Stories from November 2009

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Kate

Remember how I told you I was away at a conference last week, longing for my kids?

Yeah. If only I could have seen a YouTube video of the grocery store experience I would have on my first day home. The one that went something like this:

The moment Elise, Luke and I step through the automated doors both kids immediately decide they need to be on foot, as opposed to being nicely contained in the shopping cart proper— an ominous sign- but, at least we were spending quality time together!

I became the trailing goatherd, putting products back onto shelves, guiding my goats forward ho, and apologizing to other shoppers who nearly crashed their carts to avoid hitting my aimless meandering goats. (Read more…)

Just the Two of Us

Angie

Once upon a time, Milo, my oldest child, and I were a team. We spent all day, every day together hanging out at home, tooling around town, frequenting coffee shops. Some of it was as idyllic as it sounds. A lot of it was drudgery.

But then Belle came along with all her baby neediness and Team Milo and Angie became a threesome. Which was fine and nice in its own way. It was what my husband and I wanted, after all. Two children. A sibling for Milo.

Looking back on those days with just Milo, a nostalgic patina gives it a warm, fuzzy sort of glow. Aw, I think. Just my boy and me. Finding our way as new person and new mom.

On Veterans’ day, Milo was off school while his sister wasn’t. I purposely declined playdates and shunned errands so he and I could simply hang out. And, for a few hours, it was just he and I again. (Read more…)

Surviving the Terrible 38s

lisa

I am not always very flexible.  Not in the “look how I can put my ankle behind my ear” kind of a way, but in the way that might allow me to adapt to the twists and turns of everyday life.  (I feel it bears mentioning that I’m not flexible in that first way either, much to the hub’s disappointment.) 

I just don’t think the toddler inside me has outgrown the need for schedule and regimen—and sometimes unexpected surprises send her into fits.  Immature Lisa does not roll with the punches.

Take, for example, Halloween.

In the town where we live Halloween is considered a high holy day.  It’s a town-wide party.  I love every minute of it, from the prep, to the visiting, to the candy, to the flop into bed after an evening of celebration.  And this year we had the added bonus of having my Mom along for the ride.

Costumes were donned, candy was put out, friends were met, pictures were taken and our happy group set out for town. Everything just as I planned  Then….Crash!

I turn to see my poor mother, face down on the pavement, glasses askew, shoe off and toe clearly broken. (Read more…)

« Previous PageNext Page »

This Weeks Tip

Ever been afraid to look inside your microwave for fear that they layers of caked-on mess might just jump out and grab you? Try this: Mix 2 Tablespoons of Baking Soda with one cup of water in a microwave-safe cup or bowl. Cook on high for 2-3 minutes. Then wipe down with a paper towel. Now you can make your popcorn in peace.