Category Archives: parenting

July 2, 2008 · 6:00 am

Turning off the tube.


I love television.  I love the internet even more.  More times than not, the television is turned off for dinner in our home.  However, that and the internet can take center stage a lot of evenings post dinner.  Last night was different. 

I visited friends and their four children.  Something really cool happened when the television was powered off.  Not one, but all four of their children joined us in the family room. 

And, we talked.

The ages of these children range from 11 to 18.  Yet, each one put aside their usual adolescent joys to join their parents and two other adults.  (Suddenly referring to myself as an adult seems bizarre.)  Anyhoo….

They weren’t instructed to congregate.  They just did.  And, how precious it must have been for their parents to have a moment of uninterrupted time with their children…..and me, of course J

I think I’m going to turn the tube off more often in my own home.  And, I shudder to say, even the world wide web.  Because, at the end of the day, I will forget that ridiculously funny Seinfeld rerun and the latest news reported by cnn.com. 

But I will hold tightly to my heart every word spoken, every joke made, every high five, every glance, every confession, every life discovery, every God moment, and every touch between my husband and two children. 

And, while right now my family time consists of fireplace stage performances of “I Had a Little Turtle” and transformations of my little autobot, I know I’m building a foundation that will enable us to not only do life together – but also share in it.

John Henry and Anna, I pray that in these moments together that “Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.  18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.”  Ephesians 3:17-18

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June 25, 2008 · 7:00 am

For a minute, I thought we were about to discuss the birds and the bees.


John Henry:  “Hey, Mom.  I know how God made us.”

Me:  “You do?  How?”

John Henry:  “Well, first He glued a bunch of bones together, and made them into a skeleton.  Then, He put a costume on us.”

Me:  “Very good.”

Whew.

Okay.  I recognize that I accepted his interpretation of how life is created and even applauded him for it.  If you go back to the creation story in Genesis, John Henry is not too far off.  Right?  Maybe only a little. 

But it got me thinkin’.

When does the real sex talk happen?  I would imagine that we drop a little 411 here and there as our kids mature, so when we sit down for the big doozy, it’s not as shocking.  Kind of like when MacGyver unlocks our bedroom door and we explain to her that mommy and daddy are “talking” or “snuggling”.  This rests better on the ears of a three and five year old.  Of course, who knows what the pre-schoolers are talking about on the playground these days.   I’d like to think the only buzz is Buzz Lightyear.  For real.

Parenting.  This should be fun. 

Have you had “the talk” yet with your kiddos?  If so, how old were they when their little minds were enlightened? 

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June 24, 2008 · 7:00 am

The Risk-Taker

I used to be this girl.  No, I never sat on top of private jets.  A Buick, maybe.  But never a jet.  Anna has this amazing quality in that she will pretty much try anything once.  She fears little.  Her only fears are ones that I’ve instilled in her, specifically a fear of frogs.  I understand these nasty amphibians are harmless.  I just prefer not to host a party for them in my backyard.

She is courageous for two simple reasons:  1) She believes the reward is greater than the risk, and 2) She has complete trust in her mom and dad. 

As a parent to a risk-taker, I have to keep my eyes on her almost constantly, lest she put herself in danger.  That is the tough part.  But, I also have the incredible opportunity to help her appropriately channel her willingness to jump into things that will be for her betterment.  That’s the cool part.

So, where did I lose my leap before I look temperament? 

There was a day I would go all in at the poker table.  Skydive?  Bring it on.  Had money been no object at 20, I feel certain I could have begun a successful business of some sort.  But, somewhere along the way I was no longer under my parents’ covering, mortality became more evident, and then I became a mother.  And that changed everything.

There are certain risks that I do not take out of fear of my children being without me.  Then, there are risks that I do not take because of a lack of trust. 

I can say that I trust God, but sometimes, my fears prove otherwise.  Why don’t I write a book?  Because, maybe no one will read it.  It might suck!  So, what if it does? What if I completely write some crap that never leaves a bookshelf?  What if a publishing company turns me down?  Great.  Then I have a couple hundred pages written for naught. 

