For more than six weeks, we've been counting down the days to Mr. Sneaky Pants' birthday.  To make matters all the more exciting, several boxes have been arriving at our doorstep with birthday presents inside, and the suspense was nearly driving the poor child crazy.  In his own words, "I…

She takes off running in the middle of nearly every parking lot, much to my frustration. Her winter hair is really something to behold . . . sticking out in every direction with jillions of crooked layers. She spills oatmeal or apple sauce on her shirt or pajamas at nearly…

In her spare time, Sarah's been building magnificent creations with Duplo Lego blocks.  We have some special parts that she uses to create tube slides for the Duplo people.  Yesterday while her siblings were napping, she built a giant swimming pool with three water slides.  Right next door there was…

For the last few days my culinary-wise husband has been experimenting in our kitchen, trying out all kinds of recipes for some kind of Chinese noodle. I think the noodle is Chinese, anyway.  I'm not really sure.  Apparently there is some secret way to make these Chinese noodles that no…

I updated the sidebar for current and recent reads again.  I'm sorry I get so behind on adding things over there!  Check it out if you are looking for reading material, especially for kids.  We have had some really great reads lately.  

My daughter, Sarah, is a skilled Uno player.  She strategizes at Uno just like her dad, who taught her nearly everything he knows about playing Uno.  Mr. Sneaky Pants, it seems has plans to follow in pursuit.  For a long time, he has been enamored of Sarah and Greg's Uno…

Thursday was a rough day.  The Banana did not want to leave the assisted living center where we have music class and threw a fit about getting in the car.  Then she threw a fit about getting out of the car at Mr. Sneaky Pants' preschool.  Mr. Sneaky Pants threw…

When I went to parent teacher conferences last night, this note was waiting for me in Sarah's work-to-look-at folder: November 7, 2008 Dear Mom and Dab, I love you. Love your especially best, loveist Sarah.  

There is just something about a toddler and sunglasses.  Maybe it's the not so secret desire to be like a movie star and be the center of attention.  Maybe it's how they believe to the core of themselves that they are most certainly glamorous and aren't afraid to show it.…

The days of grey skies, grey ground, grey trees, and a vast grey Lake Superior have arrived.  Inside, we huddle around our fireplaces more.  Our big fluffy fleece blankets get a workout as we snuggle together on the futon reading books more.  There are three down comforters on our bed,…