Relationship over Religion
This week my friend Courtney DeFeo over at Lil Light O'Mine asked me to join her far-more-stellar-than-me line-up as she travels through what she's calling a Titus 2 year contemplating things like: intimacy with Christ, marriage, purpose, parenting and the likes....
MOAT – Mostly Ordinary, Always Together
A slight change is at hand here at themoatblog – not in content (though maybe with this minor shift, content will be coming back!!) but in context.
Our house has transformed from 5 tweens & teens to no tweens and 2 teens (for a short time). And far from my aching heart’s desire (though I never would have thought that at the onset), my days in the carpool line are coming to a close.
This kid is on his way to college,
this kid high school,
and these three are young adults....
Artist Anne Neilson on B.U.S.Y & her new devotional
What is more beautiful this time of years than angels? Especially Anne Neilson angels!
I mean – seriously.
Anne’s story that began with a paper she wrote in 3rd grade, that hit lots of highs, lows and lots of waiting is sure to inspire you as it did us (Brenda Teele to tears) and put wind in your sails as you travel your own journey. Hers tapped into art, raising kids, then back to writing which is why she joined our SaySomething ncarpool chat – to share about her new...
Happy in Who We Are
A little something I started a few years ago as the kids started to head into adulthood (and before I say, know that the follow-through has been well-intentioned with a side of freedom to be imperfect) is to highlight a Bible for them. Not in some super-spiritual sort...
Safe Places
A friend touched base yesterday, checking in to see how we’re doing. She was such an encouragement as she entered into our sphere while welcoming me into hers. We laughed, we cried and we prayed. She’s a safe place to do such things.
Do you have a safe place? A friend? a mentor? A person with whom you can share real things? A place where you don’t need answers and where you don’t have to brace yourself for answers?
I think we all need safe places.
A safe place ...
Listening, Learning, Acting during tense days
Little acts of kindness can seem insignificant, yet they have such great impact. Especially kindness as it relates to words - spoken as well as heard. Last week my friends with SaySomething Show (our video podcast) got together to do both. We know it's hard to...
What a gift
Last night, our family watched Antiques Road Show together (Saturday night excitement!) A lady brought in a painting that her doctor father had received as a thank-you from a patient to whom he waved payment – since he knew they couldn’t pay. After her dad passed, the woman inherited & treasured the beautiful landscape. She decided to bring it to AR and learned that her treasure is an actual treasure – worth quite a large sum of money.
Overwhelmed, she gasped ...
Forced Exit, Enjoying the View
It’s strange to think about a week ago today.
Whatever you were doing – one thing is certain (for everyone, everywhere) – business as usual isn’t usual right now. Plans have changed, schools & businesses closed, certainty has taken a back seat – in some cases hopped out of the car all together. Clouds have blown in, making it a bit hard to see what’s happening.
Clouds on the horizon can steal our peace.
They appear threatening and can ...
New Year, Book Marathon, changes
These are a few interesting reads I gathered from our shelves. Not all will be on the marathon and a few more will be added. So I’ve decided to do a marathon this year. Not a running one, but my own made up one involving books, 26.2 books for 2020. I'm also working on...
Mercy Invites Dignity & Redemption
We just passed the half-way point of our Heart Cleanse that I might be renaming Soul-Cleanse because that’s what seems to be going on. Something deep at a soul level is happening.
A levity has entered our sphere.
“Have you been doing our little cleanse thing?” I ask Snopes.
“In my head,” she replies.
I nod. And ask, “Have you noticed a levity? I mean, it seems like with the boys, all of us, a lightness is there.”
“I know,” she says – almost wide-eyed – and nods. “Absolutely.”
“I’m not making...
GKM Power Walks
The Heart Cleanse continues (40 day feast – practicing gratitude, kindness & mercy), and opportunities abound.
This offered a lovely morning greeting after a wonderful (yet hard) college send-off weekend in San Antonio last weekend. The boys held down the fort while the girls traveled and dropped off.
Why the open cereal boxes? Why not just close them and put them away (& other counter-stuff for that matter?) I don’t know. But with a genuinely happy heart (GRATEFUL...
When College Drop-Off/School-start Doesn’t Look Like You Thought it Would
It’s about this time of year that social media threads begin to be filled with smiling happy people heading back or off to school. Pics of trips made, roommates hugging, dorm rooms decorated, fraternity & sorority choices announced … and in the younger years: teachers announced, carpools arranged, seats assigned, teams made — fill feeds. And it’s good and we celebrate and cheer as next steps in life are taken.
But not everyone’s picture looks like they...
Heart Cleanse – feast instead of fast
A few weeks ago, just after backing out of the driveway (our neighborhood still has side drives) I was hit with a morning blast of unnecessary rudeness. Such a lovely way to start the day.
A car bossing it’s way down our street for sure wasn’t going to give way. It barrelled at me so close I had to back down the street in order to let it pass. “Really?!,” I might have muttered, then added “…well, Good Morning & happy day to you” even though the driver absolutely ...
To be, or not to be – Afraid
What is it with fear?
This weekend, I went to the movies with my two oldest kids. Shocker of all shockers – we were early! Which means we got to see the trailers. All was fun and fine until my daughter turned to me and said, “Don’t watch this!”
Hilarious that she’s telling me to avert my eyes. The tables sure have been turned. Does that mean I’m old? … Probably best to not answer.
“This is a trailer for It,” she loud-whispers.
I guess there’s a Take-2 for that gem. And though I never saw it (scary...
Perspective-laced photo stroll down memory lane
May. State testing. AP testing. Graduating Senior. Banquets. End of year productions/parties/award ceremonies. Presentations. Plans…. The lists literally go on. These days, I can’t help but wonder where I’m supposed to be and if I’ve forgotten something. Especially things like forms or sign-ups for next year which seem to be in play too.
It’s an exciting time of year. Spring flowers fill gardens and birds are singing (seriously –...
Love Reminders
As February has drawn to an end and we say good-by to our shortest month of the year – the only month that sets aside it’s middle day to celebrate love – here are a few thoughts on love that I find myself contemplating.
After a week of congressional hearings, historic diplomatic talks and loads of regular life walked alongside people (some we love (desperately), some we avoid) love deserves a second take before our Spring calendars hit hyper drive. As sails are...
Practicing neighborly love with Sarah Harmeyer
How can it be February already?! Where did January go? And should I admit that our Christmas tree is still up? (eek!) It’s coming down today – or not.
February is such a great month.
Unique to February, it is the only month with less than thirty days. And, interestingly enough, smack dab in the center of it (literally) is a holiday celebrating love. Which is especially nice after January with its well-intentioned resolutions likely long gone by now.
Resets and resolutions...
A Peek Behind the Veil
“How was your vacation?” a friend asked us yesterday. “Did you go anywhere?” I looked at my daughter standing next to me. We both shook our heads and smile-sighed. It seems like the holiday was months ago.
Sometimes life instantly ramps up and time goes into a weird hyper-drive that is slow motion at the same time. Those times when a day feel like a year and a year speeds by in a day. A time warp that is crazy, but safe. Like in Mario Kart when the bullet-award...
Soul-Hydration for Holiday Stress & Pressure and Weekend Giveaway
For some perspective-TRUTH and soul hydration as we near the holiday that brings with it JOY, PEACE, HOPE filled with and anchored by the kind of love that is wide and long and high and deep, exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever imagine – here are a few things I’ve gotten to share on web.
TODAY parenting:
HOLIDAY PRESSURED/STRESS? WHY NOT RE-PURPOSE OVERWHELMED?
Ten days and counting.
I was kindly reminded of this fact while driving carpool. A sweet family...
Point of Light – George H.W. Bush, a true American Hero
In the mid ‘80s when Ronald Reagan was President, then Vice President George H.W. Bush came to our home town for an event or two that my civically-minded and servant dad spearheaded. I don’t remember specifics, but a few things I do.
I remember my mom inviting the Bush Advance team over for dinner, offering to wash their clothes since she knew they traveled pretty much non-stop. We gathered around the dining room table that sits in my dining room today and ate whatever she was cooking...
Don’t judge, accentuate the positive and more with June Hunt
With Joy to the World on the tips of our tongues as December sits right around the corner, why not go to a great source of wisdom for her take on joy-filled days. We’re so lucky to have June Hunt in Dallas. And she was a dear to spend some time with Brenda Teele, Julie Hildebrand and I in the car – dear and brave!
We asked her to share her top five tips to a joy-filled life, all of which I hope will encourage each of us today.
Here’s the vodcast:
or podcast:
Thanks for walking...
30 Shades of Gratitude, Lysa TerKeurst & a focus shift
There’s probably a reason Thanksgiving is before Christmas – to help us focus (with gratitude) on all we already have rather than on what we could, would or should have.
“I had a professor once who asked each person in our class to say something that they were thankful for, ” Snopes said while we sat in traffic this week. “So everyone went around the room and said things that you normally think of – like a roof over my head or a nice family. But it was a struggle – especially...
Contemplating Joy – today, before the holidays
In the very near future Christmas songs will be filling the airwaves in the same way holiday decor has hit the retail aisles (why so early?!) In the malls, on the radio, at school recitals, through churches across the globe, songs about peace and hope will be sung. Peace, hope and JOY.
It seems we could all use a nice jolt of each right about now.
Yesterday, one of the kid’s schools was so nice to host a morning coffee for moms – a gathering to get to know each other better and...
17 Years Later – a Kid’s “Why?”
Life’s overwhelming events—with all their headlines, judging, heartache, and confusion (does anyone tell the truth anymore?) —can weigh heavy, especially when a kid traveling alongside asks “why?” The youngest of my five asked why this morning. A radio show teaser prompted his question: Tune in as we reflect on the 17th Anniversary of 9-11.
He doesn’t remember 9-11 since he wasn’t born. We had three kids at that time – ages 5, 3 and 1. I had flipped on the television that seemingly...
Can Truth Inform Life’s Overwhelming Circumstances
“This time last year…” started a conversation with a friend I bumped into last weekend at a wedding celebration.
He & his wife are long-time friends – back in the days when we really didn’t have a care in the world. It might have felt like we did, but gosh did we ever burn the candle at both ends – not carousing, just fun. Those were the days when you could stay up all night, eat at the IHOP at 1AM and still function the next day. Well, maybe not...
Not the Boss of Us – Behind the Scenes Look at a Pub Date
Tuesday August 21 – Not the Boss of Us: Putting Overwhelmed in Its Place in a Do-all, Be-all World’s pub date
5:50 Wake up and try to get a post written to share the fun news about putting Overwhelmed in its place before heading to DFW FOX 4 for morning live interview.
6:00 Sneak in and get Mitty out of daughter’s bed since he must have heard me going downstairs.
6:20 After failing to keep Mitty quiet so everyone can grab as much sleep as possible since school starts...
Back to School Bracket
It’s that time of year again – the time when a day evaporates in an hour with lazy and hazy being quickly replaced by crazy days. Summer is over.
In recognition of all that vies for our attention and in an effort to find sanity in the midst, welcome to the 1st Annual Back-to-School Office Pool – or call it like it is: Car-Pool. With End of Summer’s tournament in high gear and first rounds completed, we’ve swept through the Sweet 16 in the bracket of what will get attention...
An Ode to Back to School
Because back to school is now greeting us at several places of business we frequent, here’s a little poem for those who might be feeling a teensy bit overwhelmed by the prospect of what’s just around the corner. Especially for those who might not be friends with all the forms and appointments and having to be places. Yeah, those things. Plus there are the try-outs, the work-outs, the worries (who will be my teacher) and concerns (when do the schedules come out), the ...
Re-Purposing Overwhelmed
I’ve never been a fan of Life’s Overwhelmed – the one that feeds on stress, pressures, expectations and circumstances. The one that masquerades as life’s new normal.
In my younger years, I took performance pressure’s bait – hook, line and sinker. Then tried to control the landscape by joining my skinny High School locker-buddy on a diet that eventually landed us with eating disorders. Thankfully, Truth – with all its grace and hope and peace and joy – showed up and did what...
An Interruption
This week has been exceptionally difficult for a few families in our neck of the woods. Unexpected and sudden tragedy entered the picture. And relationships were interrupted.
For one family, very regular plans for twin brothers enjoying their last summer with friends before entering college when tragedy intervened. The kids had been playing a game, counting & comparing how many seconds they could hold their breath under water when a girl, who happened to be a life guard,...
Fresh-New
Welcome to the MOATBLOG’s fresh-new look. There might be a few minor tweaks to be done here and there – but I love it. There’s something about a fresh-new look that feels special and refreshing as we melt here in the staggering Dallas heat.
A fresh-new look can go a long way – be it a blog, a haircut, paint on walls or even a closet.
Last week, Barton decided to re-fresh her space. One of her friends calls Barton’s room the tree-house. Covered with windows,...
Enough: Can we ever be it or have it?
The conversation turned yet again to Enough. I kind of have a love/hate relationship with that word.
On the one hand it can seem so satisfying.
When my grandmother was alive, she always kept cookies on hand. Sometimes she would have a coffee can filled with her melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies. I loved if I saw my name felt-markered on masking-tape stuck to the can’s flimsy plastic lid. They were my favorite. “Did you get enough?” she’d ask. “Oh...
Nice People
“Oh, Kay!” our ever-sweet and delightful school receptionist stopped me as I walked by on my way to grab a kid out of the carpool line. Sometimes after an assembly, we walk to get kids rather than drive through the line. I had stopped several times along the way to catch up with folks, so I was last. My poor kids. Last in the alphabet. Last thanks to a chatty-mom.
“Hi Cindy,” I smiled back at her.
“Kay, I think this key might be yours?”
Huh? A key.
She rustled through some papers on her desk...
Modeling Perfect Imperfection
Singer, songwriter and author Andrew Peterson stopped by Dallas last week to inspire kids and adults alike. I don’t know Andrew, but if I did and if he and his family lived in Dallas, I think we’d be friends. I also thought, oh so many years ago while sitting next to my sister in the Wichita Falls Sikes Center Mall movie theater watching Top Gun, that one day I’d meet Tom Cruise.
I haven’t.
But I did get to meet Andrew. I group-ied in line with his fans (middle...
Carpool Messaging
Carpool heaven.
We’ve gone for years without a dog. Which for those who know our story has been hard, but right. I’m an animal lover who brought everything home to be a pet. And I always thought I’d have horses and cats and dogs – but my path didn’t lead that way.
So we were surprised by this new addition (Mitty) who has made morning drop-offs sweet. I mean how can riding to school with an adorable, though sometimes mischievous, puppy on your lap be bad...
Do’s And Be’s Aside
Smart Phones: Friend, Foe, Freedom
Kids and phones are and have seen the best of times (I mean, really – sitting in a germ-infested doctors office is MUCH less stressful with a kid’s hands occupied rather than free to the room) to the worst of times. We could probably fill the page with the latter.
social media pressures seemingly unavoidable access to damaging apps argument inducer that accompany almost every limitation setting even addictionThere’s also a new term, “nomophobia”...
Great News in Today’s culture
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas! We’re still working on addressing cards and delivering a couple of neighbor gifts – hot chocolate, better late than never, right?!. And, I might have even found a gift or two that got lost in the mix. The still unwrapped items just might be saved for a later since their absence never mattered to begin with.
As expected, the most special gifts were the ones the kids picked out and payed for each other. The best was probably this...
Gift Guide – Simple Rules
“What are you getting the boys?” a friend of mine asked. We bumped into each other at the pharmacy. My fingers are still crossed, hoping we’re done with the flu!
“That’s the question of the hour,” I shake my head. “Funny thing,” I started in, “I was in Tuesday Morning last week picking up a lamp for my mom. Our rearranging of her furniture opened the perfect spot for a lamp by her chair. And I totally scored with the perfect lamp for that spot.”
“I love Tuesday Morning,” she...
The Overwhelming Nature of the Season
I have a tiny vendetta against pressure/stress/circumstance-laden Overwhelmed. I’m tired of things stealing from me, from us – the kids and my friends and people in general.
There are so many examples.
Huge things like the legitimate uproar over kids and smart phones. Jean Twenge recently authored a study/book on the dangers of smart-phone use, specifically to the point of destroying a generation of kids who are “on the brink of a mental health crisis.” I see the articles. And...
The Often Dismissed Importance of Self-Standards
This morning as I parked in front of the house upon returning from a Top-Pot donut run (funny thing about having kids, donuts re-entered my life – I know that’s not the case for everyone, but they’re just so yummy and life’s short and I have such fond memories of weekend donuts when I was a kid, and well, enough excuses/justifications just don’t judge me :) I noticed something that I so wish I had captured on video – integrity and doing the right...
Freshman (college) to Freshman (high school) Advice
The college domino affect started a few years ago in our house.
With five kids, we knew it loomed on the horizon since the days when they were little tykes, convinced that swimming in a plastic pool in the front yard was as close to paradise as one could get. Now those early years of making a dollar stretch a mile, making life-altering decisions (like which Mother’s Day Out is “best” – as if), birthday parties, carpools, sports teams, … fill in the blank – all seem like child’s...
Change – Managing More than Nickels & Dimes
Sure death and taxes are inevitable, but so is change. I don’t about you, but we’ve got a lot going on in this house. New schools (new college, new high school, middle school), new teachers for everyone, Driver’s Ed, teams, hair styles, puberty (‘nuff said!) … seriously the list could go on and on. Some change is fun. Other change – not so much. And, how we meet change, how we handle change can have a major impact on our attitudes, our stress level and our contentment. The thing about ...
Hope
Grief is a funny thing.
Not funny ha-ha. Funny in that though its a concept – it acts like thing, a person, a force. It inflicts pain like a punch to the gut one minute, then it weighs down as if s a 300 pound gorilla scampered up your back to snag a shoulder-ride the next. Then It morphs into twins so it can grab onto both your legs at the same time like a tantrum-toddler hanging on for dear life, refusing to let go, dragging behind so steps forward feel like trudging through quicksand....
Never losing sight of dinner’s deeper nutritional value
Cleaning House Boot Camp: Week 1
“Get ready for some good food, Mom,” dinner-kid shouted to me from the kitchen. “I’m such a good cook, I already have my own bakery. It’s called Jack’s bakery.”
“You’re making dinner,” his sister reminded him, shaking her head at the newly minted, possibly excessive confidence. “Bakeries make desserts.
“Well, my food is so good – it tastes like dessert.” Bam!
The fun & laughter wasn’t so much fun & laughs at our family meeting the ...
A Reset – A Cleaning House Bootcamp of Sorts
Hello sweet moatblog friends :) Sorry for lots of silence.
May bleeding into April and a couple of graduations is probably ’nuff said. There’s that and the truth that most spare time of late has been spent on the vod/podcast front. Our little SaySomething Show
latest episode with Sandra Stanley on contentment is worth the 20 minute-view
has been a blast to put together and hopefully encouraging/informing to folks that tune in. Well those things AND I’m tossing...
THE tale as old as time
For years my uncle, Eugene Brock (namesake for our 4th child) rounded up writers to share op-ed for our home-town newspaper (Wichita Falls Times & Record News) during Holy Week. Very sadly, my uncle Brock went home to the Lord earlier this year, so my cousin Alan Brock took over the helm. What an honor and privilege to have been included in both their line-ups. Here’s what was on my mind this year. I hope you have a very blessed Easter. Thank you for blessing my life as we walk...
Spring-Signals that Inform Life
Recently we sat in the car at a red light waiting for green. I was going on hour 2 of carpool – not because we were traveling outside of a 3-mile radius of our house, but because staggered school-end-times plus drama practice plus track practice result in lots of wait.
I looked out my window and saw this tree:
“Boy, that tree looks sad doesn’t,” I said to my shotgun rider.
“It looks dead,” she replied.
But right next it stood an almost exact replica...
A Facts-of-Life Chat
“Oh – should I roll up the window?” my shotgun passenger sarcastically asks. We were about to get on Central Expressway.
I respond with an eye roll.
“I’m not going to let you forget,” she laughingly nods. “What else have you told me that isn’t true. Hmmm… I wonder.”
Several years ago, when the kids were much younger, likely at the end of a long day, probably when a kid in the far-back seat was bothered/crying because...
A Giving Lent
God has been a part of my life for almost as long as I can remember. But Lent wasn’t a significant part of worship in the churches we attended. So, I was intrigued and curious when I would see my Catholic or more liturgical friends show up on Ash Wednesday with a cross on their forehead.
So, with the season of Lent at hand, chatter about what it means and why it’s observed bantered around our carpool drop-off this morning.
“What is Lent,” floated the youngest.
“It’s when you fast...
Eggs vs Goldfish
“Why do eggs make you so full so fast?” asked the kid sitting next to me. He needed to be sharp for the day ahead so I added some eggs to his waffle breakfast.
Reaching for all my scientific expertise I answer with the usual, “I don’t know” followed by a guess – “probably because it has protein.” Then teasingly/truthfully add, “Those eggs will for sure keep you going longer than your food of choice – Goldfish.”...
Kids, Social Media & All-Things-Internet with Kathleen Fischer
Around here, it looks like our 2017-February will be our new January since the days certainly passed, but it was so fast (probably due to some wheels that came off) I’m not sure I saw January coming or going. AND with The Say Something Show taking on a life of its own, all the writing that has been in my head hasn’t quite made it to the fingers and a keyboard. So, I’m combining the writing and the show since TONS of what people have been sharing still lingers in my thoughts....
Obedience to Perfection or is it to Faith
One of the more fun things I’ve gotten to do this year (aside from the Say Something Show) is hang out with the MOST (Moms of Students) crowd at First Baptist Grapevine. We’ve been using the analogy of clothes to talk about identity issues in the context of the Lord’s vs the world’s views. This Sunday, we’re talking about shoes (“obedience”) – the action/taking steps. Which can look a lot like and lead to performance issues ...
Hydrating for Holidays – More on Gratitude
The opportunity to practice thankfulness seems to have no boundaries – even though it is often overlooked. Not only do opportunities amply avail themselves, scientifically documented benefits come along for the ride.
According to Forbes,
As we hydrate for the holidays...
Hydrating for the Holidays – Tip #1, Gratitude
I don't know if it's coming off the crazy election period or if the extended Texas summer (we hit upper 80's on Wednesday!) has us stupored by holidays zooming in from around the corner. But rather than let stress/pressures knock us down why not fight to find the...
Powering Down Perfectionism
It almost goes without saying that the days of yesteryear seemed so much less stressful and rude and judgmental and on steroids than the days of now. Pressures certainly existed back then and likely did their best to trip up even the most laid-back of folks. Rude and...
Teens/Parties & Generation Love from a Couple of Wise Women
I've heard from a couple of incredibly encouraging folks who asked if I'd post the latest Say Something Show episodes. Kathleen Fischer, author, registered nurse, certified life-coach, speaker, and a mom and encourager to many parents AND kids, stopped by to share her...
Surrendered Wellness and the Fine Line Between Fitness & Health
I just love thinking about the idea of Surrendered Wellness. Bobby Rodriguez, our guest on the Say Something Show (which is such a by-product of what we've been doing here at themoatblog - together - thanks to you guys for walking it alongside me and others!)...
Mind-Sight is not 20/20 – and Lysa TerKeurst
One of the things we’ve been talking about around our house of late is mind-sight. Mind-sight is a little something that involves seeing as well as hearing since it focuses on the way our minds picture situations. With me it can range from the way I see myself as I...
Competition at its Finest – with a side of propriety & decorum
As the school year gets off to a start - I thought I'd share something that brought great joy (and a few tears, cue the tissues!) in our home over the weekend. In the shadow of the Olympics a little baking competition in Great Britain came to a conclusion. In the...
The Other Side of the Trees – Thoughts on Heaven
On a recent drive down Florida’s I-95, I turned to the passenger riding shot-gun, “It seems kind of boring and ugly and sort of claustrophobic, doesn’t it.” Relentlessly guarded by a wall of trees, the road leaves a lot to the imagination. “All of the above,” she...
Busy Life meets Calendar Strategies
Inboxes around the world are beginning to see Sign-Up Coffee & Back to School Sign-UP's creep into the mix, a tell-tale sign that Summer is almost over. The busy-life calendar threatens most homes. In May, The New York Times' Laura Vanderkam weighed in on the...
To be, or not to be – Happy :)
I remember several years ago, talking with a medical professional about the happiness level of one of our kids. I was concerned. He wasn't. Holding our 10-pound, almost 12-inch thick file, he gently smiled at me as wisely said "With as many personalities as you have...
Household Hashtags
I recently was reminded about an article I did a few years back in DMagazine’s DMom on hashtag musings. It made me chuckle. So – much to the chagrin of my kids who can’t help but roll eyes at their #soyesterday #notcooI mom - I added a few new and am recycling some...
Living the Days-After in Dallas
“Mom.” I heard my son’s voice, but didn’t instantly react. “Mom?” he gently asked, “Did you forget to sign me up?” With his name absent on the season finale Champs Swim Meet heat sheet, I didn’t blame him for wondering. I’ve forgotten before. But this time, the...
Kids, Summer, Screens & Keeping the Peace
A Facebook SOS went out this week from my friend Missy (mom of 4 tween/teens): I need some help setting up guidelines and restrictions with screens during the summer with my 4 kids. (Screens=tv, computer, phone, video games, etc). Help! It's especially an issue with...
