This is the face we typically see when we've caught Elliott red-handed. How could we ever get mad at that face? 

I think we've got a scholar on our hands! 

Under the Rug

About a year ago, I was extremely surprised to find how far the reach of platonic friendship stretches. I was caught off guard, and while I usually like to poise myself with the façade of a level-headed, street savvy mature adult… I was anything but. A frozen version of me kept the ill-intended incident at bay for the first few weeks. Then the botox wore off and I came to terms with the fact that above all, I needed to seek the advice of Andy.

He, through the course of his own incidents with said friend, understood how the event came to fruition. We collectively came to terms that the person we once considered to be an asset in our lives was either a sham, or was going through an awful transformation. We took a step back from this friendship, which was extremely difficult because our families had become intertwined in so many areas. Sensing the confusion it caused for the family, we found ourselves drawing them in out of guilt, and the fact we were missing those who we had become so close to. But the unresolved issue always lingered in the air. Who was living a sham now?

Winter has been the saving grace. Attempts at confrontation or reconciliation aren’t easy when you’re shut in and busy with holidays and sick kids. I do miss the talks, the energy, and the play dates from time to time. Sure, there are some things I don’t miss so much, but I still feel like I was robbed of the opportunity to let this friendship either run its course or carry on.

It seems anger for Andy has a gestation period of one year. Judging by his feelings toward this character at present, you would think he was recently hurt by him. I certainly don’t blame him. He is still contacted from time to time by this lost friend. It’s getting harder and harder for him to bite his tongue, but he sure has gotten good at it. Unfortunately, what I have seen is Andy shying away from other friends who share in both of their lives. That’s not right.

Hey Hey Hey...Goodbye!

After four years and countless attempts to adapt my work routine to better benefit my family, I am making yet another change. I have interviewed and accepted a part-time position in a small White Bear Lake law firm! I will job-share with a woman who is about to become a grandmother, and for her own family, wishes to work less. WHAT A DEAL. I will be working three days per week which is flexibly able to change if the need arises. No more weekly “could you stay late” requests (or expectations), no more evening City meetings, and no more being the recipient of those occasional “aren’t you special to work part-time” comments.

I am already working on my mental "summer fun" list of things I would like to do with the boys. I am so happy!

Are You Flossing?

It’s 3:45 p.m. I’m standing in my kitchen half thinking about dinner, and half thinking about cleaning the floor. My aimless thoughts are interrupted by the inevitable question “MOM! Can I have a snack?” I shift gears and remember that I’m trying to rid the house of Valentine chocolates. I hand the last chocolate to Elliott, figuring this is sure to score some points.

“Don’t we have any apples?” (Apples?!) “Um…don’t you want THIS?” (shoving the chocolate closer, I figure he can’t resist the smell.) “Mom, can’t I just have an apple? PLEEEEZ?”

Bewildered, I reach for the nutritious alternative and ask why he wouldn’t want to have the last chocolate.

“Have you ever heard of a little thing called TOOTH DECAY?”

Remember those little classroom movies we were subjected to as young kids? The ones that used little Pink-Panther-esque cartoon characters to teach us about germs and the like? As a kindergartner, Elliott has been viewing these little films from time to time. He and his buddies are in the process of loosing their baby teeth, so it’s only natural that the topic of dental hygiene comes up. They’ve gotten their diagrams, their little packages of toothpaste…then they turned on the movie. Apparently, all is well in the cartoon world full of dancing teeth, until this creepy tooth decay character shows up with his black hood and sickle! He proceeds to wreak havoc on the fictional incisors, as well as the imagination of my 6-year old.

Once a normal little boy, Elliott is now terrified of sweets. He is even afraid to enter a dark room alone because he swears this tooth decay fellow is hiding in the corner. Although we were originally amused by this abnormal anxiety, Andy and I are completely exhausted with all of this nonsense.

So please, be on the lookout. You never know when TOOTH DECAY will affect your gums or your tranquil existence.

Remember Me, Momma?

I’ve heard it said, and thought I was even a veteran to the theory that children are “not themselves” when sick. Sure Elliott was always a little extra sensitive or sleepy when sick…“not himself”, right? On the contrary. Our little Noah has taught me the true meaning of an illness-induced dual personality. I’ve never been so afraid of anything under 40 inches. I actually hid from him a few times! As I cowered behind the computer desk, I couldn’t help but think they missed this chapter in ‘What To Expect’ books. But I am happy to say we’ve weathered the storm, and are no longer arming ourselves with Kleenex and Triaminic. He willingly cuddled up to me last night before bedtime, and sang the television jingle from Two and a Half Men, giggling from his toes the entire time. “Momma, you do men!” “Momma, you do woo-hoo-hoo!” “I yuboo too momma…” It’s so nice to have my little Noah Bear back.