Upcycling

Yet another example of why toys are overrated…

Inspired? You might also like these posts about blast-offs, artificial intelligence and artistic vision.

On target

You can take away the iPhone and the Angry Birds, but you can’t take away a boy’s need to hurl things through the air with only the sheer force of his creativity.

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Like this post? You’ll probably dig this one or this one. Oh, and definitely this one.

Super

I try very hard not to buy into the SuperMom myth…that constant pressure to do and be everything to our kids and families. We all know it’s impossible to attain and counterproductive to set those ridiculous expectations. That said, when my 7-year-old son puts a cape on me, by God I’m gonna wear it proudly.

The last few weeks have been crazy-busy. I spent a weekend at the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop, where I got to hang out with wonderful and talented writer-pals from all over the country, plus be inspired by some incredible speakers. Camp Erma was everything I hoped it would be.

I’ve also been preaching the Listen to Your Mother gospel every chance I get. I even did a TV interview without throwing up before or after!

Tomorrow is the big day for Listen to Your Mother Austin. If you haven’t bought tickets, there are a few left. Hope to see you there. I just might be the one in a cape.

Listen Up! Anyone? Anyone?

My kids don’t know what they’re missing because I have EXCITING news to share!

After reading and hearing a ton of wonderful stories about motherhood, Wendi and I have selected the 2012 cast of Listen to Your Mother: Austin. Hooray!

Please join me in congratulating this talented group of writers!

Valentine

I am grateful to have so many deserving Valentines in my life, but today I’m sending extra love to one who has been a dear and devoted ally in my journey through motherhood, not to mention that ancient time before it.  All of this support and she has never once expected a handwritten card, a box of chocolates, a lap dance, or anything else in return. What says love more than that?

Here she is captured during some of her finest parenting moments…

Playing gracious host to a new arrival. And forgiving me immediately.
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Alerting me of a “playing in the recycling bin” transgression.
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Showing Dad Mom’s way the right way to bathe a kid.
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Monitoring time-out.
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Overseeing tummy time
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Playing hide n seek.
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Overseeing third round of tummy time, even though it’s harder with arthritis.
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Giving the spotlight, every single time, to someone else.
Even though you had my heart first.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Zoe!
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