A few end of School-Year Favs
With May coming to an end and summer shouting a big HELLO :), I thought I'd share a few of my favs from commencement, award ceremonies (I'm not kidding) and EOY carpool contemplation. Sherly Sandberg's Cal Berkeley Address: Today I will try to tell you what I learned...
HuffPost :) What to do when what’s heard doesn’t match what’s said
Leaving a graduation ceremony and subsequent reception last night, I glanced at the clock, “Wow, that lasted a long time.” “I’m sorry,” said my daughter riding shotgun. “Why are you sorry?” I nonchalantly asked. Then quickly realizing that I was entering the strange...
Hello … It’s me and it’s May
Hi. My name is Kay. I have definitely been MIA. (And apparently, I"m a poet - this is where I need a laughing-crying emoji. Seriously, I think I could communicate 100% emoji, kind of like hieroglyphics- or not. But that's another story for another day.) Anywhooo - I...
Time-Change and the Power of Perspective
Why is the Spring Forward time-change so hard? It was like waking the dead this morning. And it’s only an hour difference. I think perspective could go a long way to help my sleepy-heads (and me!) Really. Because truth be told, if we lost an hour and due to a nice...
Lessons on Leadership from the Fruit Bowl
They say that love makes the world go ‘round. I think a kind word does too. A kind word plays by the same rules as love –it considers someone else's interests as much, if not more, than our own. These days we sure could use come kind words in our world of...
Regular in a High Octane World
“How was the basketball game?” I ask Jack – whose name probably needs to be aliased since he is getting old enough to be aware. “Not good,” he answered. “What?” I was surprised. He has so much fun running around, shooting for the hoop and hanging out with his friends....
Something to Talk About
Walking by a hearse with a teenage daughter isn't on my Top Ten list of things I'd like to do. Sitting next to a teenage daughter at the end of a row of her grieving friends, struggling with disbelief, in a sanctuary anchored by a simple casket - not on that list...
Eyes on 2016
My road - the one paved with good intentions - never ceases to be plagued by detours. And detours can be distracting. Distracting and deflating. Mostly due to focus issues that can arise while on life's little detours. Because detours can tempt our focus to settle on...
#hydratefortheholidays Water Station 1: Others
Well - the holiday marathon has certainly begun. And I hope that our little hydration effort has been a help. If nothing else, thanks for humoring me. It has helped me on many fronts - even yesterday when a whole line of cars started honking as a stoplight turned from...
Internet Silver Linings
I'm weary of so much that comes with the Internet of Things these days. A couple of the things that make me the most tired are: The underlying (explicit) push toward personal branding and image manipulation/control. I guess I'm still mulling over that topic from this...
#hydratefortheholidays: pic behind the pic
When recently asked about intro-info beyond regular bio stuff by a group wanting to be consistent with my "image", I couldn’t help but reply with a slice of real: I have no management over an "image" :) Except that I manage to constantly embarrass my kids. One asked...
#hydratefortheholidays: It’s the thought that counts – even on Black Friday
“Guess what today is??!” Jack excitedly asked as he came downstairs for breakfast. “The day after Thanksgiving?” I ask back. “Mahhmm!” he exhales. “How can you not know? It’s like a HUGE deal.” “I don’t know,” I shrug. “What day is it?” “It’s Black Friday!” “Ohhh…”...
#hydratefortheholidays: Tip #6 – Look Up
Having Thanksgiving at the end of November really does put a kink into things. On the one hand, aren’t we supposed to be planning December since IT STARTS NEXT WEEK? But on the other, what about the Turkey? and lazy, and food, and football, and raking/jumping into...
#hydratefortheholidays: practice JOY today
In a few short weeks (they seem to be getting shorter and shorter – which makes me sad since all I want these weeks to do is linger), Christmas songs will be filling the airwaves. In the malls, on the radio, at school recitals, through churches across the globe, songs...
#hydratefortheholidays: Tip #5 – Exercise
Last year I had the unfortunate opportunity to meet face-to-face a not so fun diagnosis of Shingles. But, with all that is going on with my friends and their much more life-altering diagnoses, I really didn't care much about it. Still, for anyone going through...
#hydratefortheholidays: Practicing Thankfulness
Don’t panic. Even though the words, “Can we get together next week? The Friday before Thanksgiving?” might have been spoken today [What?! Friday before Thanksgiving?! Next week!! EEEK!], there’s still time. Breathe. Truth be told, in most other years, Thanksgiving...
Focus on the Family & #hyrdratefortheholidays – Eyes on Others
Being the calendar-challenged person that I am, or it could simply be the flaky-factor that seems pervasive in all I do (or forget to do) - I kind of forgot that the super wonderful folks at Focus on the Family are airing a conversation we had about finding...
#hydratefortheholidays – Sacred in the Ordinary
For the most part, days are ordinary. My sister in law said it well earlier today when we were doing what we do – phone chat. We touch base almost daily. Not so long ago, my brother would go through the phone bill, get frustrated with the costly long-distance minutes...
#hydratefortheholidays: Tip # 2 – Addressing Unnecessary Rudeness
This morning I woke with a mixed heart. I had either had a dream or was praying - I'm not sure, but it involved one of my friends who is dying. I actually have more than one friend who, according to regular expectations in life, should not have that word a part of...
#hydratefortheholidays: Why? & Tip #1 – Declutter
Christmas in October?! “Ahhhww!...” I couldn’t stop the audible groan. “I can’t believe it.” “What?” my son riding shotgun looks up. “Christmas lights. Already. Up and on!” We were on our way to pick up his brother from practice. “Wow,” even he was taken aback. “Has...
Warning Signs – More than a Safety Measure
The weather in Dallas has been a tiny bit crazy of late. Our summer had so much fun, it decided to stay way beyond it's welcome, refusing to leave until recently. The third week of October was the first week of Fall without 90+ degree weather. Not only have we...
Fifty equals Freedom
Yesterday was my birthday. And according to many of my very heart-warming and wonderful Facebook/text/email/phone messages (thank you for ALL the b-day love!!), it's a "landmark day." Yes, I'm 50. Though fifty could feel old (I must admit I’ve had a few moments...
Re-Purposed School Supplies
As long lines, endless forms and other back-to-school pressures weigh heavily on the minds of kids and parents alike, it's time to start searching for ways to dial it down. So, in the aisle during one of our multiple trips to Office Depot, amidst eye-rolls, audible...
So-long Lazy, Hazy… Hello Crazy
Like a blast of arctic air, the end of summer has smacked us in the face - leaving us stunned, feeling like the Bullet Train has literally hit and run. (Can someone get the license plate on that thing?!) Good-bye lazy, hazy days of summer. Hello crazy,...
More on Manna Living: Grace in the Dark by Sandra Stanley
If you don't follow Sandra Stanley's blog, I think you'd like it. She and her husband Andy live in Alpharetta, Georgia and dearest of dear friends with my brother and his wife Chris - my childhood best friend (boo-hoo-hoo - you're Texans for goodness' sake - why...
The Undeniable Power of a Smile
On Monday, I had such a fun time getting to chat with Chris Fabry on his life radio program from Moody in Chicago. Actually, it has been a privilege throughout the summer to be able to chat with several terrific hosts about the topic of finding contentment in the...
The Battle with Best and Pressures of Perfection
Among the many sickening, literally nauseating, stories in the news this week (i.e. #anotherboy), I found myself grieving over this from the New York Times: Tears literally rolled down my cheeks as my heart ached/aches for kids (like Kathryn DeWitt whose story is...
To See, or To Be Seen – Is that the question?
"I'm not on social media or Facebook or anything," a friend told me yesterday when we bumped into each other at the grocery store. Both of us racing in for a quick-grab (that instantly became not-so-quick) stopped & paused to catch up. "So," she continued, "it's...
Taming Technology
"When I was your age... (fill in the blank)." We've all said it. It usually involves some reference to hardship. I said it on a recent drive to my brother's lake house. Mine went a little something like this: "When I was your age, my brothers and sister and I endured...
Torn Seats and All
"There's a side to you that I never knew, Kay Wyma," my friend Brooke smiled. We were last to leave the morning gathering. "Yes," she continued, "I learned a few things about you last week - from your car." New things about me from my car? My mind raced to grab hold...
Metaxas and Modern Day Hansel & Gretel
Yesterday, I was listening to Jay Richards on the Eric Metaxas Show. They were chatting about economics, about U.S. domestic issues and about Greece. Quick promo: Eric is SUPER nice to have me on his show today. He's a terrific host - fun, thoughtful, smart, hilarious...
GPS
"I think I need to go right," I said to Barton who was riding shotgun. "No," she rebuked - well, maybe not rebuked, firmly replied. "Just keep going straight. She will tell us when to turn." The "she" is Barton's GPS voice that was leading us through the streets of...
Top 10 Tips for Surviving Swimsuit Shopping … and a few thank-you’s
June 21st, the official start of Summer, is just around the corner. And if you haven't already done it, swimsuit shopping is staring you down. Because, it’s that time of the year, again. Groans can be heard coming from mall dressings-rooms across the globe. “I hate...
The Meaning of Life
"What's the meaning of life?" The question floated my way from the back seat. It was lobbed to me by my sole passenger whom I had just retrieved from a birthday party at Lil' Ninjas. He's 8. I thought he was being silly. "What do you think the meaning of life is?" I...
USA Today: Graduates, Listen to your mom: Column
USA Today was kind enough to share a little carpool commencement speech. Here's a snippet and a link to read the rest. What advice would you add? (Join the conversation here OR better yet on the USA Today site.) With a 600-word limit - and an editor that made a few...
The Glimpse … and Awards
With five kids, not only have the last few weeks been filled with projects, exams, plans, costumes, banquets and like ... but award ceremonies. So far, I've attended 2 banquets and 3 ceremonies with 2 more to go. At one of the award celebrations, a gal I don't know...
May Madness – Tournament Bracket
Despite my letter a couple weeks ago politely asking May to take a small break this year, the month has come on with its usual vigor. So rather than sink into the stress, why not have a little fun. Welcome to the 1st Annual May Madness Office Pool ... or since we know...
There’s more to the Jenner Lip-Challenge Lie
Hot news yesterday - Kylie Jenner confesses to using ‘lip fillers’ for plump pout as reported by countless media outlets.This from NY Daily News: Her insecurity reflected through her fans, who tried their best to mimic her new look through the Kylie Jenner Lip...
A New Arrival
Today is a big day around our house. Well - it's sort of a big day. It will probably come and just like any other day. Because life goes on. Carpools are run. AP Exams are taken. College decisions are still blurred a bit by indecision. Dinner will likely be take-out....
A Letter to May
Dear May, Hi. How are you? I see you. It’s still April; but dearest May … could you please go away. I don’t mean to be rude. And I’m not actually saying disappear. I’m just asking you to dial down the stress level that comes when you enter the picture. Is that...
Mom: Codeword LOVE
Some phone calls are fun. I embarrassed my kids, yet again (I think I'm on an embarrassing rampage) by calling in to 98.7 KLUV's morning show on the way to school to play Rebekah's College of Hollywood Knowledge. Lo and behold, I was the lucky caller that got to try...
Manna Living
Recently, I received an email from one of my sister-friends. She’s been by my side for over 30 years – at some times closer than at others but always just a phone call away. She asked me about graduation plans – specifically about a party for our Senior and if she...
It might feel that way… but you’re not alone
I have comparison on the brain. And I know I’ll have it on my mind for at least the next month and then some (a little something to do with book marketing obligation/privilege.) But - apparently, I’m not the only one. And that’s good news. We never have to go this one...
The Beginning of Good-bye
I just enrolled my third child in a summer Driver's Education class. Though she's super excited, I can't say it warmed my heart. For so many reasons. First of all, I selfishly like a clear calendar in the summer. So, already scheduling something makes my beginning of...
Easter – A Fairy Tale Come True
Before I realized I enjoyed writing, my Uncle Brock - on some sort of whim - asked me to try my hand at an Easter op-ed piece for my home-town's newspaper, The Wichita Falls Times & Record News. Who knew writing could be so much fun?! Having really enjoyed the...
Another Great Acceptance Speech
I didn't watch this live, but sure do appreciate the things Justin Timberlake had to say while accepting the Innovator Award at the I Heart Radio Awards. (Pardon one of the words he uses if you watch the entire speech imbedded below) - but hear the rest. I especially...
Keeping Secrets From Your Kids
A terrific resource in Dallas has been kind to as me to write a couple things for them. It's been fun to act like a reporter of sorts. Dallas Child gave me a couple of topics on which to research and to write. Here's a portion of one of them. The topic: keeping...
12 Hours 36 Minutes and 843.5 Miles Away
Today's post is by my dearest friend and sister-in-law Chris Wills. She's always super nice to let me bother her to share with us tidbits going on in their home. I should have recorded our conversation last week about boy-odor, but we were laughing too hard....
A Praying Mother
Yesterday, we headed to Birmingham for college quick-see. It’s nice living in Dallas where the airports are close and good options on frequent flier programs reign. Have I mentioned we’re a tiny bit last minute flakey? As in, “Oh, yeah – the college decision is in a...
Connected in the Crowd
With the start of our Spring Break staycation, I'm determined to be productive - begin Spring lean and clean. So, not only are the rooms getting a once over, so is my computer (or at least some of it) - which is where I found today's post. Hiding in a sea of open...
Together Makes a Difference
Today's post (which is sadly long overdue) is by our friend Erin Schreyer. I've loved her friendship since the day we met at the park down the street a few years ago. I relish any time we get to chat. Not only are our chats fun, they are usually thought-provoking and...
Regular… a highlight-REAL
Forget about a Facebook highlight reel. You know, how they (whoever “they” might be) say that social media shows the pristine good. Because, who’s going post a picture of a college reject letter rather than the happy photo of your top pic school's acceptance with the...
The Perils of Cheating
Frustrated with my phone, I might have marched into the Apple Store yesterday. My phone has one of the recall batteries. All I really need to do is make an appointment and have the battery replace – for free – since it’s recalled. But, for whatever reason, I just...
Teen Talk
Even though the teen years offer some interesting (mind-numbing) opportunities (challenges), one of my very favorite things that accompanies budding young adulthood is the rich conversation that doesn’t always, but sure can flow. I actually enjoy the fresh opinions...
The Rubric – Inspiring or Debilitating
I think I'm officially back from my little hiatus. We're putting the final touches on I'm Happy For You (Sort of ... not really), so I'm starting to breathe a bit more freely. I've been drowning in words and just couldn't subject you guys to more. Of course, get a...
A Father’s Love
I’m sitting amidst my Christmas cards that were so going to be sent Saturday – as in last Saturday. How could a week have passed?! I sat in the same place yesterday. At my dining room table. Looking at envelopes and cards and various address books - since I've never...
Wonderful-Horrible Faith
Some days, on special days, I stop by Eatzi's, a terrific local take-out market, and grab a sandwich and a large ice-tea to go. Eatzi's always has taste-stations for patrons to test their goods scattered around the store. These chips were available last week. I ate...
World Hello Day
Two things that should probably never be in the same sentence are “Kay Wyma” and “Cafeteria Cashier.” It has something to do with my Overtalkers Anonymous recovery program (kids waiting in a line with their food trays just wanting to pay and sit down - they don’t have...
Life’s Clutter Drawers
To dream the impossible dream... :) “When did more than napkins fill this space?” I asked aloud as I tried to pry open an overstuffed drawer. I looked at the kid next to me who simply needed a pencil to finish his homework. Pencils and hair ties – no matter how many...
CMO – Chief Mood Officer by Courtney DeFeo
Y'all remember Courtney DeFeo (Lil' Light O'Mine) who has been such an encouragement on appreciating and watching out for folks in our lives that sometimes get overlooked or underthanked? Well, she's just written a book. And I asked her to share something from it. She...
Raised in a Glass Jar by Kathleen Fischer
The following reminder is by our dear friend Kathleen Fischer. I hope her words bless you like they did me. When I saw this, it reminded me of something I read last week by Tim Elmore on listening (from Habitudes). He said there are 5 types of bad listening. And,...
A Reminder to Breathe
Some phases of life are "easier" than others. Right now, we're in one of those remind-me-to-breathe times. I don't know why. But in the midst of challenges, I'm always grateful that rarely does everything crumble at the same time. With five kids, usually one is...
Table Talk: Motivator or Manipulator by Andy Kerckhoff
Today's guest post is by our friend Andy Kerckhoff. He's a teacher, an author and blogger at growingupwell - and a parent. So he has special insight and wisdom that I always find interesting. I hope you do as well. Check out Andy's blog or his his book: Critical...
Table Talk: Thankfulness by Jeannie Cunnion
So this week, I'm posting guest blogs from some terrific folks that have great things to say. Today's blog is by my new friend Jeannie Cunnion. I met her through sweet Courtney DeFeo, who has blessed us here at themoatblog before. One super fun thing, Jeannie is...
Age-Rating Literature
Last night I sat in a meeting that left my stomach in knots. I even woke up with the topic on my mind, deeply concerned about an issue that faces all of us even if we don't have kids in the mix. The topic: sexually graphic nature/mature themes in...
Dissapointment – An unlikely gift
Since the start of school, life has been a bit crazy. It has something to do with my flaky, not so organized, stop-and-smell-the-roses way of living. Which is a fine way of living – until deadlines enter the picture. Deadlines and forms. Forms that have to be turned...
Life is a like Game of Rummy
Around our house we love games and puzzles. Okay, so I’m really the only one that likes puzzles, but I haven’t given up the fight to get the kids to join the effort. A puzzle, in all its addictive nature, forces a life-pause. And good conversation can occur in the...
Missionary Dresser … not for the faint of heart
For those who might not know, Jon grew up on the mission field. His parents lived on a tributary of the Amazon River with an indigenous tribe called the Ese Ejas. They became family to each other. So much so, Jon’s oldest sister and her family still live in Bolivia....
Back to School Reminders
In our house, today marks the last day of care-freedom. For two of my five, tomorrow the alarms will go off. Tomorrow snooze buttons will be pressed. Tomorrow catatonic bodies will no longer be sleeping late or hanging around the house with friends. They will be...
Said No Mom EVER … Back to School Edition (video)
Texted No Mom ... Ever Said No Mom Ever ... Back to School Edition:
Hitting the Wall
Yesterday, in the midst of a mind-numbing conversation, filled with countless illogical and stubborn arguments, I felt like I was on a seemingly never-ending hill of a running-my-heart-out-but-going-nowhere marathon. I hit the proverbial wall, determined to push...
Sunglasses or No Sunglasses?
All of my kids are different. They came out that way. Even though I ate, and acted and exercised during pregnancy pretty much the same on each child (... ok, so maybe exercise got less with each child. By number five it felt like my insides were falling out if I...
5 Life-Lessons from a Cross-Country Trek
Vacation is interesting. Summer vacation is great. I'm so incredibly sad that it's coming to an end. I'm not one of those who longs for the start of school. I'm not sure why I'm not. But, I know I love having the kids around. I'd so much rather endure I'm bored-om...
Proof in the Pudding … or Cake
Last week, I had a phone interview with Tracy at Real Simple Magazine who is putting together an article on kids and entitlement for their December issue. I so enjoy getting to meet new people and talk about life - even when over the phone. And, it's been crazy the...
Screen Saver – Guest Post by Margie Sims
This must be the week of guest posts (I have one I intended to post on Wed, but am pushing until next week - apparently I too am in lazy-summer mode. :) Anyway... I just love what my friend Margie Sims sent me recently and I have to share. Margie is a writer, blogger...
Special Perspective – guest post by Gini Florer
Today, I'm so thrilled to share something written by my friend Gini Florer. She's been such a sweet encouragement to me and to pretty much anyone who knows her. Ten years ago Sunday, Gini & John's road took a detour, in the most wonderful and uplifting way -...
Detour Driving
Sometimes life happens and the road on which you were so happily traveling takes a detour. Detours, in the form of change, are part of life. And the way we handle them has a huge affect on our outlook. We can either be miserable, frustrated and complainy... or we can...
Required Summer Reading … and other product-pull that can sap joy from the process
It's that time of the summer - at least for homes with school-aged kids. These are the days when we look up and see Summer's end creeping ever closer. (boo-hoo-hoo, sob, sob, sob!!) And I watch my kids try - okay I chide them to - complete their Required Summer...
Photo Strolling Perspective
This morning I got a tiny bit side-tracked. I sat down with my cup of coffee before anyone was awake. And what do you know, but my computer was right at my fingertips. So I opened it. And I remembered something I needed to do. But, I opened iPhoto instead. I'm sure I...
Wisdom Played Out on the World Stage
In the midst of pool sounds, some of which were happy, some of which were fight-y, I sneaked a peek at World Cup action. And in doing so, I unexpectedly had my life-isn't-about-you, it's-best-to-work-together, never-quit sails filled as I did. For a little background,...
Life’s Secret Sauce in Action
"It was so great," my daughter told us while driving home. Her sister and I had just picked Snopes up after a week at camp. "But I didn't have a 'mountaintop' experience," she added thoughtfully. "You know, some life changing experience like I hear people talk about."...
You Can Do It Inspiration
"I need some help," my friend said as she grabbed my arm. I trailed behind her and a very unsure little boy to the lane in which he was to swim at a swim meet yesterday. Her six-year-old was second guessing his pending participation in relay race. I was at the meet to...
“It tastes like chicken” – and other Classic Mom Responses
“Is this cheese still good?” my daughter asks me while holding a container of shredded Parmesan. “I don’t know,” I reply. “Maybe." Then I do what moms so often do in a pinch, add a little dose of practical and float an answer that should work - especially in those...
Magazine Style Results – Perspective on Selfie-Help
When I was in Jr. High, then extent of outward appearance self-awareness consisted of my morning love-hate relationship with the mirror above my sink. I would wake up, stumble to my closet, get dressed, and then desperately try to curling-iron copy Farah Fawcett’s...
Open Mouth, Insert Apologies … lots of them
Anyone that knows me well, knows that when it comes to confession opportunities in prayer, mine are almost always about a mouth that says too much. And I’ve been true to form of late. Saturday, when picking up Jack at birthday party, I had the chance meet someone new....
Table Talk: A Child is Not a Product by Bill Hendricks
Today's Table Talk is by my friend Bill Hendricks. He is in the business of connecting people with their giftedness. Everyone is gifted. A couple of my kids don't believe it. A few of mine look at the world around them to define their giftedness, chasing after what...
End of the School-Year Survival Guide
Some of us calendar-challenged types are sucking air right about now. We can see the finish line; we can taste the lazy-summer-afternoon-lemonade-stand drink, we can hear the "I'm bored"s ... and we can't wait. School is almost over. In what realm four different...
Table Talk: Top 10 List for Graduates & Their Parents, by Lisa Clark
Today's Table Talk is by our friend Lisa Clark (SkyMoms). Since graduation is hitting several of you directly and the rest of us indirectly, some perspective and advice might help navigate the road. No need to point out - lots of the tips apply to the rest of the...
Outing OCD – Obsessive Comparison Disorder
I saw them this morning. Even though they’ve been hiding, I know they’re there. I really like them. And I miss them. That’s why I keep moving them. MY BK pants ... you know, Before Kids. Since having kids, we’ve moved five times. All within a half of a mile radius....
… and a side of authenticity, please
This is our pantry. I know that doesn't look like much. The truth is, we've never really had a pantry. We've been creative over the years with limited space offered in older homes. We love the quaint, but closets weren't big in the 1940's. And neither were pantries -...
Occupation: Mom
It could happen in the most unlikely of places. For me it was at the YMCA signing up one of the kids for an activity. "Occupation?" the young man behind a computer screen asked. "Uhmmmm..." I stammered. I didn't know what to say. I wanted to splurt, "I'm a mother, you...
A Mother’s Day Prayer
"Is Mother's Day on Sunday or Monday," my youngest pipes from the far back of the car this morning. He's been asking me about Mother's Day for at least a week now. I'm thankful to his teacher, who I'm sure has been reminding her students to tell their mothers that...
“One of Those” Moms
It's that time of year again. May - Spring's December. Because here we go, entering the craziest month of the year. The month where, at the height of exhaustion, we pile on Field Trips, Field Days, Birthday Parties (so all the summer birthday kids won't feel slighted...
Table Talk: Real Labor by Marci Seither
One of the of the most fun things about having a blog is meeting some amazing people who have lots of great advice and insight - then inviting them to guest blog. I was introduced to Marci Seither by Rachel McPherson who is helping Marci get the word out on her new...
I’m Just a Person …
I've been a tiny bit under the weather of late. See Also: no posts, no social media, lots of feeling cruddy. A virus funk that had the makings of Swine flu nailed me, then decided to give the gift that keeps on giving - Shingles. Who knew the fun?! (Not.) I rarely get...
Table Talk – Happy
Happiness rocks. And there's a song rocking it around the globe, making people smile. I love it ... and so does it's writer. Here are a couple reasons why 1) Pharrell Williams has touched on part of the secret to real success - genuine, humble gratitude as you live...
I feel the need, the need for … SLOW
One of my kids told me the other night, in a moment of raw authenticity, “I just want to know what I’m good at and do it.” The kid was longing to land. The kid was already tired of the race. Tired of the race that seems endless, getting him nowhere but to places that...
