heartbeat Connection Magazine, and the Heartbeat blog.  

J.

Favorite Disneyland Rides

(photo courtesy of Daveland)

"You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway." - Walt Disney

   The kids were watching Disney's "Alice In Wonderland" and my 'Lil Miss mentioned how much she liked the ride at Disneyland. Now, I know that the price of admission to one of these themed parks has become a decision between your children's college education and a family trip, but this is a post about the rides we loved. We'll do a Disneyland cost/fun analysis another time.

   I first went to Disneyland when I was around 8. That was somewhere in the neighborhood of 1983. I don't remember the lines being bad, so either they weren't as bad, or it was just too darned magical to care. I got my first couple of pins, was blown away by Peter Pan's Flight, and remember seeing my first lesbian couple kiss (older couple, weirded me out). It truly was a magical time. Our family hit Disneyworld once a few years after, but that was headed into my parents divorce, so not as good of a time.

   Since then, The Wife and I were married and headed to the Magic Kingdom with siblings, nieces and nephews. We were the catch all for helping out, making things that much more fun, and having a blast ourselves. As our family started and grew, we shared the magic with our little ones. Our favorite rides changed with the times. They were the fast Space Mountain and California Screamin'. These days it's more Casey Jr. and It's A Small World. My favorite will always be Peter Pan's Ride. There are some GREAT pics of the ride on Daveland's blog. The kid's favorites vary from each trip, and when you ask them.

(me and dad, Great America in CA, 1983)

 





   We all crave the thrill of the ride. Whether you're a speed demon, or look for a 3-5 minute escape from reality, theme park rides have always delivered. My favorites have always been at Disneyland, but I'm wondering what favorites you might have. Drop a comment and let me know, what's your favorite theme park ride?

 

J. 

3 Ways To Convert Thought To Action

 

"If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you'll never get it done." - Bruce Lee

 

   We all have a time in the day that is our "thinking" time. Driving, the shower, after the kids are in bed, etc. It's a time that we catalog thoughts and work through problems, situations, decisions and so on. Mine happens to be the 3-5 times a week that I commute for work. Whether it's to or from, I quite often find myself lost in thought about a number of things. I also quite often find myself missing interchanges or turn offs while lost in thought, but that's just operator error.

 

   One of the topics that comes up quite often is my flock. The time on the road gives me opportunity to reflect on my family. I work the children's dynamic as siblings, our level of discipline, the friends they are making, etc. If I'm on a long haul, there is so much contemplation around my children that I feel like I should take notes. I sometimes get the opportunity to call The Wife while in transit, so that we might discuss those thoughts in real time.  One of my biggest challenges is how to convert thought to action. It's great to ponder how I could have done better the night before. It's another to actually change my behavior when I see my family next.

 

   So here are my 3 ways to convert thought to action:

 

1. Ask yourself if you want to change. I know talking to yourself sound cuckoo, but we all do it, where you admit it or not. Consider, truthfully, if you want to actually make the changes that you are contemplating about during your "thought" time.

2. Tell someone else. If it's a spouse, significant other, trusted friend, and so on, you should consider telling someone else. They can be a sounding board to work things through. They can also be a good reminder that will hold you to your commitment to enact change.

3. Hold yourself accountable. I've seen to many cases where shoulders are shrugged and a goal is shelved to collect dust. You are the end of the line when it comes to making thought a reality. If we can't make changes ourselves, there is no one that will do if for us.

 

   I'm actively working on a better relationship with my children. As my 'Lil Miss is on the doorstep of becoming a young woman, I'm trying to lay the groundwork now for open communication. With my 'Lil Man being a mere 3 years old, I'm trying to get good communication started, period. I challenge you to consider the above. Find a way to convert thought to action, however that works for you.

 

I leave you with a tune by Flight of the Conchords, Issues (Think About It)



  

 

J. 

Shopping With Wee Lass - Video

The family headed out to do some shopping, Wee Lass in tow,
and I spent my time on this video while The Wife did most of the work.
I hope you get a kick out of it. (Length - 1:23)

J. 

Redbox Etiquette

"Patience is the art of concealing your impatience." - Guy Kawasaki 

    A buddy of mine recommended sharing my thoughts on Redbox etiquette. Redbox, for those who may not know, is a kiosk that is placed near high traffic storefronts that offer current movie and game titles for around $1-2. As on-demand services took over, like Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, etc., we all saw the extinction of our movie rental hubs like Blockbuster and Hollywood video. One service that rose to the top like the original Start Wars movie poster, was Redbox.

   As first, the service was new, exciting, and cheap. Soon, as word got out, you'd find you favorite film was out of stock and you'd have to either try another day or go on a Zelda-like quest around town looking for a kiosk that had it. As the product and service evolved, we were introduced to movie reservations online. The Wife and I try to stay on top of the best way to not be met with frustration. Disneyland's FASTPASS is similar in bypassing long waits. So that's what we've been doing as of late with Redbox.

