So, my neighbor come over and tells us, and by us I mean the Professor as I wasn’t home at the time, (because God was sparing the life of my neighbor that day) that the windows of one of their cars had been shot out by a pellet gun.  Normal, neighborly information, right?  Something bad happened.  Want to make sure you are aware so you can protect your loved ones and your property,

Thanks For The Daddying
by Gina Valley

In honor of all of you who do the daddying here are some words of wisdom from both those who are wise and those who are wise-cracking.

Know that all of your efforts for the children in your life are appreciated and world changing, even if they aren’t acknowledged.  On behalf of those children, please accept this gratitude.  Thank you!

What My Dad Was REALLY Saying
by Gina Valley

My dad is the sweetest man alive.

While I visited my parents this winter I needed to drive from their tiny mountain village to the closest big city to pick up The Professor from the airport.

My dad wanted to serve as my chauffeur, but that would have left my mom with no one to help her.

He was quite concerned about me making the long,

Do We HAVE To Have A Meeting For EVERYTHING?

So this woman says to me, “We get together to figure out more ways to have fun with our children.”

I was at one of my kids’ functions (why does “kids’ functions” make me immediately think of poop?) recently chatting with a woman I had met once or twice before at one of these things.

She was in a perfectly pressed,

Location, Location, Location: Planning For Your Disaster Area
by Gina Valley

I moved our pack’s craft table out of our family room and into our living room last month.  The Professor was thrilled.  It’s not that he doesn’t want our pack hanging out with him while he watches the Lakers; it’s that he doesn’t want our pack’s art supplies hanging out near the TV.

He really didn’t appreciate it when someone bedazzled the remote.  For some reason its functioning was somewhat limited after receiving a coating of rhinestones.  And,

Seriously – I Cried Today
by Gina Valley

No, this isn’t a funny post.  I know that, as my youngest daughter says, “Mom, you tell the jokes,” so you expect funny when you stop by.  I’m honored to get to make you laugh, but I’m not going to do that today.

I had a different post planned for today.  One that I hope will make you laugh.  But,

Kids Crafting. Wanton Destruction. It’s a Fine Line

So, the parenting magazines and playground mommies finally guilted you into setting up a craft area for your kids.  Great!!!  Now you’re wondering which of the 5 billion different items in the craft aisle at your local discount store to hoard and bring home.  No worries!  I’ve made a list to guide you.  Breathe slowly. You can do this. Probably.

• Crayons – these little gems are supposed to be for coloring pictures on paper.   But,

Toddlers VS Teens: Dance Off
by Gina Valley

Toddlers and teens have a lot in common.  They both say silly things, and get cranky if you wake them too early.  Both have their own unique sense of style, and will take your makeup if you leave it out.  They also both have a tendency to mouth off and toss a tantrum when upset.  Yet, both have an amazing capacity to be gentle and kind when you least expect it.

What They Don’t Sell At The Flying J
by Gina Valley

Yesterday I decided it would be a great idea to herd my pack into our van and drive 3 hours to visit my great, great uncle and aunt.  It seemed like such a simple thing to what I now realize was my clouded mind.  About half way there we stopped at a Flying J Truck stop.  Or,

Today to wrap up my theme about the joys of graduation ceremonies let’s consider those people with the front row seats.

The graduates – the reason we all ignore reason as we hike 2 ½ miles through mud and sod in our favorite heels to sit in full sun for 3 ½ hours wondering who invented panty hose and is it too late to kill him.