If Anna is teaching me one thing it is to do it anyway – even if I skin my knees or have to go the E.R. to get my head stapled.  Not in a careless kind of way, but with the realization that the reward outweighs the risk.  And, nothing great comes out of playing it safe.

And, once we realize that we serve a God that always goes before us.  Who said that we can do all things in Him that strengthens us, then we just might accomplish some great things.

I hope I am successful in one day transferring Anna’s trust in her dad and me to the One who created her.  Then, her achievements through Him will be limitless.

Is fear keeping you from doing something?  What are you going to do about it?

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June 13, 2008 · 7:00 am

I see Jesus in your eyes and it makes me love Him.


It’s almost Father’s Day.  About a month ago, dad began throwing hints as to the gift he’d like to receive.  It wasn’t this blog, but I’m sure he’ll be just as happy.  Ahem.

Given the fact that many fathers don’t quite comprehend the role they should play in their daughter’s life, I’d say my dad played it quite well.

He was always there to teach me new things – in spite of the scary mustache.  (Here, his resemblance to some of those parading motorcyclists in Brinkley, Arkansas is uncanny.)

I’d like to think that I am plugging my nose here and not picking it.  You can draw your own conclusion.

He was always there to snuggle.  I can only hope I didn’t always look this gooberish.  But, I have a feeling I probably did.

When other dads were afraid to hold their daughters, he never hesitated. 

Although I wasn’t surrounded by siblings to occupy my playtime, dad was always sure to become a kid himself.  From board games to hide and seek – from the Intelevision game system to making up our own songs – he was right there.  This wasn’t much of a sacrifice for him.  After all, he is still a kid at heart.

Here is proof.  A few Christmases ago, dad’s wish list consisted of electronic battleship and a lava lamp.  I’m not even making this up.

Back when Garth Brooks was on fire, dad must have been his biggest fan.  I’ll never forget the spontaneous trip we took to Dallas to see Garth in concert.  Dad managed to get tickets 2 days before the concert.  Since mom was a flight attendant back then, we were able to hop on a flight to the Lone Star state.  Here we are just before we left.  You can see our tickets displaying proudly in dad’s shirt pocket.

Kicking it back old school in that one.  The dinosaur resting on top of dad’s armoire was his, not mine. 

He held me up when I had my heart broken.  And he smiled when he danced with me at wedding #2.

He has always been there – for every triumph – for every heartbreak. 

My faith is the core of my very existence, and He imparted Christ to me.

I once heard that how we perceive our heavenly father is directly affected by how we perceive our earthly one.  If that is the case, then I know this:

·         My heavenly father is always willing to bestow grace and mercy whenever I need it.

·         My heavenly father cares about the little things.  And, one day we will realize that the little things were the big things.

·         My heavenly father is not an angry father but one who is always quick to forgive.

·         My heavenly father loves people unconditionally.

·         My heavenly father handles his children with the gentlest of hands.

·         My heavenly father must be very proud of my earthly father.

So, to my dear, precious dad…

Thank you for all the little moments, because they were really the big moments.

Thank you for always enduring life’s ups and downs.  You’ve taught me that God blesses perseverance.

Thank you for being the Ga-Ga that you are.

Thank you for being the father that you are.

And, above all else, thank you for always letting God be so intertwined within you.  Because, when I see you, I see Him.

I love you, Dad.

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May 27, 2008 · 7:00 am

Road Trip Rewind – Part 2 of 2


On the road again.  After having to adjust Anna’s headset a gazillion times (which involves me unbuckling, turning around and placing it back on her head, because she won’t sit still), we had to come up with a resolution.  I couldn’t decide what was worse, the constant aggravation of the headset on my wiggle worm or having to listen to Disney and Pixar’s greatest flicks from the stereo speakers.  So, The Waterhorse, Enchanted, and Meet the Robinsons it was. 

