THE KID DID WHAT?

Elfin Work My kids are infatuated with elves! Why? Elves are magical creatures... doing Santa’s work... making toys for kids all over the world. We have a Christmas Elf that sits on a shelf. Flynn and Remi are obsessed... more Flynn than his little sister. He’s at an age where he eats up magic. When the Christmas season comes, Flynn and Remi watch movies with elves and are on the lookout for anything elfin... dolls... stockings... statues... anything will do. Geez... my kids

Could have been a werewolf! My husband, Steve, and I were driving home one foggy fall evening. As we came around a bend close to home, something ran across the road in front of us. "There's a coyote!" Steve called out. I was looking the other way, so all I saw was something running up the hill into the bushes. "Could have been a werewolf," I said. "Ya, maybe," Steve smiled. We arrived home a few minutes later. Austin, our son, was busy with a TV show. "Hey, Austin," Steve sai

I Need a break! The fall season always fills me with gratitude... for all of the wonder and joy in my life. I am thankful for my family. I adore my kids. But today... I could not catch my breath! My five-year-old, Felicity, and two-year-old, Todd, were everywhere and I just needed a break. They were seriously going to drive me to drinking and I don't drink... but an afternoon cocktail was sounding good. "Here you go guys. Use these markers and paint anything... but just let m

Go Better with Ice Cream “M-m-m-m-m, good," Flynn purred. "I sure love ice cream." "Me too," I said. Ice cream dribbled down Flynn's chin onto his shirt. "It's just us boys today. Mommy's missing out." Flynn and I were busy with guy stuff while my wife, Cameron, was busy with work. “Dad, can I get some ear buds?" “Your birthday's coming. We'll talk to your mom." "That's far away," Flynn said. He dug deeper into his ice cream. Later that day, Flynn came running out of the play

NO BABY FOOD FOR ME Smith Alexander Boyd... otherwise known as Smitty B... skipped eating baby food altogether. Every spoonful of creamy veggies or fruit came right back out of his mouth. "Smitty B., what are you eating?" I asked. He grinned as my daughter, Morgan, gave him bites of guacamole. "Don't ask me why, but it's his favorite," Morgan said. "It's right up there with chocolate cake and ice cream." She giggled. Seeing food all over Smitty B.'s face melted my heart! Beco

did you know some bunnies are chocolate? “I love Easter! Don't you?" I asked. "I'm going on an Easter egg hunt," one of my first-grade students blurted to the class. Other kids joined in... "My mommy's going to dye eggs with me." "I love jelly-beans and chocolate bunnies." I had to laugh. The excitement was contagious. "Why don't we write letters to the Easter Bunny?" I asked. "You will get writing practice while doing something fun." Hands waved in the air. "How do we get ou

Do I get a prize for bravery? When Brittany lost her front tooth, we celebrated the occasion. It was a big deal! "Will the space in my mouth get a big girl tooth?" "Yes! It's on the way," I lamented. "You're growing up way too fast." "Will the Tooth Fairy come?" "If you put the tooth under your pillow," I said. When we were getting ready for bed, Brittany placed her tooth under the pillow with great care. She also put a rolled-up piece of paper next to the tooth. "What's that

Where's My Halloween candy? “Mom, where’s my Halloween candy?” Jordan asked. "In a safe place," I replied. "But it's mine," Jordan wailed. "I worked hard for that stuff last night." “If I hand over your treat bag, what will you do?” “Eat as many treats as I can.” Jordan grinned. “I’m trying to keep your teeth from falling out," I replied, “and your tummy from aching.” "I'll share with Nike." Jordan's pleading smile was ear to ear. "No, no, sweetie! Doggies can't have chocolat

RULES SCHOOL! When Brittany was a toddler, we spent long nights reading stories before bedtime. Her favorite stories were fairytales... especially the ones with a prince or princess. I would fall asleep as we read and feel her shaking me. "Mommy! Mommy! What happened to the prince?" "Oh," I said, turning the page and brushing the sleep from my eyes. "It's time to go to bed." "Okay, Mommy, but finish the prince story first." When Brittany started school, I remember walking her

I want "BO-O-O-O-O" A huge package arrived at our house one morning. "Mama! Mama!" Shannon, my one-year-old, pointed to the box. "Let's see," I said. We opened the package to find a super-sized version of Pikachu from her Auntie Vivien. Shannon's eyes grew wide and she grabbed the toy while I read the card inside. It was a gift for her big brother, Ryan! Oops! Shannon had already taken ownership of the toy. Her attachment was immediate. "Bo... Bo... Bo," she cooed. She hugged

Did you know fairies live at the beach? "Look, Sissy, a seashell!" Jordan pointed excitedly. "It's beautiful, Jordy." Charli picked up the broken shell, cupping it in her hand. They ran to the edge of the surf and let the water clean off their treasure. They carefully put it in a plastic bucket. A trip to the beach brought wonder to the faces of my twins. I loved seeing them smile as they watched the ocean roar and hunted for trophies in the sand. "Let's look for more," Jorda

Did you know there's a new lion in the pride? "How would you like to go to a play and see The Lion King?" I asked my four-year-old granddaughter. "Yes, please! Yes, please!" Sophie jumped up and down clapping her hands. She had seen the movie over and over. "Do we get to dress up?" Sophie asked. "In fancy clothes," I replied. I decided to spring for the most expensive tickets on the aisle, so we could see the characters entering the theater during the production and cascading

The new layered look is about preparedness! Charli walked into the bathroom as I was putting on make-up. “Are you ready to take me to school,” she asked. I took a look at Charli and a lip pencil careened across my cheek. Heaven help... my two minutes of quiet had ended. I had just chased Charli’s twin brother, Jordan, down the hall after he had grabbed a box of mini pads out of the grocery bag, yelling, “Come look, Sissy... big stickers!” Before I could stop Jordan, he procee