Why is it that our youngest kids seem to regularly “do their business” at the most inopportune times?

In our family, it’s usually right when we’re ready to read Scripture, or about to head out the door to go somewhere when we hear our 2-year-old rather confidently proclaim, “I did pooh-pooh!”

Changing diapers is one of those really “practical” ways I try to help my wife. But I’ll confess, I do find it challenging to hold my tongue day after day and not gripe about this rather unpleasant task.

Sooner than I know, my 2-year-old son will be 6 years old and then 13 years old. And then he’ll be a dad himself one day.

Rather than grumble our way through those messy diapers and smelly wipes, we need to keep perspective by remembering that this too is part of life, it shall pass, and enjoy our kids while they are still young.

On the lighter side, if you have either already been through, or currently are in this stage of fatherhood, here is a video tribute for dads on the joys of changing diapers that is sure to bring a chuckle to you today–
http://familydads.com/blog/dads-changing-diapers/

Blessings to you and your family,
Joey Watkins
a fellow Family Dad

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In light of the USA mid-term elections this week, I thought I would post one of my favorite Tim Hawkins videos. Hopefully (but not holding my breath), the election results will help begin the process of reversing what Tim so comically communicates in this music video. Enjoy!

Today is my 13th wedding anniversary! God has blessed me with a very special wife who has shown me more love, patience, and companionship than any guy deserves!

In honor of the occasion, I thought I would pass along my “Top 10″ list of things you probably shouldn’t buy your wife as an anniversary gift. Not that I have bought any of these for my wife, but just so you know.

Here they are — Top 10 Things NOT To Buy Your Wife As An Anniversary Gift

10. Power Yard Tools (chainsaw, leaf blower, edger, etc.)

9. Computer memory

8. Gift Card to the local grocery store

7. Vacuum Cleaner bags

6. Gym Membership

5. Underarm Deodorant

4. Weight-Loss or Diet book

3. Furnace Filters

2. Laundry Basket

and coming in at #1…

1. A Television Remote

No, you don’t have to thank me for these valuable tips.

Got one to add to this list? Post it below.

Have a great week!

Blessings to you and your family,

Joey Watkins

Husband, Dad, and Host of FamilyDads.com

P.S. – The best date I ever took my wife on, according to her own words, involved this little brown book.

Since this time of year has many of us dads scrampling to finish our federal tax returns (as well as state and local) in the USA, I thought I would highlight a few areas of “other income” the Internal Revenue Service reminds us to report on our tax returns.

Lest you think I made these up, you can actually read these on the IRS Publication 17 webpage.

Bribes. If you receive a bribe, include it in your income.

Illegal activities. Income from illegal activities, such as money from dealing illegal drugs, must be included in your income on Form 1040, line 21, or on Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ (Form 1040) if from your self-employment activity.

Kickbacks. You must include kickbacks, side commissions, push money, or similar payments you receive in your income on Form 1040, line 21, or on Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ (Form 1040), if from your self-employment activity.

Stolen property. If you steal property, you must report its fair market value in your income in the year you steal it unless in the same year, you return it to its rightful owner.

LOL. You just never know what helpful insights you might get by reading the FamilyDads emails?! 

Seriously, let me encourage you to not wait till the very last minute to get your taxes done, and be extra careful not to vent stress on your family if you are still working on your return or find you owe more than expected.

And of course, have complete integrity on your tax return. After all, it’s only money.

“…Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Matt 22:21, Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25)

With a bit of humor, comedian Bob Stromberg recalls stories from his childhood about his dad. Maybe you can relate to some of these. If you are a deer hunter, you will especially like the story at the end of the video!