In only a few short weeks I will experience the joy that only comes around once a year. It’s better than Christmas and more relaxing than Labor Day. The day I speak of is the day my kids go back to school. In less than a week, I will no longer have to drive anybody…. read more

August 11, 2011 by Paul Goebel in Parenting

My Great Niece turned 1 this month so I traveled to the local toy store to pick out a toy “appropriate” for her age. I learned two things during my travels to the store. First, I am so thankful that I am not the parent of a 1 year old and second, the toy selection…. read more

August 2, 2011 by Susan Lane in Parenting

An informal survey of seven families with school age children revealed the following results. All 7 families allowed their children to eat “bars” (a category we defined to include “milk and cereal bars”, “granola bars”, and “health/diet/protein bars”). Only 2 of the families gave their children health/diet/protein bars. The reasons both families gave was that…. read more

August 1, 2011 by Staff in Parenting

It’s almost time for the annual family camping trip where we head north to a lake just west of Yosemite California.  The 10 hour drive is well worth it.  The area is so remote that cell phone coverage is next to impossible – even the satellite radio cuts in and out.  We literally spend an…. read more

July 28, 2011 by Susan Lane in Parenting

Wait a minute. This Harry Potter movie is going to be the last one? Why didn’t somebody say anything? I need to hurry and make plans to NOT go see this movie just like I did the other Harry Potter films. While I’m at it, I should find some time in my schedule to NOT…. read more

July 28, 2011 by Paul Goebel in Other Stuff, Parenting

An informal survey of twelve families with school age children revealed the following results. 9 of the 12 families said they planned to assist their children with the acquisition of their first car. Of those 9, 4 expected to pass on or sell to their child a vehicle the familiy currently owned. 3 planned to…. read more

July 25, 2011 by Staff in Parenting

One of the favorite shows of my kids is Tru TV’s World’s Worst. In case you haven’t seen it, it’s a clip show where low level celebrities make “funny” comments. I’ve watched it with them once or twice and that was all I needed. The most interesting part of the show is the collection of…. read more

July 21, 2011 by Paul Goebel in Other Stuff, Parenting

A couple weeks ago ABC premiered a new reality/competition show called Expedition Impossible. Basically, it’s ABC’s version of The Amazing Race with a few changes. The biggest change is the grand prize. The first place team of three people wins $150,000 and they each get a new car. Read that again. To put things in…. read more

July 14, 2011 by Paul Goebel in Other Stuff, Parenting

An informal survey of thirteen families revealed the following data about how families shop for school supplies for the coming year. 4 of the 13 families are done with their back to school shopping 6 of the 13 famlies have begun shopping but are not finished yet 3 of the 13 famlies have not begun…. read more

July 11, 2011 by Staff in Education, Parenting

My kids are wise beyond their years in so many ways. At 5 and 8, they view the world with wonder and creativity. They seem to want the most fantastic explanations to be the true ones, and as such it should have come as no surprise when my kids yelled out “Dad, you’re killing those…. read more

July 8, 2011 by Parent X in Parenting