Because Sleep Deprivation Doesn't Make You Crazy Enough

Here's a fun quiz based on a recent visit to the "Parenting" section of Barnes and Noble.

Which of the following are real titles, marketed toward people with children?

A) Your Best Isn't Good Enough

B) Stupid Things Parents Do to Mess Up Their Kids

C) How Could You Do That?!: The Abdication of Character, Courage, and Conscience

D) Childhood Obesity: It's Your Fault


Answer: B and C. Okay, they are both written by that the demented Dr. Laura Schlessinger. Still, the fact that these books are marketed to parents, most of whom are probably just trying to get through the day, is really messed up. Go ahead and ask for the title "Awesome Things Parents Do to Make Their Kids Happy". It didn't get published.

It's Almost Fall!

I can't believe we've been a four-pack for a full month now...the last weeks have been amazing, exhausting, exhilirating, and extremely challenging! It's an intense yoga, creating this new bond and configuration within our family. But we're getting into a somewhat recognizable groove, and I think we're all actually feeling reasonably well-rested. Idris is unbelievably sweet with his baby brother--the only problem is that he wants to wake him constantly to play! In addition to stepping further into his role as big brother, Idris approached another milestone this past week: learning to ride a two-wheel (well, two plus training wheels) bike, an early birthday gift from his Mimi and Uncles Dave and Mike. He's rocking it. We can't keep up! It makes me laugh and cry at the same time. How did he get so big in so little time?

September has shaped up to be a gorgeous month, and it's still quite warm. Still, you can smell autumn in the air in the evenings, and it makes me fall a little bit in love with this place (I wish I could keep that going through the winter!) We are looking forward to visits to nearby orchards, brewing fall beers and cider, going to the pumpkin patch with Idris's class, and walks around the lake near our house where the trees become a riot of color as October unfolds.

Love and big blessings to you all, family and friends.