By the time we reached Tennessee, I thought I’d show the kids how to make a truck driver blow his horn.  The first two truck drivers were glued to their cell phones.  The third looked at me like I was from another planet.  (At this point in the trip, I felt the same thing.)

In thinking how times had changed, I wondered if pulling the air horn still existed.   I took out my handy iPhone and googled….”international signal for getting truck drivers to toot their horn.”  I’m not EVEN making this up.  Yes, I googled “toot”…..and assumed it was “international.” 

Much to my surprise, and I’m sure yours, it turned up results that answered my inquiry.  Yep, pulling the air horn is still the signal.  And, truck driver #4 obliged.  As did #5, and #6 and #7. 

Kris threatened to drop me off at the Nashville airport if I solicited another horn-tootin’ truck driver.

I don’t know.  I suddenly found myself squirming every time I passed a truck driver.  But, I resisted my urge…although, getting dropped off at the nearest airport wouldn’t have been such a bad thing, I didn’t think.

So, I began to wonder in my delirium, “Is my life that void of adventure that I am filling it with air horns?”  I immediately reminisced back to my care-free days of moving real estate signs.  (Insert sigh.)

After hearing “are we there yet?”  the next 400 miles that remained, Anna’s squealing pleasant singing voice, and a whining dog, I decided on the following:

I am married to a pilot.  We have access to various aircraft.  Next time, we will fly.  I will tap the kids’ college funds or sell a kidney (Kris’, of course) to pay for it.  I am equally fine with both.

On a brighter note, it really wasn’t all that bad, I suppose.  I did get to finish off Anna’s M&M Blizzard from Dairy Queen, and I also got some good blog material.

The End.

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May 26, 2008 · 7:00 am

Road Trip Rewind – Part 1 of 2


There are days that Kris and I make the wisest of decisions for our family.  Then, there are days where we, I don’t know, decide to take a road trip with two kids and a dog. 

There are 900 miles between Oklahoma and Georgia.  And, in my husband’s infinite wisdom, he thought it best to knock every mile out in one day.  So, we did.

I prepared for our little family adventure with new movies for the kids, blankies, and plenty of snacks.  I did, however, forget the Jack Daniels – an omission that will not happen again.  Oh, I jest.  Ahem.

What I didn’t realize was that the kids’ infrared headsets were no longer operable.  And, the parental units were not about to endure Alvin and the Chipmunks for the long journey ahead.  So, with two stops, yes two, to a SuperWalmart, we purchased new ones. 

My ever so adventurous husband touted how awesome it would be to have “family time” together.  But, every time the kids uttered a word, he was the first to say, “Put your headsets on.”  In other words, he meant quiet family time. 

Eventually, we all loosened up a bit and listened to some of rock-n-roll’s finest.  John Henry sang aloud greats from The Gap Band like, “You Dropped A Bumblebee.”  Yes, yes.  Some of you think it says “…bomb on me.”  Not so.  Ask John Henry.

As previously mentioned, 900 miles of boo-tiful highway stretch between our two glorious states.  And, we stop for lunch at a Pizza Hut in Brinkley, Arkansas.  Not Little Rock.  Not the magnificent Eureka Springs.  Not Elvis’ own, Memphis.  Brinkley.

Unfortunately for us, we arrived just in time for the parade of Harley Davidsons and trikes.  Hallelujah.  Just what I had hoped.  Now, my  Harley ridin’ momma would have just thought she’d died and gone to Brinkley heaven.  Me?  Not so much. 

After watching bubbas America’s finest head out on their own adventure, we finally turned into Pizza Hut.  I took Anna straight to the potty in which she announced, “Wow!  That was a lot!” 

As soon as our delectable food arrived, Anna said, “I have to go potty.” 

“No, you don’t.  I just took you!”  I argued, figuring she was trying to get out of eating as she always does.

“I’ve got shoo-wee about to come out!”  My tasteful little girl broadcasted to all Brinkley, Arkansas residents.

I suddenly felt guilty for judging these nice motorcycle parading folks.  After all, we were seemingly fitting right in.

