Postcards From (a mom on) the Edge...

Poor Alex

2008-11-06T14:03:00.004-05:00

Dear Monkey Bars at Alex's school:

Go away! We don't like you anymore! Look what you did....

A message from the children

2008-06-05T16:54:00.003-04:00

Dear Barack Obama (or as Sam would say, "Bawok Uh-Bumma"):

A little message of congratulations...

~The Children Responsible for Putting Mom on the Edge :)

Our Long National Nightmare...Is It Over Yet?

2008-06-02T19:51:00.010-04:00

Dear Harold Ickes:

You have had a lengthy and impressive career in Democratic politics. I respect that, really I do. But I can’t help but feel like you’ve thrown away some giant chunk of your dignity, not to mention your credibility with your most recent ranting and posturing on Senator Clinton’s behalf. It has finally reached a level where I’m not sure if you are actually dancing around questions and playing with the wording of your answers or if you’ve completely lost your mind and truly believe what you’re saying.

In August 2007, as a member of the DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee, you voted to strip Florida and Michigan of their delegates for the 2008 primaries. Fast forward to May 2008, you argued vehemently that those delegates should be reinstated completely with no penalty at all. Are we to believe this has nothing to do with the fact that your Mrs. Clinton “won” those primaries?

Let’s begin with your assessment of the Rules & Bylaws Committee meeting on May 31. You claim that the committee “hijacked” delegates from Senator Clinton and gave them to Senator Obama. In reality the committee gave them both delegates they didn’t have prior to that meeting. Those delegates were not supposed to count at all, according to your vote back in August. You insisted to Tim Russert on Sunday morning that “It violates a fundamental precept of our delegate selection rule, which is fair reflection.” Fair reflection. That’s interesting. Exactly how do you divine the “fair reflection” of the decision of the people in Michigan? You certainly can’t base it solely on results of a primary that YOU (and Senator Clinton, frankly) told the people of Michigan would not count.

This leads us, of course, to disenfranchising voters. Can you argue that some of the voters who showed up to the Michigan primary feel they’ve been disenfranchised? Absolutely. But one could equally argue that all those voters who stayed home that day, mainly because you and the committee had told them that it actually wasn’t a recognized primary and would not count, that no delegates would be seated from Michigan, could also feel disenfranchised. Is one group to be more favored than the other? That seems less than democratic to me.

As for the popular vote lead that the Clinton campaign is claiming to have, how did you determine which states to include and which to ignore to come to those numbers? And more importantly, how can you count Senator Clinton’s votes in Michigan and give none to Senator Obama? The committee has seated the delegates, but still is not truly recognizing the primary itself. Therefore it stands to reason that the popular vote count there would be negated as well. And if you believe you can claim those votes for Senator Clinton’s campaign BECAUSE the committee has now seated the delegates, then you must give Senator Obama a share of the popular vote as well, since the committee recognized a segment of the vote as his. You can’t really have it both ways.

I leave you, Mr. Ickes, with your own words to Tim Russert back in December, “"Timothy, delegates nominate. Not states, not popular vote, delegates."

Dear Terry McAuliffe:

Iowa, Nevada, Maine and Washington are states, too. You can't discount them just to come up with a number you like.

I have heard you (as well as Harold Ickes) repeatedly insist over the last two days that you “expect Senator Clinton will be the nominee.” I just have to ask, really? Do you really believe that? Is it getting hard to say with a straight face? You must have done the math, right?

I recently read an article which stated the following…

Clinton campaign chairman Terry McAuliffe, who had recently said he thought the race would be over this week, conceded yesterday that the finish line may not actually be the finish line. Asked whether the race would be over when Obama passed 2,118, McAuliffe said, “No, it’s not it.”
McAuliffe added, “We’re calling the uncommitted ones, primarily. But we’ve heard things. You know, you pick up stuff. So we’re following up on leads that we get. Just remember: No superdelegate is bound until they vote at the convention.”

Does that not make you feel the slightest bit slimy? Do you not feel like you’re dragging this on to the detriment of the party itself? If it is indeed your job to help guide Senator Clinton through this campaign, why aren’t you doing your job? The longer this drags on (and on, and on, and on) the more harm is done to the party, to Senator Obama’s chances of winning in November, and to Senator Clinton’s career and legacy.

