This past week, my wife and I took our daughter to visit her grandparents. 

Spring is quickly approaching here in Southern Missouri. The ole groundhog apparently didn't see his shadow and the weather is quickly warming up. Yesterday, I went through my wardrobe, packing up the jackets, and looking at my Spring and Summer clothing. Although my "wardrobe" is rather sparse, it turned out to be quite a lengthy project as I added buttons, took in baggy shirts, and mended fraying button holes... all affordable efforts to make my clothing fit my body type better. This got me to thinking about the importance of appearance which I wrote about in a Customer Relations Consulting manual I was working on last year. Picture your experience with the two different salesmen in the AI produced photos above.  How does their presentation reflect their products?  All too often, we dress for the expectancy of our jobs.  For example's sake, a stereotypical used car dealer (some, not all) might wear baggy clothes and have an unkempt appearance. However, a customer would be shocked by such sloppiness by meeting the same salesman dressed that way inside a Lexus or Cadillac indoor showroom. In a showroom, we expect the sales person to wear no less than a suit and, preferably, a crisp tie. What is the difference? Both salesmen sell cars. If we are honest, there is really not much difference in a new car and a 15 year old car with low miles. Their products both have seats, a motor, a transmission, four wheels, and get us where we need to go. The difference is primarily in the "new smell" and technological updates. However, at the end of the day, both salesmen are selling the same thing: cars. However, how the new Lexus or Cadillac salesman is dressed helps sell you the idea that his product is a better purchase than the used Toyota or Chevrolet dealer down the road.  They are quite literally the exact same vehicles, maybe few years different, and with different badges and different interior fabric. Ironically, the new Lexus and Cadillac will outpace the used Toyota or Chevrolet's depreciation rate at an alarming speed.Our modern society teaches us that our clothing, and even our vehicles, represents our "position in the community". We quite literally have two stereotypes of working men, known as "white collar" (bankers, CEOs, advisors) and "blue collar" (manual laborers). However, this should not be so. Our jobs and financial situation should not determine our self representation. Rather, our self representation should reflect our family's dignity, our heritage, and respect for self worth.  I once knew a young man who struggled financially and had slight mental hindrance, yet, I have much respect for him because he was trying very hard to work his way into adulthood and independence. He often wore suit jackets that he was able to purchase from the thrift store he worked at. Before he had a car, I would see him walking with self respect and dressed as well as he knew how, often with a Bible in his hand as he avidly partook in Bible studies.  I'm not sure where this man is today, but I would guess that his work ethic, self respect, and his ethical integrity have helped him in his job situation.  

"Do a test run in the back yard so when you find out the 20 year old tent poles are no longer structurally sound you can just go inside. This was my exact experience with my 2 yr old a few years ago. I was very thankful to be in the backyard and not in the woods." - Tony R.

Last week, I took my car to the mechanic shop. Since that car is my only ride, I walked over to the grocery store and looked around while my car was being worked on. I was tired, but really wanted to have a fun dinner night with my kiddo when I got home. After searching for a homemade pizza project, I opted for a simple pancake night. My wife already had the mix in a 5 gallon bucket, so it was as simple as buying milk and syrup. My daughter enjoyed stirring the batter and hanging out with me while we flipped, browned, and chatted as a family. Pancake nights take the load of dinner off your wife's workload, gives you a simple meal to prepare, and creates lasting memories with the kids helping (or "helping") you cook! 

There's nothing better than a date alone with our wives, right? Yet, trying to navigate the internet can be sketchy at times and finding a good date night idea can be a time consuming hassle. Date nights just got better, because here at Dadventures, many of your favorite marriage websites and shops are now available in one safe location!  

Check this out, guys! My buddy, Shane W., is locked inside today with his kiddos due to bad weather. He made his own version of Staircase Skee-ball using a bouncy ball and Magnatiles! I think mom gets the creds for the idea she saw online, but I respect his innovation in creating great memories with his kiddos. Good job, Shane! 

Photos created using AI.

Image created using AI. 

Photo created using AI.

"If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal." - Paulo CoelhoNew to camping or want to learn more for some serious wilderness camping? Taking an online crash course in the fundamentals of outdoor adventure really helps seeing an A to Z approach on video. The course teaches how to stay comfortable and safe, the two main priorities when taking the family outdoors.Free trial for 14 days (enough time to knock this course out), then $20/mo if you find other courses of interest. Wondrium - Outdoor Fundamentals

Do you get excited when you find a quarter someone dropped? How about putting on your prospectors hat and making some golden memories! Read more HERE!