Even those lucky enough to avoid COVID have still felt the effects of the global pandemic that’s ruined lives, livelihoods, and a year of people’s lives. Manage to stay healthy? That’s great!  But there’s still a wracked economy, funerals on Zoom, classes on Zoom, everything on Zoom. And like much in life, you can’t control what happens, you can only control how you respond. That’s the mentality one Illinois couple took after COVID scrapped the plans for their wedding. Instead, they decided to use the non-refundable catering deposit to buy 200 Thanksgiving dinners for people in need.

That’s been one of the inspiring aspects of all of this, how normal people respond to these extraordinary circumstances. Sure, celebrities can make grandiose donations to buy entire hospitals full of PPE (thank you celebrities, we need that!), but it’s even more touching when every day folks roll up their sleeves and do what they can to help each other through this hellscape. Stories like this, or the guy who had to say goodbye to his dad over Facetime, so he helped provide dozens of iPads to hospitals so others could connect with loved ones.

In this case, Emily Bugg and Billy Lewis were supposed to be married in the fall. And they were! It was just in city hall, and not the grand wedding they had in mind when they got engaged. But they still had a $5,000 nonrefundable catering deposit to consider, so they put it to good use. They purchased 200 Thanksgiving dinners for clients of a mental health nonprofit.

Emily works for the nonprofit and wanted to help replace the organization’s yearly communal Thanksgiving dinner that had to be scrapped (also COVID).

 

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A post shared by Thresholds (@thresholdschicago)

“In the grand scheme of things, canceling a big wedding isn’t the worst thing that could happen,” she said to Good Morning America. “We’re happy to be married, and we’re so happy that we could help Thresholds’ clients feel the connection of a Thanksgiving meal as a result of the wedding cancellation.”

The catering staff boxed up the meals, which the nonprofit staff delivered to the homes of patients. The CEO said the donation was an incredible example of ‘the generosity and creativity the pandemic has inspired in so many.’

“I know that Emily’s act of kindness will inspire others to do the same and build love and connection in a difficult time, in any way we can,” he said.

“This is my husband, Ian.

He used to spend his days and evenings producing amazing work for clients as a graphic designer at a small design firm in Chicago. He went to fancy industry parties, worked on nationally recognized projects, and loved his job.

But, since having our first baby five and half years ago, he exchanged his dream job to be a stay at home dad. Four kids total, and he’s been rocking this gig with patience, grace, lots of coffee, and love.

Ian isn’t a normal stay at home dad guy, though, he’s always taking them out to coffee shops, parks, bike rides, library, dance classes, and does it all with a smile on his face.

Being a stay at home parent is extremely hard, but he says he wouldn’t change it for the world and it’s his most rewarding job he’s had.”

– Michelle Merrill

Want to share a story about fatherhood? Email [email protected]

The parents of Twitter are back with another round of hilarity. Every week, the parenting corner of Twitter is filled with the most memorable (and sometimes, the most questionable) parenting moments, and we’re here for it all. The hilarious, the cringe-worthy, and the just plain ridiculous – here are 12 of the funniest parenting tweets this week.

Painfully relatable

I told 5 to pick up his clothes and take a shower and he thought the appropriate response was to cry in bed for an hour because I told him to do “too much stuff”.

— Dadman Walking (@dadmann_walking) January 17, 2021

We have to take full advantage before the inevitable day that they beat us fair and square

Kids are like “race me!” then throw a fit when you easily beat them, like what did you think was gonna happen

— Average Dad (@Average_Dad1) January 18, 2021

Even Alexa is tired of your shit

Child: Hey mom-
Wife: OMG WHAT NOW
Child: NEVER MIND I’ll ASK ALEXA. Hey Alexa-
Alexa: OMG WHAT NOW

— Rodney Lacroix (@RodLacroix) January 18, 2021

And then in a couple years, throwing down the “draw four” in Uno

Nobody is more drunk with power than a 5-year-old telling you to “go fish.”

— mark (@TheCatWhisprer) January 18, 2021

This dad joke unlocked the skill, “Super Sneeze”

My kid asked where babies come from and I said everywhere, man, they’re worldwide.

— cap’n watsisname (@capnwatsisname) January 19, 2021

What’s it like raising a genius

I just made my daughter a grilled cheese and her response was “this is perfect, I bet you can’t do it twice” so yes, she knows how to play the game

— Crockett🍀 (@CrockettForReal) January 14, 2021

Parenting is a dang conundrum

My 4yo just taught himself to whistle, and how something so damn annoying can make me feel so damn proud I don’t even know.

