I was recently asked for some thoughts on “how to prepare for a baby financially”. I thought some of you internet people might be able to use this information; so, I turned my thoughts into a blog post. Here you go:  Read more... (662 words, estimated 2:39 mins reading time)

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to preach at a local church. I love it when these opportunities come along. Tip: if ever you lack the motivation to pray/study your Bible, commit to preaching one Sunday. Works for me every time. Here’s my sermon “4 Steps to Jump Start Your Spiritual Life” in blog format:  Read more... (955 words, estimated 3:49 mins reading time)

2010 was a crazy year for the Wood Family. Here are a few highlights. I’ve left out tons of great times with friends, family, etc. because it seems like too much typing. To get an idea of a typical 2010 day in our house, view this post. I’m mainly writing this for my own reference so that 2010 won’t be forgotten. In related news, this post may be a bit boring…unless of course you are a stalker…then, this post will probably be amazing for you.  Read more... (723 words, 5 images, estimated 2:54 mins reading time)

I’ve often pondered the “Santa predicament”. When do you tell your kids that the magical jolly man isn’t real? Is it ok to lie to your children about him? Will this charade cause them to paint Jesus in the same mythical light?  Read more... (646 words, 1 image, estimated 2:35 mins reading time)

My wife left town for a few days to visit some friends in the far away land of Austin, TX. I stayed behind to man the fortress with our 6 kids (ages 6, 4, 4, 2, 2, and 1 at the time) (that’s right). Saturday night we go through the normal bedtime routine: read Bible stories, say prayers, get tucked into bed. Approximately thirty minutes post-routine I hear one of my 4y/o daughters crying. I go into her room to check on her.  Read more... (485 words, estimated 1:56 mins reading time)

So, nap times can sometimes be painful. Forcing a kid to take a nap for the sake of a cranky-free evening can be a taxing debacle. Punishing my child when he gets out of bed works; but, I hate doing it. So, a few Sundays ago I thought I’d experiment with a different parenting theory: rather than punish him, I’d gently place him back in bed every time he got up. It would be a bit of a hassle, but all I’d be missing out on was bits and pieces of the Cowboys’ inevitable failure. I was curious…how many times would it take? Here’s the answer: #1. Into bed he goes. (Yes, he is using a Ms. Piggy/Muppet Band pillow case ala 1983. Yes, he is using his sister’s comforter. Yes, he is fully clothed-shoes and all-the kid loves to wear his shoes. Stop judging me and enjoy the experiment.) “Good night. Stay in bed.” I exit the room and listen for the sounds of the inevitable escape.  …  Read more... (748 words, 12 images, estimated 3:0 mins reading time)

“Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children and no theories.” – John Wilmot  Read more... (1072 words, estimated 4:17 mins reading time)