Month: February 2013

not a contest

“Don’t you think you go a little overboard on the Valentine boxes?” No, I do not. I think that most parents do the best they can in whatever ways they can. Some parents grow all of their children’s food. Some parents travel the globe with their children. Some parents are full-time volunteers at their child’s […]

Valentine boxes

A year ago, Doug and I took the two youngest children to AC BuyMoore for supplies to make Valentine boxes. You know, the homework assignment to decorate a shoebox for classmates to put tiny cards, candy and stickers in on Valentine’s Day. Teachers now make this assignment with the caveat, “Be creative.” Anyway, Doug and […]

start at the bottom

It’s important to begin your day with an annoying escapade so that the rest of your day seems better by comparison. For example, today, the dogs demanded to go out during Gimli the cat’s morning ‘race from room to room for no purpose’ exercise. I opened the front door for the dogs and Gimli dashed […]

Book Fair Day

Because I’m the meanest mom in the world: “It is a BOOK Fair. Each of you can pick out a new BOOK. We are not buying toys, shirts, games, posters, stickers or pencils. I am also vetoing toys that are packaged with a book.” I will give the exact same speech before we actually walk […]

cats are like toddlers

They poke everything. They outwit attempts at baby-proofing. They scare the family pets. They nap best in someone else’s bed. They will put anything in their mouth. They annoy their older siblings. They don’t like change in their routines. They give slobbery kisses. They snack constantly. Everyone loves them.

replace me with an app

Upon my death, there will be an immediate job opening. Seeking to hire: Talking alarm clock for StacheMan. Must be available 24/7/365. Elementary level ability to tell time and simple arithmetic skills are required. Duties include around the clock announcement of the current time, announcement of time remaining until next scheduled activity and reminder of […]

earworm

Supertween has been singing a single line from a Sound of Music song for days. “So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night. I hate to go and leave this pretty sight.” I offered to look up all the lyrics to the song. “No. I like this part. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night. I […]