A few months ago, my son was working at a local fast food place. While he has never been one to shy away from work, he had grown weary of working in a restaurant and longed for a change. Being stuck inside, standing over a fryer or leaning out a drive-thru window was wearing on him. One day, he walked into Brookshire’s after school to get a frozen pizza and a soda and the manager approached him. He talked to him about a job offer and my son jumped on the opportunity. The rest, as they say, is history. more

This high school choir teacher maintains a high excitement level throughout the year, but it peaks with the beginning of school each fall. That’s when she’s on high alert to sign up new members. And she does it with the zeal of a gal awarded a 10-yard head start in a Sadie Hawkins Day race. Sandra Sanders Mattson, Killeen High School men’s choir director, is ever “at the ready” to add another voice, and if it happens to be bass, that’s all the better. She has found, at times, that the best way to a student’s vocal chords is through the stomach, and if it involves an infrequent “made-from-scratch” kitchen assignment, so be it…. more

I often find myself lost in the vortex that is the internet. It seems to suck you in and before you know it, hours have passed. I like to think I have more self-control than that, but apparently I do not. more

I want to thank the wise young mom who brought the question all parents of future leaders ask about our strong-willed children. “I’m a mild-mannered person who has an extremely strong-willed children. How do I cope?” more

They were called “greasy spoons,” those folksy diners of yesteryear. Printed menus were limited, but waitpersons had their slang menu “down pat.” The one I remember best had a single line of stools, and patrons typically waited in outdoor lines for weekday “lunch runs.” more

It hit with the impact of “breaking news”– the kind that smacks us in the face on the front end of most newscasts. I felt faint – and my cell phone “clammy” – as my Uncle Mort’s words seared my brain. “I’m going to be okay, nephew,” he said. “But Maude had to take me to the emergency clinic today, right after I rolled a joint.” Rolled a joint?  My 105-year-old uncle? No way…. ***** more

Just when parents shiver with excitement because school is back in session, a sneaky little thing happens. Normally happy children come home all droopy. Worn out is one thing, but what if kids get a little hostile, too? Smart parents immediately ask perceptive questions. more

We can take such good care of other people that we forget to take care of ourselves. But, what if you had a handful of shortcuts to take care of yourself? Especially when you are with others, taking … more

This past weekend, my husband and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. We actually met and dated for two years prior to getting married, so we were really celebrating 25 years together. For two … more

As we geared up for the beginning of school, my daughter and I went clothes shopping. While my kids don’t typically get a whole new wardrobe at the beginning of school, I have tried to always get them one or two new shirts or some new jeans at least. Generally speaking, throughout the year when they need clothes, we just go get them. We don’t wait for special occasions. If they outgrow shoes, we go buy new ones. If they wear out their pants, we replace them. That’s just how life is with kids. We don’t have the budget to go spend willy-nilly, but we have a couple of store credit cards to use if funds are tight. more