My kids have tried a lot—torture by sleep deprivation, whining, and not letting me speak a complete sentence without saying, “you’re interrupting me” are some of their big ones.  But last week was some of their finer work—booby trapping the garage. We have a very nice treadmill.  I bought it for my husband a couple Christmases ago and he uses it quite a lot.  Since I’m training for my first 1/2 marathon, I’ve found myself needing to use it too.  (Between you and me, I real... Read Full Story

I love painting furniture.  I particularly like taking things from the trash and putting new life into it.  Sometimes a little wood putty and a coat of paint can really make a difference. I have some wood chairs that I wanted to bring into my kitchen.  My kitchen/dining furniture is done in a distressed/antique style. I like the way it looks and it’s also effective since my kids are pretty rough on furniture.  The additional scrapes and nicks won’t even be noticed. Here’s... Read Full Story

I love painting furniture.  I particularly like taking things from the trash and putting new life into it.  Sometimes, a little wood putty and a coat of paint can really make a difference. I have some wood chairs that I wanted to bring into my kitchen.  My kitchen/dining furniture is done in a distressed/antique style. I like the way it looks and it’s also effective since my kids are pretty rough on furniture.  The additional scrapes and nicks won’t even be noticed. Here’... Read Full Story

Nike has had some great campaigns.  One of my favorites is “If You Let Me Play Sports.”  Recently, I found this ad (Nike+ Men vs. Women TV Ad Featuring Paula Radcliffe & Fernando Torres)  that makes me giggle—at heart I’m still the only sister with three brothers to beat I guess.  To be honest, I don’t wear Nike shoes because they never fit me right.  I do love the Nike+ system though and have been enjoying the special area of their website and joining different c... Read Full Story

I went to visit a friend the other day.  She just had a baby.  Actually, she just had her first baby.  I qualify because if you have children, you know there’s a big difference between having your first and having another.   I walked in, washed my hands with lots of antibacterial soap, and pretended not to want to snatch the little mush ball right off his grandmother’s shoulder.  She asked, “do you want to hold him?” and I feigned shock and surprise saying, “Ar... Read Full Story

Tonight my son came home to tell me that you gave him advice for me—advice on how *I* can help Duke do a better job with his homework.  As Duke began to tell me, “Mr. Smartypants said what you should do is distract Zilla and Princessa and make a quiet place for me so I can get my work done.  Say.. from 3:30 to 5 or something.” I felt very much like Ursula the octopus from the little mermaid.  Growing ever larger and taller until I could begin to swing and take my wrath out on t... Read Full Story

Recently, there’s been a lot of hubbub over the FCC’s new rule on bloggers and social media.  If you endorse a product in return for compensation (money, free stuff, tickets, shoulder rub) you need to say so or be fined $11,000.  If you want to know more about the rule, go here.  I bring this up (I almost always have a point—almost) because I just made a necklace and bracelet with some really pretty new stones.  These stones were provided to me absolutely free from an onl... Read Full Story

I would think with the volume of agreements I had to sign in the beginning of the year saying that I was a “partner” in my son’s education and am fully aware of checking his assignments and schedule you wouldn’t try to sabotage me tonight.  I understand that you want as many students as possible to attend your astronomy night.  I can imagine how frustrating it is to get children to be excited about looking through a telescope.  There is no way they can appreciate the magnifica... Read Full Story

I picked up Max from school.  He’s pretty happy with this new arrangement of not having to ride the bus home.  I had to run to the library before going home so we had a few minutes to talk. He said, “Mom, I got a warning today.”  I asked him why.  With a disappointed look on his face and sigh, he said “Well, I was running instead of walking..” “Oh… were you…” He cut me off and continued. “..and I didn’t raise my hand.  and I wasn’t being respectful because I was talk... Read Full Story

If you’re a mom there are a couple of different camps regarding back-to-school.  There are the very vocal, can’t wait for the school supply letter type and the other who don’t want to look too anxious to get rid of their kids.  They say things like, I will miss them! The house will be so empty without them.  They were a joy this summer.  We had such a great time together.    Those mothers are the ones I would like to choke. Each June I look forward to the en... Read Full Story