Pass The Torch

Positively Speaking – Writing Contracts

Kelly — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:30:05 +0000

Will your child soon be experiencing a “rite of passage”? This month’s Positively Speaking column will give you some ideas for writing a contract with him or her, to guide expectations and behavior. Please read my column at 5 Minutes for Mom. Would you like Pass the Torch updates? Just sign up for them [...]

Shelling 101 on Marco Island

Kelly — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:54:06 +0000

Marco Island, Florida, isn’t well-known for shelling, but we must have come just at the right time this winter. We arrived just after a storm and found plentiful shells along the beach each day, especially toward the south end of the island, near the rocks. We walked each day on the beach and always brought [...]

Vacation Meals – Kids as Cooks, Part II

Kelly — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:41:33 +0000

The second meal our kids cooked for us required a little help, which Uncle Bill gladly provided. Cajun shrimp with Parmesan asparagus. YUM! “You cut the asparagus where it naturally breaks…” And here Craig is dicing apples for his signature apple/Cool Whip/Snickers salad (which, of course, isn’t salad at all:) How do you spell, “AWESOME?” Marco Island [...]

Vacation Meals – Kids as Cooks!

Kelly — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:33:16 +0000

During this winter’s Florida vacation, we decided it was time for the kids to start cooking some of our meals. We tend to eat pretty well on vacation because we stay in a condo and have access to a full kitchen. Why not teach the kids about cooking while we have some spare [...]

Marco Island Views

Kelly — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:23:09 +0000

Over Christmas we vacationed on Marco Island, Florida. I wish I could trade below-zero days for 70-degree days more often! We enjoyed walks on the beach, sunsets, and climbing on the rocks at the south end of the beach. Believe it or not, this is the moon over the Gulf at about 6 AM. The sunrise had [...]

Setting Resolutions with Your Kids

Kelly — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:03:50 +0000

If you’re looking for inspiration for setting New Year’s Resolutions with your kids, check out my Positively Speaking column this month. There may be a way to get everyone in on the goal-setting! Happy New Year! Would you like Pass the Torch updates? Just sign up for them via email or feed. I will never spam [...]

If I Had One Month to Live

Kelly — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 22:48:29 +0000

Originally published October 2008. My friend Genny is hosting a thoughtful project this month, based on a book she read entitled, One Month to Live. Although I certainly won’t know when my 30 day clock will begin, it’s an interesting prospect to consider how I’d use my time. In high school I made a “life list” [...]

Santa, Will You Get My Mom a Mixer?

Kelly — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Originally published December 2007. A couple of years ago, we had just moved to the cabin. Our home was a disaster, and we’d barely finished the addition before the snow flew. As Christmas approached, I had little energy to even find the kitchen countertop, let alone decorate for the holidays. Let’s just say [...]

2009 Year in Review

Kelly — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:55:19 +0000

It’s been a great year – here are a few of our family’s 209 highlights: Turning 40 Youth Leader for Literacy ATV Trails in Utah Locks of Love Summer Homeschool Making a Recycled Boat-Lift Cover A Third Year for Bookworm Wednesday Adventures in Budgeting:) Passing Hunter Safety Cincinnati Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth Conference What were your highlights this year? Share This

Giving Your Time, Talents, and Treasures

Kelly — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:00:21 +0000

Feeling the spirit of giving? My 10-year-old served as a Salvation Army bell-ringer for the first time this year, and next week our Bookworm Wednesday crew will help to sort toys for the Secret Santa love baskets as well. Opportunities abound during the holiday season, so if you’re looking for ways to give, please [...]