There is a battle constantly brewing in our house. There are two sides to every story and this conflict is no different, but it seems that we are in ongoing disagreement about the terms and conditions of saying "I'm sorry." Ten years into this occupation and and we're not any closer to peace than when these children entered our lives. Will we ever be? Or is this war destined to last for the next 8 years? One side believes you should always say you're sorry, immediately as soon as you … [Read more...] about The War of Sorry #10yearsaparent
family life
ski lessons that apply to real life
As my old stomping grounds in Massachusetts got dumped on yesterday with almost three feet of snow, I sat here outside of Philly with my measly three inches and was a little bummed out. The schools prematurely cancelled under the threat of the eight to twelve inches that never appeared. We had a fake snow day. A day off from school without any snow. The kids made the best of it. The went sledding until the grass started to show through the hill and played outside for most of the day. I am one … [Read more...] about ski lessons that apply to real life
holiday favorites part 2
This past weekend we decorated gingerbread houses which is one of our family's favorite holiday traditions. We also piled on the couch and watched Christmas Vacation one of our favorite holiday movies. And then we started a new tradition. We took the boys out shopping. I decided that we spend way too much time asking them what they want and what's on their list and not close to enough time asking them about what they want to give. We provided them with a modest budget to buy gifts for each … [Read more...] about holiday favorites part 2
in the land of legos #10yearsaparent
When I walk into my basement, which looks like an inner circle of Lego purgatory with half finished abandoned creations, overturned bins, loose pieces covering every inch of floor, I have the intense urge to brand the word sucker right across my forehead. We have too many Legos.* For five years, more than half their short lives, my kids have been asking for and receiving Legos for every birthday, Christmas and grandparent visit. For five years, I have been buying storage bins, finding … [Read more...] about in the land of legos #10yearsaparent
holiday favorites
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the holiday press? I've got just the thing for you. Take a break from all of the hoopla and enjoy these festive morsels I've prepared (Okay, these posts might be re-gifts from last year but I'm busy too you know. These miles of Christmas lights aren't going to untangle themselves.). Something to make you laugh: My Break Up Letter to Santa Something to make you think: Three Things At The Center of Our Holiday We're never 100% ready for Christmas, but we … [Read more...] about holiday favorites
to card or not to card
I have to make a decision in the next few days. A decision that seems huge. Are we doing holiday cards this year? I don't have a picture. I don't have a clever idea or design concept. I don't have a deep desire to address and label. Trying to get a decent picture of all or part of us over the next few days sends waves of anxiety and dread through my entire body and eclipses any glimpse of holiday joy that might be stirring. Why didn't we take a picture at Thanksgiving? Why is there … [Read more...] about to card or not to card
forget gratitude – laugh your face off
This year I am spending Thanksgiving at my mom's house with her two sisters and my cousins and their kids. We haven't all been together in a very long time. We'll eat pole beans because my grandmother would have insisted, we'll go bowling on Friday to get out of the house, but most importantly my boys will get a chance to spend time with their uncles, great aunts and cousins. We'll be in Florida but it won't be particularly warm. My kids will still insist on wearing shorts. Gratitude is … [Read more...] about forget gratitude – laugh your face off
birthday parties are for suckers #10yearsaparent
Ever since my ninth birthday when I hid under my bed because everyone was paying attention to Lani Ouzts instead of me, birthday parties have been events to dread. My one regret as a parent is that I didn't have a birthday party strategy in place from day one. I didn't set a precedent about what to expect in this realm. When the invitations to other kid's parties started rolling in, there was pressure to do things a certain way–as in have birthday parties. If I had made a plan upfront, I … [Read more...] about birthday parties are for suckers #10yearsaparent