Jasper, Chicago Tourist.

While his sisters attended camp during the morning hours this week, Jasper was subjected to my undivided attention. Which- on paper- he loves. But- also like paper- once he has it, he really, really doesn’t want it so much anymore. Let’s review. Monday 9 a.m. The girls are at camp! 9:02 a.m. Whiplash from twisting around in car seat to find nonexistent, minivan-hiding sisters. 9:37 a.m. Check-in at Children’s Memorial Hospital for a mouth-related, pre-op consult. 9:38 a.m. FIND THE {Read More}

St. Patrick’s Week, AKA Recovery Monday.

Happy Monday-after-the-Saturday-before-St.-Patrick’s-Day, you guys! The Saturday in question of which I did not celebrate. You know why? Because even though my name is Flynn and even though I live in a Celt-happy town, this weekend shindig has devolved into an embarrassingly excessive Rage Fest which has very little to do with a) saints, b) Ireland, and c) anything other than copious amounts of green beer and Mardi Gras(?!) beads. For the record, drunken driving and the vomiting off of bridges {Read More}

Thanksgiving And Thanksgoing.

I am so thankful for this crew. Even though no one’s looking the same way. Especially since no one’s looking the same way. Despite the fact that I’m wearing less than no makeup, Susannah’s face is being obscured by wayward hair, and Jasper is Not. Feeling. This. Photo. At. All. I’m so thankful for this crew. Our health. Our home. Our loved ones. And everyone and everything which facilitates those things. Happy Thanksgiving, guys. Love, A member of the windblown, travel-happy, messy {Read More}

Taking Our Show On The Road (And Highway).

We had a road trip this weekend. Or rather, the road trip had us. In numbers: 17- the hours of drive time 1- the hourly span between each of the first three rest stops 49- grade, out of 100, that we rated the West Virgina Hampton Inn where we spent one overnight 45- minutes spent looking for the crib said Hampton Inn promised would be in our room (2- times we checked on the availability of the crib prior to {Read More}

A Case Of The Mondays.

Due to Birthday Month, Halloween week, classroom parties galore, a snowstorm on Trick or Treat, a few minor cases of the sniffles, Daylight Savings Time, and the hotly argued arrival of the Halloween Witch*(?!) who came and took the rest of the household candy, this is the atmosphere ’round my home this fine Monday morning. Happy Monday morning, everyone. *P.J. completely made up the concept of the Halloween Witch**, who removes candy from the homes of smallish children who repeatedly {Read More}

Mother’s Day Makes Me Feel Feelings (Of Laziness).

Yesterday was such a good day. Thanks to P.J. and that trio of kidlets, the day approached Little Kid Birthday status. (And around here, we take things like that oh-so seriously.) Part of what made it so spectacular was the expectation of household laziness. At least on my part. (I realize how rare and Not The Case this is for many Mamas I know and love- so I appreciate it all the more.) Aside from a jaunt to my favorite {Read More}

The Secret To Valentine’s Day.

I’ve had some pretty spectacular Valentine’s Days in the past. Romantic ones. Quiet ones. Ones where the evening cost way too much money, and others where it barely cost a dime. Thusly, I kinda consider myself an expert. And as such, I’ve figured out the perfect formula: Have more than one Valentine with whom to spend the day. I actually have four. They all celebrate with me in very different ways- although none of them particularly ascribe to the diamonds {Read More}

Trick Or Treat Or Soaking Wet Kids.

Happy Halloween! Love, The dragon, the pumpkin, at least two pairs of rain boots, and the drizzliest Trick or Treat Chicago has ever known.