January, 2026 - Funny Parenting Stories for Fathers (and Mothers)

I complain, and here is my List of Grievances

If you were to ask my Miracles of Christ, they would tell you I complain about rooms not clean, plates and dishes not picked up, and a general lack of solitude. Here are some other things you’ll find me complaining about.

Do I complain? Of course, I complain. I’m a 48-year-old father with children of all ages who refuse to heed my sage advice.

What do I Complain about the Most?

Self-Checkout
People who leave their shopping carts in the middle of the aisle.
Lack of “Mom and Pop” coffee shops.
Lack of local radio programs. (I’m personally working on that one.)
Bars that don’t serve local beers.
Children who don’t make the bus.
People who try to claim parking spots by standing in front of them.
Children who complain.
Lack of sidewalks where I live.

That’s what I could come up with. If I think of more, trust me, I’ll let you know. No one else listens, so you’re all I got. Meantime, take a look at finding magic in your everyday life.

Follow me on Blueskies.

jscreen, Manischewitz Team up for Cancer Prevention Month

In recognition of February being Cancer Prevention Month, JScreen, the national nonprofit focused on preventing genetic diseases through accessible testing and education, is partnering with Manischewitz to host community-based cancer genetic testing and education events in New York City focused on prevention, early detection and informed health decisions.
Guests can also enjoy offerings from the Manischewitz Food Truck, adding a warm, community-driven element to a day centered on wellness and prevention.

In recognition of February being Cancer Prevention Month, jscreen, the national nonprofit focused on preventing genetic diseases through accessible testing and education, is partnering with Manischewitz to host community-based cancer genetic testing and education events in New York City focused on prevention, early detection and informed health decisions.

The initiative includes a February 8 screening event at the Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center Manhattan (MMJCCM) featuring Manischewitz and author and health advocate Gila Pfeffer, as well as an additional New York City screening on February 11 hosted by jscreen and Manischewitz at Yeshiva University later in the month to expand community access to testing. Pfeffer is an author, content creator, and health advocate behind the “Feel It on the First” breast health awareness campaign. She brings a real-world perspective on early detection, self-advocacy, and proactive health conversations.

The February 8 event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as part of the Fitness Open House at MMJCCM, 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th Street. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about their genetic health in a supportive, community-centered environment, as well as an opportunity to meet Pfeffer.

The February 11 screening will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Yeshiva University’s Nagel Lobby in the Gottesman Library located at 2520 Amsterdam Ave. The event will offer reproductive carrier screening and on-site test kit pickup as part of jscreen’s and Manischewitz’ Cancer Prevention Month programming.

Participants may have access to the following screenings, depending on event location:

Reproductive Carrier Screen – Evaluates hundreds of genetic conditions, including Tay-Sachs disease, enabling families to plan for healthy pregnancies.
Hereditary Cancer Test – Identifies genetic mutations linked to cancers such as breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer, allowing for prevention or early diagnosis and treatment.

Guests can also enjoy offerings from the Manischewitz Food Truck, adding a warm, community-driven element to a day centered on wellness and prevention.

“This collaboration brings together health education, community engagement, and meaningful conversation around prevention,” said Dr. Matt Goldstein, CEO of jscreen. “By aligning with Cancer Prevention Month, we’re encouraging people to take proactive steps toward understanding their genetic risks and protecting their future health.”

New Bedford Bowling Alley to Host Cancer Fundraiser

The Rhonda Couto Fund helps patients and families by providing radiation robes, scarves, and chest port access shirts. Money also supports families who aren’t able to work because members are not well enough or need to drive loved ones to treatments and doctor’s appointments.

The second annual Southcoast Health Bowl will be held on Saturday, February 7 at Wonder Bowl in New Bedford.

The event, reported by 1420 WBSM, is divided into two sessions. Bowlers can register online or in-person. The first session begins at 11 a.m. with in-person registration beginning at 10:00. The second session will begin at 1 p.m. Registration for the 1:00 session will be at noon. The competition is open to teams of six and offers pizza, shoe rentals, and t-shirts for all who participate.

The Southcoast Health Bowl benefits the Rhonda Couto Patient Comfort Fund, supporting patients receiving care at Fairhaven’s Southcoast Health Center and Fall River’s Charlton Memorial Hospital. The fund’s namesake, Rhonda Couto, died of ovarian cancer in 2015 after a two-year battle with the disease. She was 47 when she died.

The Rhonda Couto Patient Comfort Fund

The fund was started by Rhonda’s husband, Kenny, who told WBSM his wife’s experience was overwhelming, but despite the diagnosis, sought to help those also suffering from ovarian cancer. In WBSM’s story, Kenny said his wife, “never complained. Her first thought was always about helping other people.”

What I would do if I won the Lottery

Winning the lottery for me means Wife wouldn’t have to work unless she found something she really wanted to do. It also means I could pay off my mortgage and my cars.

If I won the lottery, my family would be able to travel wherever they wanted to go without worrying about how much it cost, and we could stay wherever we wanted.

I would donate money to my high school, but I would still keep my job because I love it so much.