Unlikely Tell-Tale Signs of a Safe Home
"I would never do that at school or at church!" He had just relieved himself of a little gas. And, since he was sitting on one of our metal stools at the kitchen island, it was loud and unmistakable. Still, he tried to blame it on something else. But quickly realizing...
“Speak Softly … & less”, Plus 8 other Tips for Talking to Teens
"How was lunch?" I ask, venturing into conversation with one of my teens who isn't much into conversing with parents these days. He had just come from lunch with one of his professors... a Saturday lunch. "Fine." "What did you talk about?" "I dunno," he replied. "......
Life’s Puzzles
We can't seem to stop with the puzzles around here. They started during our staycation and have remained as the go-to boredom reliever du jour. Last year it was Mexican Trains. I'm not sure which I like better. So when I'm-Bored tickled my ears the other day, I...
Making Memories, Staycation-Style
Today, or maybe yesterday, for sure tomorrow is the last day of our Spring Break. We don't have a long trip home; because, as usual our destination location was our home. I might have had a bad attitude about it. (eek!) We don't have pics from the mountains. We didn't...
My name is Kay
It's always fun to get an article in the New York Times Motherlode, which I did today. I hope you will read it and let me know if this bugs you too. It could have been a menopausal, oversensitive moment - and I adore and respect the person who inspired the write as...
When Headlines Have You Down…
Headlines can sometimes make me all verklempt. Especially ones that have to do with my kids. I try not to look. But sometimes, they're handed to me on a silver platter with utensils so I can eat it all up and feel sick. Thanks to social media we see them all the time...
Table Talk: Some TERRIFIC, Encouraging Resources
Here are a few things that I hope might offer you encouragement today. For Moms - kids of all ages: The Daily Mom App will bless your day - and offer a little mind candy as you sit and wait and sit and watch and sit - especially in carpool lines! I met Kristen, a...
So Life Will Go Well With You
“Smell my hand…” Never a good idea when offered by a boy. But I did ... hesitantly. “Oh my word!” I reeled back, wishing I could un-smell whatever I had just smelled. “Ohhhhhh… sick!... Ohhhhh-ewww!!!” Muffled laughter preceded an, “I know. It's gross, isn’t it.” “Yes...
The Land of Oblivian and “Extra Shoes”
During yesterday's breakfast rush, one of mine sat down to scarf waffles before racing to the car so we could be on time to school. We actually left the house last week without one of the slower school-goers. I wonder if they will ever learn that I actually mean it...
In the Name of Love
I don't know about you, but I never knew I could love anything like I love my kids. Each one. The other day Jack asked me if I loved Fury or him more. This was after he snuggled into me and whispered a hushed confession, "I love you more than Dad." It was as if a...
Heart-Shaped Intentions
Still bumbling along my new road of follow-through rather good-intentions. It hasn't been pretty, but I have taken steps. Teeny-tiny, sometimes microscopic, baby steps. But steps, nonetheless. This morning, getting past the many months of good intentions to go the...
The Road Paved with Good Intentions
I've been convicted of late. I feel stuck on a road paved with good intentions. Maybe its my procrastination tendencies ... maybe its being a mother of five ... maybe its motherhood induced ADD ... I'm not sure. But at the end of the day, I find myself thinking about...
“Bad Parenting”
"She said she hated me and I was the worst mother in the world," my friend told me after recounting her daughter's response to a "so not fair" grounding that resulted from some seriously bad choices. It's funny, because I had just left another mom experiencing the...
Mom Resolutions
What a treat for us today. My sweet friend Susan Ligon posted a question on her Facebook page. It got me and many others thinking; so I asked if she would share her thoughts with us here. I hope we can all take a minute to stop long enough to consider what in our...
The Downton Abbey Cure
Should I admit that every night last week we (well, the girls and I) parked ourselves in front of PBS's replay of Downton Abbey Season III? That we might have shaken our heads in anger whenever Thomas or O'Brien (good riddance, by the way!) sneaked in the shadows to...
Gifts – The Art of Giving & Receiving
When I was in 7th grade, my grandparents set under our tree a large, beautifully-wrapped gift. It was adorned with ribbons, bows and my name on top. My grandmother and grandfather wrapped everything and put it under the tree. Pencils, clipboards, barrettes, socks -...
A New 12-Days of Christmas in 1 Day
I woke up this morning, happy that yesterday was so productive. With a child in tow, we finished all our shopping (except the grocery store and a couple gift card stops) and even wrapped every gift before dinner last night. We watched Parent Trap while wrapping....
“Can You Just Describe Jesus?”
Several years ago, I heard our friend Ruth Meek speak at a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group. She shared ideas on Redeeming Christmas. Wonderful tidbits of encouraging and fun information passed her lips, but one, the idea of Secret Santa-ing someone in need - real...
The Second Greatest Gift
I was moved this morning by a Facebook post from my cyber friend Jodi: Tonight after little bro went to bed, Mary and I sat down to craft. We made these paper cones which we have no plan for. I had other things I could be doing. The point is this: in that hour and a...
Table Talk: Broken Christmas by Elisa Morgan
Today's Table Talk is by my friend Elisa Morgan. What a treat and an honor to have her share with us from her heart. She has written a new book that not only is a pleasure to read, but also brings out in the open issues/hurt that so often people try to hide and avoid...
Required Field Revelations
It's Day 4 of Ice on the ground here in Dallas. Schools are closed. The kids are still asleep. Even the youngest, who awoke on Day 1 way before anyone else, has given in to hibernation. And, what's a mom to do with all the peace and quiet? Clean the house? Finish the...
Letting Greatness Blossom
As a mom, it can be hard to remember who you were before the invasion of little people. You know, when you could think complete thoughts. When you could sleep through the night, go to a movie on a whim, stop on the song that you like. The days when you got stuff done....
Table Talk: Choices by Andy Kerckhoff
Today's Table Talk is by our friend, and as of this week published author, Andy Kerckhoff. He has been kind to share his wisdom with us since themoatblog began. As a teacher and parent of tween/teens, he has a unique vantage point from which to offer advice, direction...
The Blessing of a Mismeasurement
“Okay, I’m right in front of the trees,” Jon reported over the phone. He was standing in front of the fake Christmas trees at Costco. “Which one do you want. 7 ½’, 9’ or 12’?” A few years ago, we bit the bullet and switched from a fresh to a fake Christmas tree. It...
Table Talk: Thoughts on Thanksgiving by Ruth Meek
I ran into our friend Ruth a few weeks ago and asked if she had anything up her sleeve that she would like to share with us. As is usually the case with me, I forgot to follow up. But I was thrilled to receive this in my in-box and am happy to share. Thanksgiving....
Embracing Rather Than Enduring
Last week, I flew home from Virginia and a little over 24-hour trip. If I can make a day-trip, I do it. But sometimes I have to spend the night somewhere. And what a beautiful spot to spend the night – Virginia Beach, Virginia. I called Jon from my hotel room that...
It’s Just a Parking Space
“So, what do you think about lunch next week?” my friend asks me over the phone. We had been catching up while I drove north to the West Plano Costco. I love Costco. Sam’s is great, too. But we had weekend visitors headed our way. One of which happens to be my...
Behind Refigerator Doors
“I put some brownies in your refrigerator,” my very nice new friend kindly informed me. We were standing in my entry-way. “You did?” I smiled. “I can’t stay for lunch,” she continued, “but I wanted to bring something for dessert for those who can. Thanks so much for...
Table Talk – A Call You Don’t Want to Miss by Millye Hale
I recently had lunch with my sweet friend Millye who has tons of wisdom to offer along this road of parenting. She has led a ministry at our church for several years and is trying her hand at writing. I asked if she had anything she would like to share with us ......
Closed Door Opportunities
One thing I’ve noticed with my kids is how quickly they take “no” for an answer or even assume they can’t ask. I mean, someone could look at them with a quizzical response to a question and, more often than not, they’re running the other way saying something like,...
Top 10 List for helping your tween/teen become AUTONOMOUS & RESILIENT
Last night I had the wonderful pleasure of speaking at St. Luke's Episcopal School in San Antonio. I loved getting to meet the terrific families and enjoyed the great conversation that ensued on the topic of taming youth entitlement; but, one of the sweetest pleasures...
Ms Carpool America
(Anne Taintor Design) As has been established, I'm not going to cut it as Mom Grand Supreme ... but I am in the running for Carpool Queen. Maybe not Carpool Queen... but Miss ... okay, Ms. (it has been a long time since "Miss" has been uttered before my name. "Hey...
Mom Grand Supreme
As much as I can barely stomach admitting it, my girls love to watch TLC’s Toddlers & Tiaras. TLC offers family friendly fare that we often watch together. I’ll miss Stacy & Clinton telling me What Not to Wear. I loved the way they encouraged women to be...
The Island Illusion
"If it doesn't directly affect us, we just don't care." A sticky comment floated from a young person at an event I attended last week. I just haven't been able to shake it. He sandwiched it in the middle of asking a question to the speaker on talking to people his age...
Hashtags from the Home Front
In the spirit of hashtags, here are a few phrases frequently floated around our house: #iwasgonnadothat The frequent response to almost any undone task, “I was gonna do that” is a teen’s go-to phrase. It tends to be floated as an attempt to get credit for doing what...
Table Talk – Secret Sauce in the form of Gratitude by Margie Sims
Today's Table Talk is from someone I just adore. Margie Sims lives in Virginia and has been walking this parenting/loving kid road a long time. She has ten kids ages preschool to adult. I wish we lived next door to each other, or at least in the same city so we could...
There’s More to Life than Tasks
Last week, due to a little procrastination and flakiness, I walked into one of the local copy shops at 5:30 the night before I needed sixty-five sets of 40-page, double sided and bound copies. Despite a 6:00 appointment, I Polly-Anna’d my way on faith that I could get...
Table Talk: The Most Powerful Woman in the World by Janet Denison
Today's Table Talk is by our friend Janet Denison. I asked if she might be willing to share her thoughts on the competitive nature of life these days - especially as it relates to parenting. She landed on eternal issues and posted it here. But I have to say.. I love...
Leaning into “those” moments … so we don’t miss out
Tears then ... smiles today. Fun memories of an Easter Egg Roll gone bad. Yesterday I sat behind a pregnant woman who looked like she could have her baby right there in the auditorium. I felt safe to ask her when she’s due. It’s the taboo question – one to be avoided...
Which is more loving… parents filing suit or a coach suspending?
From the headlines, a contrast presents itself. One looks like love. The other tries to disguise itself as love. First the disguise. Out of "love," parents in New York raced in to save their kids from consequences that threatened to "[spoil] their chances of getting...
Dress To Impress
“Mom … this week can we go dress shopping?” asked Barton. We had just dropped her friends off at their houses on the other end of Jon D William’s Cotillion class. Cotillion, the age-old effort to groom manners and introduce children to the art of proper social...
When the going gets tough…
So much on our plates. So many new territories. So many opportunities to walk, run and fly ... and to fall. And to get back up to try again - all while grooming the same approach to life in our kids. Sweet MOAT Leslie agreed to let me share this and the poem that her...
Treasures Hidden in Plain Sight
I’ve had the chance to see my Kiera in the Tom Thumb check-out line a lot lately. She works the early morning shift. One morning I needed flowers. Another frozen waffles. It’s so nice and quiet in the early morning, I took extra time last week to go ahead and peruse...
Carpool Confirmations
School is full swing in gear. Summer seems like a lifetime ago. And I’m back at Tom Thumb, grateful for the gas discount, waiting with all the other carpoolers to fill up our cars on Sunday night. I’ve assumed my position behind the wheel and have somehow survived...
Table Talk – Mr Wright’s Law – a video worth the watch
"And the greatest of these is love."
Is Less Actually More?
“He’s so interesting,” my friend commented, laughing at Jack walking by. He had shot her a little wink. Not a flirty wink – the kid is six – but a cute little excited-about-this-piece-of-cake nod. I saw him do it, but wasn’t going to say anything. Since she started, I...
When Kids Go Wild – A Path Paved with “Just this once”
When and why do kids go wild? I don't know. But the wild doesn't just happen overnight. It's often a long road traveled by small steps that seem insignificant in the moment. A road paved with words like, "just this once." I'm sorry, but I'm sad about the Miley Cyrus...
Seven Essential Back-to-School Supplies for Parents
Supply lists and promises of “Back-to-School Savings” have been bombarding our mail & in-boxes. And, if you haven't already visited an office supply store, you will. (Multiple times in our house! Something to do with lists ... or lack thereof.) I’ve decided that...
Table Talk: Release & Trust by Linda Dixon
Today's post is by my sweet friend Linda Dixon. She was telling me the other day about her daughter and I asked her to share with us. I know a few of you are feeling some heartstrings tug as kindergarten/high school/college has entered your picture. I've been a bit...
Still Chewing on Kutcher’s Comments
I'm still chewing on the shot heard around the world fired by Ashton Kutcher at the Teen Choice Awards last week. Kutcher’s remarks almost instantly went viral. He made headlines across the globe – not for his new movie, but for his candor and surprise spin. His back...
End Of Summer? – This Mom is Sad
I've read the posts. I've heard the quips. I've lived the quips. Like every other parent in the summer, I've lived through the heat, multiple iterations of "I'm bored", teen sleep (as in: I'm fairly certain one of mine never once ate breakfast this summer since he got...
Table Talk: Ashton Kutcher’s Words of Wisdom at the Teen Choice Award
I have to say that I really would never have imagined myself sharing a video clip of Ashton Kutcher. Not that I don't think he's adorable, I just wouldn't have expected what he delivered at Fox's Teen Choice Award to come from such an unlikely venue. But he delivered....
Dolphin Friends
Kids and the swimming pool are hilarious. I love watching them entertain themselves with creative games and ridiculous dares. Right now three of the of the four boys at our house are jumping from the wall at the end of the pool, stretching every inch of their middle...
Table Talk: More on How Helping Can Hurt
Thanks to the moms who sent me links to Tim Elmore's articles on Huff Post. It never hurts to put more fuel in the equipping tank. Maybe we need it as we continue to stay strong and fight the urge to step in and do for our kids rather than let them sink or swim on...
What Do Microfinance and Summer Reading Have in Common?
Summer Reading. We’ve got lots of it going on around our house.The Once and Future King, The Outsiders, Redwall, ... our list go on. I understand the purpose behind the assignment, really all reading assignments, but there’s something about the love/hate of Summer...
Some Parenting Inspiration from the Athetic Field
Lou Holtz discusses leadership on Huckabee. Whether we're a boss, a parent or the player himself, no matter the field, Lou Holtz gives a blast of wisdom. Worth the watch: Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com 'nuff said. Thanks for walking the road...
Table Talk – What’s Important in Life, by a dying man
I had a couple things I wanted to post today. But they were backburnered by something my dad sent me. It was a story about a young man who died last week. Some of his writings were posted in an email from Baylor University where he got his Masters in Divinity. He also...
The Sacrifices of a Mother
Motherhood. It’s full of love. Full of laughter. Full of smiles… and some frowns and a few whines here and there… okay, everywhere. The road is paved with tears of joy and tears of sadness. Motherhood is also full of sacrifice. Who knew? Maybe we relished in and had...
Table Talk – Time Flies, by Jonny Wills
Today's Table talk is by my nephew, Jonny Wills. I could go on and on gushing about how wonderful and amazing he is, but I won't. I will just share his thoughts that he recently penned. I asked him if I could share them with you because I think they hit us all. I, for...
Shopping Perspective
Sometimes I forget my kids have grown. And when they grow, they need new clothes. Granted a few of mine want clothes much of the time. But need is different. And we've hit the need zone for my girls. So on Saturday, we ventured to the mall. Until we drove up to...
Expectations … How low (or high) should you go?
Today is our last swim meet. And I'm a tiny bit sad. Here's how swim team and most extracurricular activities go around our house - especially for any kid other than our first. Since our brood entered the world back to back to back (four of them are all 22 months...
Table Talk: Alex Kendrick Dares us to Love Our Kids
A new book just landed on store shelves. The Love Dare for Parents by the Kendrick brothers (Facing the Giants, Courageous, Fireproof, ...) offers some compelling ideas on loving our kids. I briefly met Alex on the set of a new and crazy great movie called Moms Night...
Love in the Form of Extra Rice
I think Chipotle puts some type of addictive special seasoning in their food that makes a couple of my kids think their day cannot be complete without a chicken burrito. Sort of like the ice tea at City Cafe To Go for me. I wish I was joking. And like Starbucks, there...
Independence
It's hard to come away from celebrating the United State's birth of independence and not be moved. We celebrate independence because a group of people, frustrated by what they outlined in the Declaration of Independence as an over-reaching and inappropriate use of...
Wave Etiquette
I love summer so much. The only thing I don't love ... well, there might be two things - are the heat (106 today - hey, our winters rock!) and the way days zip by. They begin and end almost before you blink. At least that's what I think. I know some might be weary...
Table Talk – A Cure for Summer Brain Drain by Alexandra Mayzler
Today's Table talk is by Alexandra Mayzler. I don't know Alexandra personally, but she reached out to me to ask if she could share some thoughts on an issue near and dear to her heart - kids and learning. And I thought what she had to say was a lot of fun. It might...
Who Came Up With That??
So many times I wonder, “Who came up with that?” And “Did they even think it through?!” I mean seriously. The number of things I could live without as a mother continues to rise. Not because they’re bad things. But because I constantly find myself digging out of a...
Table Talk: Do You Know You’re Beautiful? by Erin Schreyer
Today's Table talk is by our friend Erin Schreyer. When I saw the following FB post on Erin's page, I hounded her to write a moatblog entry on the subject. "When we mothers focus our attention and resources on trying to look younger, skinnier or different, we tell our...
Thoughts from the Laundromat – The Great Equalizer
Recently we moved. With seven bodies in our house, boxes are not our friend. So, like the Tasmanian Devil, I (and my forced labor) tore into those things and put everything away in three days. Still, a few straggling issues remain. And a few unexpected issues arose....
A Little Midweek Heard on the Street
Some phases of life seem to be a bit more exhausting than others. The newborn no-sleep because they're up all night years. The teen no-sleep because you're up all night wondering-if-they're-okay years. It's funny, my kids don't get it - as I'm sure I didn't when I was...
Summer Reading – More Than Just Required
With summer days fast upon us, free time is but a breath away. Free time that can be filled so many ways: swimming, playing, swimming, televisioning, swimming, gaming, swimming, vacationing, swimming and reading… Yes. Reading. But, if my kids had their way, summer...
From Interested Parties – Part 2
Here's the "to be continued" from a mom in Florida who did all that she got to see up close and personal what can happen when we keep our hands off. This is what she wrote me: I feel like we should start this like an AA session and I could introduce myself and say "Hi...
Table Talk – From Interested Parties
For today's Table Talk, I thought I'd share a couple notes I've gotten. One from a friend who is single, sans kids of her own but aunt to a few. She totally inspired me, so I asked if she would let me share so she can inspire you, too. ... I've also included a crazy...
Moving Memories
Nothing like moving to get your summer started off with a bang. Well actually to get your summer started exhausted. Exhausted and eager to purge … and reflective. Reflective and sappy. Seriously. Upon opening boxes (or “packages” as Jack so positively saw them) and...
Hello Still … Let me introduce myself
You know you’re ready for summer when sitting outside Michaels waiting for a kid to emerge from her search for end of the year project necessities feels like a beach moment. When a shady parking spot, a strong breeze blowing in through open windows and the hum of...
A Moving Experience
First things first ... I have been completely missing in action and I apologize. We moved (okay, still moving) last week. I can't imaging why it has consumed my life the last 10 days, but I feel like I've been running in quick sand. Maybe it had something to do with...
Try, Try Again
On a plane, I was recently inspired by American Way Magazine. Apparently, I am a complete and total sap. I might have wiped a tear from my eye reading the stories. So here you go … some fuel for your equipping tanks lest our kids (or we) think that everything in life...
Remembering to Remember
Last week I walked made my way up the stairs after a very long day. Mid-way up, I heard a couple brothers giggle-scramble to the shower, like I wouldn’t figure out that they had been goofing around rather than tending to their business. But as I ascended the last...
Perspective On Mothers from a Son Who Lost His
I read something a couple months ago. Thought about sharing. Then decided to wait to share until May. People joke that May is the new December. It is jam packed with activities, places to be, people to see, projects to be done, summer to be planned, parties to be...
More Inspiration From the Headlines
As May begins to make us crazy like December so often does, here's a little inspiration from the headlines to remind us that we have plenty of able (not saying eager) bodies around to pitch in. Plus it will be good for them. And might offer incentive for all of us to...
Forgetfulness, Forced Flexibility & Lots of Love
I seem to always be reminding myself that things tend to work out. I know there’s a college for everyone. I know life goes on even if a certain kid has been excluded from a team, a party, an event, a carpool, etc. I know we’ll be okay even if the kids have completely...
Table Talk: Everybody? Not on My Watch… by Margie Sims
Today's Table Talk is by our friend Margie Sims. Margie doesn't know it, but I think about her wise words often. She encouraged me when we first met (okay, so we first spoke during an interview) with a keep on keepin' on dose of inspiration from one who is not only in...
Beautiful
On Wednesday last week, I called my mom to let her know I was running a tiny bit late. I instantly knew by her pause that something had happened. She forced words through a tight throat of stifled sobs, “Lucia didn’t wake up this morning.” Sweet Lucia. One of...
I’ll Take Some of That Lemonade
Today's Table Talk is by our wonderful friend Kathleen Fischer. She always has something up her sleeve to inspire and direct us as we navigate the often interesting road of parenting tween/teens. She references Dr Seligman who coined the phrase "learned helplessness"...
More from the Rink: Thriving in the Unexpected
Today's entry is a tiny bit diff. It's something from my sister-in-law (BFF) who lives in Georgia. They too decided to stay-cation for their spring break this year. And after reminiscing of our roller skating days and Lessons from the Roller Rink, she and her neighbor...
Yes You Can
What happened to Wednesday’s post? Hmmm… I think it’s sitting beside my Christmas cards that have yet to be mailed. I told some friends yesterday about my Christmas cards that are also our moving cards. Because we moved. Maybe that’s part of the problem, our five...
Cat-Like Moves
We have a new friend. Her name is Tabasco. We didn’t name her. In fact, no one is sure who did. Tabasco, a sweet little calico cat, roams my parent’s block. The next-door neighbor feeds her. Every kid on the block searches for her … so they can play with her. My kids...
Training Awareness
Sometimes it’s hard to believe the atrocities that we find pervasive in society today. Some hit the headlines and garner worldwide attention. Sadly, many hide in the shadows – until glimpses of light reveal their existence. Yesterday, USA Today gave space to one such...
Table Talk – Discipline With Special Needs by Brandy Butler
Today's Table talk is by my friend Brandy Butler. She's super fun. She's hilarious. Which serves her well. Because we all know that a little laughter, just might keep us from crying. Especially when you have kid that has their own special definition of the way life...
Swing Time
Every morning on the way to school, we drive by a house that reminds me. Two pink bucket swings (I imagine twin girls) hanging next to a lone yellow belt swing offer a detour down memory lane, reminding me that time flies - fast. I’m pretty sure it was just yesterday...
Scenes from A Less Than Stellar Day
You know some introspection is in order when: … the day begins with a failed attempt to exercise. Nothing like walking out the door, making it to the end of the sidewalk, feeling some very light sprinkles hit your face (most likely the result of a cool breeze swaying...
Table Talk – Chores & Youth Entitlement In the News
More from the news headlines... With so much hitting the headlines, it's hard not to share. I hope it puts loads of wind in your equipping kid sails ... and maybe loads of laundry in your kids' more than capable hands. Thanks to MOAT Leslie for the Boston Globe...
Implication Consideration
“Is that legal?” the daughter riding shotgun sent my way as I pulled out of the long line of traffic and scooted through the center lane to make a left. “Sure it is,” I start then begin to justify. “There were no cars coming. And since we’re going left, I just simply...
Impossible?
From your local slacker blogger for the week (you guys think I'm not as flaky as I claim to be ... but I am.... my week really got away from me) a message on Easter - from a special place. A couple months ago, an incredibly talented friend asked me and several, much...
Lessons from the Roller Rink
Being Spring Break staycationers, we filled our vacation week with Legos, Downton Abbey revisits, rousing games of Mexican Train and a couple local outings. Our favorite of which was an open-skate afternoon at the crowd favorite, White Rock Skate. For the kids, it was...
An Inspiring Week
We've had a big week around here. Remember how I told you a couple weeks ago that I had blown it. Remember how my kids snapped me out of any funk and refocused my attention when I, as the driver, became the student yet again. Well, I had not blown it. On Thursday...
Trophy Kids – Not About Getting, But Are We Making
One of my favorite things about having a blog is when people share something they have found. I'm inspired and touched each and every time. Which as I'm typing, I'm reminded to thank each one of you that have sent a pic and/or testimonial about your kiddos helping...
The Signs of a Real Friend
A few days ago, one of my aspiring young chefs decided that she wanted to make something special for our family. Thanks to a school event, she had watched and participated in putting together a meal of home-made fettuccine with Alfredo sauce. The deliciousness of her...
