The Derek Redmond Inspiration

Recently a friend posted a YouTube video link on Facebook that got a lot of attention. People were talking about crying watching it, having a lump in their throat, being so moved by the power of love and perseverance. I didn’t watch it though. I couldn’t quite tell what the video was about, and the thumbnail image was a bit blurred and all I could see was what appeared to be a heartfelt embrace between...

Homework battles

My first you’re-out-of-school-now-whatcha-gonna-do-with-yourself job was teaching. I loved it. Still love it, even though I don’t teach anymore (aka became an I.T. nerd instead). I dream about being able to homeschool my babas one day… although I know that’s probably not ever going to happen… So I make do by being as involved as I can with my kids and their education. Or at least I used...

Monday’s Muse – Reflections

With your sister’s first birthday just 2 weeks away, you’d probably expect this to be about her. But this is about you, my oldest child. And me, struggling to be the best mother to you that I can. You amaze me. You are so generous with your kindness and your smile lights up a room. Your are the happiest child I know. But your big heart is fragile. We had a rough day yesterday kid. We had some laughs, but...

Monday’s Muse – Mom Wars

Cat fights and cattiness. Bickering and downright b!#chiness. Let’s face it, women have a reputation for fighting each other down. In the stereotypical example, the cheating husband slinks off while the wife and the mistress battle it out. If you listen to the media, the battle is taking shape on a whole new front. It’s the Mom Wars. Check out this CBS News Special Feature clip. I haven’t been...

So the Flip’s dead… and I’m a Wuss

Well, I haven’t resurrected the Flip yet. For those of you reading this who don’t know about my passion for my Flip, check this post “Baby Steps” to get caught up. I am so mad. But I haven’t given up on it yet. I am however going to have to use my lame-o camera phone to pretend tomorrow is the first day of school, and take my First Day Back pictures. Not that I’ve given up on the...

Carefree Abandon

20-08-2009 Today I was reminded of what childhood carefree abandon felt like. As I watched my boys frolic in the water in the hot hot sun with their friends I was transported back to my childhood. It didn’t start out that way. With Aunty Stacy at the top of the water slides, I positioned myself at the splash pool at the foot of the slides. On the lookout for anything or anyone that could cause any harm to come...

I love my family…

Ok I know you’re supposed to love your family. And I do. Unquestionably. All the time. But despite that love, I gotta tell you that sometimes they drive me crazy and make me long to run away and disappear for an hour (or day) or so… I mean I wonder at those moms who never raise their voices and, lovingly prepare awesome meals their kids love, while keeping a spotless house and entertaining their broods...

So when DID I become my mother???

I used to be the Fun Aunt, and the grade-school teacher whose class you wanted to be in. Parents were soooo out of touch. Don’t they remember they were young once too? I got the psychology of it. The practical fun of it. When I had my boys – 2yrs apart – I treasured them. I didn’t get pulled into tantrums, I distracted them. And they were happy. I was patient. I remember saying out loud...