Manischewitz Launches ‘Soup’ Art Exhibition Celebrating Jewish Cuisine and Culture

Through contemporary visual art, photography and storytelling, “Soup” explores how food – particularly soup – serves as a cultural connector: offering comfort, care, humor, ritual, and shared memory. The exhibition looks forward, examining how Jewish identity continues to evolve across generations and geographies, much like the recipes passed from one family member to another.

For more than 130 years, Manischewitz has been part of American Jewish life – not only as a food brand, but as a cultural constant at the table. From immigrant kitchens to modern homes, from Shabbat dinners to Passover seders, Manischewitz has nourished generations through moments both every day and sacred.

In celebration of the launch of its new Manischewitz Homemade Jarred Soup line, the iconic brand presents “Soup” – a curated art and photography exhibition examining Jewish cuisine, memories, and identity as a living, evolving culture. The Manischewitz Homemade Soup Line brings traditional Kewish soups into a modern, ready-to-serve format. Available in 24 oz. jars, varieties include Clear Chichen Broth, Chichen Noodle, Split Pea, Bubby’s Vegetable, and Mushroom Barley.

The “Soup” Exhibition

Participating Artists

The exhibit features three artists. Dan Weinstein, Rosemarie Gleiser, and Ohad Romano.

Weinstein is a multidisciplinary artist and creative director whose work bridges underground art, design, and narrative storytelling. His practice spans visual art, animation, and serialized storytelling, exploring identity power, and modern allegory through bold, often humorous visual language.

Gleiser is a Peruvian-Jewish disciplinary artist based in New York whose work examines diaspora, memory, food culture, and migration through deeply personal narratives. Her Lexicon series on vies – presented publicly for the first time – intertwines language recipes and imagery as acts of cultural preservation.

Romano is one of Israel’s leading photographers, known for cinematic still imagery that distills narrative, tension, and character. Working at the intersection of photography and film, his images feel suspended between moments – deliberate, intimate, and deeply human.

Philosophy and Food

“We see ourselves as caretakers of cultural memory.”

This exhibition also marks a meaningful cultural re-engagement for Manischewitz as the brand evolves in today’s food landscape. That evolution is founded not in trends, but in returning to its most enduring role: showing up at the table.

That philosophy is reflected in the brand’s renewed focus on soup, anchored by matzo ball soup, a humble yet powerful symbol of care and connection. Long associated with healing, gathering, and intergenerational memory, soup represents nourishment in its most elemental form. In this way, Manischewitz’s cultural support and its culinary innovation move in parallel” both rooted in everyday ritual, both shaped by communal experience.

“This isn’t about selling products,” said a Manischewitz spokesperson. “We see ourselves as caretakers of cultural memory. Jewish food has always carried history, humor, and identity. Supporting this exhibition is about sustaining the artists and stories that continue to shape Jewish live in America.”

By presenting SOUP, Manischewitz honors its place in the collective imagination – not as a commercial add-on, but as part of a living archive that continues to grow, change, and nourish future generations.

Exhibition Days and Hours

The exhibition runs February 6-10 at Artifact Projects, 155 Suffolk St. in New York City, closing early (2:00) on February 6.

Friday, February 6: 10 – 2 PM

Saturday, February 7: 7 – 10 PM

Sunday, February 8: 10 – 6 PM

Monday, February 9: 10 – 6 PM

Tuesday, February 10: 10 – 6 PM

Craize Toasted Corn Snacks Everything Flavor Named a 2026 sofi Gold Award Winner

Craize announces that its Toasted Corn Snacks Everything Flavor has been named a 2026 sofi Gold Award winner by the Specialty Food Association (SFA), recognizing it as a standout within the specialty food and beverage industry this year.

Everything Flavor from Craize Toasted Corn Chips

FancyFaire Trade Show

The sofi Award winners were revealed live in San Diego at SFA’s Winter FancyFaire trade show during a ceremony hosted by celebrity chef Joe Sasto. The ceremony brought together makers, buyers, press, and industry leaders to celebrate the innovation shaping the future of specialty food. In a crowded cracker market, CraizeToasted Corn Snacks Everything Flavor was named a Gold Award winner at the 2026 sofi Awards in the Crackers & Crispbreads category.

“Winning a sofi Award is especially meaningful because it’s positive feedback coming directly from the buyers shaping what’s next in specialty food,” said Michele Abo, General Manager of Kayco Beyond, who recently added Craize to their portfolio of brands. “The award is an extraordinary validation of what we’ve built with Craize, a truly differentiated snack that delivers on taste, craftsmanship, and modern wellness expectations. This recognition accelerates our mission to introduce more consumers and retailers to a snack that’s vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and allergen-friendly — without ever sacrificing crunch, flavor, or versatility.”

Craize is more than just a cracker; it’s a modern, healthy snack that delivers incredible taste and versatility. “We are thrilled to see our Everything Flavor recognized as a sofi Gold Award winner. We know this great accolade will resonate with retailers and consumers as to how outstanding this vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and allergen-friendly product is, yet never compromises on flavor or crunch,” adds Abo.