More on the Chore – Inspiring to say the least
A sweet mom walking the road sent me the post that she wrote for her blog Sometimes I Sleep ... other times I pretend. Love the name - so funny and true! Anyway, I'm always encouraged and thought we would all be encouraged by the fact that good stuff comes from...
Table Talk: Entitlement and Such in the News
There's just so much in the news that today's Table Talk will be a splattering of things for you to choose from, if you'd like. Or maybe you can just keep it in your back pocket for days when you need some fuel in your equipping tanks. All it takes for me is a zippy...
Mile Swimmer
Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to share what we've learned about entitlement and the power of equipping kids to a gathering of summer camp directors and owners. What a treat to get to be in a room of folks who love kids. And they get it. And they've seen...
Reboot
It doesn't seem to matter how old they are, my kids are wimps when it comes to creepy movies. Suffice it to say, they have never seen Snow White, or Pinocchio, or Harry Potter, or ... well anything that many a sensitive soul might consider scary. Most kids lean into...
Table Talk: Talk Early & Often by Andy Braner
We are so fortunate to have the wonderful Andy Braner sharing some of his vast wisdom with us today. Andy is not only passionate about raising up the generations, but has such great handle on the pulse of adolescents and teens. I for one am grateful and am thrilled...
Sew Much to Learn
“Well, that’s sure cute,” my mother said thoughtfully as she rotated the soft, yellow, heart-shaped pillow in her hands. “Barton made it,” I replied. “Really?” She knew the kid didn’t learn sewing from me. Buttons are about the extent of my Singer repertoire. “Yes …...
Driver Becomes the Student – Again
After dropping off one set of kids, I confessed to the rest of my brood, "I feel so sick this morning." From the back of our bus, Snopes (a.k.a. Speed Police) sweetly asks why. "Well, I may have blown The Today Show thing." To catch everyone up (because you know I...
A Lesson from the Sock Drawer
Four words took the cake for me last week. They found themselves making their way across my lips multiple times in one day. And I learned a little about not only why I needed to use them, but how. “I am so sorry.” It all started with yet another crazed morning. Or...
Band of Mothers – Keeping An Eye Out for Each Other
SnapChat. Ever heard of it? Check your kid’s phone and see if he/she has. Looks fun. Seems harmless. This friendly little yellow ghost adorned app allows the user to take and send any type of picture. When a person receives it, they can only see the picture for three...
Table Talk: Time for Pruning at Your House? by Kathleen Fischer
Today's Table Talk is from Kathleen Fischer. Head on over to her blog for great stuff on raising tween/teens. She's been a dear friend of themoatblog since its inception... and has put up me bugging her and encouraged all of us along the way. Here are a few of her...
Its the Little Things
“Oh my gosh,” laughed one of the girls. “Do you remember the time I opened my binder and acorns fell out all over the floor.” The kids joined her laughter. “Yeah, my little brother Jack is the biggest hoarder," the kid’s sister informed her friend who had joined our...
A Home-Based Attack on the Entitlement Culture
This is how I feel toward the societal pressure to hover-parent. I meant to post this last week, then Wednesday - and here it's Friday. But I'm a bit slow since we've been hit hard by the flu, bronchitis and basic crud. Thank goodness for great medicine. Which is just...
Perspective from a Park Bench
“You know when you were that age, I had friends for you over almost every day.” “Really?” asked my teenage daughter as we sat on a park bench watching her younger brother. Poor boy has no friends. Unless their last name is Wyma. Then he has four friends. Four best...
Table Talk: That Football Lady by Margie Sims
Today's guest blog is by my new friend Margie Sims. Margie is a rare breed. Not only is she walking the road with us, she has also launched a few of her kids. So she just oozes wisdom. She really encouraged and inspired me last week when we were chatting about a few...
Real Friends and Radar Speed Signs
A few years ago, our city added radar speed signs to the neighborhood streets. These signs might drive some folks crazy, but I love them. They're so thoughtful to show me my speed. Most of the time I'm on target. (Remember, I have a resident speed officer riding in...
Heard on the Street – Some inspiring, some hilarious :)
It has been a while since I shared some MOAT street news. So here's what's going on around town. Ashley's conversation with her son: Me: How much homework do you have tonight? Chase: (without missing a beat) Too much to help with dishes & stuff but a small enough...
Today’s Table Talk … What News? – Letting Kids Fail
So much going on in the news... can't help but share this one. I'm sure you'll gasp as I did at the story leading the piece. But are any of us too far off that sweet mom? Thinking she was helping her kid? When we cringe at stats concerning parental involvement in the...
Tempering Competition
I learned about a new rule in my brother's house. A rule named and implemented by her kids. Chris, my sister-in-law and dearest friend, became privy to the rule when she took a break from her motherly duties (at that moment, cleaning) to join the kids in an exciting...
A Parent’s Greatest Fear
Last week, I wrote a little something for The New York Times Motherlode blog. I hesitated doing it. For so many reasons. Most of which center on my never, ever, ever wanting to assume anything or do anything that would hurt someone who has walked a road of major pain....
Real Happiness?
Here's a good word from Rabbi Marc Gellman that was shared yesterday in NewsWeek's Daily Beast. Words that encourage us to stop for a moment and define the happiness we pursue and so desperately want for our kids. What kind of happiness do you strive to gain? ......
Opting for Downton Abbey
Last weekend, Jon & I sat down to breathe. As we exhaled, we hit the remote control and searched for some veg t.v. - as in, thoughtless, let’s escape for an hour, mind candy. Downton Abby popped up on the guide. So we decided to see what all the hype is about....
Table Talk: Ponderings of a Mother’s Heart by Chris Wills
Today's post is a beautiful little something that my sister-in-law wrote while fighting back tears as she watched her college-aged son head back to school from Christmas break. Sometimes when we're in the midst of parenting, all the pressures/stress/hopes/fears, we...
Perfectly Imperfect
Thanks DMoms for sharing our moatblog experience ... especially since the friend with whom I was lunching was their editor Joslyn Taylor. I've just loved getting to know her. And boy did she put some wind in my sails that day. “I probably had said too much, but what...
Beyond a Glass Half Full to a Full Glass
Marie Osmond, one of my favorite childhood stars, graciously invited me to come to L.A. for a little chat on her lovely set. The Marie Show airs on Hallmark - which is fast becoming my favorite network – along with PBS (Downton Abbey) and A&E (uh, Duck Dynasty!)...
Some Inspiration… or is it conviction?
Well, in true procrastinator mode, I'm putting off until tomorrow today's post. Okay, maybe not complete procrastinatorship (as if my grammar hacking isn't enough, I"m now making up words!), but I can't help but share what a parent sent me this morning. It sure hits...
Cue the Smoothie – (lest my kid have to chew vegetables)
First things first ... THANKS so much for all the Cleaning House love last week. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for pinning. Thanks more than anything for the sweet encouraging words that put some major wind in the sails of this flaky mom :) Second things second ......
Top Ten Strategies to Tackle Entitlement in 2013 – and Focus on the Family
You gotta have a New Year's post ... so even though this is my take on New Year resolving: (...just sayin' - and thanks FB friends for putting up with that twice :) - welcome to my New Year post. Thanks to my great PR gals that encouraged me to come up with a Top Ten...
The End and The Beginning
December 31st tends to leave me a bit uneasy. I can't help but look back at the year and wonder how it went. Did I accomplish anything? Did we weather well the bumps in our road? Did I grow?... at least in the right areas? Did I shrink? Was I a good friend? Did I love...
A Safe Haven
“I like to call that a skipper,” said one of my children sheepishly looking my way, realizing that she was busted mid-action. I’ll let you figure out to what she was giggly-referring. “Did you seriously just do that … with me standing here?” I ask, thinking to myself...
Three Super-Words
Squeals of delight and tears of joy will fill many homes over the next twenty-four hours as a season is celebrated and gifts are exchanged. A few eye-rolls and quite possibly, “Awww!”s could also float through the air. In our house we just might have one or two,...
Happy, Happy, Happy
A couple weeks ago, we made our way to Walgreen's to cater to a little somebody's whim. It's hard to say "no" to the kid. I'm a total push-over with that one. We walked in empty handed and walked out ready to adorn our car with some Rudolph action. The sheer...
Emergeny Vehicles in Unexpected Packages
Thanks, as always DMagazine, for posting on DMoms. Would love for you guys to comment share your thoughts on how you and your family are handling this tragedy. Saturday morning as I coaxed my tired old legs to run just a few more blocks, I heard the sound of a siren...
Kathleen Fischer is “… just ASKING”
Today's post is by our friend and resident teen-expert Kathleen Fischer. I meant to re-post this right after Thanksgiving when she wrote it, but - always better late than never! Seriously she's "just asking" ... I'm just sayin'. Also, check out the link to Janet...
Table Talk: Santa – Generous, Joyful & Just by Erin Schreyer
Today's Table Talk is by my friend Erin. I enjoy and am inspired by just about everything Erin says and does. I'm thrilled she's sharing some tidbits today. Get ready for some, "oh no she di'int!"... and some smiles. Because attitudes don't ever seem to take a...
An Unexpected Gift
Sorry - yesterday got out of hand. I meant to post then, but alas, 'tis now. Thanks, as always, to DMagazine's DMoms blog for walking the road with us by sharing our post there as well. Click on the pic to link on over to DMoms Daily. They've got some fun stuff going...
Reflective Light
I was moved last week by the staggering beauty of our full moon and shared on Lil' LIght O'Mine's blog a little about where it led one of my kids and I as we were (guess....) riding in the car. Following is a small snippet. I hope you will click on the link to Lil'...
Motherhood-Induced ADD
Diagnosis of ADHD with one of our kids a few years ago explained a lot. Since the kid had little if no physical manifestations of meandering thoughts, it never dawned on us until dysgraphia entered the picture that the kid struggled to keep it together. Needless to...
Some Zig Ziglar Wind for your your Sails
There are some people who come into life determined to leave it better than they found it. Zig Ziglar was one of those men. He inspired countless people to look beyond themselves and whatever situation they felt defined them and to reach for stars. He died on...
Table Talk – Choosing a Better Christmas by Julie Hildebrand
Today's Table Talk is by sweet Dallas mom-blogger Julie Hildebrand who offers us some Christmas perspective. Thanks so much for sharing, Julie... and thanks for walking the road with me. -Kay We’ve barely pushed the plate away from Thanksgiving, but the Christmas...
Out of the Mouth of Babes – Noise
Even though the car is often my nemesis – or prison – or seemingly best friend (that is, if you calculate the amount of time spent with someone or something and award the winner of most-time-spent with best friendship), it can provide a terrific venue for...
Table Talk – Ten Tips for Redeeming Christmas by Ruth Meek
Today's Table Talk is by our friend Ruth Meek who does such a terrific job helping us get our eyes focused on what's important as we barrel toward what can be the Christmas crazies. So... take a deep breath, enjoy for a few days more the thankfulness we celebrated...
A Thank-You Note to My Kids
Emily Post might cringe in her grave at all the mannerly blunders that pave my path. Despite the best of intentions, I find myself failing in proper etiquette more often that soaring. It’s not that my mother and grandmother didn’t teach me well… or that Miss Ela...
Table Talk – Excerpt from The Blessings of a B-Minus Mom
As always... I love to share what other moms have sent me. So, today's Table Talk is just that. I've included part of the article, but click here to read: NYT Motherlode's The Blessings of a B-Minus Mom by Lisa Belkin. The article is a mini-review of psychologist...
Retrofitting Normal
Sitting across the room from a medical professional, I reeled from the words nonchalantly floated my way. “I said to your child, ‘You’re not normal… Let’s work on that,’” His matter-of-fact manner, as if discovering a vitamin deficiency, stunned me. Watching all my...
Table Talk – Thoughts on the Election
For today's Table Table Talk, I hope you don't mind connecting over to our friend Janet Denison's husband. Jim writes a terrific blog on truth and culture (Denison Forum on Truth and Culture - connect and subscribe, such interesting commentary.) As could be expected,...
The Mother’s Bill of Rights
Sorry to have been MIA last week. We had quite the moving experience. (More on that later.) As we sit at the cusp of our nation's greatest privilege - exercising the right to vote - might we take a moment to consider our foundational rights. And while we do, let's...
Stagnent To-Do Lists
Here's Monday's blog on Tuesday as posted on DMoms. Click here to connect to "In Praise of the Stagnent To Do List" or read below: Sixteen years ago, I sat on in my doctor’s office, computer on my non-existent lap, waiting for my doctor to tell me when I’d be having...
Another Carpool Lesson: Keep Your Arms inside the Vehicle – and Opinions to Yourself
It surprises me, the gravitational pull to reach in to control or fix my kids. Even the super small stuff. Yesterday a certain someone wanted nothing to do with me and my opinion. I can't say that I blame her. "Have you brushed your hair?" I lightly lob her way as we...
Heard on the Street – Thoughts on Adultescence
I so enjoy things you guys send my way. The following is a small snippet from a CNN article that ran this summer. Who cares if the article ran in July? Wasn't that just yesterday? In fact, here in Texas, it still feels like July - so bring it on. Sally Koslow (Hey,...
the MOAT on DMoms: What Can Our Kids Learn From Felix Baumgartner
Today's post can be found on DMoms. Here's a snippet and link. As always, feel free to comment and share. I would love to know what you think about Grit and the role it plays in parenting. Thanks DMagazine... and Thanks for walking the road with me. -Kay What Can Our...
Table Talk: When Most People Think of Teenagers … by Andy Braner
Today's Table Talk is by Andy Braner. We are super blessed to have him share from his vast knowledge about the teen scene. It's important for us as parents to know what's going on so we can love and raise our kids well. His new book, Alone, Finding Connection in a...
Wha’s-Up?… & DMoms
Here are a few things brewing this lovely Monday: First - We're almost halfway through October (yikes!) and I'm just now getting to this month's free give-away for folks who like themoatblog on Facebook. Click to "like" and you too will be entered for this month's...
The Pain & Necessity of Tough Love
Sometimes being a parent takes your breath away. When you get the call from school to come get a bleeding or broken-armed child. When you pass by you daughter's room and hear her crying because she has been forgotten by friends when they planned a fun event. When the...
Table Talk – Common Denominatorrs by Joe White
Today's Table Talk is by our friend Joe White - a walking billboard of encouragement for kids and parents alike. He sent the following letter to folks that have been involved with Kanakuk Kamps, where he has been building into the next generation of leaders for years....
DMoms: A Carpool Line with a View
Mondays might be a tiny bit different around here. DMagazine's DMoms and I are going to try out a little blogging relationship. Since you guys know my flakey/procrastinatey tendencies, let's hope I can keep up with my end of the bargain to have a post for them every...
Table Talk: Person-Praise or Process-Praise by Kathleen Fischer
Today's Table Talk is by our wise and sweet friend Kathleen Fischer. Take a peek at Kathleen's blog for more great stuff to put some wind in your sails - especially for those navigating the teen/tween waters. As always, thanks Kathleen!... and thanks for walking the...
Reporting Live – Sometimes a Kid Needs A Helping Hand
A new school year brings to the forefront many activities. Last week, we welcomed the first of what I'm sure will be many kid reports/projects. You know, those things that I don't keep track or, nor do I involve myself. So when I got the following email: Tomorrow, is...
Table Talk – “Giving vs Getting” by Courtney DeFeo
Today's Table Talk is by my new friend Courtney DeFeo. She has a heart for sharing the love and encouragement found in Scriptural truths - which she does by tapping her crazy great creative giftedness. I hope you will check out her blog ... and that we will all be...
More Car-Talk – Apparently Awkward
"Are you still mad at me?" I ask my tween girl. Due to multiple carpool pick-ups and a brother that met with his teacher after school dominoe-ing tardiness for my other drop-offs and pick-ups, she was late to her Bible study. I explained to her, as she huffed out of...
Striving For Still
There's a fun new place in the blogsphere with lots of great bloggers weighing in. I'm the "one of these things is not like the others" ~ but since they asked, I shared ... and will share some of our stuff every so often. Here's my small addition to their effort...
Heard on the Street: Instagram & Failing
As always, I love it when you guys forward me articles. Today's Heard on the Street offers small bits of two interesting perspectives on subjects near and dear to our hearts - our kids. First an article about Instagram published on CNET this week. Michelle Meyers...
The One Thing
Nothing like driving with your daughter sitting next to you and an advertisement for Dr. Phil's interview with Lindsay Lohan's mom comes on the radio. My girls loved Lindsay Lohan in Parent Trap. They have no clue about her train-wreck of a life and they can't...
In the News
I just love when you guys send things my way that can put wind in our equipping-kid sails. So here are two things. The first is a Today Show segment featuring psychologist Madelyn Levine opining on a subject near and dear to our hearts ... moving away from helicopter...
Morning Mood Perspective
Ahhh... morning moods. Nothing like a houseful of tween/teens to get your day started with a bang - or drip ... depending upon your perspective. Today started as usual. One of my super productive kids greets me, dressed and ready for school. Up at 6:30 having set his...
Hobo Dreamin’
While the parents are striving for American Dreaming (American Dreaming, by way of the stairs), the kids are dreaming of a way out - a responsibility-free way of life. Apparently, the grass is greener if you you're living, not on the other side, but on the tracks....
Going Green
In Dallas, it's still a bit toasty. Although the summer maintained its unseasonably cool label, we still live in Texas. So on a hot Labor Day, what's a family to do? Go to the movies with every other air-condition-seeking family. Loaded up with popcorn, candy &...
American Dreaming – by way of the stairs
I've tried to avoid using this blog for a political platform and don't plan to start today. But I have used it as a platform to remind us about traits upon which our country was founded - ingenuity, creativity, critical-thinking and problem solving and good...
Table Talk – How To Be In the “Good Class” by Darla Baerg
Today's table talk is sweetly provided by Darla Baerg a blogger, speaker, professor and mom from Houston. MOAT Deborah shared it on Facebook and it reminded me why I've been meaning to ask Darla to guest blog. Such good stuff that she was nice to let me re-post so we...
Millennials in the Workplace … and Family Life Today with Dennis Rainey
I love it when you guys send stuff my way. This is an article in last week's Wall Street Journal about how Millennials are changing the work place sent to me by a MOAT in Washington, D.C.. In More Firms Bow to Gen Y's Demands, we learn: It is estimated Gen Y will...
A Sunday Smile
Don't hold me to it, but I'm determined to start sharing some of the funny quotes that have come my way. Being the recovering procrastinator that I am, we'll hope for the best (as in consistency) ... and if not a laugh, maybe a smile as we start the week together :)...
Car Talk – Loving Enemies
"Mom ... What do you think the Bible means when it says 'love your enemies'", Snopes asks riding shotgun after carpool pick-up. I'm sure her question was spurred on by a conversation she overheard between me and a college friend. We were catching up when a sad topic...
Table Talk – Planting Seeds by Lila Pond
Today's Table Talk is by my friend Lila Pond. She is a mother, grandmother, and step-mother with years of experience walking countless miles on the parenting road. I ran into her earlier this summer and coerced her into sharing a few nuggets with us. I hope what she...
Some Carpool Car-Talk on Car Ownership and Life
I must apologize for my sporadic blog entries. Thanks for tuning in despite the inconsistencies. Now that school's back in session (I know many are happy, some have another week of summer, I'm still super sad, even a little mad), maybe we will add schedule to our...
Beyond Politics Inspiration & Family Talk Part II
Four reporters from different parts of the county gathered information and compiled it to write quite the background piece on the latest to put his hat into our country's Presidential race. If we can get past any political bias or partisan message (which there was...
Cleaning House on Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson
I had the wonderful opportunity to sit and chat with Dr. Dobson a couple weeks ago. What a faithful servant he has been over the years in his encouragement and commitment to the family. True to form, he and his crew have lots to say on the issue of youth entitlement....
Headlines Heard on the Street
Today's Table Talk offers some encouragement to moms and dads in the trenches as we try to equip rather than enable our kids. All of the articles (which be sure to click the links for full reads) were sent to me by fellow MOATs. So happy reading ... as if you have...
Otherwise Dog-upied
Summer is sadly barreling to a close for the Wyma family. The kids' school begins next week (ohhh... say it ain't so!!) One of the kids has been toiling away the entire summer, preparing for his academic year ahead. He's amazing that way. I think it has something to...
Fanning the Flame
Like most of you, I'm sleep deprived (which might explain my techno-glitch on Monday's post - which will come your way as soon as I can find it!) and swollen-eyed (from all the crying) thanks to the Olympics! So, I thought I'd share a little Olympic inspiration today....
Table Talk – The Prodigal’s Mother by Janet Denison
Today's post is by our friend Janet Denison. She thought we might enjoy considering a new spin on a well-known story. Here are her thoughts on the one person missing in the story of the prodigal son ... his mom. Thanks for sharing, Janet.... and thanks for walking the...
Friendship
Just for fun and a laugh, I thought I would share a guest article I wrote for Elisa Morgan's weekly reFill blog. She has a really neat online magazine that you might enjoy called FullFill. Check it out sometime. The topic for this issue is Friendship. Here's my take...
Endurance Training
I can barely believe that August is just around the corner. I can almost feel school breathing down my neck.... eek! Have I mentioned how much I love summer. That I just might live for summer. Okay, "living" for it might be a tad dramatic... but summer is so wonderful...
Thoughts on Childhood – Author Unknown
The following graced the presence of my email box. Who knows how many hands have added to a taken away from its original content (according to Snopes, it's been making the rounds since 2005). But it still might inspire. Or at the very least bring a smile as many of us...
For the Hard of Hearing – My Teen & Me
Summer jobs do a few things for my kids. Jobs get them out of the house. Jobs get them out of their comfort zone. Jobs get their eyes off of themselves. Jobs pad their bank account. Our thirteen-year-old works with a goal in mind, a white convertible Mini Cooper. I'm...
Actually, My Kid is Special
Today's post is found at DMagazine's parenting blog called Tiny Dallas. They were so sweet to have me on their cool site. While you're there, check out Dallas MOAT Cynthia Collins wonderful spread (DHome). She's one gifted lady who is as humble as she is talented......
You’ve Got to Laugh… Even at Midnight
This made me laugh yesterday: Let me read it for you, "Why Fix Dinner... if it isn't broken?" The kid sitting shotgun sighed, "My point exactly!" I couldn't help but laugh. He's a funny one. But he wasn't so funny last night around midnight when he stood over me,...
Time Travel Temptations
“If you could go back in time, what time period would you choose?” We’ve had lots of cousin time around there this week. Two are at camp, so that leaves only thirteen for rousing games of Hide & Go Seek and Sardines. Yes – even the cool tween/teens join in. It...
Pieces of Peace
My behavior yesterday has prompted me to punt my prepared post and to share a little insight from my friend Erin Schreyer as she concludes of her month long Peaceful Project. Her encouraging words are something I think we all could use. Whether standing amongst the...
Character Pursuit
P. Doug Wilson in his Forward for The Trinity Forum Reading, The Oracle of the Dog by G.K. Chersterton: "The pursuit of character is hard work, particularly if you, like me, have developed an increasing immunity to one of the key tools for character development,...
Got Spoiled?
David McCullough, Jr. nailed society with his Generation-Special speech. Now The New Yorker has written a lengthy article on the subject of society and it's trend toward "spoiling", dare we say emasculating a more than capable group of kids - our kids. In Spoiled...
Bathroom Humor
Rarely do I get a minute to myself. Especially in the summer. Don't get me wrong; I'm a mother that lives for the summer and carefree schedules. I could never homeschool. My kids would be incredibly dull and light-years behind their peers academically because I just...
Some Stray Pellets from the Shot Heard Around the Youth Entitlement World
As you can imagine ripples from David McCullough Jr.'s speech are still hitting the shore. Lots of, "What right does he have to say my kid isn't special?!"... But a majority - possibly overwhelming majority - of the responses have been in the "Keep on keepin' on"...
A little Inspiration and Give-Away Update
I ran into this quote yesterday and wanted to share it for 2 reasons. First, I love donuts. It's terrible, but I do. Between college and kids, I rarely ate the darn things. Only when someone (possibly me) brought them to work would I partake, usually regretting my...
KIDCANDOO
I've changed our menu just a bit and am starting to add stuff folks are requesting. I'm calling it "KIDCANDOO". Kids doing for themselves ... because they can. It's just at the beginning stages, so I need your help. This section is going to be for us, provided by us...
What do Slides and Helicopters Have In Common?
What do slides and helicopters have in common? ... Apparently parents. Thanks to my tired old knees, I've had to move my exercising back in doors. I'm hoping to hit the running circuit again, soon. But until then, the stash of Blue Bell mini ice-cream sandwiches is...
The Shot Heard Around the World in the Battle Against Youth Entitlement
The other day on theMOATblog's Face Book page, I shared the link to one of this year's most highly publicized graduation speeches. It was given to graduating Seniors at Wellesly High School in Massachusetts by one of their teachers, David McCullough, Jr (yes, his dad...
Breakfast Talk
“Hey Mom,” was lobbed my way from Boxster, a.k.a. Teen Take-Out who has now morphed into Study Guy. Yeah, a little something that started happening about a year ago. When the kid was struggling in school and life at the end of last year, we opted to steer clear and...
