It's a Cat's Life

This made me smile. The cat opening in the garden gate is specially painted and has its own architectural style. It must be quite swank in there as it looks like this cat-pad has its own security system too. Well done, my mysterious feline friend!

Life Imitates School?

My 8 year olds are studying fractions in school. A common question is the problem of dividing a pizza among various numbers of people. Eager to do his part, Duncan my dog contemplates the same issues using paving stones found on a walk as there is no way he would get a piece of pizza anyway. Poor guy.

Morning Monster

I keep thinking that today will be different. It really will be the same sweet little boy that I tucked into bed that wakes the next day. But the morning is not kind to my son and when he wakes it is into dark city and tantrum central. The reason luckily is a very simple one. He just needs to eat breakfast right away. The problem is that he resists it with every fiber of his stubborn 8-year old being. So every morning we go through the same thing and the little morning monster goes about wreaking havoc and destruction in his path.

I force some food into him and then, poof, like a little bit of sadistic magic, the monster transforms into the sweet, lovely, amazing, funny boy that he is. And he's surprised that he feels great (every time).

I've tried being the sweetest mommy possible and empathizing with his pain. I've been reasonable with, "we'll be late if you continue on your path to the dark side". I've been scientific and detailed the process by which his body uses all the energy from dinner to grow during the night and that he needs to refuel the next morning. I've taken the stern, no-nonsense approach and laid down the law. I've talked about consequences. I've used the "we're part of one family and have to work together" talk. I've tried stuffing his face the night before. We've created a success chart for him to check off.

I'm at a complete loss so if you have any bright ideas, bring them on!

Oh, did I mention every morning ends with me becoming psycho mom? Yeah. Still clawing my way back to sanity.