The “tickle monster” (aka-my hand) was poised above my infant daughter’s body as she lay on her back, hands held cautiously in front of her, eyes wide and sparkling with joy. Her hands served as a buffer between the “tickle monster” and the “tickle monster’s” target–her belly and neck. Her eyes followed my hand’s every...

June 29, 2013

What’s On Your Summer Bucket List?

by John Salmon

Wow! Summer always goes so fast. We have so many things we want to do as a family…so much to do and so little time. So, we made a family bucket list. Our bucket list includes: · Attend a summer outdoor concert. · Go to Ohiopyle for a picnic…or at least have a picnic. While near...

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Celebration

belonging connection fun play summer traditions

June 21, 2013

Oh Man…Over-Scheduled Again?!

by John Salmon

“Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” That may have rung true for Bess in Porgy and Bess, but summertime is anything but “livin’ easy” today. We have a constant rush of activity, even in the”long, lazy days of summer.” Children have swim practice, soccer practice, hockey conditioning, baseball practice, band camp, dance class, football conditioning,...

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Celebration

availability fun intimacy play schedule summer

June 1, 2013

My Life Is About To Change

by John Salmon

Please, allow me a slight digression from my usual blog. This is a transitional week for my family…my life is about to change! Yes, the time has come for my oldest daughter to graduate from high school. We are very proud of her. She is bright and intelligent, a lovely person and a talented musician. She...

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Celebration Family Shepherds Honor

leaving home parent child relationship parenting priorities teen wisdom

May 18, 2013

2 Ingredients for a Family Cycle of Joy

by John Salmon

Do you want a family filled with joy? I do. I want to build a family that plays together, laughs together, enjoys one another’s company, and looks forward to family gatherings with joyful anticipation. If you want to have that kind of family, there are two things you need to know. First, a joyful family...

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Celebration

availability fun laugh memories openness play security

May 11, 2013

What Do “Twinkle Twinkle,” Oxytocin, & the Sacculus Have in Common With Family?

by John Salmon

I know, I have a long title and now I start with a story…it’s all wrong. But stay with me, please… My family has a long history with “Twinkle, twinkle little star.” It all started when my children were little and could not pronounce “twinkle.” Instead, it came out as “tinkle.” Being the loving father...

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Celebration

fun intimacy laugh music parent child relationship play

April 27, 2013

Time to Mow the Lawn…Again

by John Salmon

Winter has finally ended and spring has sprung. I know because my grass is now green and growing fast. I have to warm up the lawn mower and get chopping today. Many of my neighbors have already cut their lawns. Their lawns look so nice, neatly trimmed, green, no weeds. Then there is my lawn–scraggly,...

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Celebration Grace Honor

arguments availability conflict intimacy respect time

April 20, 2013

Three Gifts of Sexual Intimacy

by John Salmon

I don’t normally write about sexual intimacy and marriage. However, I have had several couples in my office discussing issues of sexual intimacy and decided to share a few thoughts. To begin with, sexual intimacy is a gift given by God to a married couple…and a gift given by one person to another. It is...

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Celebration Honor

connection intimacy marriage sexual intimacy spouse

April 13, 2013

Family Rest: A Lost Family Art

by John Salmon

Whew, what a blur this month has become! My children have activity after activity, some out of state and some next door. Some mark major life transitions (such as graduation from high school) and some are great opportunities (such as participating in state level academic programs). Then, there is the typical run-around involved in keeping...

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Celebration

play rest schedule time

April 6, 2013

Time for a Family Spring Photo Race

by John Salmon

No, I’m not talking about getting the spring family photos or even the lovely spring photos of prom dresses and spring formals. I’m talking about a Great Family Race. This family celebration takes a little bit of preparation but results in fun, laughter, and time together. To begin, pick a destination that your family...

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Celebration

activities fun intimacy laugh play traditions

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

What Do Laughing Rats Teach Us About Family?

What’s On Your Summer Bucket List?

Oh Man…Over-Scheduled Again?!

My Life Is About To Change

2 Ingredients for a Family Cycle of Joy

What Do “Twinkle Twinkle,” Oxytocin, & the Sacculus Have in Common With Family?

Time to Mow the Lawn…Again

Three Gifts of Sexual Intimacy

Family Rest: A Lost Family Art

Time for a Family Spring Photo Race