Dear “Dream Ticket” supporters:

Are you crazy? How can Senator Obama ask Senator Clinton to be his VP? Adding her to the ticket would completely go against his platform of change. He touts the need for a real change in Washington politics. The Clintons represent that very system that Senator Obama claims to want revamped. It’s a laughable concept to me. That’s not even to mention the independent voters that Senator Obama has won over (myself included) who may very well shift the other way if Senator Clinton is added to the ticket.

And let’s face facts, a lot of those voters that Senator Clinton likes to claim she’s won over (you know, those hard working white voters)…well, they aren’t going to vote for a black man whether Senator Clinton is on the ticket with him or not.

Dear Hillary Clinton:

I’m at a loss for words, so I’ll just quote a truly great American, Mr. Ferris Bueller. “You’re still here? It’s over. Go home. Go!”

~Mom on the Edge

Misty taste of moonshine, Teardrops in my eye...

2008-05-15T13:29:00.006-04:00

Dear Jon Stewart:

Thanks for saying what I was yelling at all the political pundits on my TV all of Tuesday night!

~Mom on the Edge

Gods and Unicorns

2008-04-22T21:39:00.003-04:00

Pearson and I are atheists. When we met (about 16 years ago) Pearson was already fond of calling himself an atheist. At that time I classified myself more as agnostic. After much research and self exploration, I was swayed. Anyway, we have always agreed that we would raise our children with not only the knowledge of our own beliefs, but of the beliefs of as many others as we could. We also agreed that we would not impose our own beliefs and ideas on our children....though, as with most people, we likely had hopes that the kids would one day come to the same conclusion as we had. Really, we just want them to think for themselves.

We both were raised in Baptist churches and have a pretty bitter taste in our mouths from the Christian experience we were given, so we decided it would be best for the kids to learn about Christianity from people who aren't so biased against it. So we sent them to a Lutheran Church preschool. At preschool they say a blessing, thanking God for their snack. They go to chapel from time to time, where they learn bible stories. They tell the kids that "God made the trees and the flowers..." and that sort of thing. We've always made it clear that while we don't believe that, there are many people who do and that it's fine for everyone to believe what sounds right to them.

Alex is now in kindergarten, in public school. So she's not having Christianity taught to her daily anymore, but we do explain religious holidays when they come around...Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, Purim, etc. ***We've mostly stuck with Christianity and Judaism thus far*** But Sam is still in the preschool environment. From time to time we catch him "praying." It's really more like wishing on a star with his hands in the prayer position: "I wish I had a new Optimus Prime action figure and a blue jacket and the Ratatouille DVD..." Alex has never really said one way or the other what she believes, although 2 years ago, she was famous for saying that her teachers knew more than we did and they must be right about God. We don't push to know her beliefs because we aren't really concerned with beliefs as much as we are with her being a critical thinker, a freethinker.

The other day we were in the car, Alex, Sam and I. Sam was saying one of his "prayers" and the following conversation commenced...

Alex: Sam, you don't pray in the car. You pray at preschool.

Sam: No, you pray to God.

Alex: Well, I don't believe in God and neither do Mom and Dad. So neither should you.

Me: Alex, we never told you what you had to believe and you shouldn't do it to Sam either. He can pray if he wants to.

***Sam continues his wish-prayers***

Alex: I guess so, but I don't know why he'd want to ask for things from God. Even if there was a god, he wouldn't be magic. Unicorns would be magic.

Me: Unicorns?

Alex: Yes, unicorns. It just makes more sense.

Me: What makes more sense?

Alex: To believe in unicorns instead of God.

Me: Why does that make more sense?

Alex: Well, think about it. A unicorn is really just a horse with a horn on its head.

Me: Ok, I still don't get it.

Alex: God is some invisible guy in the sky that made everything and nobody can see him, but he watches what you do. How could he know everything and watch everything? That doesn't make sense.

Me: Ok, but what does that have to do with unicorns?

Alex: In all the stories about God in the bible, he has all these powers and stuff and you can't even see him. But in all the stories about unicorns, they're magical, but at least you can see them and know they're real.

Me: Right, but they're still just stories. Unicorns aren't real.

Alex: And neither is God. But if I had to pick one to believe in, I would much rather unicorns be real.

Me: Fair enough.

