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My nieces and nephews have always been part mine.

So this week's podcast is about one of them.

They probably don't always like it, but I love them soooooo much, I just can't help myself as I cross the line of ownership time and time again. I always figured an extra mother can't hurt, right?

Chad Estes is a local character all his own. He is, indeed, a chip off the old block. He celebrated another birthday this week. I remember the day he was born just like it was yesterday.

Through the years, in typical Estes fashion, he has made lots of friends--both on and off the playing field.

What can I say?

People either love us or not. There's never any middle ground.

But, I can't count the times I've told people he is my nephew and a big smile creeps across their face. There's usually a story or two there somewhere.

He has a "knobs to the right" show on KKBL Radio on Wednesday mornings and can often be seen calling games for the Houn' Dawgs from the press box at Kelley Field.

Here's a couple more stories about Outlaw Junior.

I hope I'm around to celebrate 51 more birthdays with him.

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I like the idea of making New Year's resolutions.

Over 30 percent of America's population of 340 plus million people make them. It takes. Over 60 percent of those folks will not be following through on their commitments in six months.

My resolutions are focusing on healthier habits, more self-care, additional time planned for adventures with family and friends and cultivating a closer relationship to God. I want to carve out more time for laughter, mud puddles, backroads and singing at the top of my lungs. 

In recent years, I have had a word of the year to focus on, including words like: redemption, grace, joy and intentional. This year, I keep landing on the word discernment.

I think the proper use of the word is spiritual as it implies the use of intellect, experience, divine understanding and gut instincts to help us with better choices, improved decisions and leaning into the proverbial circle with the right folks.

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I love Christmas.

I enjoy traditions.

I like making new friends and celebrating old ones.

Our family has encountered great grief at Christmas a couple of times.

But yet, grief is the evidence of great love. So, we will continue to celebrate lives lost and those no longer at the table.

One Christmas in the 1980s, I lost my job on Christmas Eve Eve...and then my car burned up on the highway on the way home. I still remember running towards my car with a crowbar--so that I could at least rescue my Christmas ham.

Ironically, while I watched the firemen put out the fire on Highway 39 in the freezing cold weather, a lady rolled down her window and offered me a job on the following Monday morning.

I have learned through the years that God always takes care of me--not only at Christmas--but all year long. 

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

And, join me in keeping your fingers crossed the you are on the NICE list this season.

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The three keys to success according to Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood fame?

Be Kind.

Be Kind.

Be Kind.

Some days this old world seems a little harsh and crazy. To battle that trend, let's start a kindness revival. 

Pause. Take a breath. Move forward with grace, kindness and love.

You won't regret it. I promise.

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Community.

Christmas.

Celebrations.

Camaraderie.

All of those things combined for me to make a big promise to a colleague last week. He seems to think I am up for new experiences and big adventures. So, after some consideration, I have decided to celebrate a milestone birthday with him by skydiving. Here's hoping he knows CPR and plans to bring me a change of clothes on the outing.

I am looking forward to 2051.

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I love the Ozarks and my own backyard; but I also love traveling in the company of those I love.

I was able to do just that earlier this month on a three-day jaunt to Vegas. A little out of my element, I managed to have a blast.

What follows is my reflection on the journey, the fun, the laughter and the concept of home and Toby Keith's song "I'm Not As Good As I Once Was."

In the end, it's true---There's no place like home and I am as good once as I ever was--believe it or not.

Plus, I can be packed to go anywhere in 20 minutes. Try me and come pick me up. I'm game.

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Veterans Day falls during the month of November as we are gearing up for Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations.

We hosted a Veterans Assembly earlier this month at Aurora High School. It was an honor to help the other organizations pay tribute to our local veterans in style.

Michele Mowris was our keynote speaker. She talked about the loss of her husband, Sgt. Doug Mowris, in Afghanistan some 22 years ago. Also speaking that day was Lt. Col. Jason Ernest, yet another Aurora graduate who knows the value of sacrifice, honor and serving others.

As we move into the holiday season, I encourage to cherish your freedoms and reflect on the words of my longtime friend and mentor Ken Ackley, who used to say that "freedom isn't free."

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It is always better to give than to receive. A favorite belief of mine that comes from Sunday School teachings is that whatever you give away will come back to you tenfold.

That said, please feel free to jump on the bandwagon for the third round of Hometown Partners Giving Circle efforts this year.

The money is earmarked for good things in Aurora, Marionville and Verona. Plus, what makes this even better is that you get to vote on the recipients!

Feel free to contact me for more information. 

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I get asked all the time about the state of today's teenagers? Are they different? Do they have good manners? Is there some kind of a disconnect?

Well, let me just tell you about a couple of them from Aurora High School. Jaysa Ernest and Addi Hall represented Aurora at the Annual RYLA Camp a couple of weeks ago.

After hearing them speak last week at a Rotary Club meeting, I can tell you with certainty that they are going to make their marks on the world. They will be able to make their dreams come true and well get a front row seat.

Join me in listening to this week's podcast about a couple of girls who are daring to take a stand for kindness and change.

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This week paved the way for some time in the archives, some old-fashioned research, a couple of fall outings and a handful of stories.

Join me as I share a few fun ones as we work our way towards a few more holiday stories and projects to wind out the year.