Learning to Leap

I have a problem.  Not really even a problem, per se. More like a teeny little issue. Hardly worth mentioning, actually. Certainly not bad enough that it needs real attention. I can stop anytime I want.  The only reason I even bring it up is because I MAY have begun noticing very insignificant and probably over-thinking-it flags that I could POSSIBLY be passing on this teeny issue to my children.  Okay, okay. My name is Sharon and I am an inappropriate laugher. I can't help it. Without fail, if I witness someone involved in unfortunate events such as tripping, hitting their heads, suffering MINOR, non-life threatening injuries, or otherwise embarrassing themselves, it just starts happening. A little giggle at first, but before I know it I'm doubled over practically crying and gasping for air due to laughter. You can imagine how helpful this is when trying to be a good parent and model compassion to my girls. Take, for instance, the somewhat ...

The countdown to summer is upon us. The long, lazy days filled with swimming and cookouts and vacations is nearly here.  As you will recall, when you were a kid this was the absolute most glorious time of the year. Closing the schoolbooks and packing up all the things in your desk to take home was one of the great events of your childhood. You felt proud about the accomplishments of completing another school year and eager to begin your carefree, lovely days of summer. You were on cloud nine with blissful expectation of the next three months. Mothers know about feelings and clouds, too.  The only difference is, instead of being ON cloud nine, sometimes cloud nine descends UPON us, suffocating us in slight despair over what the heck we are going to do with our children for three whole months. Don't get me wrong, we are eager for a break in the crazy schedules of carpool and homework and last minute projects and sporting events, and we really DO want to spend...

There are no secrets once you become a parent. Do these two look like they can keep ANYTHING on the down low to you? I've often felt I should just save my children the time and begin conversations with total strangers we come upon by telling them things such as: *how much I weigh *how long it takes sometimes in the bathroom *how I sometimes use my kids as an excuse to get out of things *that I tell them to go watch tv so I can take a nap And these are just the short list of embarrassing things my children have blurted out without discretion. "We're late because my mom had to use the bathroom." "Mom!  I'm right here! You don't need to get off the phone so you can find me!" (and of course screamed loudly enough that the person on the other end of the line clearly heard every word) Yep. Kids are terrible secret keepers. And it would be one thing if it were just embarrassing secrets about ME that they blurt out. But...

The Baby Blues. It's not what you think. I know you may be assuming from that title that I am feeling the ache of empty arms since I no longer have babies in the house.  I am staring longingly at the snuggly bundles of goodness I see with other mommies at Target or being pushed in their little strollers throughout my neighborhood.  You might think I am pining away for another baby and begging my husband for #4. Sister, you couldn't be further from the truth. In this case, "the baby blues" is referring to the fact that I am about 99.9% positive that my baby, the four-year-old, is indeed going to kill me before it's all said and done. I'm serious. If this child had been born first, she would be an only child because my husband and I would be scared to death to risk it again. For heaven's sake! Our first child was totally false advertising. She had us thinking this parenting gig was a piece of cake. What was everybody whining about? Our s...

Let's talk video games.   I know, I know, I'm a mother of three GIRLS.  You'd think this wouldn't really be an issue at our house.  We all know that the male species tends to have more of a problem with addiction to video games than females.  Definitely still true, but nonetheless, we have a video game issue going on over here in recent weeks. It all started with these: old, delapidated laptops which had spent years sitting in some closet at my husband's office.  Lucky for him, he knows someone who is skilled and prepared to help in just such a situation.   Within a few weeks, my hubby had two refurbished laptops ready to go.  He proudly brought them home and announced, "Hey, these will be great for schoolwork for the girls.  Just think!  They won't have to fight over your laptop anymore." I had to admit that was a little appealing.  But still...a 9-year-old and a 7-year-old with their own computers?  I wasn'...

Every once in a while I start feeling really sorry for my husband. The man grew up with Paula Dean, Martha Stewart, and Emeril all combined in his wonderful mother.   The woman can cook.  Seriously cook. And then there's me.   I remain convinced that cooking is a direct result of the Fall of man when sin entered the world.   Anyway, today I decided that my poor husband was long overdue for a good meal.  I loaded up the kids and took them to Publix, where we carefully selected each item we would need for one of his favorite dishes.   I got started right away when we got home.  I carefully chopped celery and onions so they could saute in the pan.  I added all the herbs and lemon zest and got to work carefully slicing the loaf of french bread to line the bottom of the skillet. And then came the part where nothing but true love would motivate me...I had to work with a whole chicken.   Eww!!!  Hate it!  W...

So I've had a teeny bit of trouble with stress lately. We just got back from THIS place last week. Let me tell you, the happiest place on earth is no relaxing day at the beach when keeping up with 3 kids in huge crowds and figuring out the best uses of your fast passes and making sure the kids see everything you know they'll love.  Great trip, NOT great for stress, though. But then again, what mom DOESN'T have some stress to deal with?  Or what human being, for that matter?!  I should be able to handle this, right? But alas, after several months of waking from sleep due to aching shoulders and neck muscles, I gave up thinking I could just buckle down and get through it. And for the first time ever, I visited a chiropractor.  I figured if it helped AT ALL it would be worth it, right?  Just a little instruction on some exercises I could do or things to avoid, or ANYTHING at all that would provide some relief and relaxation. Ha. I ...