Did you hear me? I'm sure my neighbors did! My children didn't hear me, but they saw me for what I was - a virtual train wreck.

They just stood their, frozen and unable to turn away.

I knew it was happening - the tingling sensations starting around the waistband of my pajamas and ending somewhere deep in the pit of my stomach - but, I just couldn't seem to help myself.

I totally and completely lost… Read More

Is it just me - because, I really don't want to sound so discouraged - or, does anyone else feel as if there is a hand extended in your direction, every time you turn around and send your kids off to school?

"We're taking up a collection for..."

If I hear those words, once more, I may be in danger of snapping that last nerve, already bent dangerously thin.

"...please send your donation of $$, by tomorrow."

… Read More

There was a time when I could "theme" the heck out of any occasion, or plan a party, while battling my through "to do" lists, worthy of a global invasion - think Martha Stewart meets Atilla the Hun - which included cleaning the house, preparing the backyard and shopping (sometimes, for days) to the point of exhaustion.

Then, I had children.

[slams on the breaks]

Then, more children.

[hides the glue gun]

I quickly came… Read More

It started out as a typical Monday.

"Good bye, love you, have a great day...kiss-kiss...did you brush your teeth?!?"

The morning reeked of normalcy and I was waiting for the other shoe to fall.

"Hello, gorgeous..."

I quickly turned towards the answering machine, not quite sure who it was meant for, and couldn't wait to hear, you know, the rest of the message.

"...I forgot my keys again and...um...I'm sorry and hate to do this

… Read More

My twin brother and I grew up watching a lot of television and some of my fondest memories of childhood include eating a giant bowlful of cereal, reciting the alphabet with Captain Kangaroo, or singing along with The Electric Company and wishing that we lived, you know, closer to Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.

In those days - yes, way before home videos and dvd players - these programs not only provided for entertainment, they were most children's first (and only)… Read More

Many times, I've picked up my children from play dates, or school events, and have parents surprised at their good manners and some have even accused my kids of being "simply too polite," or "awfully well behaved."

I brush off their compliments (I think) with an awkward giggle.

"They are just accustomed to practicing their good manners, at other people's houses."

Am I being weird?

"He didn't even knock - what's wrong with young people today

… Read More