If you’re a sports fan, you’ll know numbers don’t lie (especially if you cheer for the Toronto Maple Leafs). Here are the numbers from William and Vivian’s 7th birthday party, which I bravely hosted yesterday. 10: Kids in attendance, including my own 2: Kids I temporarily lost sight of at the playground (including William) 5: […]
Hilarious Family Moments
Business Tips from 6-Year-Old Twins
This weekend, William and Vivian each decided to open a store on opposite sides of the sofa. Here is the marketing plan they followed. Buy low. Take objects that belong to Mommy, including her hair band and her Thing One and Thing Two stuffies. Add some toys and books that Daddy bought them at garage […]
When 6 Year Olds Discuss Dead Animals
Mealtime with twins is generally entertaining. If they’re not demonstrating how saliva aids the digestive process, they’re partaking in accidental slapstick by falling off chairs mid-story. Last night, though, it was a conversation in two parts that garnered my attention. Part One Setting: Before dinner. I have just announced we’re having hamburgers for dinner. William […]
What 6-year-old Twins Think of Their Mother
I took myself out for lunch on Mother’s Day. I took my children, too, since my husband had to work. Because I had dreams of a grown-up lunch, the restaurant I chose wasn’t a place that had a children’s menu or a tablecloth you could draw on. As a result, I was stuck entertaining my […]
Mother’s Day, by the Numbers
5: Time my husband left the house for work (a.m.). 7: Time my children let me sleep in until. 2: Homemade gifts received. 2: Homemade cards. 3: Beds my kids made without me asking, begging, or threatening. 2: Rooms my kids cleaned without me asking, begging, or threatening. 1: Slice of cold toast I ate, […]
When Sisters Act As Mothers
At least once a day, I find myself saying this to Vivian: Sometimes, when I’m in the lecturing mood, I follow this up with this: “You’re his sister. You’re on his team. Defend him.” Conversations like this happen after Vivian alerts me (and scolds William) about not washing his hands, practicing piano with his feet, […]
The Challenges of Showering When You Have Kids
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve read a number of blog posts that refer to showering. Kelly from Dances With Chaos blogged about her 18-month-old being booted out of her gym’s childcare. This unjust suspension took away Kelly’s only chance of showering. Larry from Christian in the Rough mentioned that many of his best […]
Why Music Lessons Make Me Want To Drink
I have my six-year-old twins in this fantastic piano program: it’s interactive, it’s fun, and it’s instructive. Unfortunately it’s also parented, which means once a week I get to sit through the longest hour of my life. It would be fine if I didn’t have the problem child. Most weeks it’s William, but sometimes Vivian […]
Teaching, Kids and Beauty
Last week, I was invited to attend a Teachers’ Gala at a posh downtown hotel. It included a full day conference where we shared best practices and listened to Dr. Phil McRae’s phenomenal research on trends in education over the next 20 years. The day-long celebration also included a semi-formal dinner. We were told to […]
Kids + Cooking with Plastic Food = Entertainment
My six-year-old twins, Vivian and William, have decided to open a restaurant. Vivian is the maitre d’, the chef, the owner, and the waitress. William is the guy who trails after her. Think Remy from Ratatouille, without the influence. So, I’m sitting (which, according to my son, is my best skill) when the basement door […]