Guess How Much I Love You

This is one of my original favorites and has become a game I play with my little girl. We have so much fun trying to out-love each other. I smile at hearing how far is really far away in her little mind. I am sure that Guess How Much I Love You will take your reading time together to a far off place...and back!

Horton Hears A Who

If you love taking your kids to the movies then you will not be disappointed with this big screen adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic, Horton Hears A Who. The fillers are a little cheesey but the original story is preserved and worth the laughs.

So off they all trodded to the cine sixteen.

Making haste and great laughter in all places between.

We purchased the tickets for every last one,

As we pushed the doors in and prepared for our fun.

A popcorn for Paige and a large coke for Dad.

The time was upon us. We grew exceedingly glad.

I looked at my girl. She's here for the Whos.

Then kicked back my feet with nothing to lose.

But then came a tug as the lights started to dim.

"Excuse me, Sir. I can't see," she said with a grin.

So I moved one seat down and thought, after all.

A person's a person. No matter how small.

Teddy Bears Cure A Cold

Our book this week is a simple illustration of life's most common...cold. See how the bears work together to nurse William back to health. There is so much we can relate to in Teddy Bears Cure a Cold.

Dancing with Cinderella

Thank you, Jeremy, for bringing to my attention this latest song by Steven Curtis Chapman. For all you Daddys of little girls, this is sure to tug on the heart strings. I think we are all guilty of rushing through life from time to time...and then we are reminded of the precious treasure of fatherhood. I am grateful for songs like this that remind me to slow down and take time to dance with Cinderella...before the clock strikes midnight.

Click here to learn more about the story behind the song.

You can Go Green too

Education in Recycling 101 was a success! She was all about finding the little triangles with the numbers to see if we could recycle that type of plastic. "Dad, what about this?" "Can we recycle this?" Now my only fear is what I'll find in the bins as her curiosity starts to wander...she asked if we could recycle the kitties into something else furry!

We made it fun and I let her choose her favorite font (a lesson in and of itself). We put labels on the front that said RECYCLE. Then we made labels for each of the bins to designate PAPER or PLASTIC, and GLASS or ALUMINUM. Feel free to print these off and make your own.

Going Green on St. Patty's Day

Buzz word of the century...eco-friendly.
It's time I stop making excuses and teach my little girl the importance of taking care of our planet. That is why we are Going Green on St. Patty's Day! I am placing a call into my local trash collection company to find out what items they will pick up for recycling. We visited our nearest Target store and purchased matching trash bins. We chose to go with white because they were affordable and sufficient. Next we purchased some sticky back picture paper by Post-it. We are going to print labels for our recylcing bins to help identify which one is for plastic and which one is for paper, etc. It will also make it more fun for her to get involved. What kid doesn't like stickers! Be watching for my post on the finished product. I'll share with you the labels we came up with so you too can start your own recycling center at home.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

In this week's feature, I am drawn by the exciteable jam session you can have with your child while learning the ABC's. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom has been a favorite for me ever since the first time we picked up the book. I cannot tell you how much my daughter likes it, but speaking for myself, this book is one of the best. There is no better way to learn than by making it fun (even for dad). Every dad should be drawn to this one because...let's be honest, Dad...we all think we can rap. Beastie Boys, MC Hammer, and even the Ice Ice Baby's among us will get a kick out of this children's adventure through the ABC's. Throw in a few bebops and do your worst to compete with American Idol favorite Blake Lewis. It'll bring you back for more.

Three Little Pigs

The Skinny Improv surpassed my expectations this afternoon with their children's series production of The Three Little Pigs. Jeff Jenkins and the improv crew have outdone themselves. I will be back for the next production.

Good Bites

Okay okay okay...I know that it seems a little odd that a blog just for dads is taking hints and advice from a group of moms. But sometimes it is good to aknowledge a great idea. Way to go ladies! And fellas...do the girls have to do all the work? Let's go.

This sandwich cutting delight has been a hit at my house. It's fast. It's mess-free. It's educational (shapes). And guys, it's all about gadgets! You too can be the cool dad. Although I haven't tested this, I wonder if you could pour pancake batter in the openings for a perfect breakfast mold. The plastic is microwave-safe but is it frying pan-safe too? (That hasn't been dad-tested so experiment at your own risk Toolman Taylor).

Where The Wild Things Are

In my very first post I talked about reading to your kids. This has become such a close thing to my heart and is the reason I have decided to start featuring one of our favorite books each week. It is my hope that we can share this passion for reading, learning, and adventure together. Please leave me comments and tell me about your favorite storybook adventure.



Our first official featured book of the week is this children's classic and winner of the Caldecott Medal, Where the Wild Things Are. (Thanks Grandma Quack Quack for this gift.) This adventure of a boy named Max brings a smile to my face each time we read it. There is a familiar truth to the sassy mischief Max displays. His imagination runs wild and his journeys take him to far off lands to where the wild things are. I love the simple way in which Max shows that the monsters of his imagination are completely in his control and are nothing to be afraid of.

Walk this way

As I was walking with my little girl tonight from the parking lot to the circus, I was doing my best to keep up with her and her excitement. Instinctively, I caught myself switching hands with her as we neared the sidewalk so that I would be walking on the outside near the street. It occured to me that in that moment I was making a non-verbal gesture that said "I love you" more than any three little words ever could. I was showing her that I would throw myself out into traffic to protect her.

The next time you are walking with your child or your wife, place yourself between her and any potential danger to show her that you will protect her at all costs. It is the greatest way you can say I love you!

An introduction to the arts

I'm taking my little girl to The Skinny Improv this weekend. This improv comedy outfit has started a children's series to engage our youth and provide an alternative source for laughter. As I understand, the kids are invited to show up early to help decorate the set before the show begins. This weekend The Three Little Pigs takes the main stage. We've done ballet and she recently saw the broadway show of Annie, but it is my hope that this will give her yet another exposure to performance and will develop her appreciation for the arts.