Newsletter (Page 3)

Marsh-Mallet

Imagine it. 15,000 people standing on cold, wet blacktop for 3 hours, hoping for a chance to find a seat at a sold-out Christian Concert. Welcome to Winter Jam. The serpentine walkways, marked with yellow streamers, were packed full of the worst kind of kids- bored. It wasn’t long until someone conjured up an entertaining…

Squirrels in the Closet

I love living in the country. My kids play in the yard and I don’t worry about them. When I get the urge to get away, I can walk through my backyard and around fields without interruption. If my neighbors fight and get into legal trouble, I’ll probably never be called as a witness! As…

Ugly Shirt

Christmas is right around the corner! It’s a time of joy, love, peace and… awkward self-consciousness. There’s nothing quite like sitting with family, opening a gift from your great aunt “Marg,” who you haven’t seen in a decade, but happened to be visiting for the holidays. The suspense rises as the wrapping paper falls. All…

Perfect Comfy

I love this time of year. Sure, I lament the loss of the summer, but when autumn rolls around there’s so much to enjoy! Fall leaves are beautiful. Pots of hot water start whistling on stovetops as if to announce that the family will soon be gathering around the table for time together and hot…

No Coop

My brother and I have reached a point in our lives where we’ve realized that we’re not quite as athletic as we were.  That doesn’t mean that we’re willing to accept it.  Heck, no… without a fight?  Not us.  That would just be an indication that we’re too tired to fight and we’re not willing…

Get on the Bus

It’s always interesting speaking with parents during this time of the year.  They’re so conflicted!  School is starting back up again and the kids will be spending less time at home, which leaves most parents torn.  On one hand, they’ll miss their kids terribly.  How many parents cry in the car on the way home…

“I’ve Got This!”

What is it about the human spirit that wants to “go it alone?”  There’s a certain quality to being able to do something without anyone else’s help.  It’s self-reliant.  It’s strength and power!  How much greater is one warrior vs. an army when the warrior is last one standing?  There’s a unique feeling that accompanies…

Nitro Churchus

My brother and I grew up racing motocross.  My father raced motocross.  His father rode dirt bikes in the mountains of West Virginia.  I’m convinced that I was genetically predisposed to the draw of motorcycles.  It’s “in the blood” as they say.  As family, my brother certainly hasn’t escaped the “bite” and every Spring he…