Freethinker, indeed. I love that kid! :)

~Mom on the Edge

2008-04-14T23:33:00.003-04:00

Dear Readers:

I'm having surgery in the morning. Hopefully I'll be able to update soon, but we'll see how things go. Nothing too serious, I don't think. Assuming all goes well, it will be an outpatient procedure and I'll be back to 100% in few days. I'm not feeling too nervous, just a bit anxious. I've never had surgery and am not fond of trying new things. ;) Be sure to think of me and send happy thoughts my way around 10:30 (Eastern) tomorrow as they're cutting through my abdominal muscles...OUCH! Best not to think too much about that.

See you soon.

~Mom on the Edge

Happy birthday, Sam!!!

2008-04-07T20:43:00.013-04:00

Dear Sam:

How did 4 years pass so quickly? You have grown into such a smart, funny, compassionate, loving kid. It's so strange for me to think of you as a kid...you're not my baby anymore, not a little boy anymore. As you're so fond of telling me, "I'm just a kid!" And you are...a big kid, suddenly.

You are so much fun to be around. You try so hard to make everyone laugh and have a good time. You always want everyone to be happy. You're my constant companion, your dad's shadow, and your big sister's protector. She wouldn't dream of climbing the big staircase to upstairs without you by her side.

You're the most thoughtful kid, too. Today while we were shopping at Target (Dad was at work, Alex at school) you were asking me questions about your family birthday party we were having tonight...

You: Will everyone be there?

Me: Well, all of the family that can make it will be.

You: Will Alex be there, too?

Me: Of course.

You: Will I get presents?

Me: I bet everyone will bring you presents.

You: What about Alex?

Me: Yes, Alex has a present for you, too.

You: No! Will Alex get any presents?

Me: No, it's your birthday. The presents will be for you.

You: Well, can I buy Alex a present then? She really likes presents, too.

Me: But it isn't her birthday. It's yours.

You: I know. But I really want to give her a present. Please???

So you picked out a Littlest Pet Shop toy that you knew Alex wanted and put it in the cart. How could I say no to such a sweet gesture? Alex was thrilled and promised to return the favor on her birthday.

I think that story pretty much sums up who you are, Sam. You're loving and thoughtful and generous. It makes me so proud to watch you grow into such a terrific kid. I love you. Happy birthday.

Happy birthday,

Sam!

Much love,

Mom

Happy birthday!

2008-04-01T13:09:00.003-04:00

Dear Pearson:

Happy birthday! I thought you'd enjoy this...

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2008-03-28T23:55:00.003-04:00

When my mom got her cancer diagnosis nearly 3 years ago (wow, how has it possibly been that long?), my first reaction was to hold her hand and tell her we’d all be ok and that we’d take it one step at a time. Then I offered to get her a drink because her mouth was dry. That’s all she was really saying. She had no real outward reaction to the announcement that she had cancer…even though her doctor’s exact words were, “It’s cancer, and it’s really bad.” I followed the doctor out of the room on my mission to find a ginger ale. Then came my real reaction…I totally collapsed in the ER hall. My mom’s doctor (who I had come to know quite well over the years that several family members had been seeing him) caught me mid-fall and held me up. All he could say was, “I know. I know.” I remember it all so vividly. Mostly I remember the feeling I had. Pure terror.

Fast forward to today, I’m sitting on the table in my new gynecologist’s office wearing nothing but a hospital gown. My mind is racing. How am I going to describe this indescribable pain I’ve been having? Will she take me seriously or will she just brush off my concerns like my last doctor had done? And then there’s the family history…any family members I have reading this right now, you know what I mean; it’s quite extensive and almost unbelievable…how would I even begin? I have to tell her about my mother. I’m not used to that anymore. Everyone knows about my mother. I never have to go back to the beginning. The beginning is the hard part. The rest is easy. Maybe I could write it all down and just hand it to her and spare myself the possibility of completely losing control of my emotions while sitting here totally vulnerable and exposed. I don’t want to cry and get all emotional. That makes me seem irrational. Writing it down is perfect! Paper…I think I have some paper and a pen in my purse…damn! Too late…she’s knocking on the door. Why didn’t I think of this at home? In the waiting room? Now I have no choice. Just hold it together. You can do it.

