Father's Day

Gathering to honor fathers is seemingly low on the totem pole of our lives. I heard today on the radio that it falls short of Mother's Day, kids, and even pets in terms of amounts of money spent. So don't let this Father's Day fall short in your family. Whether you spend money or not, be sure to show your father or father figure how much he means to you!

yard work

Spending time working together in the yard is good for everyone in the family. Mom and dad get a little help and kids learn skills, that they are needed and a part of the family, and that one must work to get by in life. It can be a fun time too. Working together in the yard can provide nice outside time together with everyone in a win-win situation.

hiking

I have been taking my nephews hiking nearly every weekend for the past few months. We have gone to several different places. There have been easy walks to longer and harder jaunts. We have been to wooded areas as well as urban locales. Our favorites have been some paths through the woods in local parks. Last weekend we even went to the highest bridge in our area and "hiked" over it. These hikes have been good for our physical, mental and relational health.

family safety

Family safety is of vital importance to every family, especially as kids come along. I know our neighbors had a recent scare with an incident while they were not home. Fortunately another neighbor saw the incident and intervened. After this happened the neighbor whose home the incident took place had to have a family safety meeting to go over safety measures and to decide what Total Alarm Systems they were going to utilize at their house. Since then I have heard about the system they got and have seen the husband installing his new alarm system. I hope this will help keep the family safe for a long time.

current events

Families with children of any age can start talking about current events in age appropriate terms. It helps kids to learn what is going on in the world around them, it broadens their perspective, it even builds vocabulary. It helps mom and dad share and pass on family values. Talking about current events with kids can be a very important ideal done in a very casual way, which in turn makes it more likely that kids will be interested, listen and learn.

hiking

Family hikes together do not have to be some big expedition. My nephews and I have had a good time hiking each weekend at local parks and even a field out near our house. Some of our parks have trails which give it a feel of a "hike" more but even walking out in the field took a good long time. Just find somewhere to explore together and take a hike!

On the Sunny Side

The article written by Victor Flowers

Our weather over the last week has been positively dreadful! Although its winter and I fully expect that the sun won’t shine every day this time of year, a whole week of rain and no sunshine has been depressing. Thank goodness for Dish Network! At least I have something to keep me entertained on these days when it is too nasty to go outside or get in the car and go anywhere. Any time I want something to watch, all I have to do is check the channel guide and find something exciting. Lately I’ve been watching the travel channel. They’ve been running a series on exotic sunny locations and boy has it made my days! I figure if I can’t see the sunshine through my windows at least I can see it through my television. Yesterday’s episode was about Jamaica. What I wouldn’t give for a trip there this time of year. Gorgeous sandy beaches, warm blue water, and a full service resort at my disposal is just what this time of year ordered!