Spanning 25 Gold Award categories and five Grand Honors distinctions, the sofi Awards recognize products that stand out for innovation, exceptional taste, and high-quality ingredients—and signal what’s next for specialty food. Chosen through blind tastings by a panel of leading retail and foodservice buyers, the 2026 sofi Award winners rose to the top from a pool of more than 1800 entries.

What Craize has, and what it has to Offer

Craize stands out with its clean label, great flavor, and crave-worthy crunch. Key highlights include:

Chip-cracker hybrid – The satisfying crunch of a chip meets the versatile, toppable nature of a cracker.
Fire-griddled, never fried –A proprietary slow-griddling process locks in flavor and crispness without added oils.
Versatile enjoyment – Perfect for dips, toppings, or enjoying on their own.
Real ingredients baked in – Fruits, veggies, and spices are mixed into the dough, not sprinkled on top.
Wholesome & allergen-friendly – Vegan, non-GMO, Kosher, gluten-free, seed and oil–free, and made in an allergen-friendly facility.

Craize five signature flavors offer both sweet and savory options:

Everything – Sesame and poppy seeds blended with garlic and onion for a savory, bagel-inspired bite.
Sweet Corn – Lightly sweetened with dark brown sugar, pairs perfectly with jams, nut butters, or guacamole.
Guava – Fruity and refreshing with authentic guava puree.
Coconut – Infused with dried coconut, vanilla, and cinnamon for a tropical twist.
Jalapeño Lime – Zesty with a kick of heat, balanced by cilantro and lime.

The sofi Awards are considered the top honor in the $219-billion specialty food industry. Past winners have included some of today’s most recognizable and successful brands, such as Ben & Jerry’s, Kettle Chips, Fage Yogurt, Stonewall Kitchen, and Vermont Creamery.
For more information on CraizeSnacks and CraizeCorn Snacks Everything Flavor, visit www.gocraize.com or follow @GoCraize on Instagram and Facebook.

Craize is part of the Kayco Beyond lineup, with expansion plans underway. Kayco Beyond offers a diverse range of unique, natural, and specialty items to over 14,000 retailers nationwide. The Beyond business unit is a division of Kayco, one of the largest makers and distributors of kosher and specialty foods in the United States.

“Every Day Magic” by Melanie Lane Durham

Routines are boring. Rituals ground us.

The routine of having to get up and go to work can be a drag, but the ritual of getting up and journaling, meditating, or doing yoga can be something beneficial that can help us face the day and prepare for going to the office. The ritual of preparing for the day can give us what we need when responsibility calls us.

We all have our routines and rituals. My routine includes getting up, making coffee, and making sure The Boy and The Oppressed make it to the bus. When I was younger, I had a ritual when it came to reading the newspaper. I would read the funnies first, then I would move on the Sports section. I would read the game story for the Red Sox, move on the “Notebook” where the responsible party covering the previous night’s/day’s game would take the excess information not needed for the game story and keep fans like me up to speed on what was happening in the organization.

Why do we have Rituals?

Routines are sometimes necessary. They are something we need to do in order to get on with our day. The rituals ground us, help us recognize what’s important, and can sometimes be superstitious, like Wade Boggs needing to eat fried chicken before a game or Nomar Garciaparra looking like Michael Jackson with the way he touches wrists, head, chest, whatever he can reach before he sees the next pitch.

Rituals can be psychosomatic. People may think they need them or they can’t function or start the day without them. A ritual can also be magical, and the magic can be just the thing you need when things need to be done over the course of a day.

“Every Day Magic”

Like you, Melanie Lane Durham has routines that need to be done. Every day brings about necessary evils. They can be laundry that needs to be cleaned, meals that need to be cooked, errands that need to be run. After a while, they can be a bit of a drag, but Melanie likes to remind people that if you look hard enough, you will find some magic in them. Melanie wrote “Every Day Magic” to remind us that there is magic to be found every day. As she said to me earlier, “… Magic is found in every ordinary day, inspiring readers to find joy and beauty in the simplest moments.”

The story begins with Edie coming home from school and doing her homework. After homework, she has a snack. While she eats her snack, she notices that every day she lives seems like the same day over and over. This is boring. Her mother tells her their everyday routines can seem magical. “You just need to learn how to go about them,” she explains.

“We’ll sweep away the dust and make space for good things to come.”

Magic is Everywhere

The next morning, Edie and her mom begin the day with breakfast. But before eating, the two ladies opened windows and lit a candle. These small acts allowed fresh air into the house, and the candle represented the sun rising and beginning a new day. At her mother’s suggestion, Edie takes a deep breath and thinks about something she is grateful for that day.

Later that day, Edie and her mom clean the house, a routine. But they weren’t just cleaning the house. They were sweeping away the dust, “to make space for the good things to come.”

Throughout the day, Edie and her mom found magic and meaning in the everyday chores and actions they shared. This is a good way to look at the things that need to be done in and around the home. For me, I need to clear the ground under my blueberry bushes every spring. This routine helps the plants grow during the spring and summer, which will give my family blueberries in the summer. When Edie and her mom have dinner, they say a blessing and give thanks for their food. You can do the same thing if you grow something and use it to prepare a meal or just enjoy something that you grew in your yard.

