Just before Christmas, my friend Stacy wrote about her commitment to Mercy for America's Children. She serves on the board, and as a teacher and a mother, she has special perspective on the hearts and minds of children. I applaud her contribution to our community every single … [Read more...] about Puttin’ on the Ritz for Mercy for America’s Children
kids
The World According to Disney and Jeff Kinney?!
Some houses are guided by the Bible or other sorts of scripture, depending on one's faith. Some homes are guided by cultural traditions or perhaps even the phase of the moon. At Chez Dirt & Noise, there are three things that guide and inform our world. Good Luck … [Read more...] about The World According to Disney and Jeff Kinney?!
Clash of Values Can Kill a Friendship
I have always said the worst thing about parenting is other parents. It can be a challenge when you take different discipline paths in the midst of a play date. It can be irksome to listen to the overbearing sports parent cheer and denigrate in the same breath. It is intimidating … [Read more...] about Clash of Values Can Kill a Friendship
Before You Gorge, Give.
2012 was a pretty marvelous year for me. Sure, there were plenty of downs to my ups, but all in all there was much joy and reason to celebrate. The world saw some unspeakable acts of horror. There were obscene displays of consumerism in the midst of severe financial hardship for … [Read more...] about Before You Gorge, Give.
Flatout Good & Easy
I love a party. Our house somehow always turns into party central, whether it's a planned dinner party affair or an impromptu fireside gathering. My mom's house has always been the same way so I suppose I come by it naturally. The holidays leave us all dazed, but it's nice to … [Read more...] about Flatout Good & Easy
Mom Congress Gave Power to My Voice
As women, mothers especially, we tend to apologize a lot. For our children. For our messy home. For our untidy hair. We even apologize on our voice mail greeting ("Sorry I'm unable to take your call right now..."). We tackle conflict with an apologetic tone instead of a confident … [Read more...] about Mom Congress Gave Power to My Voice
The Voice of a Hungry Child
I had known her for years. She exuded positive energy with a dose of trepidation. She smiled easily, though not often, if that makes any sense. Her clothes were worn but not ill fitting or inappropriate for the seasons. I just figured she refused to wear a coat like my sons do. … [Read more...] about The Voice of a Hungry Child