The first family games date back to Egypt in 3100 BC. That's right, BC "Before Christ". It was the game of Senet that set the stage for board games. Today stores are filled with an overwhelming display of games. Let me save you some time and money, the best place to...

My mental wellness plan started early in my years. I learned at a young age how to develop a relationship with nature. It’s not until later in life I realized how important that relationship was going to be. I’m sure you’re thinking ‘relationship with nature?...

Are you looking to have an awesome Christmas this year? A Christmas that will have meaning? I know I am. This past month I researched Christmas, that’s kind of funny to say. But I sought out answers to this holiday. After I put some of these pieces together, I was...

Have you caught yourself saying, “Oh, someone else will do it.”? We all know volunteering is essential for our charities, religious organizations, pancake breakfasts, environmental cleanups, and schools to name a few. And we all know we SHOULD volunteer for something,...

Okay, so right now on Netflix, my family and I are watching the remake of the 1965 TV series “Lost in Space”. It’s about the Robinson family who goes on a space adventure to find a better planet to live on…earth is dying. Well, they crash on this alien planet, which...

“You let this little thing tell you what to do?” – Diana (Wonder Woman) Tears streamed down my cheeks. “Dear God, how am I going to do this? I have too much going on…too many hats to wear: Christmas shopper, decorator, home manager, wife, mom, personal banker,...

When we look at our children we can easily think they don’t have any stress. We might say, “What possibly could they be stressed out about?” Kids have stress, just like us. It might look different, but they do, and knowing how to relieve it can be confusing for them,...

What is one way you'd like to make a difference in this world? I have an easy and super effective idea for you and your family to look at; which could not only save a life but an entire village. We often take this one thing for granted, and most of us will continue to...

There have been recent conversations in our home about what it means to ‘work hard’. Different generations have different definitions, I get that, but I think we can all agree that hard work takes four things: integrity, sweat, humility, and sacrifice When I put an...

A skill every child should learn is how to be aware of their surroundings. Some awareness skills we are naturally born with, instinct. However, if you really want to succeed in life, you must learn it and pay attention to it. This life lesson can not only save their...

What does comfort mean to you when a friend needs a little help? When a friend reaches out for a hand to hold, are you there to grab it? Back in 2004, an old college friend of mine committed not only suicide but murder before he took his own life. What was hard for me...

Thirty-some years ago when we were bored we went to Mom. We didn’t have iPad's or cell phones, heck; we didn’t even have TV remotes or garage door openers. Back then we didn’t think twice about walking home from school or playing outside after dark. We were so free...

Not too long ago we, as a nation, recognized Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday. Banks were closed. The Post Office was closed. Public schools were closed. If you haven't heard of Martin Luther King Jr. or haven't understood his stand, he was the most visible...

As a child, one of my favorite activities was to play dress-up. Yet as an adult dress-up plays a big role in our overall success, did you know that? Have you ever tried mowing the lawn in a business suit? How about swimming in blue jeans? I'll give you the top 5...

This is Bruce the Blue Spruce, a tree my little 'farm'. One of my favorite things to do in spring is planting a tree or two. My childhood was surrounded by trees. That's probably why I love them so much. They were my friends when I didn't have anyone to play with,...

click for details A smile says a lot, even from our dogs. Not too long ago I visited my ala mater and was shocked at what I saw on faces. As I drove up 7th street to go to the Student Union all I saw were frowns. Seriously, not a single smile. The funny thing was is...