Think Before You Buy

Guest post from Kimmelin Hull
I’ve seen it before.  I may have even posted on it before.  But, this holiday season, as we don our credit cards and check books and head out for some furious shopping, I urge you to think seriously about what you buy–and give–for Christmas.
Please take the time (fifteen minutes out of [...]

Chinese Symbol for Dad

Did you know there is a defined Chinese character for Dad?  If anyone knows how to explain the elements of the symbol, please share the link or post a brief explanation for us all.  I would love to know.

Paternity Leave Visionaries

It’s really rare to find companies in the United States that offer paternity leave.  I am not talking about the legal requirements around The Family & Medical Leave Act but actual paid paternity leave.
I am not really sure why the pick up has been so slow? Increasingly, both parents are working so I would have [...]

Have We Gone Mad – Kid Treadmills?

I don’t rant often but this is totally out of control:

Yep.  What you see is a miniature, child version of a treadmill.  My 2 year old son jumped on one in the mall last week and I just cringed.  It just seems so wrong at so many levels.
Kids are supposed to be running around (outside [...]

What Will Our World Look Like in 2025?

NPR’s Morning Edition recently predicted our future world in an audiocast called “Analysts: By 2025, U.S. Won’t Be Top World Power.” (4min 20 seconds podcast)
What the analysts “predict” is really the continuation of the trends that are already underway.  I wasn’t really surprised by the predictions.  If any of you have ready Thomas Friedman’s The [...]

Book Worm Angels

Kermit Myers is a hero.  Not the Marvel Comics kind, just the ordinary, everyday kind.  Let me explain.
The Wall Street Journal ran a series of articles in the weekend edition around “Solving the Caregiving Puzzle.”  Basically, the section was dedicated to retirement and how communities across the country are changing the way they will care [...]

The Hiccupotamus

I have another favorite kids book to pass along to you.  Llama Llama Red Pajamas was a big hit with my kids and now The Hiccupotamus by Aaron Zenz is my youngest one’s favorite.
Not only are the illustrations absolutely fantastic, but the book is very easy and quick to read for really young kids with [...]

Fun Game For You and Your Spouse

Guys – Looking for a change of pace tonight?  Try this game out.  I have no idea what to call it because I made it up yesterday.  It takes 5 minutes to prep.
Kimmelin  and I tried it out last night and had a blast.

Create 10-20 short one liners that the other person needs to do [...]

Two Easy Ways To Save Your Family Money

My wife and I figured out two very easy ways to save our family about $650 – $700 a year.  Any family with kids can appreciate that type of savings!
Step 1: Buy compact florescence light bulbs and swap out all the lights in your house.  Our investment was $200 early last year.  We save about [...]

What Do You Wear To Work?

My kids know if it is a work day by what I have on when they roll out of bed.  It used to be a button down shirt and nice dress shoes.
Over the last nine months, I started commuting to work via my bicycle.  Now, when I have any of my cycling gear on, my [...]