Autumn. Back to school. And, sure as No. 2 pencils and spiffy new backpacks, Picture Day is not too far…
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Unconventional Charm
Amy Gibbs isn’t ordinary. The petite blond, dressed in a cobalt-blue dress and brown Louboutin sling-backs, lives in Highland Park…
My Final "At Bat"
My final at-bat resulted in a standup triple. Unfortunately, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3 were busy that night and didn’t record…
Tipping Point
Anyone who’s ever waited a table, worked a valet stand or serviced a client in a multitude of ways knows…
Grandeur (and Grandmothering) Become Her
James Robert Maxwell Elam (aka JR) Whitman is going to “work” today. But it’s not just any day and not…
Life in Technicolor
Some couples run together. Others design. Shay Ometz and husband Jeff Barfoot do the latter. Together, they are co-creators, designers…
Uh Oh, Here Comes Summer
As family vacations go, I’ve led a charmed life. Beach trips, lake respites, city explorations and recession stay-cations—you name it….
Texas, Our Texas
I know what you’re saying to yourself right about now: “Why the heck do I live in a place that’s…
Serenity Now
Most people long for a sense of calm in their lives—at least most folks with children. While controling the calm-factor…
Daddy Dearest
Hi, I’m Gayle … don’t tell the old ball and chain, but I’ve decided to commandeer his humor column while…
Character Becomes Them
On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, in the 9th floor high-rise home Janet Rosell Rice and her husband, Jason, Vice President…
Mother-in-Law Mockery (Not Me)
"My mother-in-law has great balance. She has chips on both shoulders.” “What does your mother-in-law call her broom? Basic transportation.”…
Movin' on Up
It didn’t hit me until about 30 minutes into the presentation. There were people on stage droning on about some…
Have You Heard the One About …
Once, when Cristina was 5 and we were still freaked out about how to raise a child with special needs,…
Money Moments
One of the few positives to come out this draining economic meltdown is that my kids are asking questions about…
Modern, Manageable and Marvelous
The first thing you notice as you drive up to the McDonalds’ Park Cities home is that it stands apart…
A Humble Home
There’s a first time for everything in our lives: first car, first date, first kiss—the list is endless. And included…
Just Say No (and No, and No)
There was a time when most words wouldn’t come to Cristina. Mild cerebral palsy had left her a little loose-lipped…
What's In a Name?
Whew, I’m glad that’s over. Another holiday season in the books. No, I’m not a “bah humbug” sort of guy….
Every Vote Counts (My Kids Are Counting on You)
My best holiday present ever? That’s easy. Mattel’s handheld football game. Small, blinking dashes. No passing. Just one little dash…