— WTFDAD (@daddydoubts) January 8, 2021

Has to be the truck, right? Right?

Kids will love the garbage man to a level that makes you question your paternity.

— Xennial Daddy (@Xennial_Daddy) January 14, 2021

*Tearing up* It’s gotten so big

Dads take pictures of the fire they built like moms take pictures of their babies.

— Simon Holland (@simoncholland) January 18, 2021

Game night is canceled until further notice

me: [angrily flipping over table] I TOLD U I HATE BOARD GAMES U CHEATING LITTLE SHIT
daughter: once again, how does one cheat at hungry hungry hippos

— Grant Tanaka (@GrantTanaka) January 19, 2021

Hire kids to fix the world. They can do it

My 4 year old said that he wants to drive an ice cream truck when he grows up. When I told him it’s not that lucrative of a career he responded, “No, not for a job. It’s so I always have ice cream.” I’m grown up. I want to drive an ice cream truck too.

— Henpecked Hal (@HenpeckedHal) January 15, 2021

It’s nice to dream

Do you ever wonder how much time you would save if kids just did what they were asked the first time. I think it’s about 87 years.

— threetimedaddy (@threetimedaddy) January 20, 2021

Did you miss last week’s funniest parenting tweets?

The only bad thing about dogs is that they don’t live as long as humans. It’s impossibly hard to reconcile the fact that we used to have to gate off the kitchen so our sneaky pups couldn’t jump up on the counter and steal snacks – it seems like yesterday, but before we know it, they struggle to even climb the steps to the front door.

Nine years ago, Catherine Morris and her family adopted an adorable dog named Spike. Young Spike was nimble and energetic – in fact, he decided early on that he preferred to sleep with his humans. The determined pup jumped the gate every single night until the Morris family stopped trying to prevent him from crawling under the covers with them.

 

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A post shared by Spike Morris (@spikethespringer)

But at 14, Spike has slowed down considerably. In recent months, he suffered two strokes that forced him to re-learn how to walk. His family tended to him, cared for him, and worked with the elderly dog to gain back some of his strength. Though Spike no longer needs to be carried around, he is still unable to climb the stairs.

 

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A post shared by Spike Morris (@spikethespringer)

After nearly a decade of sleeping side-by-side, the adjustment to sleeping downstairs was challenging for Spike. Fortunately, he didn’t have to do it alone.

“We take turns to sleep downstairs with him,” Catherine Morris said on Instagram. “He’s happy because he still gets his cuddles, and we’re happy because we still get our cuddles.”

 

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A post shared by Spike Morris (@spikethespringer)

Morris shared a video on Instagram showing the adorable arrangement. Some days it was her snuggled on the couch with Spike, and other days her dad slept peacefully by his side. Despite two strokes and the typical struggles that come with aging, Spike is still one lucky dog.

Hell hath no fury like a protective mom, even when she’s protecting one of the best players in the league!

Cleveland Browns linebacker Mack Wilson learned as much when Patrick Mahomes‘ mother went at him on Twitter after Wilson’s sacked him in Sunday’s divisional playoff game. It left Mahomes dazed and sitting out the bulk of the second half while entering the NFL‘s concussion protocol.

Patrick’s mom Randi called out Wilson’s jersey number – and called him evil! – in her tweet:

#51 evil NEVER WINS!!! Love my Chiefs

— Randi Mahomes (@tootgail) January 17, 2021

Obviously, mom was worried for her son and fired off her tweet in a bit of a state, but Wilson probably didn’t appreciate being called evil.

To his credit, he responded calmly and assured Mrs. Mahomes that he was just playing hard, as one does in a win-or-go-home game during the NFL playoffs.

No disrespect mom I’m just playing hard. This is a dangerous game we play and we take a risk every time we step foot on the field. I’m happy that Pat is okay but mind you.. I’ve never been a dirty player. I just want to win and be great like your son. 🙏🏾❤️

— Mack Wilson (@5mackwilson1) January 19, 2021

He closed his tweet with a compliment, and his opponent’s mom thanked him and squashed the beef, admitting she was merely speaking as a concerned mom who loves her son.