You read a lot about rituals Native Americans perform when they are working or hunting. These rituals involve the Earth that is walked on and the sky above. Rituals can be worked into all types of routines. They can be used to appreciate something more or they can be incorporated into a routine to make a job seem fun. Either way, you can have your own routines for whatever it is that needs to be done in your home, your yard, or your job.

Masters of the Universe Comes out in June; He-Man is Back

While I was minding my own business last week, I learned “Masters of the Universe” will hit theatres this June. My brother and I collected “Masters of the Universe” figures when we were younger. Castle Grayskull was a birthday present when I turned 7. I was one of the many kids who loved playing with the MOTU action figures. He-Man came out around the time “Return of the Jedi” was released in movie theatres, and I think the heroes of Eternia may have been overshadowed by the long-awaited finale to the “Star Wars” trilogy.

Proud members of Generation X, me included, are looking forward to this release, even if it is with some trepidation. Something that hearkens back to happier, simpler days of childhood runs the risk of being ruined by a director’s interpretation. The director in this case is Travis Knight, who directed 2018’s “Bumblebee”. Okay, Travis. Don’t screw this up. A lot of Gen-Xers are hoping you get this right.

The story of He-Man

If you’re not familiar with the story of He-Man, let me bring you up to speed on the action figures that filled my room and the cartoon that saw me off to school. Mild-mannered (and sometimes klutzy) Prince Adam lives in Eternia with his pet tiger Cringer. He spends his days with Duncan in the castle’s repair shop and Duncan’s daughter, Teela, who is in charge of the king and queen’s guard. Eternia is the setting of Castle Grayskull. The secrets of Eternia are hidden and protected inside the castle. He-Man and his cohorts, including the Sorceress, pledge to protect Castle Grayskull and its secrets from Skeletor (played by Jared Leto), He-Man’s archenemy.

The jaw bridge to Castle Grayskull could be locked and unlocked by joining the swords of He-Man and Skeletor, adding to the stakes of every battle they fought directly with each other. A common plot was one of Skeletor’s confederates plotting to steal He-Man’s sword so Skeletor could open the gates of Castle Grayskull and rule over Eternia. Skeletor also practiced magic and tried to cast spells over Eternia in his quest.

The First He-Man Movie

A live-action movie was made in 1987. Dolph Lundgren played He-Man and Courtney Cox played a damsel in distress. For me, the movie stayed true to the basic narrative of the original storyline. One deviation featured Gwildor, a locksmith who invented a key that could open portals to different dimensions. I always though Gwildor was supposed to be Orko (If you know, you know), but it was impossible to have someone floating around the air in a live-action movie in 1987.

The movie was good in my opinion. I think any MOTU fans would be happy with what they saw on the big screen. He-Man wasn’t as popular as it had been when the movie came out, but that didn’t stop me and my friends from enjoying it. My brother and I liked seeing something we enjoyed playing featured in the cinema.

My brother and I got older and moved on to other interests. Our action figures, Castle Grayskull, Road Ripper, as well as various He-Man storybooks and accessories were replaced with other things that took their place in our bedroom and basement.

This version of the story straddles the present-day world and the fantasy Eternia. Cringer is in the movie. You’ll see Duncan, Teela, Evil-Lyn, and the Sorceress. I may or may not have seen Beast Man as I researched the movie. Fans will recognize the featured characters. I’m sure there will be new ones created for this movie. I’ll be alright with that as long as the storyline isn’t altered to fit them in.

We’re getting a lot of Snow, and my Snowblower doesn’t Work

I gassed up the car. Again, a near-empty tank meant I needed to join the other Doomsday Preppers, this time at the gas station. Since I needed to gas up the car, I figured I might as well bring my gas cans and top them off as well for my snowblower. I had plenty of gas in the snowblower, but I figured I would eventually need gas anyway, so what the heck.
Returning home with full gas cans and a gassed-up truck, I proceeded to the shed to pull out my snowblower. My dad bequeathed this to me when he got his new one. He never bought a snowblower until after my brother and I moved out. My brother and I are still somewhat curious about the timing of this purchase.

Snow day is here. New Englanders have been talking about this storm all last week. Last I checked the estimate for us in my part of Massachusetts is 18-24 inches.

Snowstorm Necessities

I needed to go to the grocery store. Not because I needed the obligatory milk and bread, but because we were genuinely out of staples needed for the house. I went to Shaw’s with the typical dread I face when needed groceries coincide with the latest episode of Snowmageddon. I must say it wasn’t that bad at Shaw’s.

Returning home with full gas cans and a gassed-up truck, I proceeded to the shed to pull out my snowblower. My dad bequeathed this to me when he got his new one. He never bought a snowblower until after my brother and I moved out. My brother and I are still somewhat curious about the timing of this purchase.

Tuning up the Snowblower

I moved the snowblower and went to work getting it ready for the big day; checked the gas and primed and started it up. The snowblower didn’t start. Went through everything again. Still nothing.

Time was running short. I needed to get to work. I decided I would check on everything when I got back to work. I did just that. Returned home, ate dinner, re-read the owner’s manual, and went back outside and braved the cold and loneliness (my Miracles of Christ were inside) to see if I could revive the snowblower. I could not, and that’s where we are now.

