Monthly Archives
May 27, 2009 by Emily Johnson
The DVD Player
As promised, I am writing to debrief you on the car trip to Maine—two day's drive up, two day's drive back. Let’s call it “To DVD or not to DVD!” We wrestled with the decision whether or not to lay down the dough for a portable DVD player. I grilled my friends with kids and even put the question out there on my Facebook status to see what folks thought.
May 8, 2009 by Emily Johnson
Maintaining Friendships
Growing up as an Army brat, moving every couple of years, making and leaving friends was just part of the deal. Most of my fellow Army brat friends fell into one of two categories: either you were really extroverted and outgoing and able to make friends really quickly; or you were very introverted and didn’t bother trying too hard.
May 8, 2009 by Nancy Brooks
The Person I Thought I Was Marrying
One afternoon my husband and I were having lunch with an engaged couple. My husband asked the woman, “Do you think he’s the same person you’re going to be married to?” She lovingly gazed into her fiance’s eyes, and replied in her girly-girl voice, “Oh, yes!”
May 7, 2009 by Nancy Brooks
New Neighbors
Last weekend our new neighbors moved in. Anticipating their arrival, my husband had said to me, “We ought to do something nice for them—make them a meal or something.” Perfect! I had a new recipe for Triple Chocolate Scones that I was foaming at the mouth to make, just waiting for the right occasion. I also had everything on hand to make one of my favorite recipes: Spinach Enchilada Casserole.
May 6, 2009 by Emily Johnson
Spouse-Training Tips
Maybe it is true. You can’t change someone. But you can sure as heck try! I’ve been trying for years, and he is coming along on some fronts. Here are some of my best tips. Filling the ice trays. Either I leave them all unfilled until he runs out entirely or I put them on the steps leading up to his office. When he asks why they’re on the steps, I say, “I wasn’t sure what you wanted me to do with them...”
May 5, 2009 by Emily Johnson
This Is Ridiculous
As my three-year-old stomped on the floorboard of the plastic car attached to my shopping cart, he screamed, “This is ree-DIC-ulous!” It was over some candy or toy that I was saying NO to. Of course, you know what I was thinking…“this is ridiculous!” He also says things like, “I’ll be with you in just a minute, Mommy, I’m busy [watching cartoons] right now,” and “Can you just leave me alone for one minute?!”
May 4, 2009 by Emily Johnson
Road Trip with Kids
Gone are the days of “let’s leave early, drive all day and night, and just stop to eat and pee!” With two little ones, we’re about to embark upon the adventure of a two-day drive from our home in Ohio to Portland, Maine. It’s about 15 hours of driving, and that doesn’t include potty breaks, run around at the rest stop breaks, food breaks, and I’m sure a few melt-down breaks.
May 4, 2009 by Andy Johnson
Cheapest Entertainment Ever
Are you looking for something fun to do with your young son (or daughter), but a little short on cash? I discovered an activity that our son now begs for us to do again and again. It’s so simple, yet can provide potentially hours of entertainment. This will probably appeal to dads more than moms, but you never know.
May 1, 2009 by Andy Johnson
Your Own Custom Social Network
A few months ago I had a little lunch reunion with a group of guys I hadn’t seen in over 15 years. We used to ride BMX bikes together and had developed some strong friendships via that sport. It was a blast to talk and laugh about the good old days. By the end of the afternoon we vowed to start a web site that would give us a forum to document some of the crazy stories from yesteryear, and allow us to meet up with other BMX riders from around the world.