“One need look no further than the woman swallowing her artificial contraception pills with organic green tea.” http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=1195 Read more

As we look ahead to our 8k on November 23rd, I have to admit to feeling a bit uncertain about this whole race scenario, competitors included.  Is JM really serious when she talks about this being a true competition?  Does she kill it on the elliptical each day, dreaming of running the rest of us into the ground?  And how far is Red really running?  Yes, she’s talked about completing “only 3 miles”, but how fast is she clicking off... Read more

For those who are unfamiliar, this is the famous Freedom Speech from Braveheart. Charlie is 2.5 … … and no, we have not let him watch the movie. Read more

Dear friends, I have a “playdate etiquette” question for you 🙂 C, who is 4 1/2, would like to have a playdate with his friend H (in his Pre-K class) on Friday afternoon. H has a twin sister, also in C’s class, and I am wondering if I should also invite her over to play. I think that C would prefer to just have H over without his sister, but I’m sure that they would be fine if she came... Read more

Bean, intently watching out the window as a tree crew hacks down a tree near our house bit by bit: “Mom. I want to do it too.” Me: “OK Bean, you can help Daddy when it’s time to cut down some tree branches or cut back some bushes. That’ll be a great job for you men.” Bella: “Mom, I’ll go out and help Daddy and Bean do their dirty work too, OK?” Me (surprised to hear my forever girly girl... Read more

In mid-August, the children and I (sans ET, he had to work) went to the North Carolina shore to celebrate my grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary with all of my extended family members. All of us – grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, etc. – stayed in the same house, so there was much opportunity for conversation and fellowship. On the first evening of the vacation, one of my uncles sat me down at the dining room table for a little chat.... Read more

My husband and I have been growing and forming our family within the insane crucible of active duty military service for five years now. Despite my frustrations of never being able to grow a garden or paint bedrooms due to the frequent moves, our unconventional path continues to teach me valuable lessons. Most recently, we moved to Germany for a three year overseas tour. The constraints in our current living situation provide me with ample opportunities to demonstrate patience, organization... Read more

So, this is just to confess that my kids stayed up until 9 o’clock at night, eating tacos, in their pajamas, in front of the TV. The thing is, though, you are only 7 once, and when your team hits a grand slam it is just not the same to watch it on the highlights reel. Go Phillies! Read more