What am I going to do? Well, I’m going to shovel. There seems like I don’t have any other choice, barring a miracle. Lucky for me and my family, I’m a healthy guy, so a little exercise won’t kill me. I’m also brave, so there’s that, too.

Time to Shovel the Snow

Snow begins to fall. We’re expecting up to 24 inches.

Shoveling is nothing new. I’ve been shoveling snow for 40 years. For a couple of years, my brother-in-law hired me to shovel some properties overnight. One property for one storm should be easier than all that. I also have two other men in my house. I know they will be happy to drop everything and help this nice man with an hour or two of clearing snow. My plan is to get out there a few hours at a time. That way we won’t be overworking ourselves.

This storm looks to be an epic one. I’ll let you know how we do.

Back from Shoveling

I went out earlier in the day. It wasn’t bad. There was only a few inches on the ground. I went back inside to warm up and reward myself with a couple of games on my Nintendo Switch.

A cup of snow. I’m going to drink the water when it melts so I can feel like a survivalist.

I left a cup outside to collect some snow. When I went shoveling overnight, I would refill my hydro flask with snow, which would melt into water in my car. This came in handy when I got thirsty. I wouldn’t need to get out of my car. The cup has since filled with snow, and soon I will have a cup of water straight from the heavens.

While I was playing on my switch, the kids were outside making sure things didn’t get out of hand. I appreciated their efforts. Not long ago, Lovie, The Oppressed, The Boy and I went back outside for another round of shoveling. Slugger stayed inside and cooked dinner for everyone.

Your Chance to Learn about Homeopathy for Free!

This is a free interactive session for anyone who is interested in learning about Homeopathy and staying healthy in the midst of cold and flu season. The session is designed with your health in mind. Not just during the winter, but throughout the entire year.

Note: this post features products I may receive a commission on.

Certified Homeopath Abby Beale is hosting “Tea with a Homeopath” on Saturday, January 24th. This is a free interactive session for anyone who is interested in learning about Homeopathy and staying healthy in the midst of cold and flu season. The session will feature fellow Homeopath Shelley Keneipp.

“Tea with a Homeopath” will begin at 12:00 EST. While the event is free, it does require registration on Zoom. The session will be recorded and sent out to all registrants after the event has ended, but all are encouraged to attend the event as it happens to ensure their questions are answered.

“Homeopathy works with your body, not against it,” Beale said in a press release promoting the free event. “Instead of masking symptoms, it helps our body heal naturally.”

The interactive session seeks to answer questions people may have about Homeopathy and help those who want to make the natural practice a part of their life, get better, and feel better. Not just during the winter, but throughout the entire year.

Beale is a skilled Homeopathy educator and the lead author of Homeopathy Primer. She is a graduate of Boston University and was drawn to the practice when she was able to resolve her sons recurring ear infections with one remedy.

Keneipp is a graduate of The British Institute of Homeopathy and the Dynamis School for Advanced Homeopathic Studies. She Contributed to Homeopathy Primer and has lectured at UCLA.

Seven Surrogacy Myths Explained | A Three-Time Surrogate’s Insights

Surrogacy is getting a lot of press recently, but some coverage can get a few key facts wrong. From who chooses to become a surrogate to how compensation works, there’s a lot of outdated information that can shape one’s opinion.

Surrogacy is one of the most beautiful and transformative ways to build a family. But despite its growing visibility and acceptance, myths and misconceptions continue to cloud public understanding. Agencies like Growing Generations have supported surrogates and intended parents (IP’s) through every step of this journey. Growing Generations is a surrogacy agency based in Los Angeles. For over three decades, Growing Generations has seen the fears, the triumphs, and the questions whispered in quiet moments, and the resilience it takes to pursue this path.

Kelly Enders-Tharp, Education and Experience Specialist at Growing Generations, and a 3-time surrogate, seeks to clear up the most common myths she and other the rest of the staff hears from families. After nearly three decades supporting intended parents and surrogates, Growing Generations’ team hears the same questions again and again, so here’s a simple guide to modern gestational surrogacy from Kelly: what it is, what it isn’t, and the facts that matter.

Here are the 7 myths we’re asked about most, and Kelly’s experience-based answers for each.

Popular Surrogacy Myths

Myth #1. The surrogate can change her mind and keep the baby.

Reality: This is one of the most common fears among intended parents. Comprehensive legal agreements and parentage orders protect the intended parents’ rights from the start. The women who become surrogates understand, deeply, that the child they carry is not theirs, doesn’t share any biological connection, and is a gift they’re helping to deliver.

“Gestational surrogates understand from the beginning that the child is not theirs,” Enders-Tharp explained. “Informed consent, psychological screening, contracts and legal counseling ensure clarity and protect everyone involved.”

Myth #2. Surrogacy is illegal or legally risky everywhere.

Reality: The legal landscape for surrogacy varies, yes, but it is far from lawless. In fact, many U.S. states and countries around the world have well-established legal frameworks to support surrogacy. With proper legal guidance, the process is not only safe but also legally sound.