We make our introductions. She seems nice. She’s fairly young and seems kind and gentle. That’s quite a switch from the brash and overbearing man I used to call my doctor. Suddenly I feel at ease. Then she asks what my concerns are that have brought me in today. I haven’t even opened my mouth yet and she’s handing me a tissue. Why is she handing me a tissue? Can she tell I’m about to….oh my god…I’m already crying! How did this happen? I suddenly realize I’ve been transported back to that moment. Pure terror. I had no idea I was so scared by the symptoms I’ve been having. Denial is apparently a specialty of mine though. So here I am, sobbing on the table, trying desperately to explain myself. Finally I manage to finish describing my symptoms, my fears, my mother, the rest of the family history…all the cancer, the gynecological problems, everything. And this wonderful woman reaches out and touches my hand very softly and says, “We are going to figure this out.”

Why this comes as such a relief to me I do not know. Well, it could be because my last experience with a gynecologist had not gone quite like this. Still, I don’t know why I feel so relieved by such a simple validation. And suddenly I feel horrible.

When my mother died I was so angry with her. I still am sometimes, if I’m completely honest with myself. I was angry because she had so many symptoms for so many years and she kept them all to herself. If she had been honest with herself and had those problems checked out, she might be here right now, watching my babies grow up. Instead my son doesn’t remember her and random memories of baking cookies and shopping for pretty dresses are all my daughter has left of this woman who was her favorite person in the world. I don’t have my mother here to be my best friend and confidant. Our family is forever changed. It didn’t have to be this way.

And now I’m sitting on this table, making a plan to find out what’s causing me so much pain. How can I not be just as angry with myself? I’ve been dealing with this pain for more than two years now. Why did I wait? What will I tell myself, my family, my friends, my beautiful babies, if my answer comes in the same way as my mother’s? I’ll be left with that same pure terror…and only myself to blame.

In the long run, I made the right choice. I am being proactive now. I should have done it sooner and I didn’t. But there’s no way to change that now. It is what it is. We’re dealing with it head on. We will be aggressive and thorough. My doctor made me that promise. “We are going to figure this out.” And I believe her. Whatever the answer is, I am thankful for this experience. It has taught me a lot about myself. It’s taught me a lot about my mother.

There’s no more anger. There’s only love and understanding. Sometimes the not knowing is easier than confronting the pure terror. That’s who my mother was. It’s not who I am. Not anymore.

~Mom on the Edge

p.s. I love you, JoJo…and I miss you.

Spring Break

2008-03-28T15:48:00.002-04:00

Dear Spring Break:

Thanks for almost being over! While I've enjoyed not getting up at 6:30 every day, I have lost all of my energy and most of my mind chasing after my kids for the past week. We had some fun, but I am so glad it's almost time for school to start again. Thanks for knowing right when I've had all I can take.

~Mom on the Edge

p.s. Tell your friend Summer Break to take his time getting here. He could really take a little lesson from you on knowing when you've worn out your welcome. He always just lingers long after I'm over him.

The Grand Debut of Alex and Tori

2008-03-23T16:13:00.004-04:00

Dear talent agents:

They are as yet unsigned...

;)

Please excuse the shaky filming...Pearson is not a professional.

~Mom on the Edge

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T11:19:00.002-04:00

I Am, I Am Superman!

2008-03-21T21:36:00.004-04:00

Dear People of the Internet:

Ever had one of those days where your schedule is so jam-packed that you're not sure how you'll be able to actually accomplish any of what you set out to do? I had that day yesterday. It was a massive undertaking and a horrible convergence of must-do mommy things. I had to get Alex to school by 8am, Sam to school by 9am (this is the easy part, folks). I had to then shop for food, goody bags, a craft and a book for Sam's class Easter party at the preschool. I had to do all of this (including actually making the food and putting together the goody bags) and be back at the preschool by 11am. I then had to amuse 10 preschoolers for an hour and rush out at noon to get back to Alex's school to get her and her cousin ready for their afternoon performance in the Talent Show. The kids were being called down at 12:15 and the show was starting at 12:30. Were they kidding with that timing??? There were no less than a dozen little girls and their moms crammed into a one stall bathroom trying to get dressed. Fun!

At that point was my break in the day. I would have from after the show (around 2pm) until Alex had to be back at the school at 6:45 to get ready for the 7:00 performance. The break never came.

