I’m Tim. In a world of pressure and comparison, it’s a struggle to do what I was called to do as a dad, to love my kids just the way they are and the challenge to set them up to succeed. To do what it takes to prepare them to fly solo in this world we live in. I’m not always successful in doing these things, but here are some things that help me along the way.
Tyson & Samantha’s Perfect Day!
What an amazing day!! September 30, 2023 will always be remembered and celebrated in the Plaster family. Kate and I are so proud of Tyson and the man that he has become; and so thankful for Samantha and the woman she is! And to have family drive and fly in from Texas...
224ce-K DLX
Taylor 224ce-K DLXTaylor. Cutaway. Hawaiian Koa. Tropical Mahogany Neck. West African Crelicam Ebony Fretboard. I don't even know what Crelicam is!!! What I do know is that this guitar is a dream to play! I've never had a grand auditorium shape before, and it fits...
Plaster Family Christmas Tree
The year was 2021. We had just finished watching Christmas Vacation, starring Wally Griswold and family. We were inspired, we lived in Idaho, and it was something we've always wanted to do — cut down our own Christmas tree. We had seen others do it, and were...
No More Flats!
When we first moved to Idaho, we enthusiastically broke out the bikes, took to the greenbelt along the Boise River and started out on what we figured would be a nice bike ride along the river. We ended at a Carl's Jr., five miles from our truck, making a phone call...
Living in Idaho!
We have lived in Idaho since the end of 2017. Here is our experience so far.
Digital Photo Storage, Management and Organization
I took my first digital picture in 1997. We had our second son in 2005 and by then I already had around 7,000 digital photos! By 2010 we had all four boys and we were around 25,000 pictures! Today, I have 83,143. I got my first iPhone in 2009 and that was the single...
Idaho Bound!
Our decision to move to Idaho began in early August. It started with prayer of hope, continued with prayer for open doors and clarity, and ended on Monday, December 4, with a prayer of Thanksgiving. On Saturday, December 3, 2017, the boys finished the Soccer season,...
Our Decision to Move to Idaho
I have lived in Simi Valley for 41 years. Kate has been here for most of her life. We LOVE Simi Valley, the people who live there, and the area and surroundings. So making the choice to leave such a great place was not an easy one. Our comfort is here. Our friends and...
8 Small Resolutions That Can Change Your Family
A wise parent once wrote: "No mom is full of more false hope than when she puts up a new chore chart." Parents love new beginnings, those hopeful moments when we vow to be better. Our children are going to start being more responsible and respectful, and as parents,...
Make Sure You’re Making It Make Sense
"Don't play with the bat like that!" "Be careful with that wire." "Don't talk to your brother like that."
Why we chose homeschool after eight years of public school
After eight years in the public school system, we have decided to go the homeschool route. There are a few different reasons for our decision, which I will share. But first, I would like to say that we had an outstanding experience at our local school. From the...
The confusion of talking to strangers
"Don't talk to strangers." "Say hello to the nice man!" This is a huge point of confusion for our kids. You go to the park with your kids and remind them in the care not to talk to strangers. Then you get there and another parent is there playing with his kids on the...
Make them feel like heroes
Do things that make them feel like they're awesome!
Three Types of Dads
(Original Article - http://www.manbuilders.com/boys-learn-from-their-father/) Do you wonder how you are doing in raising your son? I do. Am I teaching him the right things? Am I involved enough? Will he make it when he leaves the house? In Raising a Modern Day...
Questions About School
"Hey buddy, how was school today?" "Good." "Good, what did you learn?" "Nothing." Sound familiar? That was my conversation with my 5 year old after a day of kindergarten, when I thought, "maybe I'm asking the wrong questions…". Since then, I've been asking questions...
Be Your Kid’s Biggest Fan
One day my 6 year old told me that he couldn't wait until his Aunt Mandy got to the party we were having. He told me that he was so excited to see her because she "always wants to see my drawings". That gave me a peek at what truly meant a lot to kids… they love their...
Feels Like The First Time…
I remember walking into Dodger stadium, and walking through the hall to my seat, only to be greeted by the amazingly HUGE, beautiful, green field. It was awesome. It still takes my breath away. Or what about the first time you walked into Disneyland, onto Main Street,...