   However, the one thing that does NOT seem to end, is the wait for people who do not know about any of these time saving methods. With a Friday evening line that rivals Disneyland's Peter Pan, they offending patron will stand there and read every movie's synopsis, before reviewing the movies they MIGHT be interested in, and then finally narrowing it down to the ones they ARE interested in, and then discuss it at length with anyone accompanying them, before FINALLY checking out for the first time,.....EVER, which will take another five minutes.

   I do not profess to believe my opinions should be law, but it seems fair to say in this movie rental model, that if there is ANYONE behind you, performing the actions stated in the previous paragraph should be suspended and one should make a damn decision. It's inevitable that once I'm finally allowed to swipe my card and pick up a reserved movie, I STILL have people tapping their feet behind me. Yes, I know you're next,....I had to wait for that person too! It's about thinking of others. I try to be considerate of how long I'm taking, and will only browse when I see the kiosk has no one at the screen. It may never change, despite all the thousands of sighs and feet tapping going on. As it's said patience is a virtue.

J. 

Finding The Energy For Parents

"Babies don't need a vacation, but I still see them at the beach... it pisses me off! I'll go over to a little baby and say 'What are you doing here? You haven't worked a day in your life!" - Steven Wright

   I had a conversation with a fellow dad, and the topic of our energy levels as parents came up. While it was said the you gain so much as a mother or father, energy is NOT one of them. Heck, I'm crafting this thoughtful post on less than 5 hours of sleep from last night's CryFest 2013. TWO of my three kids up into the wee hours my good people! I was trying not to nod off on the long drive home from work. I feel like a Nintendo character, who's energy level is flashing in the red. I know we've ALL felt like this. Even my sister-in-law, who I thought was just one big ball of energy, has said it ain't so. It appears that finding the energy for parents is as mythical as the elusive unicorn or snipe. So in the great hunt for the fountain of youth, or in this case, energy that pales in comparison to the youth of America, what might we do to fix that and put more zip on our step?

Here are 5 suggestions: 

1. Sleep. Try to fit it in where you can, when you can. I'm now finding myself taking cat naps (I've always hated the term "power nap", as I do not wake up feeling like Captain America). I've even taken part of my lunch break at work to get refreshed. You may have to get creative and try something new, but it can be done. 

2. Eat better. The type of food you eat matters. The old "you are what you eat" rings true when I've had too much processed or fast food. We've been cooking at home a lot more for the past while, and we notice a difference in the way we feel. We DO need a break from that, as requested by the cook (a.k.a. The Wife) and we'll do something fast and cheap once or twice a week. 

3. Don't be the white rabbit. Managing time and effort on projects, errands, and other tasks will help. If you're all over the place without a plan, you'll burn through your daily energy allowance to quickly.

4. Do stuff for YOU. Our first several years as parents were an all inclusive focus on the kid. After our 'Lil Man came along, we realized we had nothing we were doing for ourselves. Now that Wee Lass is here, we make time for ourselves each day. Whether it be 10-15 minutes or more, we've both found that if we give ourselves time for a hobby or passion, we're more energized to do the ma & pa thing. 

5. Learn to let go. I've been called "high strung" for sometime now. Every battle was a war that had to be won. The Wife has mastered letting go recently and I'm working on it. If you realize you have young children, you might not worry so much about your house looking like a museum. Or you may not worry about EVERY scrap of food being cleared from the little one's plates. I once heard a saying that I use in jest. "Close enough for government work." 

   I've read a couple of lists that mimic what I think are the important ones. One just needs to take a look at their situation and make some minor changes to start. If they work, keep going. If not, go slower. We've been making some progress at The Cheeky House, so I'm living proof some of this stuff can work. Now if I can just feel like Captain America after my next nap!

J. 

Sisters - Creating The Bond

"Sister to sister we will always be, A couple of nuts off the family tree." - Author Unknown

   I had three brothers, so the idea of bonding usually entailed some sort of beat down, criminal activity, or other hazing event. I mean, when my youngest brother was born, we were all excited to see how durable he was. By the time my father remarried and had a little girl, the four boys were all married with little ones of our own. We've always been more like uncles that visit once in a while. So having a sister is about as foreign to me as changing a diaper (JUST kidding people,...I've done plenty!). 

   So it's been fun to watch the beginnings of our little gals, yes sisters, creating the bond. Our Wee Lass is quite pleasant most of the time for an infant. Combine that with our 'Lil Miss who loves to be in control, and you get the perfect scenario. They entertain each other throughout the day, or at least once 'Lil Miss is home from school and weekends. The older loves to hold the baby, though she's still a little wobbly doing it. The youngest loves to grab a fistful of big "sissy's" hair and try to ring the bells of Notre Dame. It's a symbiotic relationship. 

   I watch The Wife and her sisters when they get together. I was warned about the way they go a little mental after midnight, and I've certainly been witness to THAT! I sit by and watch the insanity unfold. Aside from the Gremlin effect, it's fun to watch something I never witnesses growing up. The bond that they share has been strengthened over a lifetime, through hardships and successes. I've seen and heard the way their parents nurtured that and hope I can reproduce it in some way. They love to see each other, long for the next trip, share stories, tips on parenting, and a pile more. I see the beginnings of it in my own, and am excited for the fun to come. I just need to remember not to feed them after midnight!

J.