I had just gotten Alex off to school and was getting Sam dressed. We were going to have Burger King for breakfast on the way. Then the phone rang. It was my friend. My 35 week, 4 days pregnant friend. My friend whose birth I was supposed to attend. Guess what? Her water broke! My mind immediately started racing, trying to figure out how to fit childbirth into my day. I told my friend I would do everything in my power to be there for her. Of course, there was no part of my day that I could hand off to someone else. When I hung up the phone I thought to myself, "well, I'll go up there after the afternoon performance and I can stay for a few hours. Hopefully it will work out. And if not, I'll go back after the evening show and maybe it will be time then...without having missed the birth somewhere in that middle time."

I went on about my day, occasionally checking on my friend at the hospital (Yay for cell phones!). All I could think about all day was getting there for the birth. Sam's party went great. Alex's afternoon performance was fantastic! And I was finally off!

I arrived at the hospital at about 2:45. I told my friend that I could only stay until about 5:15 because I had to get Alex ready. She was very understanding. We hung out and talked, watched her contractions on the monitor, laughed...and speculated that it probably wouldn't be time for quite a while and I could probably make it back in time after the 7pm show (around 9). Afterall she was only at 3cm when I arrived, after laboring all morning (already having been at 2.5 when she arrived). As my time grew shorter, I was really sad to have to leave and potentially miss the birth. But the baby must have sensed my concern...he arrived just before 5pm.

It was so amazing. I was so honored to be a part of this huge life experience...to have taken the very first photos of this precious little boy...to have seen his sweet little face the moment he arrived in this world. Magical.

So, I may have flown around like Superman yesterday. But if I am Superman....my friend is Wonder Woman. She was amazing and fantastic. Way to go, Jen. Congratulations....and thank you.

~Mom on the Edge

p.s. Video of Alex's Talent Show performance will be coming soon...

The Greatest Superfreakiest Show on Earth

2008-03-09T16:41:00.004-04:00

Dear Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey:

I just had to ask...which of you was the superfreak? Or are you all rolling over in your graves at the thought of how far your circus has fallen?

I took my kids, ages 6 and 3, to see the circus a few weeks ago. I have to say parts of it were more like a burlesque show or something you would only get to see after inserting your fare into the slot and peeping through the little hole in the wall. Now, I'm not a prude by any means, even when it comes to my kids. But I have to say that the chicks with the short skirts, patent leather hooker boots and motorcycle handlebars around their waists were a bit much. Did you really have to go so far as to have the band play an orchestral version of Smack My Bitch Up? I thought this was a family show!

I hope that next year we get the Bellobration tour instead of the Bunny Ranch version!

This all followed the amazing motorcycle act. This act was toned down on the night we attended since the day before one of the motorcycle acts ended with several circus patrons being sprayed with gasoline. Lovely! At least they got a complimetary trip backstage to be hosed off and have a nice eye rinse.

Perhaps you should stick to lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Today's circus has surprisingly few cool animal acts though. There are elephants, who mostly just walk around the arena, lie down, stand again and walk some more. The most entertaining part of the elephant show was when the largest elephant of all decided center stage was the perfect place to take a ginormous dump. All the children were quite amused. They seemed in awe of the clean up crew's efficiency at quickly removing the offending poo. Other than that, there were a few horses. And there were dogs....yes, dogs. Not very exciting, but better than the tour with the house cats. What happened to the lions? Where are the zebras? I want to see some dancing bears!

At least this year we made sure to have a large meal before arriving, since the prices are insane at the circus. We did get 2 boxes of popcorn (at $8 each!). They were charging insane prices for everything, of course. $3 for a bottle of water. $12 for cotton candy. Unbelievable. They wanted $10 for a sno cone. Sure, it came in an animal head cup, but still...it's just a cup of colorful ice! The children got one toy each...Alex got a light-up-spinning-obnoxious-siezure-causing item for $20 and Sam chose a shiny red motorcycle for $14. We've had worse years.

Did I mention just how much I hate the circus?

~Mom on the Edge

Put Your Head on My Shoulder

2008-02-23T19:13:00.003-05:00

Dear Mr. Paul Anka:

Who knew that your fame was still so widespread? I just thought you'd enjoy this conversation my 6 year old daughter and I had tonight... I'll preface by saying that Alex and her cousin are trying out for their school talent show this week. They're very excited!

Alex: I wonder who the judges will be at the tryouts.

Me: My guess would be either teachers or maybe some PTA people. I really don't know.

Alex: Maybe it will be Simon Cowell!

