How Deep Is Your Love?

LESSON OF THE DAY: Be prepared for any answer when you ask a question. And don't ask a question if you don't want the answer!

It's interesting how children try to quantify love, isnt it? They hold out arms, "I love you thiiiiis much." Or "I love you more than the whole world!" The kids and I started talking about this one day, and it was funny the different responses, but so typical of each age.
How much do you love Mommy?

Molly (4), "One world, that's it!" I guess to a 4 year old, one world seems big enough.

Meredith (6), "Nine hundred worlds." Always trying to beat out little sister.

Ryan (9), "100 points out of 100 points. An A+" Answer indictative of the Science test he got back that day.

Madeline (12), with the look of someone who just took a sip of spoiled milk. "WHAT? Why are you asking me that?!!" Trying to maintain "coolness" because she's 12!

**I love to hear answers to this question. Ask your kids, and if anything is especially funny, let me know! ****

That Beach Bum!!

LESSON OF THE DAY: It's easier to carry all the crap than drag the kids!

I always felt bad that Brad was always the one who lugs all the bags to and from the beach. He packs the bags, the cooler, the towels in the car. He lugs the bags, the cooler, the chairs onto the beach and off the beach. Poor guy. Today, I realized he was the smart one! My usual task is to lug the KIDS on and off the beach. Four of them. Bags don't pull you back with all their might to get you to stay somewhere. Coolers don't drop to the ground when you try to pick them up. Beach chairs don't run in the other direction when you call them to leave. Towels don't cry and whine that they want to stay!

Barack My World: Our Day with the Obamas (well not quite, but almost)

LESSON OF THE DAY: Forget the clean underwear. Make sure when you leave the house in the morning, you have on a great shirt and some spectacular earrings. You just never know when you could be on national tv!

Not thinking about the fact the Obamas were vacationing in Oak Bluffs, we made our way over to Martha's Vineyard on the ferry. It was crazy from the start to finish; helicopters flying over, newscasters everywhere, "I vacationed at MV with Obamas" t-shirts hanging in every shop window. Creative food names on chalkboards set out on side walks like; "Obamaritas," "Barack-O-Tacos," "Presidential Beers." I had the "Barack My World" ice cream: coffee ice cream, Macadamia nuts and caramel swirl.

Mannequins dressed up like Barack and Michelle and messages to them on windows, "You can eat for free Sasha and Malia." Free?? This made my 6 year old mad! "Why can they eat for free but we have to pay and who are those girls anyway?" At least they are paying for their own home rental though- $35,000 a week!

We were just hanging and were approached by some camera men from NBC. I never would have expected them to use the footage! Check out Meredith doing the "Happy Dance" and Ann Curry imitating her later. My kids are so shy, aren't they?

ENJOY THE SHOW!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

"Not to be mean, but why do sea lions have the smelliest breath ever?"

LESSON OF THE DAY: Sometimes even the dumbest of questions can get you far in life.

"Not to be mean, but why do sea lions have the smelliest breath ever?"

This was the question that brought us all the way to the first ever private "Afternoon with the Sea Lions" that the Buffalo Zoo ever gave. The kids got a tour of everything sea lion: their fridge filled with food, where they sleep at night, and where they train. We got to ask some questions along the way, but the highlight was getting kissed by a sea lion!

Raising hand to ask: "I like monkeys better. Where are the monkeys?"

Raising hand to ask: "Can we go swimming with the sea lions?

Dear Maddie,

Yes, the almost 12 year old wants in on this blog thing. She knows way more than any adult of course simply because she does, and she is willing to offer answers/insight/wisdom on topics and problems relating to her age group. I myself can't wait to hear what she has to say because for 6 months, I've been listening to grunts for hellos, mumbles for goodbyes, and receive the glare meaning "Why are you asking me ANY question?" when I ask her ANY question. Shoot her a question and she'll get back to you (when she feels like it and only if I don't bug her about it).

Going to Disney with Doritos in our Denali

LESSON OF THE DAY: Sometimes junk food is necessary for survival. Dont beat yourself up over it.



I didnt realize the kids liked Doritos so much until I took them to the store to get treats for our 24 hour ride to Florida. By the end of the shopping trip, we had (only) 6 bags of Doritos in our cart. And only the Cool Ranch variety. I offered them other treats, begging them to trade in at least one bag for the Nacho Cheese variety. I was a little concerned the kids would get sick of eating Doritos and only Doritos for the 24 hour trip, but I worried for nothing. They kept the 4 year old from escaping her seat and we even had them for breakfast in the hotel!!