All in a Day’s Work
Summer is well under way as are all the free time opportunities. What are you kids up to? Because there's more than x-Box to fill the empty spaces. Time Magazine reported this week that the job market offers a few options for those that are willing. Here's some of...
Chatting with “Friends”
Fox & Friends posted the interview today... Of course, I'm embarrassed and can't stop myself from thinking about all the things I wanted to say, but didn't - but here you go... As always, thanks for all the encouraging words, support and faithfully...
A Fleeting Calgon Moment
Please tell me it hits you too... the moment when you feel the urge to lob a little, "I'm tired of the complaining, the attitudes, the not-getting-long, the bickering, the .... (should probably stop there :) - Guess what ... I QUIT!" to the snarky kids that can't stop...
Dog Days of Summer
Okay, so I’ve avoided talking too much about our pup, Wembley, who has lived in our house exactly one year … but after this morning’s walk, I can’t stop myself. Wembley is a golden retriever. The kids and I had been begging for a dog for years, showering Jon at every...
“Do It Myself” – Forgotten Motto of the Entitled Teen
Today's post can be found on Janet Denison's blog. Click here to check it out. Thanks for hosting us, Janet ... and thanks for walking the road with me. -Kay
To Mrs Bixby…
In honor of the countless heroes that have fought for freedom. Executive Mansion Washington, Nov. 21, 1864 Dear Madam, I have been shown in the files of the War Department of a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who...
A Summer That Makes Sense… And Cents! by Janet Denison – Plus, MOAT in the News
It's the LAST day of school around here. I for one am super excited to see a little less of this: We visit neighborhood stations at least once a week (sadly sometimes more) during the school year. I had a very interesting conversation with one of the kids yesterday...
Kid Can Do – Dinner
Since starting all the media stuff for Cleaning House - lots of incredible radio interviews, our little trek to NYC for Fox & Friends, Good Morning Texas, (see: In the News) ... - I've gotten several questions about what our kids have been up to, sometimes in...
Heard on the Street – Consequences
I love it when you guys send a little something my way. The following was sent to my by a Dallas friend and MOAT. This article is in response to a an issue which occurred in late April. Apparently in Redwood City, Ca, a 10th grader was caught cheating and subsequently...
Heard on the Summer-Job Street
As usual, be careful if you are friends with me, let alone related, because I just might be compelled to share your story. This one I'm super excited to share, not because it's fun to hear that this family (my brother and sister-in-law) is working, but because they're...
Summer Job Fair
Summer is just around the corner. What to do ... What to do.... Instead of a guest blog, the rest of the posts this week will focus on ways to fill free summer time with productivity. Productivity and creativity. Creativity and problem solving. Problem solving and...
What do a suitcase, “Broken Windows” & Youth Entitlement Have in Common?
Heading home from New York on Saturday we had the strangest thing happen to us.With eight in our group, we couldn't all fit in one cab, so we split into two. The nice drivers scrambled to fit our luggage into the two trunks, then off we went. Lumbering along, we...
Entitlement In the News
As is the case these days, Youth Entitlement continues to find itself in the headlines of major news publications... this week in the Wall Street Journal. First - Stephens: To the Class of 2012 offers quite a hard-hitting letter to graduating college Seniors. Allow me...
Table Talk – Bookends for Integrity by Kathleen Fischer
Today's Table Talk (guest post) is by our wonderful friend Kathleen Fischer (mom, author, speaker, life trainer - for kids and parents). She has been so kind to share from her vast resource of wisdom since the beginning of themoatblog. Thanks for being an...
Kid Can-Do
Today is a big day at the Moatblog (okay a HUGE day). When I started the Moatblog, I never intended to opine on Youth Entitlement, or do anything more than provide a place for moms tired in the trenches to find a spot of respite ... and encouragement ... and...
A Home-Spun Recipe… Just for Fun
Here's a little recipe to inspire the weak-kneed, like me, when I get tired of pushing the kids toward greatness ... okay, so maybe laundry isn't "greatness", but it's a step. GG's Entitlement-Bustin' Souffle Take one mild to chronically over-served child (willingness...
Coming Clean on Cleaning House
Next week (on Tuesday to be exact), Cleaning House - A Mom's Twelve Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement will hit the shelves. For long-time MOATblog readers - it will be like a walk down memory lane, and then some. But one small change might surprise...
Table Talk: Making More White Space on Kids’ Calendars by Jody Capehart
Today's Table Talk is by Jody Capehart, one of our Ironing Board moms. She's one terrific mom, grandmom, teacher, school administrator, author and overall encourager. Pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee. This lady knows what she's talking about. The following is...
What Does Financial Literacy Have to do With Teens (and younger)?
Someone asked me the other day about the way we have financially incentivized our kids on our road to enabling-recovery. It was in a bit of a judgmental manner, slightly appalled that we would pay our kids for making their beds - a task that I agree should need no...
What do Cinnamon, Hand Sanitzer and Choking have in common?… Teens
Just when you think it can't get any crazier in the teen antic scene, think again. ABC News reported earlier this week about "Teens Getting Drunk on Hand Sanitizer". (April 24, 2012) I'm having a hard time getting over the gross factor involved in squirting hand...
Table Talk: Words to Live By
Rather than post a piece from one of our many wonderful guest bloggers, I can't help myself from sharing words from a faithful life that left the world this week. My friend Ann sent me the obituary of "God's Man" from World Magazine. So much of what he said relates to...
I’ll Have a Glass of Humili-Tea
Around our house on any given Wednesday or Thursday night, these days you just might hear a little five-year-old moan, “Naaahhht American Idol!!!” Oh yeah… almost all of us love gathering around the television and watching our tevo’d episodes of incredibly talented...
Table Talk: Gritty Girls: A Recipe for Success?
Today's Table Talk is by Kim Wargo, Head of School for the Hockaday School of Dallas, my alma mater. I was so impressed by the following article she wrote for an alumnae letter that I not only called to introduce myself, but also asked if I could guest post it on the...
Car Talk
One thing I've done an excellent job passing down to my kids is my gift of procrastination. I mean really... why do today what you could do tomorrow? It's like a fine wine, putting off a task ... fermenting with age. But, unlike a fine wine, the fermentation process...
Table Talk: Growing Up by Ashley Parks
Today's Table Talk is by Ashley Parks, author of The Saving Seed: Growing a Financially Healthy Family Tree. She has so much to share on planting and modeling "good financial behaviors with you children, starting in their youth and continuing into adulthood." Check...
“Stop It!”
A friend sent me this hilarious video today. I couldn't help but share. Especially when thinking about parents these days and our almost neurotic way we race in to save, hover, manipu-finagle... well, you know. So watch... and laugh... then STOP IT!. Here's a shout...
The Paralytic Power of the Superlative
With beautiful weather upon us, park time has reentered our picture. Blessed to live less than a block away from one of the prettiest parks in our area, we often grab rackets or soccer and volley balls then race to see who gets their first. "We" might be a bit of a...
A Little Good Friday Fun
Ready to celebrate Easter, our very favorite holiday, the kids wanted to make some goodies and spread the cheer. In the same way we've "boo'd" friends at Halloween (deposited some treats with a sign stating "you've been boo'd" on the front porch, ring the bell and...
A Redeemed Life … Serving Others
Today's guest post is in honor of Denver Moore who went home to be with the Lord ("Ex-Homeless man who co-wrote bestseller dies at 75") this past weekend. He & Ron Hall guestblogged for us in December, 2010. I've never re-posted before, but here you go. Might it...
Afraid to Fail… or Let Your Kid Fail?
Okay, so maybe with "Cleaning House" coming out in a month, and all that goes on with talking/writing about it - I just might have youth entitlement on my mind. I thought I would share with you a fun article on failure ... and what can come of and from it. Or what can...
Entitlement in the News Again, and Sneak Peek
It doesn't surprise me that once a week a major news source reports on societal trends in youth entitlement or enabling parenting... but twice in one week?! Yikes Monday it was NPR (remember the Easter Egg Hunt Canceled Due to Aggressive Parents), Thursday World...
American Dreaming
Yesterday, NPR reported on the latest in a seemingly never-ending revelation that parents are enabling kids. It apparently goes so much farther than enabling. It's hard to find the right word to describe the absurd lengths to which parents go these days to insulate...
Expiration Dates
Rummaging through a few things, I found a couple blogs that I never posted... they've been drafts lost in the land of the forgetful (that land where I live). This one hit home with me today, because I've been faced with trusting God when the messages all around seem...
3 Little, but Powerful, Words
There are 3 powerful words that warm my heart when they come my way. When uttered from my mouth, they transform my kids ... even though it can take time for them to sink in, really sink in. I've caught myself saying them a lot lately, wishing that they would be...
Table Talk – “When God Created Mothers” by Erma Bombeck
As promised last week, here's a little more Erma. When I was looking around for her "Mean Mom Poem", which is actually titled "Don't You Love Me", I found this very sweet article she wrote entitled "When God Created Mothers". I should save it for something like a nice...
Tuesday’s Tasty Treat – Do It Yourself Easter Treat
Cookie cake ranks as one of my kids all-time favs....especially when we make it ourselves. Since baking is now one of their favorite past-times - okay, since I've forced it upon them by shifting many cooking responsibilities to their plates - here's our DIY option....
The Tables Have Turned
In a borderline comatose sleep stupor, I try to ignore my husband's poking and a child whispering, "Is she awake?" "Huh," I groan. "Is it a school day?" Not even sure of where I am, my mind clumsily searches to recall the day. "Is it Saturday? Sunday? Monday? ... Oh...
Heard on the Street – Keep on Keepin’ on “Mean Moms”
My friend Ann shared with me the Mean Mom Poem. I searched for the author in order to give credit where credit is due. Maybe whoever wrote is it was just one of us. Doing her best. Loving her kids by making them pitch in and work - because she is committed to her kids...
Very Pinteresting…
Are you Pinterest-ing? Have you joined the craze? Do you even know what I'm talking about? I'm not sure what rock I've been living under, but I was in the not-knowing crowd until a few weeks ago. With a little urging from friends, I've launched my boat into the fast...
Heeard on the Street
Pontificating to the captive (okay, so maybe sequestered) audience, sometimes known as carpool, I capitalized on the opportunity to teach my children and their friends the merits of standing up for your rights. "Yup ... Here's the light where I got a ticket. Uh-huh....
Table Talk: Remember When? by Kathryn Martin
Today's Table Talk is written by our own Sue Bohlin's good friend, Kathryn Martin. We are so fortunate that Kathryn offered to share with us some of her vast wisdom. Get ready to be blessed. And might we all let the blessing flow forth to our kids as we anchor our...
Say it Ain’t So
We've seen it on the playground. We've seen it in the classroom. We've seen it on the soccer field. We've seen it ... well, okay, almost everywhere we can find a parent. But on college campuses?! In the workplace?! What's next??! NPR's All Things Considered aired...
Chopped
The first day of March ushered in a high in the 80's and what looks to be a quick end to our nonexistent winter. Beautiful sunny weather with a light breezed pulled us like a Star Trek tractor beam to the park. Loads of friends plus relaxed laughter - and did I...
Table Talk – Not so hot off the press
Since my calender challenges took over this week, today's Table Talk really isn't a Table Talk . Needless to say, I failed to line up a guest blogger for us. BUT, forgetfulness has ignited my fire to shake the bushes for some terrific folks that love to share wisdom....
The Wild Ride
Parenting teens (especially those of the female persuasion), some days, okay – maybe most days - often takes on many the characteristics of an amusement park roller coaster ride. It starts with the ascent, the early morning attempt to raise a teen from coma-like...
It’s In The Genes
"Mom! This just isn't working!!" "You look fine." I encourage my teen who is frantically changing outfits. I feel her pain. I remember the days of teendom when nothing you put on seemed to work. Too casual. Too nice. Too form fitting. Too baggy. Too outdated. Too.......
Chore-Induced Attention Deficit Disorder
Today's guest post is a video by my thirteen-year-old daughter. Inspired by last week's old lady video, she was all over the chance to share what goes through a kid's mind when faced with a chore ... even a chore that directly benefits them. Heard on the...
More Lessons from the Laundry Room
"I need you to do the dishes." I say to the able-bodied 9-year-old making his way across the kitchen for a snack. "What?!!!" "Uh... Yes... Dishes. And that means putting them away and filling the dishwasher with the dirty ones." "WHAT?!!! WHY ME???" Again. What's up...
Hitting the Links
I don't normally do this, but today's post is a linking one. Maybe it's a rainy day and I feel like being lazy. Or maybe there's just SO much great stuff, I can't help myself from sharing what people have sent. On Wednesday, Erika provided the link to Tommy Jordan's...
Command Central
Today's guest blog is by my friend Katie Feurst. She loves her kids well. When she told me about this story a few weeks ago, I asked her to share it with everyone. In the heat of a morning moment, she realized that it's not only about teaching kids the importance of...
Angry Dad’s Reaction to Daughter’s Facebook Post
Okay, so I can't stop myself for sharing this video, mostly because it has gone viral (over 20 million hits). Clearly this frustrated dad hits a nerve with lots of folks. He takes a stand and points out the audacity of his daughter's entitled attitude in quite a...
Half-Cooked or Well-Done
Who knew the abundance of lessons hanging around the kitchen and its associated chores?! Last night, one of the kids stepped up bemoaningly to put away the clean dishes and load the dirty ones. The standard, "I did that yesterday" whine, or "Why MEEEEEEE?!" protest,...
Table Talk – The Power of Blessing Your Child by Becky Harling
Today’s Table Talk is by the ever encouraging Becky Harling. What a privilege for her to share with us. For over 30 years Becky has taught God’s Word at conferences, retreats, and other events both nationally and internationally. She has been a featured guest on the...
Heard on the Street – French Moms Superior?
I love posting what a MOAT or DOAT (DAD of Adolescents and Teens :) sends my way. Today's link (at the bottom) is from one of my favorite sources, the Wall Street Journal. I found this to be of particular interest especially in context of a recent conversation I had...
More Run-On Sentences
Years ago, I would always take my kids running with me. They were too small to join the fun, so with my kids graduating baby-joggers along the way. I started with a single, grew to a double then made the plunge into a triple. No need to point out that we far exceeded...
Table Talk – Sibling Rivalry (Part 2) by Jody Capehart
Today's Table Talk is by our friend Jody Capehart. This is a wonderful continuation to her post last week (click here to read: Sibling Rivalry - Part 1). In today's post, Jody gives us tips on how to handle the inevitable issues for families of multiple kids. Thanks,...
Heard on the Street – Teenagers
Here's an interesting article from the Wallstreet Journal sent to me by a good friend (a fellow MOAT). Agree or disagree, it's worth contemplating the subject. Here's the link: What's Wrong With the Teenage Mind plus the little snippet below. Thanks, Ann sharing!! ......
Run-On Sentences
As January barrels toward an end, the convictions and resolutions are beginning to burn. I thought about that as I hit the pavement week, feeling a little (okay, maybe a lot of) muscle burn. Lofty aspirations look good when the hills begin/ but mid-climb, status quo...
Table Talk – Sibling Rivalry (Part 1) by Jody Capehart
Today's Table Talk is by our friend Jody Capehart. She is so sweet to address an issue that more than one MOAT has raised in hopes of gaining some insight from our wise advisers. Today's installment is Part 1 where Jody addresses the "what/why". Next week, she will...
Chore Talk
“You’re on laundry today.” slave-driving mom tells her able-bodied child. “No. No-ho-ho-ho… Laundry takes too long!!!” drama kid responds. “Sorry, pal.” Not really “I already washed a load for you. So put those clothes in the dryer then head upstairs to get the dirty...
Help Wanted
Right or wrong, in our home no one gets homework help unless you ask. When, where, who and how that might take place has changed over time. One year we started Study Hall. Kids with averages below a certain level were placed in our dining room make-shift work center....
Brace Yourself
Sitting in the orthodontist's office, I remind an obstinate kid who happens to be frustrated by his seemingly endless battle with an equally stubborn overbite, I tell him, "This is a gift, you know." "What?!" "Seriously. You have no idea how much money we're saving...
If You Could Do It Over…
If you could do it over ... would you? Our little Future Hoarder of America is four which means school, real school, is right around the corner. With a May birthday, he could either hit the kindergarten crowd next year, or... we could hold him back. The truth of the...
The Gimme Generation
One of my very favorite MOAT Ironing Board Advisers, Sue Wills (my mom :) has sent me a few fun things. She saw this interview on FoxNews and thought we might be interested. Further fuel to keep us equipping our kids rather than enabling. Our kids are so amazing....
Today's Table Talk is by Mary DeMuth. Mary is not only a prolific author, but an endlessly encourager to those with whom she crosses paths. Thanks, Mary for encouraging us today! ... check out a few of Mary's books on The Pantry or her web site when you have a...
Letting it Sink In
Someone asked me last week if we still do our "working around the house thing". I stopped for a minute to do a mental check ...wondering why she asked. Had she been over recently and seen me racing in to do everything for our kids? Was she bowled over by the clutter?...
The Comings In and Goings Out of Womanhood
Great Wave off of Kanagawa by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai As I place Slow Walker's edge-removed Eggo waffles on the table (have I mentioned I'm an enabler? the edges off a frozen waffle?... still working on it), I greet my 13-year-old daughter. "Good morning...
Table Talk – Why Teachers Quit by Andy Kerckhoff
Today's Table Talk is by the MOAT's good friend Andy Kerckhoff. He's in the trenches and on the front-lines having been an educator for almost 20 years. He loves kids and is invested in raising a generation equipped and strong to do all they were created to do. Here's...
A Word From the Wise
I don't know about y'all, but we're a bit sad our Christmas break is quickly barreling to an end. The end of the break signals Spring Semester ... the longest part of the school year. (Have I mentioned we're Summer People?!) Since the kids are so thrilled about...
Surprise Packages
Chatting with my mom this morning, we touched on thankfulness... thankfulness for things for which we often forget to be thankful. I can't help but share. Lately, she's had a little extra time to think and time to read. That's when she came across our friend Scott...
Breaking It Down
With Christmas past, clean-up is present. When Christmas clean-up makes its way to the forefront, there are a few things that never cease to amaze me. First ... why is it that everyone disappears when it's time to put stuff away? The flurry of wrapping paper flying...
So Beautiful
Sorry for the short hiatus.We've had a tiny bit of a long week here in the Wyma house. Beyond finals and the festivities surrounding end of semester Christmas cheer and switching the blog to WordPress (I still have some tweaking to do, but hope you like it!!), Jon's...
Tasty Treat Ideas from Jane
With Christmas literally right around the corner, here are some wonderful Jane Jarrell quick ideas on ways to spruce up an Angel Food cake. Whether for kids or neighbors or visiting relatives, nothing beats a light sweet treat … with a cup of coffee, of course. Thanks...
The Vols
I've told y'all about my roommate when I was a Freshman at Baylor - sweet Susan whom I corrupted with my cluttery ways. (see Coming Clean) After that year, I lived with the same group of girls until we graduated. One of our little gang of four was my friend Starr. Her...
Heard on the Street – Holiday Jobs
The other night at dinner, Jon and I met a delightful couple whose daughter is a Freshman in college finishing her Fall semester. Her folks are happy to help her with a portion of tuition and a small monthly allowance. The operative word, "small" - especially when...
How’s Your Tank?
"You're SO MEAN!" "What?!" "You totally slammed the door on me! Then you laughed!!" "Well, I admit I laughed. But I didn't slam the door on you." "You SO did!" "I SO DID NOT!" "OHHHH!!! ... Get OUT OF THE WAY!!" So goes the lovely edifying conversation of two siblings...
Rainbows from Tears
Tuesday night my sweet friends Taylor and Jennifer lost their son in a horrific car accident. The unthinkable occurred while they waited for their 16-year-old Junior to return home for swim team practice. He had called to let them know he was on his way, but he never...
Table Talk – Three Doors? by Kathleen Fischer
Today's Table Talk is by our friend Kathleen Fischer who shares a wonderful post from her blog. I saw this on Monday and asked if I could repost and direct people to her site. So, here's a small excerpt. Be sure to click on "Read More" to see the rest. It's worth it....
Lessons from the Desert
Every Thanksgiving, our family (10 adults and 15 grand-kids) buckles up for one of the more fun rides of our year. We celebrated my brother's 50th birthday all together at one table! ... kids at one end, adults at the other, of course. During the week, we had moments...
Table Talk: Thanksgiving Ideas by Cindy McWhorter
Today’s Table Talk is by my dear and wise friend Cindy McWhorter. On a day to stop and be thankful, she is one woman in my life for whom I give thanks. She has taught my children and mentored me (as well as countless other moms in our neighborhood). She purposefully...
A Tootsie Pop
One of the kids favorite things to do while relishing every minute of what feels like the shortest weeks of our year (an annual Wills family gathering in Arizona for Thanksgiving) is attending my folks church in Cave Creek. Sounds crazy that church would be on their...
Occupy Wallstreet – Divided and Fallen
A sweet MOAT sent me the link to this Daily Show report. It's just so darn funny, I can't stop from sharing. So as a follow up to Monday's From Shame to Serve Me, here's news from the front lines (ignoring the bleeped words and often biased view from the source......
Working Ourselves Out of a Job
Sometimes we might wonder why we so desperately need to equip our kids to do even the basic of duties around the house. I mean really, it's pretty much always easier to do it ourselves (especially in the teen years where loads of moans and indignant responses hit our...
From Shame to Serve Me
Not too long ago, a generation considered “handout”s a scarlet letter. A friend recently told me that during the Great Depression, her grandfather who had lost everything, would rather starve than accept a hand out. Accepting help from the government was considered...
Table Talk – Perfection by Diane Paddison
Today’s Table Talk is by Diane Paddison. She has just published a terrific book called Work, Love, Pray to encourage women. She offers encouragement to us today through her wise words on perfection, an issue women deal with on a daily basis. Perfection is one...
Humility
A couple weeks ago, Jon & I, along with 200 of our closest friends, enjoyed an evening with David Brooks. When I met him before he spoke and told him about our MOAT effort to transfer responsibilities to our kids’ plates in an effort to move away from entitlement...
Realizing the Value of Money
With Homecomings in the air, I was encouraged by a couple of MOAT kids' approach to the high school festivity. One of them not only asked a young lady in his grade, but also paid for the entire evening out of his own stash. "How did he get the money?" I asked one of...
Family Book Time
This article was sent to me by a fellow MOAT. Sometimes I think we stop reading aloud when chapters enter the picture. What a shame to miss out on meaningful family time just because a tween/teen finds it potentially "embarrassing". I've noticed that when we make the...
Puzzling
Nothing like a beautiful weekend to get the kids playing. Our weather has finally dipped and is staying below 90 for good (we hope!!). Between running in an out of the house yesterday, one of the kids started to pull out a few puzzles. I'm pretty sure it was compelled...
Heard on the Street… Potion 9 or P9
Since learning about the Boozy Bears (I'm still wandering what they will come up with next), a mom in carpool shared yet another of the latest and greatest. The kids call it Mood Enhancers - bascially they are legal doses of "vitamin"/natural supplement mixtures to...
Table Talk – Got Guilt by Jane Jarrell
Have you guys missed our friend Jane Jarrell? I sure have… so I tapped her for a guest post this week. Here are a few of her wise words to encourage moms that work in and outside the home. Listen, even if you aren’t paid by an employer right now, you’re still working...
Boozy Bears
Here's a heads up from a fellow MOAT. As is often the case, sneaky kids have found yet another way to hide their consumption of alcohol. The link below will take you to ClickOnDetroit who kindly walks us through the latest and greatest creative way kids are getting...
Tips on Handling the Urge to Uber-Parent
I've had several discussions about Wednesday's guest post by Katie Grimes on Compeitivie Parenting. (Click on the link and read it if you haven't already.) She did a terrific job defining the issue. But, now that we've defined it, how are we supposed do we handle...
Table Talk – Competitive Parenting 1-A by Katie Grimes
Surfing the net on Monday, I ran into this article written by Katie Grimes, a columnist for The Sacramento Union at the time she wrote it. It’s not something we haven’t discussed before here at theMOAT… but I just loved the way she said it. How sad things haven’t...
Sew What
"Mom ... my button fell off at school today. I saved it." Sister tells me as I'm dropping kids at their homes on Friday. "No problem," I reply. "I'll fix it for you when we get home." "Can I try?" she asks. In my mind, I sigh. Did I really just say that? "I'll fix it...
Table Talk: Ever Wonder What Your Kids Are Learning At School? by Andy Braner
Today’s TableTalk is by Andy Braner. Andy is passionate about kids, especially teens. Andy runs a terrific youth camp focused on Christian worldview training & fun in southern Colorado (Camp Kivu – check it out), is a widely sought-after speaker and author of...
Fair Day
In Dallas, Columbus Day was Fair Day for lots of area kids. The Texas State Fair is one of the best in the country. And let me just say, I've seen LOTS. Far from glamorous, I got to visit just about every state and county fair when I was working for Vice President...
Heard on the Street – EXTREME Pizza
Driving up ... a MOAT mom is met by her 9-year-old standing outside the front door shedding crocodile tears. "What happened?" "I can't tell you. We'll get in trouble." That was all she needed to hear. "Tell me now.... What happened?!" "They took $193 for the pizza"...