Me: Oh, I doubt that. I think he's pretty busy these days.

Alex: You're right. It'll probably be Mr. Paul Anka.

Me: *laughing hysterically* I guess we'll have to wait and see.

~Mom on the Edge

What does "well regulated" mean anyway?

2008-02-16T11:08:00.005-05:00

Dear Gun-toting Stranger:

Let me start by saying that I am not a fan of the current interpretation of the second amendment. Your "right" to bear arms is arguable, in my opinion. But, I will admit that your actions were well within the law (a law I completely disagree with). Here's what I want to know though....is there really a need for a well regulated militia inside of the local Fuddruckers restaurant? Beyond that, did it seem like a great idea to you when you sat down at a table that placed your gun (which was completely in the open on your hip, not concealed) approximately six inches from the little five year old girl at the next table? Did that seem wise and appropriate? I'm just wondering, since clearly we have very different views on this sort of thing, if you thought it would make her feel safe and secure. Did you think it would ease her mind? Eventually it seemed the child's father had made some sort of comment or shot you a dirty look because you suddenly got up and switched seats with your companion (who was wearing no less than 10 John McCain stickers). The two of you appeared to be about 16, although I would have to hope you were at least 18. I'm sure you think you're very patriotic. But how are we supposed to know if you're the good guy or the bad guy? I'd really just like to know what motivated you to carry a (presumably loaded) weapon into a family restaurant. It's totally beyond my comprehension.

Anyone care to explain it to me?

~Mom on the Edge

Smarty Pants

2008-02-14T14:23:00.002-05:00

Dear Alex:

I was so proud of you today. I helped with the Valentine's Day party for your kindergarten class today. When I got there one of the little boys grabbed your hand and pulled you over to where I was standing. He was so excited and said to me, "Watch what Alex can do!" He pointed to a conversation heart decoration on the wall and you said, "Cute Stuff, " reading it perfectly. He pointed to another and you said, "Forever." Then another, and you said, "True Love." This went on through a few more hearts, all of which you read with ease. Your classmates were looking on in amazement. You seemed totally unphased. It's good to be humble.

I also found out today that you are involved in the accelerated program at school. I don't know much about it yet, but I'm glad to see the school is recognizing your talent and that they are trying to encourage and challenge you academically.

Stay tuned readers....Alex's Talent Show Adventures will be coming soon.

~Mom on the Edge

More on Obama

2008-02-08T20:41:00.000-05:00

Dear American Voters:

As I said in my previous Obama post, I have always voted for Republican presidents. I mentioned my reasons were typically fiscal. Lately though I have been thinking about the future of my children. Not just financially, but in terms of what I want for them and for their futures. I want them to have a great education and every opportunity to take advantage of that education. I am fortunate that my children seem to have no disabilities at this point. I do have a family member with disabilities. He has been diagnosed with childhood schizophrenia as well as Asperger's Syndrome. Asperger's Syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder. It has been a nightmare for us, as a family, to try fighting our way through all the red tape and beaurocratic bullshit just to get him the education he is supposedly guaranteed. There's not enough funding. There's not enough support. There's not enough knowledge amongst those who are supposed to be in charge. It's shameful. All this leads me to reason #2 that I support Barack Obama...

From the Barack Obama website:

In addition to reclaiming America's global leadership on this issue by becoming a signatory to -- and having the Senate ratify -- the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the plan has four parts, designed to provide lifelong supports and resources to Americans with disabilities. They are as follows:

First, provide Americans with disabilities with the educational opportunities they need to succeed.

Second, end discrimination and promote equal opportunity.

Third, increase the employment rate of workers with disabilities.

And fourth, support independent, community-based living for Americans with disabilities.

And from Obama's Plan on Autism Spectrum Disorders:

Support Special Needs Education for Children with ASD: Barack Obama understands that children with special needs - students with visual, hearing, physical, sensory, and mental impairments - require meaningful resources in order to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Obama is a strong supporter of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and supports full federal funding of the law to truly ensure that no child is left behind. The current underfunding of IDEA causes school districts throughout the country to deny necessary services to students with ASD and other special needs. Obama will also work to change IDEA's definition of "autism" to Autism Spectrum Disorders to ensure that all children diagnosed with ASD disorders receive the support they need.