Enders-Tharp acknowledges surrogacy laws vary by location, but also pointed out many states and countries have, “robust legal frameworks” that protect surrogates, intended parents, and the baby. She encourages intended parents to ask how their location and circumstances may shape the journey.

Myth #3 Surrogacy is exploitative and takes advantage of women.

Reality: Surrogacy is built on consent, integrity, and mutual respect. As an example, Growing Generations conducts extensive screening to ensure every surrogate participates freely and with full understanding.

“We believe in compensating the surrogate fairly for their commitment, effort, and medical risk involved,” Enders-Tharp said. She further explains fair compensation acknowledges the surrogate’s investment of time, commitment, and any medical risk exposure.

“Every ethical program ensures informed consent and voluntary participation from the surrogate. Not all women who apply should become surrogates; it is the agency’s responsibility to uphold ethical standards and ensure women are never exploited.”

Myth #4. The surrogate is the baby’s real mother.”

Reality: In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child.

“She is the incredible woman who carries the pregnancy, not the mother,” Enders-Tharp explains. “In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries the embryo but does not contribute to the genetic make-up of the baby.”

The intended parents are the child’s contractually legal parents from the very beginning. Enders-Tharp calls this a common myth perpetuated by ignorance about the IVF process.

Myth #5. Intended parents won’t bond with the baby.

Reality: The bond between parent and child is created through love, care, and presence – not necessarily through pregnancy. Surrogacy agencies have seen intended parents build deep, immediate connections with their child. For many, the journey of surrogacy deepens the appreciation and attachment they feel from the moment they meet their baby. Enders-Tharp says intended parents and the surrogate can work together to create bonding experiences.

“Bonding is a continued process that includes love, care, and being present. Many intended parents form deep connections with their child from the very first moment. For some, bonding begins before birth, by asking their surrogate to share specific music, stories, and recorded messages with the IPs’ voices for the fetus to hear.”

Myth #6. Children born through surrogacy will face stigma or identity issues.

Reality: Children born via surrogacy are no different in their ability to thrive, love, and feel secure. When raised with openness and love, they grow up proud of the journey that brought them into the world. They are deeply wanted and they know it. Enders-Tharp dispels this myth with the simple fact that the children were indeed planned and intended every step of the way.

“Children born through surrogacy flourish just like any other children when raised with love and honesty,” she says. “Their arrival is deeply intentional; growing up knowing they were profoundly wanted, and the dedication their parents showed to make this possible speaks volumes.”

Myth #7. Surrogacy is morally wrong or unnatural.

Reality: There’s nothing more natural than wanting to build a family. People choose surrogacy for all kinds of personal reasons, and each story is valid. It’s an intentional process supported by professionals who make sure everyone is protected and respected. Families of all backgrounds embrace surrogacy because it’s a chance for them to welcome a child with love.

Enders-Tharp calls surrogacy, “an ethical and compassionate choice that allows people from all walks of life to experience the joy of parenthood. The desire to build a family is one of the most essential and natural human desires.”

“The Hyena who Laughed so Hard” by James Croft

A lot of people like to laugh. Some people need to laugh after a tough day at work or school. Some people, like the elephant, are grumpy and don’t want to laugh. Laughing is good for you. It makes you feel better. The monkey had an idea to see who could make people laugh the most. What could be better than to find out the funniest thing people can do? And what was it that made the hyena laugh his pants off? I’ll give you a hint: There’s an elephant sleeping under the tree.

Dads know that their humor isn’t always appreciated by their children. Sometimes their best jokes can fall victim to indifference. It’s a shame, really because I’ve told some great stories and jokes, but they only get eye rolls from my miracles of Christ.

Honestly, it was easier when the cherubs were younger. You find a Looney Tunes cartoon, and you and your child can sit back and enjoy yourselves for a little bit. Sometimes you can find a movie everyone can enjoy. The funny movies will make you laugh, and that’s why I like them so much.

Our pets can make us laugh. When our four-legged friends are little, they need a little time to adjust to their new surroundings. Kitty was relegated to a room on the first floor. She was a little thing and our house was big. We didn’t want her to get overwhelmed or lost. That would be bad. As she got older, we let her explore a little more and more. Now, she is all grown up and she patrols the home and the yard making sure the bipeds of our home are safe. Sometimes, I like to aim a laser pointer at the floor and watch her try to move her paws as fast as she can and catch the dot. She’ll look under her paw to see if the dot is there. It’s not. It’s next to her moving across the room again. This amuses me. Simple pleasures for simple minds.

Children can also make you laugh. It can be something they did or something they said or the way they used to say something. Sometimes they can tell you a story and that will make you laugh.

“The Hyena who Laughed so Hard his Pants Fell off”

You hear a lot about hyenas and how much they like to laugh. James Croft has written a book about a hyena spending a day on the savannah with his friends. His book, “The Hyena who Laughed so Hard his Pants fell off” tells the story of a hyena, a monkey, and a stork. Three friends who decide to have a contest to see who can make everyone laugh the hardest.

