Manners (or a Lack Thereof)

Yesterday we went on a walk to the gate at the end of our road. Harrison came with us so it was me and the four boys. I was enjoying the cool weather by not wearing a coat in 53... Read "Manners (or a Lack Thereof)" »

PBS Photo Factory

Have you done this yet? You are only limited by the amount of ink that is in your printer. And the amount of time you want to give up your computer to an over zealous four-year-old who thinks he... Read "PBS Photo Factory" »

Real Four-Year-Olds Don't Eat Quiche

I was always a picky eater. I just really didn't like food. My pediatrician Dr. Brown used to tell my mom that as long as I ate one good meal every two weeks, no worries. Now the thought of only... Read "Real Four-Year-Olds Don't Eat Quiche" »

Boys Play Rough

I heard rumors of this rough-housing but I honestly had never really experienced it myself before now. I don't know if I have just had my head in the sand for decades or what. The other night I came... Read "Boys Play Rough" »

National Friendship Day

First off, I would like to say that I get it. If you are thinking that I am unable to see the look of terror that is constantly on my youngest's face when I post pictures, I want you... Read "National Friendship Day" »

6 Tips for Road Trips with Small Kids

We have been on the road for a total of 24 1/2 hours, but who's counting? This is the first time we have taken a true road trip with with our kids for distances longer than two hundred miles.... Read "6 Tips for Road Trips with Small Kids" »

Road Tripping With the Kids

I went to the craft store to pick up some things for the trip. It was only when I reached for the glue that I realized I had lost my mind. Glue? In a car? The worst thing that... Read "Road Tripping With the Kids" »

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream

Something happened along the way and now I'm stuck in this crazy place. Three times in a row I promised my kids dessert if they ate all their dinner. Now they are saying crazy things like "can I have a... Read "I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream" »

Independence Day and Curbing Independence

Nothing says the 4th of July like fire. Since becoming a father, my husband's array of fireworks suddenly seem like they fit squarely within the confines of the law. It's not to say that he used to set off... Read "Independence Day and Curbing Independence" »

Simon Says Gone Wrong

Ethan: Simon says 'stand up.' Gurgle. Ethan: I said 'Simon SAYS!' Gurgle. Ethan: MOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM!!! K: Yes, Ethan. Ethan: Mom, he is NOT doing what I say! K: I'm sorry, Ethan. But if we are going to get technical, he... Read "Simon Says Gone Wrong" »

Backyard Camping

Ethan started early in the day. E: Can we camp tonight? He asked no less than 30 times. Derek finally gave in and put up the tent. No one paid attention to the weather forecast. A little rain never... Read "Backyard Camping" »

Rain and Mr. Steve

The weather has been a little crazy lately. We have had so much rain that when I hear Mr. Steve, one of my all-time-favorite people in the whole world, singing the Rain song, I contemplate throwing something at the... Read "Rain and Mr. Steve" »

Father's Day--Success or Bust?

Ethan wanted to get his father something specific for Father's Day, but I don't remember what it was. The only part I remember is that it cost money. I shut him down. You can see by that haircut that we... Read "Father's Day--Success or Bust?" »

The Great Gravel Move of '09

School is officially out. I know this because it is already Wednesday and my children are ready to lose their minds. E: Momomomomomomom. We should go outside and play ball. K: What kind of ball? E: We can just throw... Read "The Great Gravel Move of '09" »

Poorly Behaved or Poorly Parented?

I live in this fantasy world that the reason my children are so poorly behaved in public is because we are "old" parents. I tell myself and everyone else that will possibly listen that I'm sure I would be... Read "Poorly Behaved or Poorly Parented?" »

Soap-flavored Marshmallows

The kid only wants to eat junk. As a junk-food-junkie myself, I get it. As a mother, I just want to shove broccoli down his throat. Ethan: I'd like marshmallows for dinner. K: What? Ethan: Marshmallows. Nathan: Me want... Read "Soap-flavored Marshmallows" »

I'm Wondering if My Ears Will Explode

Why does a stop sign mean stop? When I get old, how will I know how to drive? What happens if I am driving and then I am on the sidewalk? What's a "driver's manual?" Why do you need a... Read "I'm Wondering if My Ears Will Explode" »

No Wonder We Always Go to the Emergency Room

That's what you were thinking when you looked at this picture, right? I'll admit I was sort of thinking it too when it was happening. The only thing is, I couldn't really see how this kind of activity could... Read "No Wonder We Always Go to the Emergency Room" »

Raising Boys is Different From Raising Girls

This life I am living is not familiar to me. Growing up there were the four girls. When we fought, we yelled. Rumor on the street was that the two youngest may have actually exchanged blows but I can't believe... Read "Raising Boys is Different From Raising Girls" »

Happy Memorial Day

I'm not sure if this is a defense move, but I like to call it Mason's Karate Kid pose. I notice he does it when Nathan comes in the room. He has spent this weekend with his father and... Read "Happy Memorial Day" »