Table Talk: Under Fire (and maybe siege too!) by Kathleen Fischer
Today's guest post is by our friend Kathleen Fischer. She always has something worthwhile to share. Today she encourages us to stick to our guns. Because it's all worth it in the end. Thanks, Kathleen! ... and thanks for walking the road with me. Check out Kathleen's...
Attitude – It’s a Choice
We had some "attitude" discussions today - along the lines of it taking a bad experience and making it not only bearable, but quite possibly good. I overheard a certain dad sharing with a certain teen one of the great secrets of life. As he did, I thought the"lecture"...
Music to My Ears
I'm usually quick to share the "ugghh" situations, so I feel it only right to share the "aahh". In one of the now frequent late night chats with one of my teens (conversation flood-gates open at night just about the time your entire body is aching to go to bed), loads...
Leaning – Revisited
This is Friday’s post revisited. I needed to make sure involved parties were fine with me sharing our incident (something I normally do before posting, but didn't last week). For those who might have read it Friday, skip to the bottom where I’ve added a bit of...
Heard on the Flat Tire Street
I knew something was up a few days ago when our car jolted a bit at the green light. Whatever little fire it might have been had yet to reach blaze status... so I ignored it. Until last night when my friend Missy yelled as I was pulling away from a meeting, "Kay!...
Heard on the Street
In a MOAT home somewhere in Dallas... Mom: "Did you call your uncle and give him your football schedule? He called Sunday to get it. Today is Friday." Son: "No. ... Why would I know to do that?" Mom: "Because I told you. I also printed out the schedule and put it on...
Table Talk: Is It Time to Change Your Filter? by Sue Bohlin
Today's Table Talk is by our friend Sue Bohlin. When I read it, I couldn't help but laugh at the way my kids could use a filter change - mostly because their beliefs center on them always being right... well they pretty much center on anything them centered (not...
Joy … in suffering?!
Thanks to a little James 1 action, considering trials as joy has been on the front of my tired mind of late. I had the chance to share my thoughts with a group of women last week, and have yet to release them thanks to some friends traveling tough roads. Just...
Brain Cells
Yesterday felt like a Wednesday. It wasn't. But since I thought it was, my Thursday carpools just weren't at the front of my brain. Until the phone call from school that I had forgotten one of my loads. This spurred conversation from the one I had remembered to pick...
An Inspirational Story
I can't help but post this video about an unsung group of heroes. Just regular folks who stepped up to help in a historical proportion sort of way. There are so many great things to glean from this example of reaching out to help others. As is always the case, not...
Remembering Boring
Friday began with a cry from upstairs, "Mommeeeeeeee!!!". I ran up to find a little guy who thought his throat hurt... it was actually his stomach. A day of the stomach bug ensued. A long, calendar-ditching, laundry loading day of tummy troubles. So much for getting...
A No-Rescue Pledge
My (our) friend Brenna Stull shared such an applicable exhortation in her monthly newsletter that I received today, I emailed her to ask if I could share. I found it inspiring... and encouraging. Because, at times I feel a bit lonely on this road. Probably because my...
Worth Pondering
I'm on a bit of a Dorothy Sayers kick. She packed such a punch with just about every topic she picked... one of which was work. So, our Table Talk for the week will be the following excerpt from her essay, "Why Work". The essay was originally an address delivered at...
The Last Word
What is it about a teen and the last word?! Heard in the car on the way to school after a certain teen shrugged off breakfast: Mom: "You're acting like you want to do well in school with all the studying you've been doing." Kid: "Yeah." Mom: "Even your grades thus far...
Table Talk – Losing My Marbles by David Wills
Today’s Table Talk is written by someone very special to me, my brother David. I’ve hounded him for a while to share something on our blog, so I’m glad he finally succumbed. Despite the fact that he no longer will sit by me at family gathering meals (somehow things on...
Who Knew?!…
that Jack talks so much! With the kids gone, we've got 100% together time on our hands. Here are just a few of the many thoughts whirling around in that 4-year-old brain: "J ... My name starts with J. Like Daddy's" "Yes... yes it does" I respond from the driver's seat...
The Power of a Pair of Shoes
We usually see him on Wednesdays in the median at Northwest Highway and Preston looking for a handout. I often struggle with the best reaction when solicited on street corners. But, with Richard we've come to an agreement. If he's hungry we get him a burger. Thirsty a...
Heard from the Kids…
With school having just started, I thought I'd share this sent to me by one MOAT. I enjoyed it and hope you will too. Great food for thought, plus a few reminders to keep a smile on our faces and a laugh at hand because those go a long way with our kids. Thanks for...
Heard on the Street … okay, so in my house!
Conversation 1 "Mom, do you know how to do Algebra?" "Yes... I think I do." "Algebra 1?!" Hmmm... first week of school Algebra 1 ... "Yes. I know Algebra 1" "Are you sure?" "Yes... I'm pretty sure I can do that." ...pause.... "I think I'll wait for Dad." "Just show me...
Back to School
Back to school means so many things around here... as I'm sure it does in your house. We're back to organizing and coordinating. Clothes, carpools, drop off times, pick up times, schedules, ... ugh!! We back in lines. Not just in the carpool category, but tonight we...
Heard on the Street
A DOAT (that would be Dad of Adolescents and Teens) sent me a link to the following article by Rabbi Abraham Cooper on FoxNews.com. entitled "Could LA's Jay Goldinger Hold the Key to Defeating Homelessness." (click HERE for the link) The article addresses homelessness...
Starting at the Bottom
You know you need a break when going to the dentist is like a day at the spa. When we hit the dentist, it's a bit of a flood, or stampede. It's one for all and all for one. We line them up with as many back to back appointments as the schedule permits. So on...
Weeds
Despite lack of rain, the weeds have flourished in our back yard. Leary of spreading killer lest a weed-eating pup get sick again, we've opted to pull. Rarely rising to the top of our to-do list, the prolific green machines have started to take over. Not to mention a...
I Sorry, Mommy
Coming in from a few errands, I walk by my summer-reading crew and head out the back door to give Wembley an outdoor break. "Where's Jack?" I ask the "readers" (they had long since zipped the reading for goofing around fun). Within moments, I realize that I don't have...
A Disturbing Display of Enabling
The air conditioning in my car has been on the blink this summer. One day it's great, the next some funky noise precedes hot air blasting through the vents. Not a fun condition as we approach a record-setting 42 days of consectutive 100+ heat. Oh... have I told y'all...
Here was a question and terrific article sent to me by one mom. The article she found is incredibly interesting and well worth a read. I hope you will click on the link. I partial posted the end of it. The gist: kids are way over loaded on media outlets but we don’t...
Empowerment or Entitlement
My sister-in-law sent me this article from the newspaper in Vail. Even though envy filled my heart when I saw the cool mountain temperature posted at the top of the newspaper (highs in the low 70's!!), I checked with Mr. Norton to see if he would mind my sharing his...
Week of Others
Thanks for letting me post this week on others around the world who need our thoughts and prayers. I'm sharing something from Elisa Morgan again today. ABC News has slotted her ONE team as their "Person of the Week" that will air tonight. Plus a longer segment will be...
A Little More Other
This video from ABC News captures the heart of the issue in drought ridden Samalia - the Horn of Africa. Without going political, it's hard to know what to do to help in such situations. But from one mom, who more often than not, is known to be a bit behind on current...
More “Other” Stuff
World Vision, like ONE, has recently sent out a blogging entourage to report back on struggling regions of the world. This group is in Bolivia. In fact they're visiting Cochabamba where my husband grew up. Here's a blurb from one of the bloggers plus a link to her...
Seen on the Street
From air-conditioned vantage points, here are a few things we've seen on the street this week: A very entertaining DART bus... we feel for the poor elephants at the Dallas Zoo. 35 days over 100 so far this summer. Yikes. And we haven't even said hello to August when...
The Sky’s the Limit
My kids have a love/hate relationship with our dentist. They absolutely adore everyone that works in the office, including our dentist. They aren't so crazy about cavities. So, when they get the call that they're on deck for a cleaning, it's met with a conflict of...
A Cool Tuesday’s Tasty Treat by Jane Jarrell
Today’s tasty tips are nice and cool. Maybe a sweet slice of Lemonade Pie will bring a little perspective and not so hot sunshine into our relentless weather. Thanks Jane!! … and thanks for walking the road with me. -Kay Quick Desserts, By Jane Jarrell Got a minute,...
Out of Necessity
Sitting around with a group of friends last night, the topic of youth entitlement came up in conversation. I had plenty to share about what we've learned over the last year and a half... along with the hoard of compelling statistics describing our youth these days. We...
A Worthwhile Message
My friends Amy & Karen's aunt is in this great video... a reminder to care for yourself and those around you. Enjoy... and stay cool!
The Ins & Outs
Welcome to my world of forgetfulness and frustration. Among my many recovery programs (the enabling, procrastination, controlling, grammar hacking, ...) forgetfulness stays at the top of the heap. Plaguing me almost daily, often multiple times a day, my propensity to...
A Litte Update
Here's a quick little update on Wembley, or Lady Wembley, Duchess of Caruth, as one friend has named her. ... She's doing so much better. It's hard to think we're not past the point of concern. playing in the water and getting clean. Thanks for all the sweet notes and...
Couch Time Anyone?
I can't help but share the article forwarded to me by my friend Lauren. She's the mom that helped start this blog in the first place... a fellow mom sick of the "serve me" attitude in her own home. Here's a little taste, an apetizer of sorts, from Lori Gottlieb's...
Meningitis
Hard to believe the emotional and draining roller coaster we've been riding this week... all due to our sweet pup who has been knocking at death's door. It all started Sunday when she started favoring her hind legs. If she wasn't a puppy, you'd think she was...
Heard on the Street… Finding a Kid’s Strength
The other day, chatting it up with a fellow MOAT, I shared that, although my kids are working - and learning great things - I'm not sure both are hitting stride in the strength area. At this point in life, I think the work itself and lessons learned from answering to...
Hot, Hot, and more Hot
It's super hot outside. This is what we expect in August, not July. It's on these kinds of days that work seems even more unpalatable - if you're a teen, that is. The only thing that sounds good is a pool, the mall, a movie, or (for boys) x-box. Certainly not summer...
Table Talk: Growing Up Too Fast, by Andy Kerckhoff
Today’s Table Talk is by our friend Andy Kerckhoff, the author of the blog Growing Up Well. Being that he’s an educator, coach and parent, he’s smack dab in the center of things and always has something worth thinking about up his sleeve. Thanks Andy! … and thanks for...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tip (on Monday!) – Cooling Off with Jane Jarrell
I'm not sure why our internet connection has been blitzing, but apologize for my late posting - again! If it is they heat that's causing it, today's idea from resident foodie Jane Jarrell is sure to cool us all off, in a healthy, Martha Stewart-y sort of way. Thanks...
Feeding Our Troops
Today’s post is by one of our MOAT Ironing Board moms. Ann Bentley and her husband Chuck have been so sweet to let me rope them into the MOAT project from the beginning. Plus they’ve been terrific friends and wonderful advisors through so many stages of life. I for...
Chart Stopper
The Chore Chart from ... well, from somewhere really hot. Seriously! ... Who could keep up with this one?! The kids made a chart in an attempt to stay ahead of the dog responsibility game. Arguably the most important chore in their lives, they're determined to cover...
Tasty Tips – Jane’s Tiny Tarts
As we head into the 4th of July weekend, celebrating the fact we live in a country founded upon principals of freedom and generosity, here's a fun recipe from our resident foodie Jane Jarrell. Have a few neighbors over and share it with them. Don't feel stressed to...
Hitting the Wall
"Please don't make me go.... Please.Please.Please.Please." Young worker begs. "Sorry. It's part of work. In order to do it, you have to show up." "Oh....Just this one day. Please let me stay home." "No can do." "PLEEEEEEEEZZZZZ" "Sorry." "Fine." resigned worker...
Some Sisterly Advice
Today's blog is a little op-ed piece from my sister. Well, "op-ed" might be a bit official sounding for the MOAT, especially since it was an email she sent offering an idea for a future post. She did such a great job, I thought I'd share it with you. She lives in DC,...
Open Drawers
So there's "Open Doors" a fairly well-known organization ministering around the world. And "Open Loops", those pesky menial tasks, to-do list bottom-feeders, that are often forgotten, conveniently ignored, but always secret stress inducers. For our family, it's "Open...
Read, Hot and Blue-hoo-hoo
Summer brings so many “fun” things. There really are great things. No schedule, homework, stress, meetings…
It also brings lots of close quarter creativity. The Texas Summer has come on with a vengeance. Not only is it hot, we’ve crossed 100 more than once (yikes!). A nice southern wind has been blowing. Enveloping you like a convection oven the minute you leave the comfort of an air-conditioned home, car, store, office building. Mmmmm…. You...
Nothing
Please tell me this is going on in your house too…
“What’s wrong?” Mom earnestly inquires.
“Nothing.” Daughter replies.
“Listen … You just stopped mid-conversation and huffed off. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”… pregnant pause … “And – I did NOT huff off.”
“Uh – yes you did,” Mom says, looking for a witness – never a good strategy. But...
Table Talk – Internet Safety by Ruth Meek
Dear Parents, While we welcome the relaxing dog days of summer, we must not relax in paying attention to our children’s leisure activities - especially those involving a screen. Enclosed is an article full of up-to-date information on safer surfing. I believe you...
FHA
Just the other day, I was noticing the decline in gathering and hiding activity by our Future Hoarder of America. Has he started to rehabilitate himself? Like potty training and moving on from finger sucking, could he be handling this issue like he has all the others?...
Great Summer Reads – Part 3
Today, sweet MOAT Jennifer (another avid reader despite the ever-present and literal calls of motherhood) shares a few of her favorites. Her first suggestion is pretty amazing considering the subject matter and the fact that she experienced a very similar situation...
Dog Days of Summer
I just can't stop myself from sharing a little Wembley. Besides a little chewing thing, she's a dream. We went to the vet today for her 12-week shots. I needed to confess that the dog has consumed at least a small tree in the amount of sticks she's eaten. Today she...
Toddlers & Teens
Who knew toddlerhood and teendom would be so similar?! Parents on the other side nod their heads, "Yes - so much the same, just different body size ... and more words...lots more words (but pretty much just about the same sense)." Of course, that's not completely...
Friend or Foe
Today's topic: the trampoline, fertile soil for lessons around our house. We've only been a jumping house for just over three years. It was a Christmas present to the kids after much discussion and analytical consideration. Five kids. Lots of energy. One might think...
Great Summer Reads, Part 2
Today's video post features my friend, the very well-read and classical literature aficionado, MOAT mom Laura. I love how she describes the benefits of reading classical literature and the way she encourages all of us to challenge ourselves and our kids with complex...
Table Talk: It’s Summer!!! Time to … WORK???!! by Lisa Clark
Today's Table Talk is by the wonderful Lisa Clark. We're so blessed that she will weigh in from time to time to offer some good old sage advice on parenting our tween/teens. Is you kid working this summer? I'm talking a real job where a boss is involved. It certainly...
Music to My Ears
Overheard on the phone. Speed Police chatting with our friend Lynn: (response to what I assume was the question of the hour, "What are you doing this summer?") "Oh... I have volleyball tomorrow... and I'm going to be working at YBC... you know saving money for the car...
Back in the Saddle
We've decided that the best way to begin the summer is with a week away ... especially a week with family at the beach. You might think that our five is quite a crew, but we're nothing when compared to my brother's seven. Throw in three more from another brother and...
Great Summer Reads, Part 1
Thanks to MOAT Leslie for sharing a few of her favorite reads - and for letting me coerce her into being a contributor to our video Book Nook. Every book she has ever recommended, I've enjoyed (no pressure, Leslie!!). Book Nook - Great Summer Reads from Kay Wyma on...
Ocean Waving
Lots of water ... limited internet! Sorry for the lack communication! Our connection hasn't allowed much in the communication department. So my promised summer reads are slow in coming. Hoping that one will be coming your way tomorrow. Thanks for walking the sandy...
Dog Days
You know they're coming ... some dog pics.... lots of dog pics. She's soooooo cute! We're not sure who she is, yet. I keep asking her. "Who are you? You schmookey - oookey - cute thing?" She just looks up at me with those big brown eyes and licks my hand while my kids...
Storms Brewing
Sorry for the missed entry yesterday. Stormy weather left our internet connection on the blink. But at least we have a house still standing - unlike so many families throughout the midwest and south. Being a girl from Wichita Falls (a.k.a. Tornado Alley), my heart...
Not So Snarky, Lots of Barky
Hold one to your hats. Shocker of all shocker - the Wymas are dog owners. Remember that cute pup we went to see a few weekends ago - the one that we fell in love with, but (being probably the only people that can) we looked at and left. I guess you could call us...
Holey-er Than Thou
"Mom... You've got a hole in your pants." giggles Sister Save-A-Lot. "What?!" I reply from my bent position over the bathtub - trying to get Future Hoarder of America out of the water fun and into bed. "Wow... You sure do." comments a different sister. "Yeah, Mom. And...
Table Talk – A Filter on His Heart by Rebecca Powell Ingram
We are so blessed to have Rebecca Ingram Powell guest post for us today. She has a terrific blog that you need to check out when you have a minute. I think you will really enjoy perusing through her words of wisdom. Today she’s filling us in on a topic so many...
A Tuesday Tasty Tip
Don't get your hopes up for a terrific Jane Jarrell tasty tip today ... It's just me. Since the kids and I were throwing together our May soiree (you know May - the month as crazy as December, just without the gifts - our Jane Jarrell-ism for the day), I thought it...
Limited View Seating
I thought I’d share with you an entry from my sweet friend Dana Finch’s CaringBridge journal. She is smack dab in the middle of a fierce battle with pancreatic cancer. She and her husband Scott have three sons. They’ve lived through what Dana calls the teen testimony...
Snarky
Snarky - not to be confused with barky. ...which would go along with a dog and we know that action ain't happening in our home ... Although, we did make a little car trip this weekend to see a puppy. Oh yeah - loaded up all the kids and drove to McKinney to see the...
FBT – The Facebook Test
Several years ago, in one of my former life work stints, I looked up from some mind-numbing spreadsheet to see my very distinguished colleague Eduardo standing in front of me, politely trying to interrupt in order to ask a question. Eduardo grew up speaking Castilian...
Job Fair – as in “That’s Not..”
Summer is around the corner ... and so are jobs. I'm not really up for the home-made job. We've done the car washes, baby-sitting, craft days, etc. All of which, (thanks to a little procrastination, lazy, and better-offer genetic disposition inherited from their...
Short Term Pain… Long Term Gain
Friday marked my crossing the last of my least favorite roads – the four-year-old check-up at the doctor. I’ve dreaded it almost since the day Future Hoarder of America was born. For readers who might not be familiar with this monumental day, it’s the absolute worst...
Table Talk – Whining & Complaining by Sue Bohlin
Some years ago at a MOPS meeting, I heard a tremendous word of wisdom. The speaker suggested that moms instruct their children not to whine and complain “because whining is criticizing God’s provision.” Whoa. She’s absolutely right. If someone gets a bigger slice of...
The Power of Fun
MOAT Marcy sent me this video. Not only is it enjoyable... it's fun to think about. In the spirit of the FunTheory, I've decided to implement a some strategies in my own life. Here are a few areas that could use some sprucing up. Sitting in the dentist's office last...
Signed, Concerned Mom… of boys
Here's a note I received from one terrific mom, who, like many of us, is a bit concerned about societal trends to emasculate men and thrust the girls in the driver's seat for just about everything. This one is a can of worms for sure ... but worth discussing. Feel...
Table Talk – The Power of Family Dining by Joe White
Joe White wrote the following article for Kanakuk families. I was thrilled when he told me I could share it on the blog. He has such a way with words – full of encouragement, wisdom and admonition as we walk the parenting road. I hope you enjoy (and are inspired by)...
Pajama Driving Day
I should have known the minute I walked out of the door in my pajamas to drive carpool… the day promised adventure (if you call it that). At least I had a full tank of gas and wouldn't be walking that embarrassing road again! I was wearing my pajamas because I had my...
Keep on Keepin’ On
"I am NOT washing the dishes." defiantly balks one of the able bodies in our home. "It's just not fair." Seeing that we ate on paper plates (surprise, surprise!), I can't quite grasp why the kid thinks dish washing duty is of particular disdain. All that's staring...
Breakfast of Champions
A broad smile erupted on James’ face the minute Jack walked in the door of our neighborhood store. James (his American name) and his wife Bok are immigrants from South Korea. As proprietors of The Donut Palace, they treat every customer with care and grace. But they...
An 11-year-old’s Take on Easter
All I can say is - Wow! Take a couple minutes to watch this 11-year-old (!) as he shares how Jesus is found throughout the Bible. It's amazing in more ways than one. Thanks MOAT Deborah for sharing on FB. Thanks Bentree Bible for posting on Youtube. And thanks for...
Table Talk – More from Jody … the How’s
Today, Jody shares a little about “What you can do…”, a continuation from yesterday’s post on handling the teen attitude/disrespect dish so often served our way. This, like yesterday’s excerpt is from the book Jody wrote with June Hunt called Understanding Your Teen....
Table Talk – Jody Capehart answers a MOAT question
A follow-up question that has risen more than once: "What are consequences for the rude remarks, bad attitude and overall negativity that are frequently dished our way via the teenage crowd?" I just got off the phone with one mom whose daughter piled it on this...
Give it to Mikey
"Hey, Mom." "Yes." "While you were gone, there was a roach.... A HUGE one.... on it's back - over there." says Sister Save-A-Lot pointing toward the door. "What did you do?" "Dad was asleep. He told us to put a cup over it until he came down." "So did you do it."...
Sabbath Thinking
It's hard to know these days what it looks like to honor the Sabbath. What does it mean? Does it mean - get all your homework done by Saturday so Sunday is free? that Sunday is the Sabbath... or does the day matter? do all the laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning during...
Table Talk – Kathleen part 2
Thanks for all the great feedback on Kathleen's terrific info yesterday. I thought I'd follow up with the rest of the story. Okay, it's not the REST of the story ... but the rest of our talk, which was sadly cut short due to car-pool calling my name. I'm heading to...
Table Talk – Live with Kathleen Fischer
Todays table talk is literally a talk we had last week at her dining room table. She graciously agreed to let me rope her in on my hair-brained idea to have video as well as written guest blogs. I hope you think it's fun. (Please let me know!) The first clip is on a...
A Little FHA Action
Pulling out of the drive the other day, I rummaged around for my sunglasses. They were nowhere to be found. Looking in the rearview mirror, I see a cute little face smiling back at me from his car seat. Then I remember the last time I saw my new total-incredible-find...
Prom Anyone?
Proms are hitting the scene from coast to coast. It's an incredibly fun time for parents and kids alike as they celebrate the end of the year ... for many, the end of an era. One MOAT story convicted me and I hope you don't mind me sharing. It's from a family whose...
Friday Night Fights
About a month ago, sweet MOAT Deborah sent a message to our Ironing Board. Any advice on handling the movie/DVD scene? Our teen and tween just don't seem to our sensibilities when it comes to movies these days and it is becoming harder and harder to find something we...
Nancy Reagan … We need you!
I can't tell you how many notes, calls and conversations I've recently had on a difficult topic that faces every family with young boys (and from what I hear - even girls... which is hard for me to believe). It's the sneaky and relentless attack from increasingly...
Welome to Square Space!!!
Well... I did it. TheMOATblog has packed up our stuff and moved. As with any move, the last few runs seem to take on a life of their own. So you might have to bear with some glitches. But I hope you like the format. Why move? I really wanted to have a venue for...
What Would You Do
I thought you guys might enjoy the following story about a little Chicken Pot Pie action going on in Dallas last week. (What's Chicken Pot Pie action? click here to find out: CPP Post). Believe it or not, the same story occurred in an almost identical way to another...
The 3 B’s
This morning as we waited on one of our four culprits who keep dragging their feet in the morning, taking us to the wire of the tardy bell and stressing their mother out, I dug in my heels - determined to stick to my guns. Why I care I just don't know. I'm not the one...
Chicken Pot Pie
Hi MOATs ... My post last night not only didn't make it to you today, but also got lost in the process (boo-hoo!). So here's something I wrote for another blog. Those of you who know me well just might have heard this story before. So feel free to beep me (something...
Man-Made
Well ... we had it again. The car conversation.You know. The one that goes a little something like this.... "Hey. Did you see that Lamborghini?! Man...That thing is so cool. That's what I'm getting when I grow up." "Where?! I missed it." "It drove by. Right there....
More from our Panel…
Here are a few more clips from our inaugural "MOATblog Presents" - a Panel Discussion on parenting entitled "Who's Asking Who" If you missed Tuesday's post, here's the background: The panel included Kyle & Lucina Thompson who wrote a guest blog in the Fall about...
Are You Wearing That?!
"Hey, Bud ... Would you consider a different shirt?" I float to the boy in a man's body standing in front of me. Seriously - he's grown a couple inches in the last month. How interesting that during the teen years, they grow tall and slim, as I go gray and "soft" (a...
