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Simple Gift Giving This Year

October 22, 2014 by

With Christmas coming up in just 2 months the kids and I have been chatting about what they think they want and would be asking for. Recently on night sitting at the dinner table I asked that question and it took them way too long to answer. That means one thing, they have too much already.

We spoil our kids. They truly want for nothing with a house full of 4 gaming systems, 3 handheld gaming systems, 4 tablets, 3 laptops, a desktop, 4 smart phones, a flat screen tv & Blu-Ray player in every room and so much more.  This doesn’t include the random toys and games,  hundreds of DVDs and BluRays  as well as the vacations, trips and events we attend on any given weekend.Kids and Technology

We did this. We created these little monsters who can’t even think of another gift they would like. We provided not just necessities and essentials but all the fun they could imagine and even what they didn’t know was out there.

I’m flipping around our Christmas giving this year. There’s no way I’m spending my time and money on things that aren’t appreciated, needed or even wanted.

This year we’re doing things differently. The kids are going to have to choose 4 things

Four Gifts for Christmas

This makes the kids really take a look around and see everything they have and take stock of everything they are provided. I can’t control what others will shop for but in our household the holidays are going to mean more than just a pile of gifts under the tree.

I was going to add another something to the list but I’m thinking we can do that differently. Something to Give is now going to be a family charity activity. Maybe we’ll volunteer at a shelter, collect food for the hungry, paint a room at a community center or clean a playground. Doing this as a family will definitely have a bigger impact than just purchasing a pair of shoes and dropping them in a collection box.

What are your holiday gift giving traditions?

image courtesy via Pixabay



Trying To Start A Family Tradition

March 11, 2011 by

Melinda and I have talked many times about trying to start some kind of tradition that the kids will remember when they become adults.

For me as a kid I can remember the whole family going to Taco Bell every Friday night. For Melinda is was her Pop Pop coming over every weekend to work on the house and bringing over a box of Dunkin Donuts.

So our tradition might be going to Cici’s Pizza every week or so.  They have pretty good pizza and pasta and an arcade that Shaun and Shae loved.  We do pizza at home every Friday which is a tradition but we are trying to start one outside of the house.  The kids tend to act like fools any time we go out to eat so Melinda and I were hesitant on going last night but all in all they were really good.  Shaun complained a little about wanting to play more games but that was all.  Next time I will be sure to bring some more cash so the kids can play a few more games.

Does your family have any weekly, bi weekly or monthly traditions?








I Disclose




Enter To Win A Trip To New Orleans To Play Some Football

November 27, 2010 by

Thanksgiving was this past Thursday which to my family means turkey, football and relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.  Most people even if not a fan of football tend to watch on Thanksgiving.  There is nothing better than building memories around football, family and food.

My favorite team is the Tennessee Titans and I remember a few years back my family and I got the opportunity to watch them beat up on the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day.  I already enjoy Thanksgiving but being able to watch my favorite team made it that much better.

Clorox is also a fan of football and is running a contest where you and nine of your friends and family  can win a trip to New Orleans to play in the first ever Clorox Toilet Bowl with ESPN analyst and former professional player , Jesse Palmer, as your quarterback.

Here is what you need to do for your chance to win:

  1. Tell us in 100 words or less why your team should play in the Clorox Toilet Bowl.
  2. Upload a photo.
  3. Pick a mascot.
  4. Choose your colors.
  5. Rally your fans.

On December 3, 2010, eight semi-finalists will be announced and community voting will begin.

One vote per person per day is allowed through December 11, 2010, when two finalists and their teams of nine of their choice will advance to play in the January 13, 2011 Clorox Toilet Bowl in New Orleans.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Dad Central Consulting on behalf of Clorox and received a gift code, toilet wand and football to thank me for taking the time to participate.