By Jessie Horney Obviously this is going to seem like an argument in defense of casual parenting, as most of my essays do, because I am quite often a casual parent (or rather, a parent actively trying to avoid the boredom of life as a caregiver); but I promise it’s not just that. It’s a…
By Cara Johnson-Bader Would you like to raise a compassionate child? If so, you are not alone. Fortunately, research tells us that kindness and empathy are qualities your child can learn. Practicing kindness gives children better mental and physical health, builds stronger relationships, and helps develop a higher sense of self-worth. These sure-fire tips will…
By Luke Erickson When my son was younger he asked me why I had to leave and go to work. I told him it was because I had to “bring home the bacon.” Months later my wife was driving him and his little friend through town. His friend pointed to a real estate office and…
By Gaye Bunderson For some students, learning is easy. For others, it’s challenging but doable with some effort. For others still, learning is a constant struggle, even though some students in that group are far from lacking in mental abilities. Connie Risser, founder of The Joshua Institute, was a student in the latter category. Now…
Caption for Dennis & His Brother: The author (right) and his brother enjoy a trike ride sponsored by the Boise Veterans Hospital. Riding trikes has given them the opportunity to spend more time together and get exercise at the same time. (Photo by Kelly Odell of the VA) By Dennis Lopez If you never have…
Caption for The Riley Family in Warehouse: The Riley family stands in the Meridian warehouse of Microbe Formulas. They include, from left, Davis Riley, Dallan Riley, Ryan Riley (CEO/owner), Christina Riley, Hattie Riley and Conor Riley. (Photo by Jed Davis) By Mackenzie Hendricks It all started in one family’s backyard in Meridian, Idaho, and has…
By Chuck Carpenter In the late 1950s my dad worked for the government, helping livestock producers with predator problems. We lived at a little place called Wolf Creek, Montana. Early one morning he received a phone call that a black bear had killed a lamb on a small ranch not too far from where we…
I’ve struggled since April to come up with a calendar featuring events that didn’t face being cancelled due to the pandemic we’ve all come to know and loath. I found some programs online, so that worked. But let’s face it, all the great events we’ve come to cherish just didn’t happen – or aren’t going…
By Dennis Lopez Listening to Bob Marley sing in my headphones about how “every little things goin’ to be alright” makes me hope he is right and forget that we are hunkered down and sheltering in place from a worldwide pandemic. But we are. The rubber gloves I am wearing as I type this are…
By Luke Erickson With the holidays that come this time of year we’re reminded of many of the things that bring happiness to our lives, such as candy, turkey, and presents. If only happiness were so simple, right? Happiness is an elusive thing. Yes, food and gifts can provide small, temporary paths to a little…