Last weekend the boys and I went home to the farm, in Santa Cruz, for what is likely our final goodbye. They found the flying turtles— the fantastic seated scooters we discovered at Chuck E. Cheese when I was in second grade. Still ride like new. Jake and Nate think it great…
We’re big believers in breakfast. Especially after we realized it was the critical ingredient to managing Jacob’s emotional rollercoaster ride. I’ll never forget when he was probably four years old and he says to me at Kelly’s, “Mom, not the kid-size pancakes. I need the gwon-up size!” For the record, it…
The 80’s are either having a bit of a moment, or like, we’re totally bringing them back to the future. Jake’s been holed-up on the new couch in the barn watching She-Ra. Though this remake doesn’t seem to sing anything about being a Princess of Power. I certainly don’t sing it…
We outgrew the whole dinosaur phase quite some time ago. Honestly, we were never really that into dinosaurs back when they generally reach their peak of preschool popularity. But then, somehow Uncle Geoff convinced us that little four-year-old Bry Bry loves the Jurassic Park movies and “they’re not too scary or…
I just can’t believe I’m dropping my baby off at college tomorrow. Woe is me how the time flies. Thank goodness I still have eight more years before I have to write that sentence in earnest. Seriously. Eight more years. I just can’t even take it. But it’s true. Jacob…
For the last year or so, Lufthansa has been struggling. Multiple warning lights are permanently displayed on her dash. The tailgate is a public safety hazard. And I’ve become a professional pit crew who can jump start her car in 10 seconds flat. Sometimes twice in one day. I did…
The last few months of school sped by in a blur. But what I do remember are the conversations the boys and I have in the evenings as we drive home via our zig-zaggy route to the freeway. So many backseat conversations where we debate the thinking behind civilians with…
Unlike the lions in Madagascar, the citizens of Wakanda, or my favorite, the Quinceañera, we don’t really have a real coming of age marker ’round these parts. Well, maybe unless you count today… when I presented both Jake and Nate with their very first deodorant. Let’s back up. Grandma Suzy…
My dearest Jacob James, It just does not seem even remotely possible that in March you turned ten. TEN. It has taken me much too long to write your annual birthday letter. In fact, today was the last day of fourth grade. My most favorite grade. The grade that is likely the…
We have a bit of a running joke at work… as I’m known to do, I shared how my children are generally the recipient’s of the “Self-directed Learner” award-themed school assemblies. Now of all the award categories, this is definitely the primary one I’d like these high-maintenance munchkins to set…