Everyone thinks this is a great idea. Everyone, that is, except for a grumpy elephant who just wants to rest under a tree. The antics of the other three animals make everyone laugh except for the elephant. He gives the other animals a piece of his mind. The monkey, hyena, and stork don’t understand what the problem is. They are laughing and having a good time on a hot day in the savannah. What could the problem possibly be?

What made the hyena laugh his pants off? Here’s a hint: There’s an elephant sleeping under the tree.

people laugh the most. What could be better than to find out the funniest thing people can do? And what was it that made the hyena laugh his pants off? I’ll give you a hint: There’s an elephant sleeping under the tree.

Croft wrote this book to offer an exploration into friendship and humor. It’s not a comfortable day in the savannah, but three friends still find a way to enjoy themselves and have a good time.

Dad Jokes

“I think the real reason is they don’t want to admit my superior humor and entertaining skills.”

We’ve all heard about “Dad Jokes” and how they sometimes make Dad laugh and nobody else. I like to tell these jokes because I love the groans and eyerolls the Miracles of Christ give when they hear them. It annoys the children, but I think the real reason is they don’t want to admit my superior humor and entertaining skills.

Making laugh is fun. It’s something I enjoy doing. This book is a fun book to read with your children because it shows that any time of any day can be fun. And if you have a day where you don’t feel like laughing, you just might laugh anyway. Laughing is fun and it makes your day easier. The hyena, the monkey, and the stork understand this. Read this book and your child can understand it too.

There are all kinds of things that can make us laugh. Movies make me laugh. The Three Stooges make me laugh. Cartoons make me laugh. I loved watching “The Animaniacs” when I was a teenager. Your children will find different things that will entertain them, and these things will change as they get older. Sometimes, there will be one or two things that will stay with them their whole life. When I took The Boy to school, he and I would watch Heckle and Jeckle or Deputy Dawg until it was time for school. He has since moved on to watching amine. Oh well.

Click here to find me on Threads.

What is your favorite animal?

I like dogs, but cats have been growing on me lately.

Salem State University WMWM Radio Station: A Trip Down Memory Lane

I’m hearing news of Salem State University’s radio station, WMWM, is going off the air. As a former DJ of the campus station, I was sad when I heard of this news and I hope it isn’t true.

Starting College

I started college in 1995. Orientation was a couple of weeks before that. Incoming freshmen could sign up for groups and clubs during that time if they wanted to. There was a table for the college radio station. Radio was always something that interested me, so I signed up. Soon after the orientation, I got a call from Shilo, the Program Director at WMWM. Shilo asked if I was still interested in working at the station, and I certainly was. I had a training session with a DJ named Mike.

At 8:00 in the morning, I was at Salem State. Mike was surprised to see me. No one told him he would be training someone that day. Mike was a cool guy. He even let me go on the air a couple of times to read a PSA and introduce some songs. I had a great time. It was the first of three training sessions I was to have.

My first semester in college included WMWM and Salem State’s Student Government Association (SGA). I was involved with both. I don’t remember how it happened, but there was an open shift one night at 9:00. Shilo asked if I wanted to do a show on my own. I absolutely did. The show ran from 9:00 to midnight. My class the next day wasn’t until 2:00 in the afternoon, so I wasn’t worried about the late night.

One Radio Show Led to Another

I did another show after that. This time it was 9:00 in the morning. Shilo called me again, saying the Thursday morning show was mine if I wanted it. Again, I absolutely did.

I hosted my show, following Chris. Chris went on to intern for Kiss 108. Soon a friend from high school, Jeff came in to make some appearances, and we eventually became a duo. Another friend, Jan would also make guest appearances. Our own “Zoo” was forming. Heather had the show after me. I always ragged on her on and off the air. Two other people would call in. One called from work and another called during his lunch period in high school.

Freebies were a great fringe benefit, especially the music. I would get CD’s or tapes from record labels. The station would get stuff to play before everyone else. If the band was from Massachusetts, I was doubly sure to make sure those bands were played on my show. One local band was Powerman 5000. They were in the same genre as Rage Against the Machine and 311. They played at Salem State, and I got to see them.

My time at WMWM laid a foundation for a love of music that I still have. I went to see local bands play at bars and clubs when I got older. Drinking some beers and listening to live music was a great way to spend a Saturday night. Going to record stores is something I still enjoy. The stores are few and far between, but I hear analog music is coming back. If that’s true, I’d be very happy. Maybe a few extra record stores could fill some empty storefronts I see. The town would benefit from this, too. Everyone could be happy.

WMWM was the first radio station I got to be a part of. I worked at a few other stations around Massachusetts. My children were born when I was working promotions for WBZ 1030. Unfortunately, I needed to leave that job to stay home with the kids. I still miss the station and the people I worked with. Michael was one of my bosses. We crossed paths again a couple of years later when he hired me to write a few articles for Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences.

Me and The Oppressed sporting gear from WBZ 1030.

Thank You, WMWM

I’ve spent the morning trying to confirm the rumors of WMWM shutting its doors. I haven’t heard anything official, but the word on the street is that this is indeed the case. My two years in the Campus Center basement were incredible. I also need to mention another person. Chris and I went to high school together. He also joined the radio station and went on to run a cluster of radio stations up in New Hampshire. I was happy for him when I heard he was returning to radio on weekends.

