Being a Dad: Surviving Christmas: (The Angel)

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The Christmas Angel, everyone knows where they come from, the significance and the meaning of them also. I can’t really talk about Being a Dad and Surviving Christmas without sharing about this one.

Being a Dad: Surviving Christmas (The Bells of Christmas)

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Bells have always held a special place in my heart as they often remind me of hope.

Being a Dad: Surviving Christmas (The Snowman)

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You may be thinking, “why on earth is he talking about a snowman?” Well, there is a good reason and it is also a pretty straightforward message that comes with the snowman and how being a dad connects to that snowman.

Being a Dad: Surviving Christmas (The Star)

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Tonight is supposed to be the night we see ‘the Christmas Star’ at its brightest. You know that article going around saying that Jupiter and Saturn will cross over each other.

Being a Dad: Surviving Christmas (A Christmas Flower)

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Okay, today’s a great day to write about the other ‘not so dad-like’ symbol of Christmas. The Poinsettia is a very special flower to many during the Christmas Season. The question I've wondered for years is, why?’

Being a Dad: Surviving Christmas (The Ho

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I know what you’re thinking. “What in the world does this have to do with being a dad and surviving Christmas.” Well, I’m glad you asked. Have you ever heard of creating a toxic reaction?

Being a Dad: Surviving Christmas (The Christmas Wreath)

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Christmas Wreaths are something special...

Much like the Christmas Tree, the wreath was historically made from the evergreen tree as well, meaning that the wreath could mean something similar. While this is partially true, the deeper meaning comes from the way the wreath is created. 

Being a Dad: Surviving Christmas (The Christmas Tree)

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The Christmas Tree is probably the most recognizable symbol of Christmas... 

Sure we have the Christmas Star, Santa Claus, and The Christ Child, but these may not be everywhere. Christmas Trees sure are. Did you know that Christmas Trees have been a thing since the middle ages? Well, it’s true? They were used by the Romans too. These histories show that the Evergreen Tree was used as a symbol of life and protection. 

Being a Dad with a Plan?

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Sometimes being a dad can lead to crazy experiences, huh? There have been some really fun experiences and then there have been some experiences I don't really care to talk about.  As fathers to our children we always want to do what is best for them. The hurtful truth of the matter is, there will be times that we do not succeed.

Being A Dad with Motivated Choices

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Learning what being a dad is all about is an ongoing journey, isn't it? We go through so many "life lessons" and we begin to think we might just be okay at this whole dad thing and BAMM! Something happens, we make a choice, a choice we really feel is the right one, but it turns out... It's the wrong one!

Being a Dad: Embracing Failure (in more ways than one)

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I have a confession to make and I'm not really happy about it. I failed to keep this updated as much as I should.  So many times an idea has struck and something has prevented me from sharing about it.  So many times I have learned something about being a dad and not had the energy to write something about it.

Being a Dad: Embracing 'Dad Thoughts'

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I have no idea where all of January went. I can't believe it's already almost over. Being a dad that works full-time I often think about what may be going on at home. I wonder if my kids are experiencing some sort of growing pain or if they are putting to much strain on my wife. I guess you could say I worry about what I am missing. My 'Dad Thoughts' ponder the unknown.

Being a Dad: Holiday Joys?

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Being a Dad during the holidays can be stressful. There are many things that come into play. Questions that we, as dads, have to answer for ourselves, and for our loved ones, weigh on our hearts and minds. What should we get for those that we care about? How much time do we actually need to take off, if we can? Where should we spend the holidays, here, there, or somewhere else?

Being a Dad: Breaking Through Distractions

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My Oh My, I've been slacking off, haven't I? Life has been a bit distracting lately and sometimes time just gets away from us. Being a dad though, comes with learning the ability to push those distractions out. It's hard to know when a distraction is getting the best of you, isn't it? I mean that's really the purpose of distractions right, they distract.  

Being a Dad: Life Lessons or Memoirs

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Being a Dad presents many interesting opportunities in life. Some are usually really fun and others, well, let's just say, could be left out of our memoirs. Every opportunity, whether we put it in our memoirs or not can be a teachable opportunity. I get it, your thinking, this sounds familiar.    It may well indeed, but I write what I'm learning, and well, I'm learning every day.

Being A Teachable Dad: What about Me?

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Have you ever been driving down the road, laying in bed, or in the shower and had wandering thoughts? I know it sounds cheesy and maybe kind of creepy, but I mean like Serious. Wandering. Life-Changing Thoughts.  They do happen and are all part of being a teachable dad. These thoughts really make you STOP. DROP. and WANT TO ROLL. Well, not really, but they could...

Being a Teachable Dad: Bearing Burdens. Your Own, or Others?

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One of the biggest things that have surfaced in this last year of being a dad has been, well, actually something more to do with my marriage.  My wife and I will have been married for 9 years next month, and while I accidentally told everyone it was the big two-digit anniversary; I have come to understand that our 9 year anniversary is its own special milestone. Its been a very eventful year. 

Being A Teachable Dad: Accepting You Make Mistakes Too!

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So, I struggle with accepting my mistakes. Yep, I said it. 

It's out in the open, I have failed as a father and as a believer.  My mistakes have cursed me for life and being a dad will never be the same again.

Being a Dad when your WHOLE FAMILY, is down for the count.

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Elliott Family, Christmas 2018!

Have you ever battled with what to do when your family is down for the count, on the edge of the deep dark world of getting over being sick? Let me tell you, it's a battle for me every time. Being sick myself, it's no big deal. I will go to work if it's not contagious or if I believe I need the money. Subconsciously, I don't really care about my own well being, but being a dad and a husband, it's another thing altogether.

5 Lessons Being a Dad has Taught Me!

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Growing up, one of my biggest dreams was being a dad. I have said it before and will say it again. Being a dad has really opened my eyes up to an entirely different view of the world around me. Has it been what I dreamed, well no, it's been entirely different? Even with the chaotic moments becoming a dad has brought and the learning curve that has been thrust upon me, life is better. Life is fuller, and life is more memorable.

It's funny to think that my children are still so young and I have learned so much. I still have so much more to learn and experience before I will ever claim to be the dad my children deserve. Honestly, it will be a lifelong journey, and I guarantee I will make mistakes along the way but, the lessons learned will be fulfilling.