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...
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...
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