Thanks!! I know every player was out there playing their best.. this momma bear was just having a hard time watching it…. it hurt me as a parent is all.. appreciate your kinda words.. #blessed

— Randi Mahomes (@tootgail) January 19, 2021

You can’t really blame Mrs. Mahomes for overreacting, though calling one of her son’s opponent’s ‘evil,’ was a bit much. Kudos to Wilson for responding respectfully, and for Randi for admitting her emotions got the best of her.

If that game was any indication, this might not be the last time her son crosses paths with Mack!

As we grow up, we start to understand and relate to our parents on a whole new level. Experiencing life’s milestones often allows us to grow closer to our parents, using their knowledge to guide and reassure us and sharing in the amazement of it all as a family. But when you’ve lost one of your parents as Bindi Irwin has, you’re forced to find other ways to include them in those joyous moments.

The Irwin family had to master the skill of including Steve in their lives in a new way abruptly, after tragically losing him in 2006. They’ve treasured his memory at every turn and held him close to their hearts – especially during life’s big moments.

Bindi Irwin and her husband Chandler are expecting their first baby, a baby that would have been Steve’s first grandchild. Bindi has followed in her dad’s footsteps, giving the world glimpses into her personal life and inviting us to celebrate with her.

Recently, Bindi shared an adorable throwback photo of her own parents – Terri Irwin stands, visibly pregnant and smiling, as Steve and little Bindi kiss her baby bump (aka, the now 17-year-old Robert).

Now well into her own pregnancy, Bindi recreated the adorable photo with her husband Chandler. She captioned the photo, “Recreating a very special moment. Third trimester love.”

 

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A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)

Like any family who has mourned the loss of a loved one, the Irwin family likely thinks about Steve every single day. But during important milestones, they find creative ways to include the late Crocodile Hunter in their celebrations. Steve loved every second of being a father, and though he isn’t here to see it in person, he would undoubtedly be ecstatic about his growing family.

After Bindi announced her pregnancy, Terri said on Twitter, “While I wish that Steve was here to share this beautiful moment, I know that he would be so proud.”

2021 is going to be a big year for video games.

I say that every year, but it’s especially true this time.  Nintendo has a great line-up of titles for their ever so popular Nintendo Switch and Sony & Microsoft, while focused on releasing plenty of exciting next-gen gaming experiences for their new consoles, will still be supporting their previous PS4 & Xbox One systems.  With love for current and next-gen gaming, this just means a year full of entertainment.

The list I’ve put together here contains a variety of new games releasing (or rumored to release) in 2021 that you and your kids could enjoy playing, a couple that are pure speculation (oh, I just love to speculate), and a couple “mature” titles that us adults can be excited about.  There’s something here for everyone to look forward to.  It’s also crazy to think we’re only in January and I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to find time to play all of these.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

I’m so glad that Nintendo decided to finally port this over to the Switch.  My kids and I absolutely loved Super Mario 3D World when it originally released on the Wii U, and it’s right up there as one of our favorite Mario games of all time.  The levels are well-paced and the co-op is a ton of fun (unless your son keeps picking you up and throwing you off a ledge for a good laugh).   This game seemed to inspire Sony’s PS4/PS5 exclusive Sackboy: A Big Adventure, which is another great co-op experience to check out.  With this updated Switch release, it includes the “Bowser’s Fury” add-on, which contains Baby Bowser as a playable character (if the newest trailer up above is suggesting that), new levels, and a giant Bowser vs giant Cat Mario battle.  It looks awesome.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury releases for Nintendo Switch on February 12th, 2021.  You can pre-order now.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Sony’s Ratchet & Clank series has always been something special.  The characters are lovable, the world is vibrant, the weapons are wacky, and the humor always has its tongue placed firmly in cheek. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is coming exclusively to the Playstation 5 and will be the 10th entry in the main storyline.  This new adventure includes new features such as a playable female character and interdimensional warping mechanics.  If you haven’t kept up-to-date on your Ratchet & Clank lore, don’t worry.  Developer Insomniac Games says ‘Rift Apart’ will act as a sort of standalone story, so newcomers won’t be completely in the dark.  For Ratchet & Clank enthusiasts though, I’m sure there’ll be lots of references to the other games for us to appreciate.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart will release on PS5 in 2021.

New Pokemon Snap

This is a nostalgic surprise!  The original N64 Pokemon Snap was such a cool concept.  It was a unique and relaxing experience taking photos and trying to discover all the Pokemon in each area.  You could unlock different items like fruit, which you could toss at the Pokemon to get them out of hiding for that perfect photo.  With this new game, it includes an assortment of Pokemon from all the games in the franchise.  The only thing missing from this version is the ability to print off your pictures at the local Blockbuster Video.

