Archives for April 2011

- - - | written by Jason on 4/28/2011 | - - -

A Year’s Worth of Fun. Memories for a Lifetime.

We've spent the last two years working on it. We've spent the last month talking about it, here, here, here, and here. And now, quite possibly the most important thing Kim and I have ever done is finally ready. It's called The Kim & Jason Guide to Cheap Family Fun, and it's a video a week for a whole year with a fun and easy idea for turning good intentions into family memories. We invite you to watch our short trailer video above. (I still get goosebumps when I watch it!) Then click here to learn more about how to add more fun to your family's story. …

- - - | written by Jason on 4/26/2011 | - - -

Meet Darren Tham

Kim & Jason Nation is a playful group of rebels who share a joyful, indomitable childlike spirit and are not afraid to let that spirit come out to play! They’re united by a common goal of fighting Adultitis and the doo-doo heads who embrace its ideals. Quite frankly, they’re pretty much the coolest people on the planet. Here's one right now... "I'm the guy in front. This was in LA Disneyland in 2008, one of the happiest places on earth. Behind me is my daughter, Megan who was about 7 years old then. I was trying to get her in the mood by screaming my lungs out." …

[Read more...] about Meet Darren Tham

- - - | written by Jason on 4/22/2011 | - - -

For God So Loved His Children

In her first two-plus years of life, my daughter Lucy has only been sick a few times. For that, Kim and I count our blessings, as there is nothing more miserable and sad and pathetic than a sick little kid. In those times when she is suffering, I’d happily take on her sickness and carry it myself if given the chance. Even if it meant that whatever affliction would be ten times worse and last ten times longer. I’d do it. In a heartbeat. I know parents who have lost children to cancer and diabetes, and I know they'd agree with me. They would've given anything for the chance to trade …

- - - | written by Kim on 4/20/2011 | - - -

Mom Enlists an Army to Clean Her Home for Free

It seems like the "spring cleaning" bug has bitten a number of my friends. Clutter can be a big culprit to Adultitis. With the busy pace of life, piles accumulate and before you know it, you are feeling overwhelmed and unenergized by all of the "stuff" in your life -- whether at work, at home, or in your mind. That's quite a winning combination for the Deadly A. I like the idea of having things all fresh and organized, but I am still waiting for that internal motivation. Once again, one of my sister-in-laws came to the rescue. …

- - - | written by Jason on 4/17/2011 | - - -

Outtakes: The Making of Cheap Family Fun

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- - - | written by Kim on 4/13/2011 | - - -

Picnic in the Rain: Father and Son Surprise Mom and Stay Dry

Spring has sprung in the Midwest. Yahoo! The black mounds of snow have finally disappeared and plump robins are taking their place in the yard. Tulips are starting to pop and the days are getting longer. I am a fan of the occasional cozy rainy day, but I can only handle a few of those a week, once I've tasted the long-awaited gift of a sunny spring day. I'm like an anxious 8-year-old on Christmas Eve. Come on spring! I know you need the rain to make everything green and colorful, but I can't wait any longer!! I suspect our friend Steven from Seattle can relate to my impatience. He …

- - - | written by Jason on 4/10/2011 | - - -

Have You Experienced Family Un-Bonding?

Do you have moments in which even when your family is together, they're not really together? Like when you're driving somewhere, and everyone has their headphones in, watching videos, listening to music, or playing games on their miniature iDevice of choice? Or when the whole gang is home on a weeknight but each person is working, texting, gaming or television watching from a different room in the house? …

- - - | written by Jason on 4/8/2011 | - - -

Meet Marylee Nicholas

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- - - | written by Kim on 4/6/2011 | - - -

Sister-in-law Inspires Meal Planning Rebellion

My sister-in-law Katie has been implementing a small rebellion successfully and consistently for years. She simply refuses to believe that weeknights have to be stressful. She works outside of the home full-time and is in charge of the cooking for her household. Her weekly rebellion is something simple that helps her de-stress her day-to-day considerably, so that she has more time for the fun stuff in life -- like playing her ukelele and watching her favorite movie, The Little Mermaid. …

- - - | written by Jason on 4/3/2011 | - - -

The Pajama Run: Essential to Your Family’s Mental Health

I've never met anyone who didn't want more memorable experiences with their family. No one ever said, "Nope, we bond so often and laugh so much and do so many fun things together as it is, I don't think we need any more, thank you very much." Actually, it's quite the opposite. …