Summer camp, swimming lessons, and VBS (vacation bible school) are just a few of the activities that keep us busy and over-scheduled during the summer. It's crazy, but that's what summer is about now. It's not about sitting around doing nothing, which is what I did as a child. Now there are summer reading programs at the library, art lessons, tennis lessons, and soccer lessons. In the Age of Obesity, it's no longer acceptable to allow your child to veg out in front… Read More

When we moved out here to California, one of the many things that we left behind was our very own pool. Oh how we loved our backyard! It was such a relaxing yet fun place to be and we have definitely missed it.

Where we live now, we do not have a pool all our very own. Instead we have a community pool which is just a short walk down the street. And having a community pool verses your own certainly has… Read More

As of today, June 21, summer is officially here! That means the return of a special seasonal treat--popsicles!

Yes, I know. Popsicles are around all year long. But I've always tried to keep them as a special summer treat because of the mess. We've always had a rule at my house--popsicles are to be eaten outside with a hose nearby so everyone and everything can be washed down afterwards.

Not anymore.

I recently discovered Slow Melt Pops from Popsicle. My kids have tested… Read More

The Cheese Eater went in for his kindergarten evaluation last week.

Never having done this before, I had no idea what to expect. Was this something that I needed to prepare him for? Did we need to be reviewing our numbers and letters? Would he have to recite his address and phone number? Did he even know his address and phone number?

And then I stopped. I realized that I was being one of the parents that I have often read… Read More

Last night as I was putting the boys to bed, I had quite a talk with the Cheese Eater. It was a discussion that I'll never forget.

CE: Mama? Where's the baby crib?

Mama: It's in the garage.

CE: Will you get it back out when we have more babies?

Mama: Well, buddy, we aren't going to have any more babies. Our family is done.

CE: No more babies?

Mama: No sweetie. (I stop picking up toys on the floor and sigh.) You and your brother are… Read More

There's a war on at our house. It's between the Bald-headed Monkey and his bed.

Prior to moving into the new house a month ago, I had a decision to make. I had two choices: 1) I could move his crib to the new house and wait a while to transition him to a "big-boy bed" or 2) I could go ahead and introduce him to a new bed along with his new room.

The practical side of me wanted Choice #2. There… Read More