A very long time ago, when my babies were still in diapers, I remember reading something that stuck with me all these years. I can't remember the book, or the author, but the idea was this: a child who sings is a happy child. And so whenever I would overhear my kids singing to … [Read more...] about The Kids (and Their Friends) Are Alright
“I Will Cut You For a Fake Dollar” (The Norman Rockwell Painting You Never Saw)
If you walked into our home around 5:45 p.m. yesterday, you would've found a Normal Rockwell-esque scene. Mike was preparing dinner for the four of us. I was setting the table and pouring drinks. Elena and Eli were sitting together on the couch, nary a screen in sight, … [Read more...] about “I Will Cut You For a Fake Dollar” (The Norman Rockwell Painting You Never Saw)
The Proverbs According to Eli
Have you ever said something to your kids only to have them look at you as if you sprouted three heads? The other day I used what I thought was a common saying. Eli was trying to decide if he wanted to play with one of the neighborhood kids who was outside or wait for an … [Read more...] about The Proverbs According to Eli
The Package is the Present
I've yet to find a family who doesn't have some version of this story: The parents go to much trouble, often reaching deep into their pockets, to come up with a fabulous gift. The gift is presented with much fanfare. After the photos are taken and the oohs and aahs have … [Read more...] about The Package is the Present
Summer Time Capsule
We gathered a few things that would help us remember who we were in the summer of 2013. A LEGO mini-figure. A length of ribbon cut to the exact measurement of each kid. Pictures of One Direction and minions. A take-out menu from Marco's pizza. Notes about what we like and … [Read more...] about Summer Time Capsule