They say some ‘days’ are “like that”. For me, it’s been a whole week of “like that”.

Let’s start with the invasion of the ants. Overnight, from out of nowhere, come millions of tiny sugar ants. They cover everything. I’m thoroughly grossed out by these dreadful creatures and fight them with all my might. I buy raid, ant baits, traps, and boric powder. Then Wednesday- a friend tells me the secret of baby powder. Within HOURS the ants were gone!

Before I had gotten rid of the sugar ants though- the one year old had decided to lick them from the kitchen floor. Yes, you read correctly. The sad part in that scene is that I was more concerned over him licking the dirty floor than actually ingesting ants. I figured the germs were more likely to cause harm and if nothing else, the ants were the day’s source of protein. Hey, I have my priorities.

The next day, still breathing after eating the ants and licking the floor, the child decides to take my computer mouse and hide it. This could have happened on a better day. I was in the middle of a large project that was, of course, due that day! Two hours later I find the missing mouse. Where was it? Snuggled in a pile of stuffed animals in his sister’s room. Of course! I should have looked there first! Silly me…

Written by Debbie Panell

I spent half of my day Saturday at a baby shower for a friend. It’s her first baby- a girl and she and her husband are really exited!

But sitting amidst the pink bows and ribbons, pink cake, silly baby shower games (I was supposed to write down as many things as the mom to be was wearing after she had left the room – I can barely remember what I’M wearing most days)! I began to think about how baby showers could be improved upon.

I’ve been to more Baby Showers than I really care to remember. Mainly because they all run together in a big baby blur! Making a shower stand out in the eyes of the guests and the mom to be is easier and more affordable than you may think! Especially if you have someone to split the cost with you!

Having a theme is cute, but not necessary! By the time I left Saturday, if I had been subject to looking at another “Precious Moments” figurine or picture, I would have thrown it across the room! Fun patterns and bright colors make the mood seem much more lively then the pale pink and blue that we usually see! Think big dots and swirls and stripes! Plus, with this “theme” it’s easy to mix and match things from different stores (and catch them on sale)!

It was a normal, quiet Saturday evening. I was working on the computer, my husband was watching some ridiculously stupid movie, he’s seen a hundred and one times already. Like I said, normal evening.

Our eight year old had been outside playing all day, and the walls shook when she came running in, the screen door slamming behind her and sobbing with a tear stained face and out of breath.

I glance over at my husband, and roll my eyes, figuring she and her friends had had another one of those “ I hate you and will never talk to you again” fights that occurs at least twice a month. It had been a few weeks since the last one, I figured we were overdue.

So, feigning concern, I ask her why she’s crying.