After the grub and bladder relief for all family members (including our four-legged pal), we set out again on our excruciating delightful family adventure.  To be continued….

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May 16, 2008 · 7:00 am

Mud Puddles And Other Messes

Sometimes, we get just plain silly in the Takle house.  We do things like this:

And this.

And, then there are days where we just blow it out and do this.  If you listen closely you’ll hear an elderly couple, apparently amused by the muddy display, stop and take notice. 

Summer is right ‘round the corner.  It’s a great time to enjoy your family and friends and get messy. 

 “As long as I can focus on enjoying what I’m doing, having fun, I know I’ll play well.”  – Steffi Graf

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May 9, 2008 · 7:00 am

I am my mother’s daughter.

This is one of my favorite pictures of my mother taken over twenty years ago.  I just the love the way it captures her beautiful profile.  She has always been this beautiful.  And her beauty goes deeper than anyone I have ever known.

I really can’t imagine life without my mother.  I share Abe Lincoln’s sentiments when he said “Everything I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”  While I am certain she made mistakes as a mother, I can honestly say, I cannot recall one.  Perhaps, that’s because she invested much more good than she withdrew bad.  I have been blessed beyond measure because of her.

My love for the written word is largely due to her exposing me to books at a very young age.  I can still remember as a little girl heading to the Flint River Library to join other children in book readings.  I can also recall the excitement I felt each week as I brought home my borrowed books.  She introduced me to books, and I was able to enter into a world where I knew anything was possible.  It was this love that ignited my love to write.

She endured through my stubborn resolve to not wear socks where the lace overlapped.  (And, as noted yesterday with my little Anna, I know exactly what she must have felt.)  When I wrote my first song about a falling star, she assured me it was top 40 material, regardless of the fact that it included a line about killing a bumble bee.  She let me write and mail a letter to Brett Butler of the Atlanta Braves and convinced me that he read it.  She loved me still after I screamed “I hate you.”  She made my sixteenth birthday truly sweet.  If she told me once, she told me a thousand times how proud she was of me when I graduated from college.  She squeezed me tight the day before I married.  She held me close the day I got divorced.  And she rubbed my head the day I gave birth to my son.  And, then, she held him, too. 

Then, one day she watched us hop aboard an airplane with the last of our belongings and venture off into new adventures.  While she hurt inside, she smiled and still said, “I am so happy for you.” 

She is a wonderful Nan.

She is my rock and my best friend. 

She is my dear mother. 

I hope one day my children love me as much as I love her.

Happy Mother’s Day.

 

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May 8, 2008 · 7:00 am

The votes are in.

Voted “Class Clown” for the 2007-2008 Pre-school Year

One of Anna’s teachers, Ms. Brittney, remarked, “She is truly the funniest girl in the class.  I’ve never seen such a quick, comedic three –year old.” 

“I am quite funny, myself,” I assured Ms. Brittney, eliminating any doubt of the source of her wit. 

A mother couldn’t be any prouder.  For real.

(A Necessary Note:  I did discourage the hat for picture day, but some battles are better left for enforcing the removal of purple Mardi Gras beads, such as it was in this case.)

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May 6, 2008 · 7:00 am

The great defender.


My children like to quote a line from the recent film “Alvin and the Chipmunks”.  It’s when Alvin chants, “Dave likes to wear dirty underwear.”

At first I scolded them for repeating such vulgarity (at least it sounds vulgar coming from a 3 year old’s mouth).  But, then I joined in.  Its repetition became somewhat contagious.  I just couldn’t help myself.

I changed it up a bit and sang, “Nan likes to wear dirty underwear.”  John Henry quickly yelled back, “No!  I love her!  Don’t sing that about Nan!”  (Nan is my mother and would also be the next American Idol if John Henry had anything to do about it…..along with the next President .  He’d also make sure she was  voted “Who’s Who Among American Nans.” 

So, I sang instead, “Ga-Ga likes to wear dirty underwear.”  John Henry replied, “That’s okay.”

At least we know where his loyalties lie…..as if we already didn’t.

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