There Will Not Be a Family Tree Maker 2013

Genealogists who use Ancestry.com might be wondering when the next version of the Family Tree Maker software will come out. The short answer is that you can stop waiting. Instead of creating a Family Tree Maker 2013, there will be periodic updates to Family Tree Maker 2012. On July 13 of this year, there was a big problem with the Mac version of the Family Tree Maker software. Ancestry.com noted on their blog that they were were aware of the issue and were “working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible”. Whatever the issue was, it was not … Continue reading

Family Game Night

Between everyone’s busy schedules it’s important to take some time out once a week to spend together as a family. No distractions! Turn the cell phones off, no TV, no computers, just the family! Pick a night of the week to be a special night to spend just you and the kids. For us growing up, we all knew that Monday night was family night. As we got older and our schedules got busier with school and work, family night became less and less frequent. Now that I have my own family, I’d love to start it up again. Have … Continue reading

Fireworks Displays For Kids With Sensory Issues

Watching fireworks on the Fourth of July is usually considered to be a great “family friendly” activity. If your child has sensory issues, then he or she is unlikely to enjoy the loud, booming, explosions that accompany the firecrackers. A mall in Connecticut is holding their first ever “sensory friendly” fireworks this year. Children who have autism spectrum disorders, or who have other sensory issues, might not necessarily enjoy the fireworks displays that many families make a point of viewing on Independence Day. The loud noises can make kids who have certain special needs really uncomfortable or even upset. In … Continue reading

Disney Sing It: Family Hits

My husband and I are video game addicts. Console or computer, it doesn’t matter; we own a bunch of games and have played even more that we’ve borrowed from friends or swapped for others at GameSpot. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone here that my favorite game of all time is Kingdom Hearts. The super-popular Japanese franchise blends the action-RPG style of the Legend of Zelda games with an original and epic story line, one that includes character cameos from Final Fantasy (one of the most popular series of video games). But most importantly, the story revolves around … Continue reading

Places to Have a Holly Jolly Good Time with Your Family

Tis the season to be with family and friends. Whether you decide to bond on the slopes or huddle together in front of the fireplace for a fierce game of Pictionary, the holidays are a great time to spend with loved ones. However, if you don’t know how to ski or you shudder at the thought of having to stay cooped up indoors all day, you might consider the following festive family-friendly options: CONNECTICUT At Christmas Town in Bethlehem, Connecticut, kids can visit Santa on the Village Green and sing along with carolers strolling along Main Street. Don’t forget to … Continue reading

The Family That Plays, Potties, Drinks, Sleeps, and Heals Together Stays Together

Something life with Murphy has made me realize lately is that Wayne, me, and our fur kids are one tight knit clan. Which is sort of a remarkable thing in one respect. On the one hand, we’re a family made up of humans and animals. We’re not related by blood, but our bond is as strong as any blood bond could be. On the other hand, it’s hard to believe that just a little over a year ago we were a house divided. (Literally. Wayne was in Florida working a new job while I stayed behind trying to sell the … Continue reading

New to Marriage Blog but Not to Marriage

I’m popping in to say, ‘Hi’ and feeling excited to be joining Courtney on the marriage blog. My husband and I have been married for over 40 years, so hopefully I’ve learned something about marriage in that time to share with you all. Since May 2007 I have been writing in the Christian area and popping in for the occasional guest movie review. A number of my blogs in Christian have covered marriage. You can check some of them out below. Much of my life involves writing. I’m fortunate to have a husband who fully supports me. He thinks I … Continue reading

General Conference: “Restoring Faith in Family”

In his talk “Restoring Faith in the Family” Elder Kenneth Johnson speaks about the important role that family plays in society. Elder Johnson emphasizes that the family is where you are taught the values and morals that you will have your entire life. Elder Johnson shares that his family was able to teach him the values he needed to have a strong character. He speaks of the example his father set of hard work and the importance of doing your best. He also shares the example of his mother who taught him about provident living and sacrifice through others. Elder … Continue reading

Meet a Families.com Blogger – Dale Harcombe!

Today we are joined by the incomparable Dale Harcombe, who shares her taste in movies with me. Dale, thanks for chatting with me today. How long have you blogged for Families.com? Since mid-May 2007. I started just after coming back from Alpha 2 Omega, a Christian writers’ convention in Brisbane, Queensland. What topics do you blog about? At this stage Christian, though it seems to encompass different areas of life, since being a Christian affects all of living. What is your favorite thing about blogging for Families.com? I like the feeling of commmunity and interaction. Also when people let me … Continue reading

Holiday Light Displays Minus the Evergreens

Not every city in the nation hosts a traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony. In fact, some cities don’t light real evergreens at all. In place of multi-story Tannenbaums some city leaders have opted to string thousands of twinkling lights together to look like a forest of Christmas trees. While others simply use technology and a ton of wattage to add major sparkle to cold, black winter nights. If you live in the following cities consider taking a trip to view some of these unique holiday light displays: HOUSTON, TEXAS Once you’ve stuffed yourself with turkey and pumpkin pie you can … Continue reading