There were a lot of people I met when I was on and off the air at WMWM. Some of these people played big parts in shaping the person I am today. I walked away from the station with a deeper appreciation for music. I did my first radio show and my first voiceover gig there. One year I was Sports Director and laid the foundation for hockey games being broadcasted. It was a sense of pride when I saw Salem State hockey listed in the nightly sports radio programs in the newspapers. I had a hand in that. Speaking about a wide range of topics is something I still love to do.

If you are a college student reading this, I implore you to try an extracurricular activity or two. You will meet some great people who share your interests. At college, I met great people in radio and in the SGA. These people helped me in a lot of ways. Sometimes you don’t realize the people who helped you become the person you are until years after you last speak to them. WMWM did a lot for me and other students in helping them prepare for life after college. Students at Salem State won’t get to try college radio, but there are a lot of schools out there with radio stations. I hope they continue to go strong, and I hope everyone who spends time there enjoys it as much as I did. The last day I walked out of WMWM, I didn’t realize I wouldn’t be going back.

Cars, Bikes, or Walking; Different Advantages

If you read this blog often, you know I like to drive. I’ll drive anywhere. Driving for me is a chance to listen to some music or a podcast. Usually, I will take a scenic backroad instead of a straight-ahead main drag. It gives me a chance to see something nicer.

This driving decision drives the children nuts. They have better things to do and none of those things involve being in the car. Taking the long way home gets in the way of their socializing and other leisurely activities, especially with The Boy and the Fruit Loops. I like to pass by some farms or maybe some historical sites. Routes will sometimes take me through old neighborhoods. If children are with me, I’ll pass a little lore on to them as long as the Statute of Limitations has run out.

Not only do I like to take the scenic route, but I also like to find new roads to take. One day I took a detour to avoid construction traffic on my way to work. I ended up finding a nice scenic route that I take every day going to and from work. It’s away from the beaten path, so I’m not competing with as many people jockeying for position so they’re not late for work.

The good people at WBSM told a story about the King’s Highway. It’s a road that starts in Boston and Cambridge and ends in South Carolina. The road is 1,300 miles long.

A road like this seems like something I would love to try out. I live in Massachusetts and have family in Maine. When I drive home from visits, I like to take Route 1 home. The view is nicer than driving interstate 95 home. In addition to the drive, I might stop somewhere for something to eat. Taking the back roads gives you a chance to see something you wouldn’t normally see if you buzzing along the interstate.

Riding your Bike can be Nice, too

Driving isn’t the only way to check things out. I ride my bike from time to time. Taking my bike means I’m getting exercise, but because I’m not going as fast, I’m able to notice things I wouldn’t if I was going faster in a car. Exercise combined with the chance to maybe notice things while riding at a slower pace is also nice. Fresh air and I’m saving gas for when I really need to get somewhere.

Walking is another way. Not as fast as a bike or a car, but it’s exercise. Doggie likes walking, and she gets excited when she gets outside for a walk. After eating as much as I did over the Holidays, it’s a great idea to get outside and stretch my legs.

Backroads Meant a Lesson in Tequila

I’m not sure if I would drive the entire length of the King’s Highway anytime soon, but it seems nice to be able to check out some parts of it. Like I said before, taking the back roads gives you a chance to see something you haven’t seen in a while. Back when I smoked, I would drive up to New Hampshire for my cigarettes (a common practice for Massachusetts smokers). One day I stopped for lunch at a Mexican cantina. The cantina was run by an American gentleman who lived in Mexico for a time. While he was there, he developed a taste for tequila. The cantina’s bar featured over 100 brands of tequila, which was advertised outside.

While I was enjoying my tortilla soup, the owner gave me a little lesson on tequila and what you need to know when you’re choosing one to sip on. The biggest lesson I got from that afternoon was higher-quality tequilas usually mean hangovers that won’t be as bad as it could be. In addition to the food and conversation, I also got to support a local business. Smaller Mom-and-Pop businesses can use all the support they can get.

Benefits of Finding Different Ways

My curiosity with different routes and lesser-traveled thoroughfares started when I was a teenager on my bike. I would wonder where roads led to and sometimes took different routes than the standard streets I took when I wanted to just “take a quick bike ride”. Doing this sometimes meant I would meet different people. Sometimes I would come out of a road and end up on a street I had always been on. This would lead me to say, “Oh, this is where this goes.” If I was lucky, sometimes this road would be a shortcut to somewhere I needed to be, and it would save me time in the future when I needed to drive.

Driving gives me the chance to talk to people and listen to the radio. Sometimes I can find out about a great song or learn about something in the news. Sometimes I can learn something new with a podcast. Taking a drive allows me to do all of these things. Sometimes, I will drive down streets I used to live or past places I used to work. I notice the changes that have taken place since I left there or since the last time I drove by.

I love to drive. Working in radio, I would take the van to different places, places I had never been to before. Wife will sometimes buy things online from second-hand sites. She will be at work, and I will go pick it up. Again, it gives me the chance to check out something new. There are a lot of reasons why I like to drive. Journeys mean seeing and learning things on your way, and it’s all about the journey.