New Pokemon Snap releases for Nintendo Switch on April 30th, 2021.  You can pre-order now.

Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game – Complete Edition

Based on the graphic novels by Bryan Lee O’Malley (and film adaptation by Edgar Wright), Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game is a co-op, side-scrolling beat em’up that takes its inspiration from classics such as Streets of Rage and Final Fight.  It also features a great, old-school inspired soundtrack by Anamanaguchi.  Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Scott Pilgrim game was originally available digitally on PS3 and Xbox 360 but was de-listed from their online stores and just never showed up again… until now.  It does suck that I’ll have to purchase this again, but it’s totally going to be worth it.

Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game – Complete Edition is now available on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch & PC

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga was originally supposed to release on October 20, 2020 but was unfortunately delayed until 2021.  It will adapt all nine entries in the Skywalker saga of films, so there’s going to be lots of content to get through.  Judging by the trailer, it looks like it’s going to be the best Lego Star Wars game yet, and I’m not ashamed to admit that a Lego game trailer gave me chills once that classic Star Wars main theme kicked in.  Gets me every time.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga will release on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S in 2021

God of War: Ragnarok

The God of War franchise started out strong when it released back in 2005.  Over the years though, Kratos became a stale character.  Luckily, the developers of 2018’s God of War felt the same way. It still featured the same over-the-top action we loved, but it added a new element to Kratos by giving him a son that was actually a part of the moment-to-moment gameplay.  Immediately, I had a connection with him, as I wanted to do everything I could to keep Atreus safe. I didn’t always agree with how hard he was on his “boy”, but when Kratos started to become more caring and open up all dad-like, man… did it hit me right in the feels. I cannot wait to see where their journey takes them with this next installment.  Hopefully, it can live up to everyone’s expectations.

God of War: Ragnarok will release on PS5 in 2021.

Halo Infinite

Originally an Xbox Series X launch title, Halo Infinite’s reveal last summer was met with criticism. Fans didn’t think this looked quite like the next-gen Halo game they had been waiting for, so Xbox took that criticism very serious and delayed its release to Fall 2021.  This extra time allows developer 343 to really polish it so it can live up to the quality of the other titles in the series. Now, with a set release date, Xbox fans can really start to get excited for their “killer-app”.

Halo Infinite will release on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One & PC in Fall 2021.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2

All we have is this cryptic teaser trailer from 2019, but we know it has been in active development since then.  I’m thinking we’re going to get a new trailer this year with a holiday 2021 release date.  Breath of the Wild was a wonderful departure from the usual Zelda format, and while this one looks much darker in tone (like Majora’s Mask), I hope it still retains the massive open-world exploration and clever dungeons that made the first so refreshing.  Also, the Zelda franchise turns 35 this year.  Wouldn’t 2021 be a great time to announce the release date for this new one?  Maybe we’ll just get an Ocarnia of Time remaster on Switch instead, I’d be cool with that too.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 will release on Nintendo Switch.

The Elder Scrolls VI

Ok, this last one’s just for fun.  Sorry to get your hopes up.  This “Official Announcement Teaser” trailer we got two years ago was about as bare-bones a trailer as we could have got. Publisher Bethesda obviously just wanted everyone to know that a new Elder Scrolls game was in the works, but it has been two years since they made the announcement.  Either they’re saving a big reveal for 2021 and planning a holiday release, or we might have to wait until at least 2022 to jump back into the single-player world of Elder Scrolls. Considering everyone is still playing Skyrim though, I assume they’re in no rush and we’ll just have to keep waiting patiently.

The Elder Scrolls VI will release sometime this century, as long as Bethesda doesn’t keep re-releasing Skyrim.

So this is just a handful of big releases to look out for this year, and who knows what other unannounced projects will pop up in the meantime.  Yeah, 2021 is going to be a big year for video games.

In today’s divisive times, there are few things that we can all agree on. But one of them is the Muppets! Everybody loves the Muppets (give or take Miss Piggy, am I right?) And now, thanks to Disney+, we’re getting them!

Starting on February 19th, Disney+ will be home to The Muppet Show – and that means all 5 seasons, the last two of which are becoming available in your home for the first time since they were originally aired on television starting in 1976.

