Above the Ground Pool - the Right ChoiceWritten by Ethan Bailey
With summer fast approaching, many families will be making decision to finally get pool they have been dreaming about for so many years. While you have choice of getting an above ground pool or an in-ground pool many families choose above ground pool. One of most common reasons most families decide to go with an above ground pool is cost is considerably less expensive. While cost is a definite consideration there are other factors to take into account before making your final decision. Below are some tips and thoughts to consider: 1.It is very important to first find out rules, and restrictions in your county if any. Additionally, if you live in an area that has a home owners association it is best to find out their own rules and regulations as well before deciding on an above ground pool. While you usually won’t need a building permit in most areas for an above ground pool, there may be standards you must follow - it is best to contact them directly. 2.Next we suggest you do price comparisons on different types of above ground pools. We strongly suggest getting a few different quotes; don’t just settle on first pool company you contact. 3.Along with being more cost efficient, above ground pools are set up quicker and easier. Another plus to consider, along with easier set up, you can take pool down during winter season or should you move to another home - you can take your above ground pool it with you!
| | Maturing As a ParentWritten by Richard Hanes
I have three children, ages 19 and 16 (yes, 16 year-olds are twins!) My older son just mailed his college deposit and will leave for school sometime in August. Thinking back over past few years, I’ve just realized my children have been spreading their wings to fly away for sometime now.Your life begins to change as your child enters high school, whether you like it or not. Boy, did I not like changes. Many of your family’s practices change, just because your children won’t always be around for them. Accepting these changes as gracefully as possible is part of your maturation as a parent. Family dinners were our first casualty. I grew up in a family that dined together every day, especially at dinner. We continued that practice when our children were younger. But sports practices, play rehearsals, invitations to friends’ houses began to leave kids’ places vacant at dinner table. Or you’ll get exactly opposite – everyone’s girlfriend or boyfriend comes over unexpectedly for dinner. I’ve learned to plan plenty for dinner, and then enjoy leftovers for lunch next day if everyone isn’t here. Family vacations were our second casualty. Summer school, sports camps, pre-season workouts or band camps filled up our summer schedule and kept us from vacationing as a family. We’ve split into smaller groups to vacation; each parent gets his own set of children to attend a family reunion or Scout camp. While this feels like a loss, it’s hard to imagine a place where your child wouldn’t be mortified to be seen with you! Maybe this is for best anyway!
|