As a budding artist, I’ve dreamed big dreams of fame and fortune with an understanding that they would likely not ever become reality. And if those dreams are so large that they unobtainable, why would I ever even try? Well, the simple answer is that regardless of the arrival at the perceived destination, the adventure is in the journey itself. And, I’ll never get anywhere without first taking one simple step in that direction. and then another… and another… Soon I’ll be much closer than I am right now, and will likely have achieved many smaller dreams along the way.

One of those dreams was lived this week with the release of my first official solo album: Heart of a Dad. It’s a compilation of songs written and sung from the perspective of a father. It represents many different stages of life, but all of the songs celebrate a common blessing that is fatherhood.

I didn’t set out on this songwriting journey to release solo CD projects into this world, but that was the next logical step in my journey, and all of the previous steps seemed to lead right to where I’m at today. It was effectively a by-product of the relationships I had formed with very close co-writing friends, many hours of developing my home-studio recording abilities, hours of agonizing over the best way to get certain thoughts across in song, etc. By the time I looked up from my baby steps, I was surprised at where I was, and I realized that I might as well put it all in a tidy little package and present it to the world.

So here ya go, world…

A little offering of my baby steps over the past few years. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did creating it. It is certainly a project grown from the heart of a couple of passionate Dads, and I trust it will touch you as well. – Allen

Visit Allen’s Website to listen to his music: Allen Krehbiel

My wife Kathy and I sat back with adult bevvies in hand (recommended) and pressed the play button.

As long time owners of various breeds of kiddie vans we immediately bonded with the band members as they sang about experiences resembling ours. We had a hard time fitting our kids bedtime routines into our schedule that night as we couldn’t wait to hear the next song seemingly written about us.

These dads don’t sing “pink” songs with blue birds tweeting in the background. Their songs are in black, gray, and white. They sing it like it is (it being parenthood). Most parents should be able to relate to these songs and while they may not win American Idol they are the neighbors we wish we had. We recommend their music for yourselves and they would make for great gifts for just about any occasion.

Their official Bio:

The POP Stars are a band of Fathers who perform original songs about the joys, trials and tribulations of parenthood. Their upbeat music gets little ones dancing and parents laughing, with topics ranging from sleep deprivation and spilt milk to minivans, potty training and unwanted advice from the in-laws. The Pop Stars have played all around New England in coffeehouses, bookstores, festivals, benefits and have traveled as far as New York City to be one of the few dad bands to play the Mamapalooza Festival for the past two years. They have performed at Boston’s George’s island Father’s day events, Foxboro’s Orpheum theater and have had feature articles in the Boston Globe and Bay State Parent Magazine. They have also been seen on the Hallmark Channel and WCVB’s Chronicle.

You can find the POP Stars online at:

The POP Stars on MySpace

The POP Stars on Facebook

ReverbNation.com/thepopstars

A POP Stars YouTube video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

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To read the full story: Science journal

So the stay-at-home dad “movement” isn’t a new phenomena after all.

If you are a stay-at-home dad or have a Website for them please be sure to visit our directory of Stay at Home Dad Websites in the Dadz Web Directory.

Their overarching mission is to raise awareness about men’s violence against women and girls and to promote gender equality in our communities. They accomplish this mission through education, community projects and by holding events and activities that raise awareness.

Right now however they need men to sign their pledge. They are gathering signatures for their Stand Up Guys pledge with a goal of 10,000 and they are already approaching the 2,000 mark. Please help by adding your signature and passing the information along. They aren’t asking us for much and their cause is a noble one so please lend your support.

Stand Up Guys Pledge

• I pledge to treat all women in my life with dignity, respect & equality.
• I pledge to take the time to listen to the women in my life and acknowledge that their perspective is valuable and is equally important as mine.
• I pledge to have the courage to speak out about sexist values, attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate violence against women.
• I pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women, sexual assault or domestic violence.
• I pledge to learn, practice and teach non-violent methods to resolve conflict.

To Sign the SUG pledge form online: Click Here

To learn more about the Stand Up Guys organzation visit their site: StandUpGuys.org

As the father of 4 boys, including one with special needs, my experiences were as unique as those of the 40 dads interviewed for this documentary. The documentary summoned emotional memories that I had all but forgotten about. Having children is no doubt the most powerful experience I’ve been through and this documentary, Being Dad, is a powerful film that successfully restores these most precious of memories in an incredibly entertaining manner. I’m no film critic, but a “two-thumbs up” doesn’t do the film justice.

I recommend you and your wife set aside 80 minutes and enjoy the film online or order the DVD. Also, if you have a friend who is pregnant with a first child this would make for a meaningful gift as they navigate through their experience of becoming a mom or dad.

You can watch the 3 minute trailor here: Being Dad

The film is available on DVD for $25.99 (Being Dad DVD) or online for a special price of only $4.95 (regularly $9.95) here: Being Dad the Movie

For more information and details you can visit their Website at Being Dad USA.