A speaker recently came to our school to talk about brain development and how that can inform our interactions with kids. In his workshop, he mentioned that the average American household has 34 seconds of meaningful interaction per day. Yeah … 34 seconds.

Chatting about schedules, what’s going on, current news, menus, and house rules don’t count … he was talking about dialogue that’s meaningful to the child. Here’s something that Janet, another teacher, wrote in response:

He also spoke about home rituals, activities which give to the child a message of your values. What is so valued in your home that it happens first, always, without exception? This part was meaningful to me. What I make important now is not about today, but is an investment in what I hope for them tomorrow. This family dinner—helping with a chore—small things that are always done together.

He talked about having a reading time with his child before bed—but that he allowed it to be interrupted by a phone call, sudden visitors, and so forth—but that he always went back to the reading. He thought that he was okay because he returned to the activity, showing that it was worth finishing. However, what he was showing his child was that reading is important except if these other things happen. He decided to fully commit—and the message of value that gave to reading in his home and TO HIS CHILD was significant. When the phone rang and his wife called for him, he asked to return the call later. When guests came, he said I’ll be down in a little while.

This was a big deal to me as a parent, for I’ve been shuffling the same way—but also as a teacher. What do I let get bumped? What messages of value am I sending my students? What is important, but not important enough to be immoveable. This is not about flexibility—we all need to be flexible—but about ordering my day at work and at home so that my children really do see me living out my values for myself and my family.

I’m so involved in today—and this is like UbD for the home—what is the big picture? Am I more interested in getting them through today or investing in who they will become as adults? In my language arts class, am I more interested in getting them done with a part so we can have the quiz or in helping to make them engaged learners in reading and writing—successful high school and college students (and beyond).

That makes me think … I want to have a home where we constantly talk about meaningful things … confronting difficult issues, digging through relationships, learning about each other’s sphere’s of influence, and being intentional about caring about each other’s stuff.

When life gives you water, make lemonade.
[with free lemon slices and sugar packets]

[Lance vending machine, by webel]

Check out what my nieces and nephew found during their trip to Florida … I need to get me one of those!

When is divorce the right (or “acceptable”) choice in a marriage?

How can a person who has chosen to remain abstinent until marriage find a sexually compatible mate?

This variation of the biblical story Daniel and the Lion’s Den was made by my nieces, Grace and Rachel, my nephew Drew, and some of their friends in Indianapolis. Aren’t they fantastic?

“Uncle Lance, you’re such a monkey’s uncle.”

– Nephew Nathaniel

Tomorrow I’m taking two of my nephews, Nathaniel and Caleb, to the last Cleveland Browns game of the season. We’re gonna ride the train into the city, getting there just early enough to explore the stadium and get hyped up. Then we’ll head to our seats in the corner of the upper deck to brave the cold weather and cheer them on to victory!

At this point, it’s still a secret … I’m going to reveal it first thing in the morning, and I can’t wait to see their excitement!

Steve and Erica’s first son has arrived on the scene … and from the looks of things, he’s already strong and sassy (check out those guns!).

Welcome to the world, Nathaniel Stephen Webel!

[The Autumn Pickerings, by Lance Webel]

This past weekend I went to Indianapolis to visit my sister and her family. We cheered Drew on at his football game, picked pumpkins at a local farm, and celebrated the baptism of all three kids (see the photo set and slideshow).

It was fantastic!

The Y Chromosome

[via hp … he’s got ‘em too]

I just found out that my father is driving down tomorrow from Akron to visit for the weekend and help me look for homes. Yippee!

Yesterday my brother and his family rented a speedboat for the afternoon. I was one of the casualties.

My nephew Nathaniel composed the music … pretty sweet, eh?