Let’s Talk About Arenas
I have blogged about the olympics several days now. I can’t help myself because I am thinking today about our own daily olympics that require all kinds of fitness, mind control, determination and a no-quit attitude. I’ve been to Paris with friends. It was one of the stops in our 21-day European cruise several years…
To My Shawntel and Others of Graduating Seniors
To My Shawntel and Other Moms with Graduating Seniors (Men, please read on, too!) Today I’m thinking about my beloved daughter, Shawntel, my son, Ryan’s wife. A year ago, she and I attended the Regents School of Austin’s Senior Baccalaureate (first two pics here). The juniors were there to receive their stoles from the seniors.…
Shut the Front Door
That’s what my Mom said when I left the front door open! Her exact words were: “Shut the front door, Barnio!” I don’t know, to this day, who Barnio was, but I do know she meant business. Not only did it mean to really shut the front door, the main entrance of the house, but…
Saving the Ones We Love the Most
I couldn’t help but notice the child’s embarrassment when his parents were loudly arguing in the middle of the store. My heart went out to him. And, to my shagrin, I remember my own children watching their dad and I have some pretty vocal disagreements. We called them “discussions”, but still their little eyes and…
Time Flies – Cherish the Moments
I took a baby gift to a friend. I could tell she was worn out. Focus had been on just her and her husband for some time. Now their world was rocked with crazy schedules, loss of sleep and wondering if they’ll survive raising this new little person. Then, I accidentally called the wrong friend,…
Parenting 101
If ever we received parenting advice that was good for us – it is the example and wisdom of our Heavenly Father. When we speak to our children – we expect them to listen to us – instead of continuing to play their video games. When God speaks to us – He expects us to…
Just Taking it All in
I’m an “all in” kind-of-gal. I’ll admit that being all-in is easy when it comes to savoring the moments with my grandchildren. Sweet one-on-one time with my grown-up ones — Braden and his wife, Ruth, and Barrett, while I was in Austin doing animal care. Braden and Ruth are still “honeymooning” after nearly three years…
A Hot Mess Because Life Can Be Messy
I have served on faith-based women’s teams and was amused when I heard some of the young women, after a long day of being “mom” to their young family, exclaim “I’m a hot mess!” I’ll admit I didn’t know what that meant but it did seem they were frazzled and welcomed being a part of…