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.

The Show Must Go On

We went to see a Queen tribute band last week. It was a great show. It reminded me that Freddie Mercury was amazing and it also reminded me that are people all around us who have so much talent as well. Bear McCreary (composer for Battlestar Gallactica) was on synths and his brother Brandon did an incredible job with the vocals. The poster is an interesting mix of retro and contemporary.

Inside a Can

Do you remember those Jumbling Tower blocks that come in the rectangular can? My youngest was more interested in the container than the blocks one day and requested an interior investigation.

A New House

I'm calling it new but it has been 8 months already. It felt like home right away. There are reminders of the '70s everywhere, like the house number font and placement. No matter. Disco and big hair and the yellow tint of photographs are sweet to remember.

For My English Friends

You will appreciate the website of this realtor. For my American friends randy=horny.

Goodness!

I finally figured out how to log back into my blog. That's what happens after a prolonged absence I guess. Mushy Mommy Brain. I've been doing illustrations for a friend's book. Here is a sample. Enjoy!