#1 Go for cheap. Make the first movie you take your kids to one at a discount theater. Or, in the summer, Regal Cinemas has a program called Summer Express where they show second-run movies for only a dollar or two. If they can’t make it through the show, you won’t feel badly about leaving […]
Branching Out
Tip: Use tree branches for decorating. Do you have a Bradford Pear tree? There are lots of them in Knoxville. Honestly, it’s not my favorite tree, because they break a lot. But there is one thing that I like about them….in the winter, you can cut branches off of a Bradford Pear tree and use […]
How To Connect Your TV to Your Computer
If you have (or want to have) music, TV shows, movies and other content on your computer and view or play it through your TV, you can use one of the devices mentioned in this video. Also, according to my super-smart brother-in-law you have options with a PS3, Wii or Blue Ray DVD player. He […]
How to Make Rain Gutter Bookshelves
Have you ever heard of rain gutter bookshelves for a nursery or playroom? Essentially, you cut pieces of gutter to the desired length, use gutter end caps and include some support brackets intermittently. You can find detailed instructions on Must Love Babies and Raising Olives. I have been planning to do this project for over […]
Six Words About Motherhood
Read a great article about how Smith Magazine asked its readers to write their own memoir in only six words. It really took off and some of the memoirs have even been compiled into books. Their site has memoirs by different categories including Life, Love, Happiness, etc. There is even a category where you can […]
Charlie the Candy Bandit Strikes Again
“Do you have a dog?” someone might ask. “No, we have a Charlie, and he can sniff out candy like a bloodhound,” I would say. By all accounts, he should have a mouth full of rotten teeth. But alas, his practically vegetarian sister who brushes and flosses all the time had the cavity at our […]
A New Fitness Option: Stroller Strides
In honor of, you know, January, and everyone’s renewed focus on fitness…meet Holly! Holly is a mother of two and mompreneur who runs a fitness-related business called Stroller Strides. And while Holly’s business is located in Knoxville, Tenn. Stroller Strides has numerous locations around the U.S., which is why I thought this might be interesting […]
And the $50 Home Depot Gift Card Winner is…
Christina! Congratulations — second time’s the charm! I hear some blue (washable) paint calling your name. Many thanks to The Home Depot for making this giveaway possible! And by the way, if I ever work at one of your stores, I totally want to drive the Zamboni. (Although, with my inability to clear a doorway, […]
Motherhood Moments
Found the missing piece to our sorry game when I cleaned out a closet and set these books on the coffee table… My daughter brought home her friend’s phone number on a piece of mulch. Okay, so here’s how I imagine the conversation went… “Gimme your phone number?” “But I don’t have a pencil.” “That’s […]
Toys You Should Buy for People You Secretly Hate
Okay, if there was a lemon-of-a-Christmas-gift in the bunch you have surely identified it by now. What was it? For us, the worst Christmas gift was actually one from a whole year ago. That means it’s been giving me joy and splendor (and sphincter clenches) for all that time. What is it, you say? Why, […]
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Pickett Fences
- "No you cannot sit on brother's face. No sitting on faces!" -- Ravyn, Ramallah, Palastine
- “Sweetheart, please don't throw yogurt at kitty.” Like saying this would actually STOP her... - Anissa, Chicago, IL
- "Get your fingers out of your nose and START EATING!" -Me, Knoxville, TN
- “We don’t tie up our friends – even if they’re part of the game.” - Jackie, St. Louis, MO
- “Mama, I yawned and sauce came out!” (vomit)
– Sydney (3) Maryville, TN
- My husband has my babies all by himself this week. When I was leaving town today, I asked Walker if he thought they would be ok . He said, "Of course, Mama. You left us food and I have a light saber."
-- Walker (5) Tupelo, MS
- "You are really annoying, and it is NOT opposite day."
-- Bryce (6) to Reed (8) Eagain, MN
- "Mom: Do you think you can be good at school the rest of the week – it’s only two more days…
Son: I’m not sure… “I can’t tell the future and I don’t have a working time machine.”
– Ethan (6) Milwaukee, MI