Tuesday’s Tips … and then some
Okay, so we're going to try a little something new... on the cusp of something really new. Loving blogspot as much as I have, I'm in the process of changing the site to squarespace. Hopefully sometime within the next few weeks, you will click on this and be magically...
Steadfast Minds
Even though we did Spring Break on a Shoestring, we splurged on one item - bringing out Grandpa to Dallas. He made the sacrifice and said "So Long" to Chicago's wintry weather and headed down to see us and our promised 70 degree days. As we sat at breakfast this...
A Surprise Tasty Treat – Part 2
If you're just tuning in, click here (A Surprise Tasty Treat) for the beginning of this story. Thankful I'm wearing more than my pajamas, I go back into the kitchen and tell the rest of the family that Walter is coming to cook us a meal. Needless to say, the eyes...
A Surprise Tasty Treat
I can't help but share our little adventure for the day. I'm still blown away by amazing gift bestowed upon our family by .... our mail carrier, Walter. We moved to our current home four years ago, when I was pregnant with Future Hoarder of America. I've probably told...
Spring Breaking on a Shoestring
Apparently, much to our kids chagrin, we are the ONLY family staying home for Spring Break. Nothing like a little exaggeration to get the week going. I love staying home. It seems to make the time go a bit slower. Truth be told, by the end of the week, we're all...
The Hugging Machine
Sitting at the kitchen table, I heard scuffling on the monitor from across the room. I know most of you reading this have long since sold those baby listening devices in garage sales, or tossed them in the GoodWill box - but we still have ours. Why? - you might ask....
Before & After
Scenes from the pit :) The scene before surgery. It's only a flesh wound. Actually we were yet again thankful the bone didn't break the skin. You can see just how close it was. She even had a blister form where the bone was pressing against the skin. That was a nice...
Sometimes Pain Precedes Relief
Tomorrow we (Go-To-Girl and I) head back to Children's Hospital and her terrific, yet somewhat conversationally challenged, orthopedic surgeon to have her pins removed. Okay, so I've done my darnedest to get that man talking. He was close the last time we saw him. He...
Truth & Consequences
I'm SO sorry this didn't post on Wednesday. Chalk it up to general flakiness :) So here's Wednesday's post on Friday: I just love (and really appreciate) when you guys send me articles that help us navigate our sometimes rocky adventure. MOAT mom Carrie sent this to...
Got X-Box?
I hope you get as big of a kick out of this as I did. Here's one family's attempt to stuff the X-Box push-back. Most of us with teenage boys can completely relate... okay, so feel the pain. To protect the overly sensitive (any middle schooler!), a certain gamer's name...
The Face Book Dilemma
Head-in-the-sand alert.... lest we be caught off-guard. Here's what's going on 100 times a day: Kids, erroneously think they're in some safe, parent-free zone at liberty to comment and post on Facebook, email, text,.... Ahhh... Facebook. Such a great and fun forum......
Table Talk – Parenting Brad McCoy Style by Tolly Salz
Since we're still in the trenches (...doing my best to stay above water), I'm posting our Table Talk guestblog today. I'm even re-posting from a local e-publication. So, here you have it, "Parenting - Brad McCoy Style". Click here to read the entire article. Yes.......
Accidental Warrior
For me? If faced with orders from the commander to enter a combat zone, I'd prefer to be on the Clara Barton end of military service. Caring for the wounded. Bringing water to those in need. Comforting the active soldiers. Participating ... even actively participating...
Elevator Riding
Yesterday, a friend of mine & I hopped ride from the 3rd to the 8th floor at our church on the elevator. We walked to her desk, grabbed what we came for, then headed for another ride. This time downstairs for our weekly gathering of women. Just before the doors...
Lost
Today was one of those days … the kind where you feel just a few steps behind where you should be. Thanks to my CMD (Calendar Management Disorder), I was off almost from the get-go. I’m not sure what fueled my laissez-faire attitude, but I struggled with breakfast,...
A Different Twist on Tuesday’s Tasty Tip
Today's tip might have nothing to do with food, but it sure is tasty... okay, so super helpful. The other day, we got something in the mail from American Express. They have a new card called PASS, "a prepaid reloadable card parents give to teens." They say that is is...
Love In Action
Happy Valentine's Day!! I was spurred by our friend Ruth Meek to check out Steve Stephens web site where I found this very nice list of ways to love your spouse. I have to say, that neither Jon nor I are spurred on by grand gestures, but the small things really mean a...
Wintry Mix
Welcome to yet another day of "Wintry Mix" in north Texas. Which means no school. Which means cramped spaces. Which means personal space invasion. Which means screaming. In our state, there's a phrase we often hear, "Don't Mess with Texas." Today, in our house, my...
Tuesday’s (ok Wednesday’s!) Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Sorry for my technical challenges that have landed Tuesday's Tasty Tip on Wednesday. It certainly wasn't any delay on Jane's part ... just mine. So here's a short tip to brighten up your Valentine's Day. The chocolate hearts are a great idea that could be used to top...
Wait!… Aren’t We There Yet??!!
We (I) spent well over an hour tonight scouring the house for a certain teen's copy Pride & Prejudice. Why was the kid not looking for it??! Well, it's one of those fuzzy things - where I remember picking it up and "putting" it somewhere safe to make sure he...
Joke for the Day
What more can be said? For those of us who might have trouble reading the small print (you know who you are... remember when you turned 40 and the hole to a needle suddenly disappeared as you tried to thread it?!), here's what the little guys are saying: Super Happy...
Table Talk – Conversational Parenting by Mary DeMuth
I hope you enjoy today's Table Talk by prolific author Mary DeMuth. Be sure to check out her links. She has so many avenues through which she blesses those who cross her path. Thanks for crossing ours today, Mary! ... and thanks for walking the road with me. -Kay I’ve...
Drama Club
Drama tryouts were the other day. I had a few vying for the lead role. Let me set the stage for our best audition. The scene takes place in a cozy little home located somewhere in the middle of Dallas. The home is a loving place full of laughter, kids running to and...
It’s a Gray Matter
One transformation that appears consistent in sitting U.S. Presidents is hair color. George H.W. Bush: 1988 1992 Bill Clinton: 1992 1998 Barak Obama: 2008 2011 No words needed to describe the gray action going on with our presidents as they deal with the daily duties...
Taco Flambe
Heard on the Street Here's a MOAT story from a mom who has been dutifully spreading the kitchen love to her able-body daughters. I just loved it. Not only the empowering work part... but the complete disaster that ended up being a great (memorable) lesson. It's not...
What do you mean?…
Some days are more interesting than others... and by some, I mean lots... and by interesting I mean challenging ... and by challenging I mean, well, frustrating ... and by frustrating I mean that life in a house of teens and toddlers can present some exhausting...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Today's tasty tips from Jane continue from last week. A little more warm home cooking that are certified de-stressers... perfect for cooler weather - and to share. As always - Thanks, Jane! and thanks for walking the road with me. -Kay A British favorite, this rich,...
The MOAT addresses the Tiger Mother
A couple weeks ago the Wall Street Journal printed an interesting (controversial) article by author Amy Chua entitled, "Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior" (the title itself begs rebuttal). When you have a moment, take a peek by clicking on the link. Until then, might I...
The Commander & Chief and Manner-Man Extraordinaire
I was reminded of something yesterday that I think is worth sharing. In a former life (the one before diapers, vomit, uncontrollable laughter, taxi-driving, and sooooo much more), I had the opportunity to work at the White House... for the Bush 41 Administration. Drop...
Heard on the Street
Today's guest post is from an Atlanta MOAT who is very special to me. In fact she's part of the reason this whole campaign to eradicate enabling began. It was a conversation about taking out the garbage that convinced both of us we were raising a bunch of "serve me"...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Today's Tasty Tips are perfect for the longer, colder days of winter. I, for one, can't wait to try them out! Thanks Jane! ... and thanks for walking the road with me. -Kay Double or nothing; means shop, save and share. Or perhaps prepare, label,...
Reverse Psychology… NOT!
I had a friend ask me the other day if I'm really in the car as much as it seems. Sadly, yes. Even though we are activity minimalists, one cannot avoid the car when parenting five children. And the truth is... most conversations (at least with a teen) only occur in...
Making Mrs. Post Proud
Trying to stay on top of manners amidst all our other activities is quite the challenge ... mostly because of my tendency to forget. Oh... I probably haven't introduced myself in a while. My name is Kay. I'm a recovering enabler, procrastinator, controller,...
Great Escapes
As we enter, what I like to term, dark side of the moon days - that period between Christmas and Spring Break (I mean seriously – it seems like an eternity before we hit a vacation!!), I’ve already caught myself reaching for great escapes. For me, they come in the...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Today's Tasty tip is a little B for D action... which we love around here. Thanks Jane! ... and thanks for walking the road with me. -Kay A blanket of snow on the ground is just the invitation for extreme comfort food. As the fireplace crackles and the...
MOAT Sightings
As we sink into our manner efforts, I've been enjoying a few fruits of our labor. Getting in the car on Sunday, TTO graciously opened the door and actually let his sister sit in the front seat - all without a single word from me. ... I could barely believe it, but boy...
Maw-cupational Hazards
Sometimes we moms get caught in the crossfire of on the job "Maaahhwm-cupational Hazards". Here are a few from this week: Hazard #1 - Stress On Monday, I headed down yet another avenue that I hoped would lead to some relief from the pain in my ear... the one that had...
Table Talk: What I Know About Teen Girls, by Kathleen Fishcer
Today's Table Talk is by our friend Kathleen Fischer. I asked her to share some strategies on understanding and dealing with emotional swings (and manipulation) from the average tween/teen girl. Gotta love 'em... even if they make you think your crazy :) Thanks for...
Manners & Money
January 29, 2010 was the day I committed to change around the Wyma house. It's hard to believe that the year mark of starting the MOAT blog lies just around the corner. So I have one last month (in our year-long experiment to equip our enabled kids) to add a task....
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…
but if it is broken... by all means tell an adult! "AAAAHHHHHH!!!!! There's blood on my foot!!!!" screams Speed Police running to her father. Never a good cry for help. .... Sure enough, the girl was leaving blood footprints as she ran to get help. It wasn't worth a...
Shower Time
Some of my best thinking is done in the shower. Well, maybe not my best, but it's certainly the only time a get a few moments to myself. Even then, I often have a little friend (since I'm still a mother of a preschooler!), anxiously standing on the other side of the...
Ideas for Encouragment
I thought I'd share with you an email my friend Melissa sent to me a few weeks ago. I always enjoy Chuck Swindoll's encouragement, but thought this was not only a great admonition for serving during the holidays, but serving throughout the year. So many of his...
Light
Day 24, Friday - Christmas Eve! One of the greatest acts of service for our family this year has come in the form of a brother traveling across the country (with their brood of seven!) to surprise his dad for Christmas. Our sweet Pop has been a bit blue due to his...
Serving and Teen Funk
Day 23 - ThursdayOh... Today's service has left me humbled ... and a bit breathless.I guess that's the best way to describe leaving the Handley's very humble abode. Living day to day, not knowing what's around the corner, an air mattress in the living room of the tiny...
Days of Serving
Day 21: Tuesday I've been a bit under the weather. My ear, the one that lost its low-frequency hearing almost a year ago, has been a bit bothersome of late. Couple that with catching Slow Walker's crud from last week, and I just haven't had much to give by the end of...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Hey Christmas Breakers!... Today's Tasty Tip is a continuation from last week. Jane has given us some easy and delicious soups that can cook while we get a few other things done. Our family tried the Cheddar Chive Potato soup last week. Soooo good! So steer clear of...
More Neighbor Baking
Since Thursday, in the midst of finals, Christmas programs and plain holiday craziness, we've been doing our best to putter around and purposefully effort to put others ahead of ourselves.We've supplied goodies for one of our favorite youth program's...
Table Talk: You and Your Child, By Joe White
Today's Table Talk is by the wonderful Joe White, President of Kanakuk Kamps, prolific author, encourager, mentor, encourager, speaker, encourager, ... and so much more (oh yeah, did I mention he's a walking encourager?!) Today he shares the true meaning behind joy....
Neighbor Baking
December 13 & 14 - Serving Others :) We had a consensus that our neighbor/friend gifts would include the kids' manna packs. Sister Save-A-Lot thought that a bit impersonal, so she insisted on including some type of "sweet" for the sweets. Though velied in...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Today's Tasty Tip looks so yummy and relaxing. What a neat treat to have recipes that can cook while we whittle away at the list of things we need to get done. Jane sent four recipes. I'm going to hold out on you and print two today and two next week. So tune in next...
Serving Stories, continued…. Silent Servers
We've been buzzing away these last few days, but I wanted to highlight some things I... Heard on the Street Weekend, Dec 11&12 I've been trolling for serving stories. The neat thing about people that serve is they either don't talk about it ... or do it without...
Project Other
Project "Other" keeps on truckin'. Here's a quick update on Days 8 & 9 of trying to put others ahead of ourselves in the spirit of December's service theme. We're trying to share ideas on ways to serve, gifts to give, or reasons behind the season. Please feel free...
Table Talk: Serving Others, by Ron Hall
When I consider the idea of service, one of the first people that came to my mind as a potential guest blogger was my friend Ron Hall. He and Denver Moore wrote a story a few years ago about another one of my favorite people, Ron's wife Deborah. She was a dear friend...
More About Others…
December, our month for considering and serving others continues... Monday, December 6th Slow Walker, in 2nd grade, gets out at noon on MWF. I know that might sounds crazy to some, but we love it. Jack loves it. The little Future Hoarder of America practically sits at...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Today's Tasty Tip is the super yummy and (believe it or not) simple Cake Ball. Sister Save-A-Lot used this recipe at her party she hosted for her friends. Now, hers didn't look quite as round and professional as Jane's (we had a time issue involved where the freezing...
It’s All About … OTHERS
Okay... so, for those of you just joining the MOAT adventure, the Wyma family has been traveling our way through life tasks over the last 10 months. Many of these things, you might find common in your own home; but for this recovering enabler, we had to start at the...
If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Another
In August our family escaped the heat and ran for the hills (ok, mountains) in Colorado. Aaahhh... such a fun time, We even enjoyed getting a little dog action while we cared for my brother's pet.While we were there, I did my motherly duty - capitalized on any...
Table Talk – Redeeming Christmas by Ruth Meek
Today's Table Talk is by our friend Ruth. For years she has spoken to countless groups on "Redeeming Christmas". In fact, this is how I met Ruth. When TTO was a baby, I had the privilege of serving on the leadership of our MOPs group. It was my responsibility to...
Fender Bendin’ Day
"Kay? It's K.B. I was just driving down University. Someone that looks just like you was sitting next to a couple of wrecked cars. Is that you? Can I help??"Yes, that was me.A super nice guy, Eugene, inadvertently looked up from driving and rear ended me. I, in turn,...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Today's Tasty Tips sure hit home with me. Just last week, I was reading a copy of Real Simple and considering using some of their bark recipes for neighbor gifts. A few of them looked a bit hard, so I decided to take a different route until today. Jane's ideas...
Teen Strategery
We share the Thanksgiving holiday with the entire Wills family. This year has been no different. Except for one major thing... we're missing a few family members. Our patriarch, my dad, needed a knee replacement just a few short weeks ago. Needless to say, navigating...
Thanksgiving Remembered
I know I've already posted a guest blog this week, but I just can't help but share the email I received from MOAT friend Ruth Meek today. You know I love sharing tidbits on which our country was founded. So, for those that might not know, or for some of us who might...
Table Talk – Parenting Teen Job Description by Kathleen Fischer
Our Job as the Parents of Teens When our kid is furious with us for actually calling that other parent to see if they’ll be at home for the party at their place on Friday night. . . When we are stunned to see the...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Jane is sharing a few pumpkin recipes for those who might be looking for a little variation from the good old pumpkin pie. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks so much Jane. We certainly are thankful for you. ... and thanks for walking the...
A Little Laugh Can Lighten the Load
heard on the street "A warrant is out for his arrest?!" MOAT mom Jennifer could barely believe her eyes as she stared at the text. I thought nothing much about her comment, assuming she was referring to one of the many people she and her family help throughout the...
Table Talk – Thankful for Teenagers by Susie Davis
Today's Table Talk is by and old (okay not so old age wise, just long-time) friend from Baylor, Susie Davis. She tirelessly encourages moms in Austin and around the country on mothering, wifing (I know that's not a word, but come on - it should be an active verb!),...
Life Rules for Teenagers
I thought y'all might enjoy the following. It's not new, has been printed in newspapers and circulated via email, mis-attributed to Bill Gates at a high-school commencement speech... which is how I saw it tonight. My sweet mom, knowing my interest in anything...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Today's Tasty Tips just might be a big help over the next few weeks. Need quick holiday treat? Try one of Jane's Angel Food Cake tricks. The look terrific. I can just see those Angel Dainties wrapped in cellophane, tied with a seasonal bow and delivered to a neighbor,...
A Random Act of Praise
What a gift the Opera Company of Philadelphia gave Macy's shoppers a couple weeks ago. Not only did they spread the love through a beautiful song, they lifted the name of the Lord in their surprise performance as part of the Knight Foundations "Random Acts of...
November = Errands
"Just so you know, November is our month for errands." I informed the kids last week. "Whaaattt?!!!", "No fair!", "Maawwhhmm please no." As usual, I do what I've become so accustomed to doing these past few months, I completely ignore the pathetic pleadings from my...
You Know You’re Raising a Hoarder When… (Part 2 :)
You know you might be raising a hoarder when... You hear a sweet, almost giddy, little voice behind you say, "Can I look at those?" And when you turn around you see the clementines you just purchased out of the bowl and on the table perfectly alined in a row. The...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
It's Tuesday! Today's Tasty Tips from Jane are centered around one of the Wyma's favorite things in life - chocolate. I won't tell you that Future Hoarder of America has chocolate chips every morning with his waffle. Or that yesterday, I caved to his plea for "big...
Just a Swingin’
Ahhhh the mood. We don't much need rings around here to glow blue or green giving cue to stressed, cool, nervous, very happy or normal. ... And how does someone define "normal" for a tween/teen? Considering the age, normal could have a lot of ranges and we're...
Table Talk – Thoughts on Parenting God’s Way, by Sheriff Daniel
Today's Table Talk is by MOAT friend Sheriff Daniel. Sheriff is a pastor in Calcutta, India. We met Sheriff in 2009 when he was in Dallas for a training session at Dallas Theological Seminary through GPA. We were Sheriff's host family. Poor thing had to brave our home...
Reluctant Empower-er
I’m about to opine on a race in which I have no horse – college applications. My oldest is four years out, so I really have no experience. But as an aunt, a very loving aunt at that, maybe I have a toe in the race. I get the luxury of watching my brother pave the way...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Today's offering will hopefully be in sinc with a bit cooler weather here in the Dallas. I've got one kid who would really like for the mosquitoes to take their leave ... so here's to budding winter and one of a busy mom's favorite cooking devices - The Crock Pot! I...
Halloweenie
Heard at a neighbor's door tonight: "Oh, we have a pirate, a volleyball player ... and, who is this cute little S.W.A.T man? "Halloweenie," responds the little guy. "Well, are you a police man?" "No ... I'm Halloweenie." he confidently replies. I don't think it would...
Clean It … Quick
Looking in the sink, I was struck at a bit of a life lesson. Speed Police had graced our table with yet another rendition of her favorite meal. Noodles with butter and parmesan. That pasta is her Spindletop. The perfect meal. Thankfully, she also serves some type of...
Table Talk – Sink Space by Brenna Stull
Today's Table Talk is by my friend Brenna Stull. She's an author, speaker, mentor, teacher ... and a mom in the thick of things just like us. (But from the looks of her kitchen sink (below), she might be a bit more on top of it than than some of us (although we all...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Today Jane has a real treat in store for us... okay lots of treats. All variations of one sugar cookie recipe. What could be easier ... or more delicious. Just be warned - it involves butter and sugar. But many of the renditions include fruit. That's enough for...
Open Door
I've noticed that my younger children have bought into our empowerment experiment a bit more voraciously than my older 2. They tend to meet our tasks fairly head on with out a lot of lip, sarcastic come-backs or the all too familiar tween/teen sigh-rolls (you know the...
“Why do I have to do everything?!…”
I thought I'd share some of our week's highs with you. The first was for Jack. My little FHA (Future Hoarder of America) gathered and hid many, many treasures. He was in heaven when I sent him to the back room bathroom. Gone a little longer than most potty breaks...
New Tricks…
Every couple months, we get the amazing joy and privilege of having Jon's dad, Dick, come visit. To say he blesses us in an understatement. He's in an interesting spot in life. After acting as Field Chairman for New Tribes Mission in Bolivia for a few decades, he was...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Welcome back to Tuesday's Tasty Tips with Jane. This week... the last of the Top Ten Tortilla Tips. No. 7 is looking pretty good to me. Okay ... so they all look good to this tortilla lover. For those that partake, please take some time to encourage Jane by...
Operation Ping Pong, Code Name Volleyball – Success!
Hard to believe, but the worker bees were buzzing this weekend. Actually, they amazed me at their tenacity and determination to not only get that table up and running, but to clear the front yard in hopes of a volleyball and soccer haven. I wonder if in their...
Pay It Forward
Last night, Jon & I went to see a movie that was really great. Now, before you race out and buy a ticket (which I think would bless you), I should probably point out that people in my family actively avoid flics I might recommend. There was a period in my life...
Operation Ping Pong
Well... If you've ever wondered whether I'm telling the truth about my recovery program (you know, the recovering enabler, controller, grammar hacker, the list goes on)...or possibly thought I just might be exaggerating... my tardiness in starting October's task...
Table Talk – The Value of Pain
Today's Table Talk is by author of the blog "Growing Up Well". He's a good friend of my brother and just happens to be MOAT friends Ann & Nancy's cousin. He's in the trenches with tween/teen kids and offers great insight into issues they face. Thanks for sharing!...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
I can't wait to try some of Jane's "Tortilla Tips". We love tortillas and always have them on hand. My favorites are Central Market flour tortillas. They have all sorts of flavors for the brave. My kids like the same old, same old plain flour (surprise, surprise!) ......
That Word Again… (no, not “whatever”)
I know this won't be the last of it... only because I limp along using it every day. But, I had so many comments (most via email or in person, but there is a "comment" button that welcomes any and all ideas :) about last week's "submission" admission, I'm cratering...
You Know You’re Raising a Hoarder When …
Just for the fun of it ... and because the little guy sneaks in under the radar as we deal with our older kid issues, here's some dirt on Jack ... or should I say "Enigma" because he really is a joy almost 100% of the time. I feel for the woman that marries this kid...
2 Down, 2 To Go
Join us for Cake Balls & More I know we've bled into October and September's tasks have yet to be completed. Rest assured, we'll get there. But we did cross one of the three remaining off this weekend. Sister Save-A-Lot successfully fought the urge to copy her...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell … and Ironing Board Wisdom
Hi folks ... Sorry I missed posting earlier today (Tuesday)... I had a few technical difficulties. Maybe that's my problem - technical difficulties. Yes... that's it ... "technical difficulties". Like yesterday where some strange channel took over our home's regularly...
That Darn “S” Word Again …Submission
Hi my name is Kay. I'm a recovering enabler, procrastinator, grammar hacker - and am calendar challenged. I discovered today that in addition to all that (plus much more), I'm a recovering controller. (Alright, so I already knew that ... I just keep forgetting....
A Tribute to Hospitality
Last night a dear friend of mine went home to be with the Lord. Dottie Wicker, in her mid 80's, was recently diagnosed with liver cancer. She met the diagnosis like she did everything in her life - yellow, like the color of her house. I'm not sure I ever heard Dottie...
Table Talk – Meaningful Work by Barbara Johnson
Today's Table Talk is by my good friend Barbara Johnson. For years I've heard story after story about the crazy jobs her husband has laid on her boys. He's completely counter-cultural in his approach and has endured many an eye-roll from his family. I couldn't help...
Whatever…
The word was uttered. It wasn't just a passing comment. He said it, and meant it. To his father ... no doubt. The infraction occurred on Saturday, after a suspiciously disrespectful evening with a sitter. Now, I know my kids are old enough to watch themselves. And...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Could it be?? Yes ... I think it just might be... FALL!! Well, since it's Texas. Who knows? We could be shooting right back up the thermometer by the end of the week, but we're feeling some cool breezes today. So ENJOY. Jane gives us some super yummy recipes in...
1 Down, 3 To Go
Our September Hospitality Month is coming to an end and only one child has started and completed the task. Friday rolled around much faster than Speed Police expected. Either that or she is so accustomed to things "appearing" or happening on their own, she never...
That Nagging Calendar Thing…
My CMD (Calendar Mismanagement Disorder) has been flaring up this week. Plagued by this relentless disease (disability, disorder... whatever), it's amazing I get anything done. Monday was Teen Take-Out's orthodontist appointment. When I've said before that I'm...
We Got a Pet!!
"Where's Dad?" "He went to the pet store", Sister Save-A-Lot said, trying to nonchalantly repress a giggle. Jon going to a pet store is definitely a funny idea. Dick's, Academy, Fry's, Golf Smith ... those I'd believe. But the pet store? Not so much. The kids & I...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Tuesdays are our days where Sweet Jane Jarrell, the meal maven shares her secrets. Check our janejarrell.com for more recipes and other great info. Thanks Jane!! ... and thanks for walking the road with me. -Kay The Prepared Pantry Canned...