If you’re of a certain age, you remember the Muppet Show for its cast of characters like Kermit the Frog, the aforementioned Miss Piggy, Fozzy Bear, Rowlf the dog, Gonzo the… something, and a variety of secondary players like Beaker, the Swedish Chef, Animal, and many more.

You also remember the show’s incredible guest stars, each of whom was game to goof around with Jim Henson’s creations, including Steve Martin, Elton John, Mark Hamill, fresh from Star Wars, Sylvester Stallone, and other superstars.

In the years since the show, the Muppets have headlined a bunch of movies, and even had a bit of a revival earlier this century. Now fans have a chance to see how it all started on their TV show.

Kermit himself made a statement about the show’s arrival on Disney+, saying, “It’s going to be great to welcome back longtime fans, and to give a new generation of fans a chance to see how we got our start, how Miss Piggy became a star and so much more.”

Check out the original trailer for the show, and tune in on February 19th:

Ose Akhile has been a trainer for over ten years, and when he became a dad, he set out to include his kids in his biggest passion. Akhile treasured the time he got to spend being active with his kids, bonding with them, and introducing them to a world that was central to his life. After having kids of his own, Akhile began to realize that most activities within the community were geared towards moms and their kids as opposed to dads – and that was a gap he intended to fill.

“My mission is to not only redefine the dad bod from a physical level but to truly create a brand that is recognized for creating a community of fathers committed to being their best in every aspect of their life so that their kids can follow the same example,” Akhile told The Dad. “As I like to say, ‘ it’s better to show them how to live than it is to tell them.’”

 

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A post shared by Osekalome Akhile (@ose_akhile)

Akhile’s love of fitness and fatherhood led him to start Daddy Fitness, a program geared towards supporting dads on their fitness journeys. Though Akhile trains some clients in person, his program is available online so he can reach as many dads as possible. Akhile models both an active lifestyle and an active role in his kids’ lives – he’s a proud “girl dad” of three and stresses the importance of appreciating every moment.

 

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When discussing the feedback Daddy Fitness has received Akhile explained, “My favorite are first time dads because they truly appreciate being able to have a resource to not only help them get in shape (mainly for the sake of their kids) but also about fatherhood and the challenges it comes with.”

Through Daddy Fitness, Akhile has created a supportive community of dads who recognize just how difficult it can be. He invites dads to engage in self-care, spend quality time with their kids, and do so with the support of other dads going through the same thing.

Akhile’s home is filled with love and energy, something that he takes great pride in. “My wife is amazing. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her,” Akhile said. “No day is short of entertainment or laughter. And even the hard days, we wouldn’t trade it for anything else.”

 

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Sharing his successes, his struggles, and his support for other dads has turned Daddy Fitness into far more than your typical fitness group. “My goal and dream is to turn it into a startup company centered around helping dads be the best men they can be for themselves and their families,” Akhile explained. “This goes beyond fitness, but also nutrition, mental health, and guidance.”

“We also want dads to be active with their kids. Don’t just sit and oversee them play. Get in there with them!”

Graduating is an accomplishment that deserves to be celebrated. Whether you’re graduating from elementary school or medical school, your hard work and dedication should be recognized. When 23-year-old Taleigh Loven graduated from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix with her bachelor’s degree in psychology last October, her dad decided to celebrate with her. This was no ordinary celebration, though – it was a surprise celebration that was several years in the making.

During Taleigh’s celebration, her dad Mike Loven walked in wearing a GCU alumni shirt. Understandably, his family was baffled. Mike had never been one for keeping secrets – in fact, when his diploma showed up in the mail, Mike’s wife was convinced there had been some sort of mistake.

“The confusion was a lot of fun. I don’t keep secrets,” Loven told “Good Morning America.” “[My wife], she thought GCU had sent my daughter’s diploma and accidentally put my name on it.”

Though Mike is successful in his career as the owner of a staffing company, in 2016, he realized something was missing. He started school in secret while both of his kids worked towards their own degrees. You know the trick where kids stick a comic book inside the book they’re supposed to be reading for school? This impressively sneaky dad basically did the opposite.

“They thought I was working on a spreadsheet for work when in reality I was working on a spreadsheet in an accounting class,” he explained.

Mike studied, completed assignments, and took exams over four and a half years without his family catching on. While working full-time and going to school, Mike maintained a 3.99 GPA and finally graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics.

“During the time that he was working on his degree, he carried the load for us as he has for my entire life,” Taleigh said. “His selfless act shows a glimpse to his character. Words truly cannot express how proud I am of him.”