Other People's Delightful and Spirited Children

There is a common occurrence in our family. I write endless stories on the Internet about how crazy my children are and then I take them out in public where they behave perfectly. Okay, not always perfectly but tolerably... Read "Other People's Delightful and Spirited Children" »

Teaching your child to be a good loser

For Christmas we got Ethan the game Chutes and Ladders. It was only when we broke the box out today that I remembered the whole concept of the game. You spin the wheel. Sometimes you get lucky and end up... Read "Teaching your child to be a good loser" »

The Perfect Pancake

E: Moooooooommmmmmmmm. Why does Dad have to go to work? K: It's Monday, Ethan. Monday is a work day. E: But I thought he told me that he was going to work outside in the yard today. K: Nope.... Read "The Perfect Pancake" »

Is it really that big a deal?

We went to see Santa yesterday. I know. On December 21. Like he isn't busy enough already without having to add some last minute work on his plate that is sure to remove any and all hope of sleep for... Read "Is it really that big a deal?" »

True love is putting blue lights on your bushes in front of your house

Last year Derek hit the sale rack at the hardware store after Christmas. I would normally freak out but he came home with boxes and boxes of Christmas lights for a dollar a piece. That was definitely thinking ahead. Fast... Read "True love is putting blue lights on your bushes in front of your house" »

It's all about the giving

I'll admit that I am a slacker mom. At least once every other week I get that nice little note from the preschool teacher reminding me yet again that I should be sending a drink AND a washcloth in Nathan's... Read "It's all about the giving" »

The love of a mother

It only took almost four years, but I think we finally have Ethan sleeping through the night. I know. What is wrong with those people that let their kids get up 700 times a night? He really just wants to... Read "The love of a mother" »

Big brothers are full of lots of good ideas

I heard them upstairs talking with a door between them. Technically Nathan was screaming but Ethan was talking. E: Hey, Buddy. It's time to take a nap. N: AAAAAAAAHHHHHH! E: Buddy. Even I am going to take a nap today.... Read "Big brothers are full of lots of good ideas" »

Passive resistance, a la Ethan

I took the kids to the park yesterday. Sure it was only 27 degrees but I have had enough of the noise in my house. Unless I invest in ear plugs (and I think it might be a safety... Read "Passive resistance, a la Ethan" »

Falling leaves

To say that this autumn was the most spectacular one I can remember in the last 10 years is an understatement. It started about 5 weeks ago and finally seems to be on its last leg. I remember years... Read "Falling leaves" »

Hiding in the bathroom

"I need my space." That's what we say here in our house when we start to get a little crowded. Actually I like to say, "WE-LIVE-IN-THIS-BIG-HOUSE-WHY-DO-WE-ALL-HAVE-TO-SIT-ON-TOP-OF-MY-LAP?" Lately it hasn't worked as well. The talking or asking for space. I have... Read "Hiding in the bathroom" »

Sometimes you just feel like you are banging your head against a wall

Saturday night we had an unexpected trip to the emergency room. Unexpected in that does anyone really expect that a three-year-old running from his father will step on a stainless cookie cutter FACING UP and cut UNDER his middle toe,... Read "Sometimes you just feel like you are banging your head against a wall" »

Some people are taking this PBS gig a little too seriously

When we talked about starting this blog a year and a half ago, my PBS peeps were adamant. If we were going to do this blog, they wanted to be sure that we were not perceived as PBS patsies.... Read "Some people are taking this PBS gig a little too seriously" »

Taking the Danger Train

It has come to my attention recently that perhaps I allow my children to engage in endeavors that may be construed to some as "slightly" or even "egregiously dangerous." I know that boys will be boys but my father-in-law... Read "Taking the Danger Train" »

That bag of popcorn is not a tambourine

It was the second weekend in a row for fall festivals. Wow, Kristen. You are a fun mom, taking your kids to all of these fall festivals. Nah, I have been working the fall festivals. My family drops me... Read "That bag of popcorn is not a tambourine" »

It's the words that begin with "C" that are bringing us down

The phenomenon is being seen across the board with all my friends with preschoolers. Maybe it's just developmentally appropriate or maybe I have a right to blame Word World. My life has become a spelling bee. All day long... Read "It's the words that begin with "C" that are bringing us down" »

Superhero community

Yesterday we happened upon the open house at our local volunteer fire house. It's interesting how the words "Open House" coupled with "Free Ice Cream" will just direct your car into the parking lot to a destination not on your... Read "Superhero community" »

I guess those days of screening calls are over

My friend Marelle has one of those precocious children. She was practically talking when she came out of the womb, and frankly, hasn't stopped since. A wise first grader now, I remember calling the house when she was just three... Read "I guess those days of screening calls are over" »

Some things you can't pull over on the kids

This past Saturday we spent the day at the National Book Festival. Standby for lots of great videos from interviews with your favorite authors of kid's books. It was a blast. But it was not without some entertaining parenting moments.... Read "Some things you can't pull over on the kids" »

Applesauce Making

Complete with correct terminology like "crunching."... Read "Applesauce Making" »