We went to Pennsylvania for the weekend to see Lindsay at a wrestling tournament and Grant at his football banquet. On the way we listened to the podcast Ghost Story, which focused on the long-ago murder of Naomi Dancy and the alleged suicide of her brother Morris. A historian who had researched Naomi’s husband JohnContinue reading “Try Reading Some Signs Now and Again”
Tag Archives: Parenting
Just Say No to Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Last winter, we were driving Graham home from Plymouth when he asked, “What’s for dinner?” It was dark and cold, and route 44 stretched out like a black ribbon ahead of us. “Chicken pot pie soup,” Lauren said. “Chicken pot pie?” said Graham. “Soup,” said Lauren. “Chicken pot pie soup.” “What is that?” I said.Continue reading “Just Say No to Chicken Pot Pie Soup”
Brand New Czar
The kids and I frequently trade texts about music—they’ll each send me something they just heard and say, “Check this out, it’s awesome” or “This song goes hard” or “Sooooo goood.” A few months ago, I stumbled on “Czar” by Busta Rhymes. Yeah, I know Busta is old, but Lucia and Lindsay both like ninetiesContinue reading “Brand New Czar”
How to Celebrate a Teen Boy’s Birthday: Chick Talk, Potty Humor, Wiener Jokes
The first of Graham’s buddies arrived on the dot at five pm. Lindsay and I were in the front room with the Iron Bowl on, and within two minutes, Lindsay looked at me and said, “Oh my gosh, it’s already so loud and only one of them is here.” Four more arrived within fifteen minutes,Continue reading “How to Celebrate a Teen Boy’s Birthday: Chick Talk, Potty Humor, Wiener Jokes”
Satan Has a Lousy Job but Someone Has to Do It
For years, I’ve told people, “Be grateful for Satan—it’s a lousy job but someone has to do it.” In Latter-day Saint theology, opposition to righteousness is absolutely required: “For it must needs, that there is an opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11). According to the prophet who said this, without opposition there can beContinue reading “Satan Has a Lousy Job but Someone Has to Do It”
Dark Kermit and Fried Turkeys
Years ago, Grant was a freshman at Silver Lake Regional High School. Midway through the season, he was called up to the varsity to play defensive line. This meant that he got to ditch halftime band performances where he was supposed to play clarinet. He saw a lot of action in the Thanksgiving game, whichContinue reading “Dark Kermit and Fried Turkeys”
Tradition and the Many First Thanksgivings
My sister-in-law Lee has lived all over the United States ranging from Boston to Provo to Tallahassee to Big Rapids (that’s in Michigan) to Cherry Hills (New Jersey, near Philly). Wherever she moves she then claims that her current home is the site of the first Thanksgiving. Then she cites obscure facts to back itContinue reading “Tradition and the Many First Thanksgivings”
Mental Puddle
There’s an old Bill Cosby sketch where he talks about raising a son (yes, I know … Bill Cosby; don’t @ me—it’s a good sketch and we’re not debating art from fallen artists here). Not quoting, but he says something like, “Your boy is born. As soon as you can, you put a walnut inContinue reading “Mental Puddle”
Nimrod the Mighty Hunter
I am going hunting this week. This is a great source of mockery and fun for the kids. I have had a hunting license for probably twelve or thirteen years. I have an archery tag, turkey tag, and an antlerless deer tag (the license comes with two buck tags). I own no rifles or shotgunsContinue reading “Nimrod the Mighty Hunter”
Praise God
Grant has never slept in. It never mattered what time he went to bed—he was always up at first light, usually around six am. We’d hear his feet hit the ground, the patter of his sprint, then feel the collision as he jumped on me and exclaimed, “Hi, Dad!” This weekend, we traveled to PoughkeepsieContinue reading “Praise God”
His Smile Lit Up a Room and Other Things to Say at My Funeral 