Technology Loving Parents

Thanks for the article from Laura Ryan

I think I have the coolest parents. When I was a kid, that statement would have been difficult to make. No one thinks they have cool parents. However, now that I am grown up I realize how cool my parents were and are. They were one of the first people to own a computer. When I was little, I didn’t even know how cool that was. They were also one of the first people to get DIRECT TV. And to top it off, they were also the first to get a cell phone. Looking back it is amazing how quickly my parents accepted technology. They were able to see what items would be fads and which items were here to stay. To this day, they are still trying new things and having the coolest gadgets. Most parents go to their kids for advice on computers and such, but I go to my parents. I look back on my childhood and realize I was a lucky kid to have had some of the coolest parents around and I still am.

debrief and reminisce

Our family has always had a tradition of debriefing and reminiscing events. And large historic events are especially good times to debrief and reminisce. I posted this idea on another blog but it fits well with family night activities:


As today is an important day for Americans to remember those who have fallen in recent history, it is important to teach the younger generation why it's important to remember. Sometimes history seems like such a dull thing of the past to kids. Teaching them now about an historic event that we and many of them have lived through puts the human touch, emotion, and passion into history. It is important to impart not only information but values and lessons learned from such historic events. Today is a great day to remember why it's so important to remember and share such events.

imparting values through current events

While watching a talk show today, it was mentioned about an upcoming reality show casting a controversial figure. The points were brought out about just not watching the show, or watching the show and not mentioning it to kids or watching the show and discussing it with your kids. I happen to agree with all three and it depends on the age of your kids. I think however if you do decide to watch, it will likely have to be mentioned because my guess is that the controversy will be brought up during the show itself, leaving it unwise not to mention it or talk about it with your kids.

If you do decide to watch, it makes for good family time, both while viewing but also setting your family up for discussions later after the show and possibly more discussions later on as well. Isn't this what we want with our kids, to be able to impart our values to them? What better way to do that than to use real life current situations and have meaningful conversations with our kids about it.

It seems that kids of all ages love to cook. Cooking up a batch of some fun foods is a great way to spend family time together. Making fun foods to enjoy together always brings happy memories. Try making cookies (slice and bake is fine!), cakes, ice cream or popcorn (on the stove!) Then enjoy the treats during a game or movie.

Also cooking healthy meals together makes it more likely that the kids will want to try all the good healthy foods they have helped prepare. Cooking is always an educational experience including math skills, reading skills and science skills. But best of all, is the bonds formed in the kitchen.

kids room remodeling

With older kids who want to have a say in how their rooms look, or are even asking to remodel their rooms, getting them in on the action and work can be some good family time. Kids love to plan, decorate and see their ideas put into effect.

My daughter is having some grand ideas about a lot of house remodeling (she is signed up for an interior design class so this is practical hands-on experience for her!) including plans for her and her brother's rooms. When looking for the perfect decor for kids and teens rooms, I came across some great ideas. I have long been a fan of kids loft beds because of the room they provide for other great kids furniture like a mirrored console, desk or couch. For those kids who adore every style and color of foot wear, a shoe storage bench could be the ideal piece of furniture.

Whatever plans kids have for designing their rooms, be sure to include them. It could likely make for some fun family memories!

art museum

As the kids get older, it is harder and harder to find affordable things that we can all agree on for family activities. One thing I have in mind to do this summer is to take my son and his girlfriend to a free art museum. I have been there a couple of years ago and found it to be small enough to enjoy with lots of diverse exhibits. I am hoping it will be a great family outing for a family with older children.

movie night

With teenagers in the house, nearly every family night consists of movie night. It's just something we can all agree on! I guess that guest blogger Antone Medina might have the same idea. Here is what Antone has to say about movie watching:

Cinamatic Legends in the Making

Thanks for the article from Antone Medina

The recent purchase from a local www.tvbydirect.com provider has enabled the viewing of many favorite movies, both classic and newer releases. Being partial to the talents of Brad Pitt , finding many of his starring roles at the press of a button is sheer delight.

Mr. Pitt has the ability to become one with his character is nothing less than phenomenal, while in the same instance retaining his unique methodology that reaches through the silver screen.

One particular favorite is the role Mr. Pitt portrays in a story of three brothers and the woman that became a part of their lives. Taking place during the early 1900's the brothers Tristan, Samuel, and Alfred Ludlow faced the issues of combating nature, war, and the rivalries of family. Susannah Fincannon, the lovely woman who was betrothed to the younger brother Samuel, became a central character during the film.

Although Mr. Pitt's resume of film credits is lengthy, the film described above has been viewed numerous times, and with each moment spent in the company of the Ludlow family causes a bitter-sweet emotion.