I’ll Take “Parties” for $50
Hi. My name is Kay. I'm a recovering enabler, grammar hacker, procrastinator and calendar mismanger (along with SO many other things). I'm on a journey to move my kids from enabled to empowered, one month at a time. September is our month to learn hospitality. It's...
Table Talk – Etiquette for the Disinterested, by Ruth Meek
Today's Table Talk is by our friend Ruth Meek, the manners maven. I asked her to consider for a moment our pertinent issue of group dating/girls leading relationships. Here are her thoughts. Thanks Ruth ... and Thanks for walking the road with me. -Kay Many parents...
Party Planning
"Mom?" implored Teen Take-Out as I picked up his call. "Where are you?" I was 5 minutes late picking up the kid at school. Normally I sit outside waiting for at least 15 (texting "I'm here.", "I'm waiting." "Please come out." to no reply) so I didn't feel any rush to...
Tuesday’s Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell
Welcome to our resident Foodie's first installment of Tuesday's Tasty Tips by Jane Jarrell. Every Tuesday, Jane will share a few of her super simple meal ideas that even a tween/teen can cook. (Okay, that even I could cook!) My mouth has been watering just reading her...
Hospitality – Gift or Training
People often tell me, "You have the gift of hospitality." I guess since I've been surrounded by it most my life, I've just assumed that to be true. ... But after a weekend away (it was Speed Police's birthday) and little contemplation, I've decided it's not so much a...
September – Lessons on Hospitality
First ... Thanks SO much for the very interesting comments on Wednesday's post (Turned Tables - One Family's Take on Dating) . Here at the MOAT, we're in the works on putting together a panel (that would include Kyle & Lucina) to discuss the very pertinent issue...
Turned Tables – One Family’s Take on Dating
Over the last few weeks, a very interesting question has floated to the MOAT. How do you raise your boys (and girls) to respect their roles in a society that is pressing to reverse them. One example ... Dating. Not just mainstream but also the conservative crowd has...
For You … 1 Dolla
Finally ... the long-awaited (okay... postponed) garage sale took place! Procrastinating four months actually worked to our advantage. I capitalized on the opportunity to revisit closets and drawers that might not have donated their goods to the cause. See?... some...
Normal
Sorry this didn't post yesterday. We've been experiencing technical difficulties :) Jon and I were cracking up last night. Speed Police needed a check-up for volleyball. Of course, due to my complete lack of calendar management or, for that matter, paying attention to...
Table Talk -Simple Suppers by Jane Jarrell
I'm SO excited that MOAT friend, prolific author and kitchen queen Jane Jarrell has given in to my coercion tactics and agreed to be our resident Foodie (yippee!). Not only will she share secrets and tips on bringing ease into your recip"ease", but she'll share some...
To Text or Not To Text
Jon was given tickets for Thursday night's Cowboy game. We decided that Teen Take-Out would probably have the best time of all the kids, so gave him the green light to invite a couple friends. He chose two friends from his school. Next came the task of inviting the...
Waiting
When we celebrated Mom & Dad's 50th wedding anniversary last weekend, I was moved by this very sweet picture of my mom and her dad. Dorsey King Barnes, fondly known by pretty much everyone as Corkey, was a much loved orthopedic surgeon in Dallas. If you're headed...
A Bloggin’ Day
Our (my) last 24+ hours ... well, let's just say I thought a camera must have been following me. 8:00 pm - Jon's out of town, and once again I was busted by my calendar challenged issue. I forgot I had a K-Life board meeting (K-Life is probably our favorite youth...
Table Talk – The Code, by Russ Keleman
Today's Table Talk is by my friend Russ Keleman. One thing about Russ ... he's connected with kids. He served on staff at Young Life for years and now teaches teens in the Dallas Independent School District. I asked him to opine on the issue of teen/tween apathy as...
A Day to Remember
"Mom... Does the big vacuum cleaner work?" Slow Walker asks for the third time before I answer. I think they're so used to asking, asking and asking, they don't think twice about waiting in line for an answer. "The green one?" I ask. We have a central vac that came...
August 20, 1960 Fifty years ago today, my parents walked down the aisle at Highland Park United Methodist Church. My mom on the arm of her father, who passed away a short time later, my dad dapper in his stylish 60's garb. Aren't they a cute couple? As wonderful as...
Table Talk: A-B-C’s of a Great Start to School by Jody Capehart
Today's Table Talk is hosted by our sweet friend Jody Capehart (who has not only been working hard in her various ministry/education capacities, but she has been writing a book & actively grandmothering). Today's post gives some great advice on getting school...
Lazy Summer Days… quickly coming to an end
Our last free Sunday before school starts this week. As the doorbell rang, everyone sprinted to ditch their books and eagerly greet whatever distraction might be on the other side. As they flung open the door, our adorable neighbor introduced the fun idea of making...
The Dog Saga Continues … or Maybe Not
Since our trip to Colorado and eventful dog-sitting adventure, Jon's mind is set more than ever on avoiding the mess associated with a dog. I can't seem to convince him that the good outweighs the bad. My brother's dog didn't help. Despite those big pools of brown...
Summer Reading
Teen Take-Out's Nemesis I just got in from a working mini-retreat with leaders of our women's Bible study. Our driver happened to be one of our MOAT esteemed Ironing Board gals. Poor thing, I had her captive in the car for 50 minutes, so I made the most of it! We...
Ironing Board – Thoughts from the Porch
Sorry folks... I thought this posted yesterday. I was out of town today, so will post today's tomorrow. How's that for calendar challenged (and technologically challenged) If we were living in some small, Norman Rockwall country town, or time-warped back a few...
Half-Way There
In the spirit of World Cup soccer ... and our own FC Dallas' 2-2 draw with Inter-Milan I so appreciate any comments you guys shoot my way. Since I'm looking for the same answers, I've forwarded Friday & Sunday's questions to our wise women serving as...
It’s Heating Up!
Sorry I'm just now posting. Our ride home was SOOOOO long, it has taken a couple days to get back in the saddle. ... The trip was not so long for Teen Take-Out who hopped a ride on United Airlines and beat us home by twelve hours. Here are a few things he missed:...
Table Talk – Framed by Kathleen Fischer
I hope you enjoy today's Table Talk by Kathleen Fischer. She provides encouragment and insight into our boys. Thanks, Kathleen! ... and thanks for walking the road with me. -Kay Boys! I’m holding the frame with the picture of me and my darling 3 year old son.He is...
So Close … And Yet So Far
Our vacation has been so fun ... so relaxing ... still cloudy and cool. Today we were smack dab in the middle of the clouds. Dreamy. Lots of time inside to dote on our one real job while we're here... taking care of our cousin's dog, J.J. For those of you who...
The Job Must Go On
There are so many great things about our vacation - terrific weather (rain every day = cloud cover = cool temps = aaaahhhh), family time (and all that accompanies that!) ... plus lots of outdoor time, relaxation, & fun with our dad ... and a few chores that have...
It’s the Inside that Counts
Thanks to incredibly generous family/extended family, we are spending the week in Edwards, Colorado. The drive coming never seems as long as the one going home. Probably because at the drive's end (when a car full of seven bodies gets smaller and smaller),...
Table Talk – Pretty Is …, by Kathleen Fischer
Today's Table Talk is graciously hosted by our friend Kathleen Fischer. I asked her to comment on "girl" issues. ... In my house we are smack dab in the middle of hormone changes, mood swings, emotional manipulation... the list goes on. I never know each morning who...
Where’s the Beef?
I feel like I spend half my day wandering around like the Wendy's lady. You remember the old gal. Clad in polyester, oversized vinyl handbag perched on her arm ready to whap anyone who steps out of place, she peeks over her glasses and the counter ordering a...
Diner Dashing
Since battling Teen Take-Out on the name of the fun waitress app on my phone, I've honed my skills at Diner Dash. (I'm a bit embarrassed to admit how much I enjoy the game.) The game's goal - to successfully serve as many cafe patrons as possible. Time is of the...
Table Talk – Aggression, Bullying, Conflict Resolution and Discipline by Jody Capehart
Today's Table Talk is by our friend Jody Capehart. As always she packs her blogs with lots of incredibly helpful and encouraging information. Don't be fooled by what you might think is for younger children, ABC's apply to all ages. Jody does such a great job...
Cross Bow, by Joe White
Sorry I'm so late in posting today. We're picking up kids at Kanakuk this weekend. It's scorching hot, but that never seems to matter much to kids - especially when cousins are involved. This morning I was a bit of a mean mom as I forced Jack, after carrying him up...
Quick Draw
Week one of laundry duty is done. To say it was stellar would be less than true. We're still far from getting the hang of it. Our biggest problem - Clara (who helps me on Wednesdays and Fridays) is entirely too efficient! "Go upstairs and get your laundry. Today is...
Table Talk – Prepare Your Children, Protection and provision are not enough
Today's Table Talk is by a terrific blogger who provides interesting, insightful and relevant articles on raising kids in today's society. I hope you enjoy what he shares with us today. Thanks for walking the road with me. -Kay “Here’s the paradox: If we...
Let the Laundry Begin
As you can imagine, the laundry message floated well with a few and sunk like lead with others. When I asked them to pick their days, TTO was the first to speak. "I'll take Wednesday!" ... "I want Tuesday," chimed in Sister Save-A-Lot. "Give me Thursday," added...
Family Meeting – Laundry
As we venture down the learning the art of laundering road, a family meeting is critical. Just last week, I asked TTO to transfer some of his camp clothing from the washer to the drier and was barraged with push-back, "Not the laundry TOO!", "Is this part of that...
Finally – A Job Taker
My job postings have been available for months. Today... I finally had a taker! TTO, in need of some green stash to pay for his monthly iPhone fees came looking for an odd job or two. (Oh happy day. XBox has been put back in the box unless friends are over and...
Feelin’ the Love
"Did my coming home from camp ruin everything?" asked TTO yesterday as we dropped the girls off at their typing camp. His first morning back after 2 weeks of golfing in the beautiful Ozark mountains was peppered with some major manipulation sister wars. For those of...
Table Talk – Trench Talk with Teens, by Jane Jarrell
Today's Table Talk is by my friend accomplished author, Jane Jarrell. She tirelessly gives of her time to build into moms and to share the gifts with which God has so richly blessed her. I'm so grateful for her encouraging words today as I know you will be too....
Independence Day
As I sat in church yesterday, I was reminded by our friend and pastor, to consider the lifestyle and purpose exhibited by our founding fathers. It reinforced the reason behind starting this blog. Hard work. Moving from enabling to equipping our kids so maybe they...
To Trade or Not To Trade
"What would you and Dad think about me selling my X-Box plus all my games and upgrading to the new iPhone?" Teen Take-Out floated days before leaving to Branson and Kanakuk-Golf. It took every ounce of my being to stop an excited, "Are you kidding?!! YES!! YES!! Oh,...
Statues of Liberty
I'm so excited about today's guest blogger, Todd Rapp. He's been a friend for over ... well, let's just say a long time! (No need to point out years -- Isn't it funny how things seem like they happened just yesterday until you put a date on them. Then you realize...
The Power of a Positive Word
I have to confess. Today I had time out. I gave it to myself. Not for bad behavior. Just because I wanted to ... and because my friend invited a few of us over for lunch ... to her house! I didn't get to spend as much time with them as I would have liked since...
Solo Flight
"Mom, can you come get us," asked Speed Police who was stranded with her friend at one of the local shopping areas. (now that her working money is growing, I guess we've moved into a new era -- shopping!) Since our summer is packed full of nothing it was easy to...
Could I Have Some Cheese With That Whine?
Yesterday sported some highs and some lows. Shall we start with the low that ended on a high ... then stay there?! Slow Walker morphed into a sommelier yesterday. Not just any sommelier, a Master Sommelier, the ultimate connoisseur of fine wine ... Oh, did I say wine...
To the Worker Go the Spoils
Last year, Speed Police hit us with the inevitable "Can I have a cell phone?" question. Going into 5th grade, she saw her friends toting the mobile friend connecter and felt the need to be in on the deal. Dad's (or should I say...
Thanks to the Dads in My Life
At the end of a wonderful Father's Day, I'd like to take a moment to give out a shout out to the 6 special dads in my life. First, to my own father, Slow Walker Senior. He has acted as a rock for as long as I can remember. A great provider, he gave me so much more...
Sharing and Sensitivity
This post isn't about us sharing. It's about others sharing with us :) When you're living the lazy, super flexible, unscheduled life - you never know what's around the corner. This week, we spent several hours playing with other people's toys. Hours of free fun....
Man’s Best Friend
About a month ago, Jon uttered the words, "Maybe we should get a dog." It took my breath away. When Jon & I were dating, he pulled over on his way from Waco (and law school) to Dallas where I was working at NationsBank (now Bank of America) and bought me a dog....
The MOAT on Air
I forgot to let you all know that our friend Chuck Bentley is highlighting our MOAT efforts on his radio program today. Here's a link to Crown to find the program (station & time) in your area: Money Life Radio, or you can podcast by linking to Crown Financial...
A Dollar Lost vs. A Dollar Earned
Tonight when I retrieved Sister Save-Alot from a friend's house, I was yet again hit by a facet associated with our experiment that took me to one of those light-bulb capped "ahh-ha" moments. Sister Save-Alot had been sharing an earful about our crazy antics (from...
“Bored” Chores
In our home growing up, there were a few words/phrases that you just didn't say. In April's post, "By the Root", I shared one of the taboo'd. The word "shut-up". (Maybe my mom won't see it if its written super small). Of course any cursing and bodily function...
“J” is for June … and Jobs
The saga continues.... I just got off the phone with my BFF who is also my sister-in-law. We met each other on our first day of kindergarten and have been friends ever since. About 18 years ago, she cemented our life-long friendship by marrying my older brother....
Job Month … and Truth Revealed
"J" is for June and Jobs. Speed Police has her baby-sitting business ready to go. She still needs to distribute her cute little fliers and make a few strategic phone calls. But, despite that, she had her first gig tonight. Granted it was for her cousins, a sure...
Hitting The Wall
On this marathon of motherhood, somedays I feel like I'm hitting the wall. According to "Runner's World", it's called "bonking". (Sounds like the perfect description of what I'd like to do to the ones who have taken me down the long road :) Here's how they describe...
An Ode to Endings
With the school year coming to an close, and in the spirit of English Literature (soon to be replaced by swimming, biking, & just plain hanging out!), I'm moved to offer an ode to "endings". Oh Blue P.E. Bag You've been so faithful throughout the year Opening your...
The Power of the Smile
Here's a shout out to our school's Dallas Police Department carpool lane officer, Senior Corporal Le' Shai Maston. You ROCK! "Will! .... Hey Man. ... Good to see you! You have a great day. Work hard. --- WHHOOO!" The kid looks over me and out the window with an...
Top 10 Reasons to Throw a Party
End of the year around our house means class parties and teacher dinners. With four of our five in school, that's means lots of action. The little bit of work they require brings LOTS of fun. So in the spirit of the season, here are my "Top Ten Reasons to Throw a...
Coming Clean
Hi. My name is Kay and I'm a recovering enabler, procrastinator, grammar hacker, and, well .... slob. (I've made GREAT strides on that last one :) Recently, I Facebooked my college roommate, Susan. I felt compelled to offer yet another apology for the messy room I...
Hot on the Job Trail
It is definitely that time of year, so I hope you will bear with me as I yet again blogtificate on summer job opportunities. Here are a few ideas for the entrepreneur... and for kids under the age of 16. There are some very viable, gainful employment, opportunities...
If You Give a Mom Some Pine-Sol…
Each month on the MOAT blog, we're adding a new life skill that will aid in our family's transformation for "enabled" to "equipped". February started the revolution with the simple tasks of bed making and bathroom clutter control. March added kitchen duties to the...
Summer Living …
Let the work begin.... "Which job do you want to do this summer. The youth center or selling papers?" I ask Teen Take-Out (aka TTO) who is sitting in the back seat with his friend. "I"M NOT GETTNG A JOB, MOM." (wow... strong response) "You will be getting a job."...
Home Sweet Home
(View from Sat. night's meal) Ahhhh. Welcome back to reality. If I had any doubt that our girls' weekend was over, last night's meal solidified the fact. Was the food delicious? Sure. Sister Save-A-Lot helped whip up a keeper: pork tenderloin, rice pilaf and amazing...
The Simple Life
Here's another little nugget from Super Baby. The kid & I spend a lot of time together since the others are at school most of the day. Therefore, he tolerates (and sometimes participates in) my mundane tasks. Last week the job at hand, printing invitations for a...
Selfless or Selfish
Three years ago, when I stood in our guest bath, staring in disbelief at a positive pregnancy test with my 5-year old and "last" child banging on the door begging my attention, I never imagined all I would learn about life from this surprise package. (Okay, so all our...
Car Talk
The car is one of the best vehicles (no pun intended... okay, maybe a little pun intended) for conversation in today's hectic, technology saturated world. Even though the captive audience might be distracted by a phone (and in some cars the t.v.), they can't run or...
Truth Be Told…
Hopefully, I'm equitable if nothing else - ready to point out my challenges as well as the kids'. This week has provided ample opportunity for me to showcase my skills as a slacker, flake, & enabler. Slacker: We've actually eaten out every night this week. All my...
The Red Door
Friday, I got the Red Door treatment. Except it wasn't Elizabeth Arden, but Medical City Dallas. Nothing dramatic, just another effort to figure out why my hearing is distorted in one ear. The problem really centers on low frequency hearing loss. Depending upon who's...
Death By Lunch Bag
Hi my name is Kay. I'm a recovering enabler, procrastinator, grammar hacker... and anger management flop. Our bonus baby, the little (almost) 3-yr old who thank goodness keeps us grounded, has taught us many life lessons. One of them centers on love. A couple of years...
“Huh?”
"Don't close the door!" I yell at Teen Take-Out, as the door closes behind him and he blank stares at me with the classic "Huh?" look. I fight spewing a few chosen words at him and run to the door, hoping by some chance I had pushed the unlock button ... Of course, it...
By the Root
After hearing his sister's menu for the evening: "Why don't you buy everyone's meal tonight?" Teen Take-Out asks. "I want to make mashed potatoes, chicken & corn." "Can I have a side of cereal?" "No. You have to eat what I make," she nyaahd at him. "Shut-Up,...
Friends
I'm in the car (surprise, surprise) driving from one place to the other. This time with only two in tow, the baby and the 11-yr. old. "Blah-d-blah yeg. Mini ma stairs. Dish ma beeg ouchie.", Jack-speak. "Yes I know, honey. Your leg scraped the stairs and you do have a...
The Good, The Bad, and the, well, the Ugly
April has been slotted for yard duty. I'm as hesitant about this as I was about our March meal month... but these kids need to learn the ins and outs of maintaining and caring for the outside of the house as much as the inside. So, in the same way we started our...
Overheard in the Wyma house…
"That looks like pea," matter-of-factly observed Slow Walker as he poured chicken broth into the crock-pot. Okay, first of all, he was right. Secondly, he wasn't "Slow Walker" at all today. He actually had a great attitude, despite the load of work dished on him. So I...
March Meal Madness
Our March Meal Month concludes this week. Thankfully, like the beds and bathroom clutter, the kids think that its business as usual (well, everyone except the teen who is tiring quickly of all the "WORK!") ... so we will be keeping it up for a little while to come....
PG 13, the Modern Day R
Pulling away from the school (yes, I'm driving again), silence has invaded the car. Not a happy, nonchalant, basking in the beauty of Spring contemplation ... No, this was stubborn, I don't want to share the same space with you treatment. Minutes earlier, "Can I see...
Great Idea … Not!
"And here’s what reform will mean for so many of the students who are here today: starting this year, if you don’t have insurance, all new plans will allow you to stay on your parents’ insurance policy until you’re 26 years old." Barak Obama, 3/19/10, George Mason...
Car-Ma
A Wednesday is a Wednesday is a Wednesday.... 1:17 p.m. I get in my car and head over to my folks for Super Shuttle duty. I’m the preferred chauffeur for their airport runs. They enjoy the smoke-free (and today, thanks to the girls, trash –free) environment of our...
Happy Wrinkles
The greatest "Anti-Aging" secret?? A Positive Attitude! ... yeah, I'm going there. Hey Spring Breakers... If you're reading this today, you probably aren't off school this week, or could be enjoying the mighty stay-cation. (Sorry I've been a slow poster this week.)...
2 Weeks of Dinner Down…
Overheard in the Wyma house during the last 2 weeks: "This is a lot harder than I thought it would be." "We're the only kids that have to do this." "I'm going to Chick-Fil-A for my night. I'll buy my dinner and a french fry for everyone else." "What do you mean...
An Encouraging Word
Today, in my very limited contact with adults, I ran into three MOAT moms.... and loved getting to hear how the dollars are working in different homes. Not that its about the bucks. Around here, the green machine jump-started behavior that should have been normal...
A Night of Firsts
Tonight our 11-year old daughter excitedly embraced her role as Chef. She has been looking forward to this particular meal since the day we floated the idea of the kids taking over dinner time. She wouldn't share her secret menu with our family, but apparently her...
Dollar Dockin’ Day
I should have known when the third egg splattered in the same way the two preceding companions exploded into the bowl of buttermilk that pancakes and a grumpy 7-yr-old was probably not a good combination. The harder he tried, the more disastrous the outcome ... and...
The Gauntlet
I don't know about y'all (yes this is a Texas blog), but somedays make me think I'm living in mediaeval times running the gauntlet. Despite my innocence, I'm condemned the minute they get in the car for afternoon carpool, forging my way down the track of swinging...
Expectations Exceeded
A little more than I expected transpired last night. My dread of the pending commitment to surrender my kitchen to the kids, played just as I thought in the early afternoon. Despite his excitement about cooking whatever he wanted, my 7-yr. old lost his enthusiasm upon...
M is for Meals
"What did we do this time??!!" Strange reaction to our pre-planned, Dottie Jones prescribed, family meeting. Coming off of a fun and friend-filled weekend, I was looking forward to our inaugural talking "with" instead of talking "at" strategy session. Plus, the way he...
To Tie or Not to Tie
If I wasn't already convinced of my enabling issues, last night clinched my good standing-status in the "let me do it for you" club ... all thanks to Cotillion. Cotillion. The right of passage for many young people who begrudgingly submit themselves to etiquette...
Day 23 & Counting
Day 23 of our revolution has come and gone ... with continued success. Tonight, I offered a friendly reminder to a couple of the kids that their clothes were on the bathroom floor. I was respectfully zipped (can those 2 words go together?!) and told their rooms don't...
Show Me the Money…
So cute to be passing the boys' room and to see the 7-yr old very purposefully counting the money in his jar. (I'm not sure, but I think I even saw him lick his lips.) He wanted to know exactly how many dollars remained. Hot cash waiting to be claimed at the end of...
Close Encounters…
"What are we having for dinner?" floated my 11-yr-old last night as she made afternoon plans with one of her neighbor friends. She was pretty much shopping the better offer. "It doesn't matter what she's cooking. We'll eat it and not complain." I looked around. Did...
Table Talk – Teamwork & Goals
Today’s Table Talk is part-2 from last week’s discussion with Dottie Jones, one of Dallas’ sweetest mentors on home management. Get ready for some terrific insight on setting and successfully meeting goals – as a family team. Thoughts from Dottie Jones Teamwork and...
Family Meeting
A big shout out to Dottie and her very helpful words of wisdom last week. I personally was convicted about one thing. Actually including the kids in a family meeting instead of participation being limited to their presence. Our family meetings go a little something...
X-Games, Vomit & a Sweet Surprise
I had the nicest surprise today... But first to set the stage. Over the last month, I've had only two full nights sleep (I wish I was exaggerating!). Our littlest guy has been sick - and I'm his preferred go-to-man. It started w/the generic "virus" - translated no...
It’s Not About the Beds
It really isn't about the making the beds. It's about equipping and empowering our kids. My husband, Jon, and I grew up very differently. He in the impoverished mountains of Bolivia, a child of missionaries. I in the affluent side of a west-Texas town, child of a...
A Rose is A Rose…
Hi. My name is Kay and I'm a recovering enabler. Day 6: Acting in my capacity as Room Police in our quest for tidiness & clutter control, I dutifully checked the kids' rooms. We have lots of police in our house - most of which have not been deputized but certainly...
They’re Rockin’ the House…
Yes. We're on Day 4 and the rooms are looking good. "You were right, Mom. I think my friends would feel a lot better with our room like this." Well, who knew she was listening when I pontificated months ago about how rude it is to invite your friends into a virtual...
Operation Clutter Control
Why is it bad habits so easily sneak their way into our lives and stick around? They're hard to break and annoying. Good habits, of course, take longer to make (about 21 days according to scientists, or at least 30 in our house!) and need upkeep to maintain. Suffice...
Ready, Set, Go….
Driving down Northwest Highway the other day, I was dutifully transporting children from one school to another when my 13-year old son, who sat shotgun, said something that almost made me sick. Typical Dallas, we were surrounded by opulence - on our left was a Lexus,...
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