Our 2008 Tree

I’ve always admired people who have a Christmas tree in every room.  I personally find it far too difficult and time-consuming to put up more than one tree, although I have been known to put up maybe one big tree and a couple of small ones.  After all, we don’t...

Unexpected Tears

I had planned to get to work as soon as putting the kids to bed tonight.  Instead, I am sitting here in a pool of tears at the thought of my first-born son going off to kindergarten Wednesday.  We met his teacher today, and she seems really nice and well-organized.  I...

Paper Airplanes

“I’m sorry to tell you this son,” said Bill, “but I’m afraid we’re going to have to save this one for outside only.” I messed up tonight and made THE best paper airplane either Bill or I have ever seen.  I’ve prided myself in my paper airplane crafting expertise for a...

Bittersweet Treats

Santa Claus brought my children the most delectable big red lollipops with teddy bears painted in icing on the front.  He always brought them to me when I was a kid, and now he brings them to my children.  They are every kids’ dream–the kind they go to bed...

The Nightly Collapse

I did it again.  I do it every night.  And every night I try to talk myself out of it.  In four brief seconds from the time I close the kids’ bedroom door to the time I round the corner and reach the guest bed, I manage an entire conversation with myself arguing for...

An Empty Egg Carton

I usually don’t think anything about an empty egg carton.  I just throw it in the trash can.  Unless, of course, it is handed to me by my 2 1/2-year-old daughter on the cosmetic aisle of Wal-mart. I knew better than to go to the zoo in the first place.  I’ve had...