science club

We had ten or so junior scientists gathered to make egg-protectors. All of the kids, even the four year olds, really got into it and were able to explain what principles they used to protect their eggs.
Parents were a great help. At the end of Science Club, a small faction of girls -and one boy- gathered to start the Lemur Salvation Association. Apparently they are going to meet weekly and pay dues of .50 per meeting to evict the humans who have moved into Madagascar and thus hastened the impending extinction of the Lemurs.

fall is here

Time again to bring in the wood, take pictures of the foliage, and hunker down for the winter. If I could only allow myself to sit quietly by a river for a few minutes...

I can't decide on the best caption for this picture. Some possible ones include, but are not limited to: "consider this birth-control"
"this is what kids do to your life - ya gotta love it, though"
"If you and your spouse have trouble agreeing in this department, don't have kids"
"This is a metaphor for the life of a parent...You just have to let go of some things"
" PARENTHOOD - a picture says a thousand words..."


would love to hear your ideas...

When you run out of other things to talk about

Need a conversation starter? Perhaps you're driving in the car and the kids are arguing, or perhaps (not likely) it is too quiet for your taste. Try this one: " kids, what do you think would happen if I just pulled up to that bank and robbed it?" You wouldn't believe the genuinely thoughtful comments this statement can generate. Cause and effect, moral reasoning, all covered:

age 6: "Then dad would have to take us on his business trips"
age 10: "NO, (dummy), Grandma would have to watch us"
Me: "I'd get three meals and plenty of time to read"
age 6: "You'd have endless toil. You could only read after you did all your work"
age 4 "When are we getting to TJ Maxx?

The conversation went on and on. I can't remember all the details, because I was wondering what they would serve at the correctional facility - that I wouldn't have to cook.