When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you...

Boy howdy, gang...my big dipper runneth over tonight.

Today was our first day in the Magic Kingdom, and from the moment we entered Main Street USA, it was pure, unadulterated MAGIC. It was my first return to the MK in about 30 or so years (they ( Read more... )

Life as I know it has officially changed forever.  Girls have started calling my house, wanting to talk to Opie ( Read more... )

Today is my dad's 63rd birthday.  Last night, several friends hosted a birthday dinner at a local restaurant, so the whole family attended.   As we were discussing "Pa's" age, my mom reminded Opie that his Pa was turning 63.

Opie thought for a minute, then replied, "No WONDER he's so grumpy!"

So in the spirit of moment, Happy Birthday, Grumpa!

Opie is the quintessential big brother. He loves to boss Calvin around and remind Calvin of his inferior status as the youngest, which -of course- drives Calvin into a blinding fury. Opie is continually telling Calvin what to do and how to do it, what not to do and why he shouldn't, and what he can't do because OPIE says so.

Opie is also a ( Read more... )

So it happened today ( Read more... )

So we have the latest chapter in the Opie and Calvin saga.  And boy, howdy, is it a doozy.

Opie needed a haircut.  He was pretty shaggy, I admit.  Tonight, while I thought he was quietly reading in his room, he decided to do something about it.  Remember that old adage about if it's quiet in the house with children, they're up to no good?  ( It's true. )

So I ended up having the conversation with Lane's Dad for unimportant reasons.  Turns out the situation at the ballpark was just the straw that broke the camel's back.  Apparently (unbeknownst to us) Opie and Lane have been playing in a very physical manner like boys sometimes tend to do, and sometimes when Lane asks Opie to stop, he doesn't stop ( Read more... )

We have a situation, and I'm not completely sure how to handle it.  Opie has a friend from school (let's call him Lane) to whom he is very close - "best friends" to hear him tell it most days.  Lane comes from a very good family, and we think he's a lovely little boy.  I've met his parents two or three times, and they seem like good people.  Opie ( Read more... )

Does it matter if I tell you that tonight I'm too tired to blog? My brain is ready to completely shut down after a day of recalcitrant children, full-blown melt-downs in public places and tummy troubles?

Opie started off fine today, but this afternoon while we were at the crowded park with cabin77 , Princess, Buddy and Calvin, he vaulted into a full-blown ( Read more... )

A few weeks ago, I took Opie to his first day of public school after three years of homeschooling.  It was a decision that was made with a lot of thought and prayer, and we knew he was ready.  It was time.  We were all quite excited about it.  He had trouble sleeping the night before school.  I smiled as he tried and tried and tossed and turned: I ( Read more... )