$50 Taste, $4 Balance

The hardest thing a kid will ever have to do is walk through the toy aisle at any store and know they only have a couple of dollars.Kimberly and I try to teach our kids a few life lessons along the way. One of the lessons I am still working on with them is the concept of financial responsibility.

The real victory isn’t on the scoreboard

My wife sent me a text this week telling me it is time to start thinking about baseball season.I’ll admit I am not quite ready for spring and summer to be here, despite the great weather we have been enjoying the last week or so.Charlie is my only kid still playing sports over the summer.

Showing up still matters

There are days when I question how long I can keep up this schedule.Too many miles. Too many nights away from my family. Too many evenings when coming home after bedtime has become the norm instead of the exception.But then I remind myself why I do what I do.

Let the players play — and the fans behave

One of the highlights of my job is getting to see a lot of high school sports.In my short time in Nebraska, I’ve had the privilege of covering state playoffs in football, volleyball, softball, and basketball. I’ve watched athletes compete at state in cross country, wrestling, and track.

’Twas the Night After Press Time

’Twas the night after press time, when all through the shop,Not a keyboard was clicking, not even a pop.The pages were proofed and sent off with great care,In hopes that no typos would suddenly glare.

Don’t forget what Christmas is really all about

Growing up, I loved watching Christmas specials on TV.From Frosty to Santa Claus, Rudolph to White Christmas, those shows always put a smile on my face.You can learn a lot about the world by watching Christmas specials. But there is one that stands above the rest.

Sometimes we over think to find the perfect gift

I don’t know about you, but I started my Christmas shopping months ago.I keep a running list on my phone of gift ideas for everyone in the family. Throughout the year, if I spot something one of the kids or my wife might like, I grab it and stash it away.

Finding gratitude in the worst of times

Sometimes I feel like we are living in Charles Dickens’A Tale of Two Cities.

Memory is a funny thing

Sometimes I am amazed at how my mind works.I remember the most random things — random occurrences, random scenarios from my childhood.Last week my mind hit a brick wall.I was getting ready for Thanksgiving travel and looking up directions to my parents’ new house.

Watch the right hook

It’s been a while since I’ve been punched in the face. Actually, it’s been ever. Until the other day.I wasn’t looking for trouble. I wasn’t in a shady part of town or covering a heated game gone wrong. I was just minding my own business when it happened — quick, clean, and completely unexpected.