The Best Christmas Ever

Posted on December 24, 2017 by Brian Duffin

One of my favorite Christmas stories is about the six Herdman children: Imogene, Gladys, Leroy, Ralph, Ollie and Claude. It is a heartwarming tale of six juvenile delinquents who end up teaching us some very important lessons about Christmas…in a very unconventional way.

Known for shoplifting, cussing, drinking and all manner of other unsavory behaviors, the Herdmans bring a special spirit to Christmas that I will never forget. It is a touching story for many reasons. Most importantly, for me, the Herdmans show us that everyone has something to contribute, despite their shortcomings and imperfections.

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Confession: I was a member of the #MormonMafia

Posted on October 27, 2016 by Brian Duffin

The #MormonMafia has people in the highest (and lowest) levels of government.

I was once a member of the dreaded #MormonMafia.

When I lived in Arizona, my assignment was to volunteer with the Chandler Police Department, where I did terrible things like:

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Buy a Blizzard® Treat, Make a Miracle

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Brian Duffin

Today is a special day for my family and millions of other families with children who rely on a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for help. Today is #MiracleTreatDay!

On Miracle Treat Day, $1 or more from every Blizzard Treat sold at participating DQ® locations will be donated to local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®. Every minute, 62 children enter a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for treatment. Help participating DQ restaurants help local kids by purchasing a Blizzard Treat on Thursday, July 28*. Find your nearest participating DQ location by clicking here and when visiting the #MiracleTreatDay link–typing your zip code into the store locator tool below.

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Holding onto Hope: The Rest of the Story

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Brian Duffin

Note: Emma’s story was recently featured in the March edition of The Friend, a children’s magazine published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The title of the article is “Holding onto Hope.” This blog post tells the rest of Emma’s story.

In early spring of 2014, my seven-year old daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with strep throat. My once active daughter was now tiring easily and taking naps–something she never did before getting sick. Her pediatrician prescribed a 10-day treatment of antibiotics and the usual suggestions (e.g., get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids, etc.) that normally accompany an illness like this.

Toward the end of the 10 days, my daughter wasn’t showing any signs of improvement; she still had a high fever and was very lethargic. That Saturday night, my wife and I decided that we should take her to the emergency room. We knew something wasn’t right. Continue reading →

Taking Control of Mobile Technology

Posted on January 2, 2016 by Brian Duffin

As a parent of children with Android and iOS devices, I want to be able to control and limit their ability to use their electronic devices, inside or outside of the home.

The sight of a child’s face buried in their cell phone or tablet—for hours on end, with their ears covered with headphones, watching YouTube videos—is enough to drive any parent crazy. Mobile technology can be a wonderful thing, especially when it is properly controlled, and used in small doses.

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