Entries Categorized as 'Family'

The Story of Us

Date June 1, 2010

A big thing in our house right now is the History Channel series America: The Story of Us. Our recent home-schooling experiences have taught us the value of history told in unique and creative ways. We keep recording these programs and getting sucked in by the “I-never-knew-that” factor upon which these types of series seem to [...]

Who Moved [edit] Ate My Cheese

Date May 29, 2010

In 1998, Dr. Spencer Johnson released a book about change and how we respond to it.  The book, Who Moved My Cheese, was an instant success. In 2010, Darlene Abbott discovered that someone had in fact moved her cheese. When she finally found it, she was reminded of the dramatic change that entered her life just [...]

Things are making sense . . .

Date April 29, 2010

This is the man who taught me to hunt and to fish. Things are beginning to make sense now.

You Mean Somebody Bought That?

Date April 13, 2010

Yard sales never cease to amaze me.  People really will buy anything.  And my wife will be happy to sell it to them.  Once, I saw her sell dirt.  Really.  This week, it was a used water bottle festively wrapped with a colorful scarf.  Look, 25 cents is 25 cents.  And somewhere tonight, there is [...]

Some Assembly Required

Date January 12, 2010

Recently, I was with a group of guys who were sharing some of their worst DIY disasters. As I  recounted my own misadventures, I tried hard not to sound too pathetic. But, honestly, getting stranded on one’s roof while seized by fits of acrophobic paralysis doesn’t necessarily get you any holes punched in your man [...]

Bob the Builder

Date November 2, 2009

Bob the Builder ain’t got nothing on this kid. Here’s Logan at his claymation best Saturday. NOTE: Not sure about the glasses. I think one of the girls snuck those in.

Steven Curtis Chapman Said to Tell Me “Hey!”

Date October 16, 2009

Just got a call from McKenzie. She’s currently in St. Paul, MN where she just met Steven Curtis Chapman. When she realized who he was, she promptly told him “my Dad loves your music.” You gotta love that! I wonder if perhaps he grimaced a little at the thought that he’s becoming one of those [...]

My Wife’s New Blog

Date October 3, 2009

My wife, Darlene, has a new blog.  It’s actually a precursor to a complete site for Darlene, but the blog already covers an array of topics from  Preschool and Children’s Music, to home schooling, coupons, family, and more.  For those of you who know and love my wife, you’ll appreciate the name . . . [...]

Getting Old

Date April 25, 2008

“Dad?” RileyGrace is sitting in the back of our Ford Windstar gazing out the window.   ”Yes, ma’am.”  “How many years is a person when they start to get old?”  I glance at her in the rear view mirror.  Her posture is perfect as she sits atop the last car seat she’ll ever need.  Her head [...]

Sisters for $400, Alex.

Date February 24, 2008

McKenzie (9) :  “Hey RileyGrace, I bet you don’t know the capital of Japan.” RileyGrace (6) : “Yes I do!” McKenzie: “OK, smartie pants.  What is it?” RileyGrace: “J.” For more profound statements from RileyGrace, read this and this.  For those of you who are too embarassed to ask, the capital of Japan is in [...]