To Build a Snowman: An Underwhelming Homage to Jack London

To Build a Snowman: An Underwhelming Homage to Jack London

The Dad parted the blinds and looked down from his second story bedroom, “It must have snowed again overnight.” He thought, frowning, “More shoveling.” He allowed the blind to drop back into place, but it didn’t drop enough. There was a sliver of sunlight still shooting into the room. His wife grumbled, rolled over and pulled the bedsheets up tighter. She was not feeling well that day. It was January first and despite having only one glass of wine at…

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In Defense of Santa, Innocence and Imagination

In Defense of Santa, Innocence and Imagination

  “Mom? Dad? Is Santa real?” Here’s a summary of what was actually a much more clumsy, clunky and long-winded reply. We can only wish our reply was this succinct. “Yes. Yes he is. He is real, he is real in a lot of different ways and forms. He’s a spirit, an elf, a concept. He is generosity and Love and giving. He is wonder and magic. We can all be Santa, we all keep him strong. We do it…

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Brushing Up on Ridiculous Plans

Brushing Up on Ridiculous Plans

“All right girls! Your toothbrushes are getting frayed and nasty.” Annie announced as we entered the dental hygiene aisle. “That’s because Reggie chews on hers.” “I do not!” “That’s beside the point. It’s time for new toothbrushes. Pick them out.” “I want Star Wars” Lyd replied. “That’s a two-pack. We need a single…aaaand every toothbrush here comes in two-packs.” Annie took a deep breath and turned to Regina, “Reggie? Are you okay with Star Wars?” “I want My Little Pony.”…

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My Memories Taking Flight

My Memories Taking Flight

            Two days ago, on Halloween, I rounded a corner and stopped to watch my little girl sitting perfectly still with her eyes closed. Annie was kneeling in front of her applying vampire makeup. With each passing moment, sitting still was becoming a greater challenge. Lyd was fighting back the urge to jump up to look in the mirror to see how scary she was starting to look. I admired the moment, and thought, “I just got another hooklet.” Confused?…

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Thoughts On Children’s Programming

Thoughts On Children’s Programming

I was recently watching a kid’s show with Regina called “Team Umi Zoomi”. These kids and their robot friend run around performing heroic deeds using math, geometry and pattern recognition. One of the characters is Dormouse, (actually he’s “Door Mouse. It’s a play on words- he is in charge of all the keys that open doors). You could say he’s in charge of security for Umi City and he can be a stickler for rules (as any chief of security…

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Jumping Into the Deep End: Firsts and Lasts

Jumping Into the Deep End: Firsts and Lasts

Last summer we were at a Pool Party. Family attended, as well as extended family, and friends who have practically become family. We had plenty of persons to socialize with, and there was an entire mob of children for our daughters to run with, jump with, climb with, and swim with. The girls practically forgot we existed that day, only grudgingly accepting the Chinet plates of grilled food we forced down their throats. At one point I was between conversations,…

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Facing My Past, My 25th (yeesh!) Class Reunion

Facing My Past, My 25th (yeesh!) Class Reunion

“What time do you plan on heading off to your class reunion?” “Ugh. I don’t know. Not sure I want to go anymore. I think I’ll just stay in.” “Why?” I shifted from one foot to the other and shrugged. “I don’t know. I…just, I don’t recall making that big of an impression back then. Like I’m not worthy of attending, I wasn’t exactly a key fixture with my class. What if everyone is insane successful while I’m there, just…

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Essential School Supplies–Underwear

Essential School Supplies–Underwear

We have survived the ninth day of school. This is a significant day. “Holiday” isn’t the word I would use for this day. “Anti-holiday” maybe? It is nationally recognized, almost never advertised, it is privately acknowledged, it is certainly not celebrated. I call this day “Oh S#%T! There is not one single clean pair of underwear in this house!” day. Two weeks ago was the first day of school! The girls had bright shiny backpacks, sharp crayons and pretty dresses….

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A Tale of Two Forts

A Tale of Two Forts

The school morning drill was a success, I had both girls cleaned, dressed, combed and eating their breakfasts in under forty minutes. “Like riding a bike.” I thought. But now, there is a daunting amount of day ahead of us. I had pretty much given up on keeping them interested. My bag of summer activity ideas had been empty for over a week. The engine and rudder are out, we’ll be coasting into this port. Then Reggie spoke, “I have…

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Creating Order by Embracing Chaos-Regina’s Fifth Birthday

Creating Order by Embracing Chaos-Regina’s Fifth Birthday

“Brooks, look at this.” Annie held out the baby monitor for me as I slipped on my reading glasses. Regina had not fallen asleep yet. She had a different plan–She ALWAYS has a different plan. She was right up close up to the camera, struggling to maintain her balance as she wrestled her body into a pair of footie pajamas that were much too small. Something like this happens nearly every night. We tuck her in and have the following…

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