This has been a big mixed bag of a school year for us. We’ve had tremendous fun—lots of regular season hockey, the All-Star Game, and a deep playoff run with accompanying travel and tailgate parties. We had a lot of charitable projects we were thankful to be involved with. The kids all were on teams […]
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FAQ’s About Our Upcoming Summer Plans Without the Q’s, only the A’s
~Three weeks, 3700 miles to two western National Parks through thirteen states in an RV with 9 kids and 48 bottles of vodka. ~I don’t really like to use the term “crazy,” I prefer “inappropriately optimistic.” ~Not quite “camping” and certainly not “glamping”—with that many people in a 32 foot RV it’s more “cramping.” ~If […]
Another Holiday Tradition? This Will Never Come to Fruition
I have somehow managed to make it almost two decades into parenthood without facing one of the most difficult questions of our time: Mommy, why don’t we have an Elf on the Shelf? If you’re not familiar with this recent cult phenomenon, a growing number of people play this game of placing a stuffed troll […]
Election Day 2014
Me: Yes, I saw the sign outside that said there was wine on the ballot, so I’d like whatever smoky Cabernet you have, please. Polling Worker: What? This is an election precinct in the middle of the day, ma’am. That would be highly inappropriate. Me: You’re right, it is before noon. I’ll take a Pinot […]
Halloween was a little hollow in 1979
More and more frequently, I’ll recall a warm childhood memory and as I’m regarding now in my parental mind’s eye, I can’t help but stop and think, “What the hell?” We didn’t grow up in a bad area of town. On the contrary–it was a nice suburban Michigan home in a subdivision filled with large […]
Your Incomplete Guide to Buying a Used RV
I think our marriage has a pretty typical division of domestic labor: my husband is generally in charge of purchasing the automotive needs of the family, my job is to drive the kids around thousands of miles while crushing Goldfish crackers all over the back seat. It works for us. So it was pretty out […]
If warehouse stores had mouths and took Myers-Briggs tests
As the primary procurer of goods and services for our household, I’ve noticed that stores—both local and national chains—have certain personalities that emerge. I realize this is probably a personal observation and completely subjective, but it helps explain how and where we shop. Depending on the type and the message they are trying to market, […]
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
Hockey is a holiday around here, we decorate accordingly. Hope your’s is merry and bright.
20 Things You Won’t Hear Me Say This Month
You’ll hear me say a lot of things this month. There’s a good chance you’ll overhear me yelling at some crazy person on House Hunters that you can buy a stainless steel refrigerator and a can of paint at any Home Depot, you unrealistic idiot. Or my explanation to the police officer that rushing home […]
Notice of Policy Changes for an Aging Tooth Fairy
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: AGING TOOTH FAIRY POLICY CHANGES. 1.) When you have a loose tooth, you must be loud and proud about it. Secret wigglings or private extractions will no longer be recognized. If there is no public announcement in which a person of majority is present, it will not be recognized as a dental earning […]