Sgt. First Class Brian Eisch

I use military refrences when refering to this blog alot. I do it with the utmost respect to the men and women in our armed forces. I am sharing this link today and I hope you take the 11 minutes out of your busy day to watch it. Sgt. Eisch is a single father with two boys and was deployed to Afghanistan. When you watch this be prepared to be moved, cry, and realize how amazing your life is.

Marcus Yam/The New York Times created the photographs, and video I assume, based on photo credits. It is truly inspiring work.

It's called, "The Home Front" and it is amazing journalism.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/world/battalion.html?hp#/NYT/Features/28

Father Faction recognizes this man and thanks him.
With respect,
Rob

Another Music Monday!

Been away from the computer for a while! Back to it. I hear that this band won some award last night, I don't watch TV so this is all hearsay. However, two facts are that I love this band and they are mega talented! Watch listen search and support, Arcade Fire!



Oh yeah, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to my ultra mega super cool, sexy, smart, wife. I love you Kate!

Money Saving Mondays

If you're like me you have three boys that grow like bamboo trees, and eat entire homes and villages when they get started. But, even if you are not like me and just have one or two children saving money is still on top of the list. Some common areas that seem to suck up the monthly finances can be remedied by simply paying conscious attention to where that hard earned cash is going. Some Father Faction suggestions:

• Go throughout your month as you normally would and keep the receipt for eveything, including that Snapple you bought at the deli.


• Evaluate those receipts at the end of the month and separate them by category (ie. bills, food, misc. etc.)


• See which areas can be shaved down or eliminated and do so the following month (use manufacturers coupons found on their website and also store circulars for grocery bills)


• For the following month keep envelopes with the category written on it.


• Put the extra cash from those categories where you decreased the spending into the savings account.


• Put a goal on the extra cash you are saving in order to make the act of saving more appealing. (ie. when you save up $3000, take $1500 and buy some gold)

You may come to find that eating out or movies and other areas that are not a necessity are the culprits. Everyone knows that as soon as you break that 20$ its gone which is why the ATM gives you $20s and not $100s; thats also why when you cash a check you ask for the majority of it in $100s. That being said break a $20 save a $5.

MAN UP!

Think About This Thursdays

Quite interesting. This would require some serious Maning Up! But I salute the concept because it would save money on diapers and create a bond that is not so common in today's society. What dou you think?

No Whining Wednesday!

This goes for the kids but more importantly for you. MAN UP!!!! Doing homework with your kids is frustrating, mostly because everything they teach in second and third grade you have forgotten! I am just astounded at the WORKLOAD that my second grader brings home and my wife and I spend time with our kids doing homework everynight. Even my little guy in kindergarten is reading stories to me and doing basic addition. It can be overwhleming. Here are some sites to help keep it exciting for your kids and for you to STOP WHINING!
Spelling City

Raz-Kids

Both of these sites are super helpful and easy to use. They make your child feel motivated and engaged.
So have an extra cup of coffee before they get home or before you do and focus on their education. Remember, you are your child's greatest teacher and their number one advocate! MAN UP!!!!!

Now I know sometimes we fathers have to wear the hat of carpenter and whether you are an instruction reader or not this little handy gadget will definitely help you make sense of any furniture assembly task. How many times have you had that little bolt or nut in your mouth...holding it ever so delicately...like a mama alligator trasporting her babies....only to drop it on the shag carpet or have it roll under the fridge????? No More my good comrades...NO MORE!!! This magnetic wrist band will ensure that all the nuts and bolts are present and accounted for. Man Up and happy assembling.

Music Monday

I love music, ALL music. But it's more than love its more like an obsession. I am always listening to music in the car and at home. Hip Hop, Punk, Classic Rock, Indie, Pop, you nam eit, and yes, EVEN country. Some Country. Currently I cannot stop listening to Charles Bradley. He. Is. The. Man! Listen for yourself and Father Faction is going to try and always have Music Monday's!
General Rob