***********************************************************************************

These issues are becoming so much more a concern to me. I think it's important that people pay attention to specific plans the candidates propose. There are often differences that seem small on the surface, but in reality make a huge difference. I hear a lot of people saying, "Obama talks a good game, but that's all. He's got no plan." I beg to differ. I think he has some wonderful plans. Plans unlike the other candidates are offering. Plans that could make a real difference for people who are too often overlooked.

~Mom on the Edge

Big boy!

2008-02-07T20:09:00.000-05:00

Dear Sam:

Look how good you're getting at writing your name!!! Daddy loves that you make your M just like the Mopar symbol. :) Keep up the good work, buddy.

~Mom on the Edge

A Wave of Change

2008-02-07T01:13:00.000-05:00

Dear American Voters:

I don't often discuss my personal political beliefs and choices. Politics, like religion can often lead to heated debate and disagreement. I like to avoid these things for the most part. From time to time though, I am moved to speak out on one or the other of these subjects. I do so without reservation and without apologies in those instance.

I have long considered myself a fiscal conservative, social liberal who typically leans in the direction of Republican candidates on the national level. My money has always been the driving force in those decisions. I usually find local politics to be a more personal decision, the effects of those results hitting closer to home. This year something has changed for me though. I'm not sure I can even put it into words. It may take several posts to dissect my own thoughts.

This year for the very first time, Pearson and I will be able to put signs of support in our yard, on our cars, on our kids if they'll let us, in support of a candidate. We've never agreed on a candidate before, so we've avoided these symbols of support. But during this primary season (and hopefully beyond...into the general election campaign) we will be going all out to show our support for Barack Obama.

For the very first time in my personal voting history, I have found a candidate who I actually find hope in. I've always felt like I was voting for the candidate that I believed would do the least damage. But this time around I have the opportunity to vote for a candidate that I truly believe could enact some positive changes. It's an incredible feeling to discover a candidate that makes you feel hopeful about positive change, makes you believe in your own ability to assist with that change. Barack Obama is that candidate.

Do I agree with Obama on every issue? No, of course not. But I trust him and I believe he is a genuine and passionate candidate. He's not just passionate about being president. He's passionate about the potential of this country. Optimism is a powerful thing.

Reason #1 I believe in Obama:

Obama believes teachers should not be forced to spend the academic year preparing students to fill in bubbles on standardized tests. He will improve the assessments used to track student progress to measure readiness for college and the workplace and improve student learning in a timely, individualized manner. Obama will also improve NCLB's accountability system so that we are supporting schools that need improvement, rather than punishing them.

Amen to that!

So much more to say, but as I said, this will likely take me multiple posts. So that's it for now. I'll have plenty more reasons to share with you in the coming days.

~Mom on the Edge

p.s. Hey Virginia voters (and Maryland and DC), don't forget to get out and vote for Obama on Tuesday!!!

Expensive tastes

2008-01-27T19:26:00.000-05:00

Dear technology industry:

Can you find a cheaper way to make these new gadgets so they don't cost so much in the stores? My daughter has an eye for technology. She gets that from her dad. It seems that at 6 years old, she's already outgrown the average $10 Littlest Pet Shop set, $15 Barbie and $20 board game.

For Christmas the only thing she wanted was a Wii. She insisted that Santa was bringing her that Wii. Lucky for us Santa won a Wii in a raffle at work. Over Thanksgiving, Uncle JuJew (or JewJew, JuJu, JewJu...whatever you prefer) taught her how to use his i-phone. She insisted that she had to have one. Not happening.

Tonight we had the following conversation...

Alex: I think you should buy me a Blu-ray DVD player for my room.

Me: Oh really?

Alex: Yeah, don't you know that Blu-ray DVDs hold way more stuff on them and they don't get scratches, so we can't ruin them. You'd have to be stupid not to have one.

Me:

Alex: I'm totally getting one...

Hmmmm.... $50 Philips DVD player for my 6 year old's bedroom or $500 Sony Blu-ray DVD player for my 6 year old's bedroom? I think I'll just remain stupid for now.

~Mom on the Edge

I flip for no one!

2008-01-24T12:46:00.000-05:00

Dear early childhood educators:

Let me start by saying that I know your intentions are good. I know you certainly aren't in it for the money. I know you love my children and I appreciate that more than I can say. That being said, there are just some things I really don't understand.

I know it's fairly impossible to teach to each child's level. The ratio of child to teacher is just too great for that, in most cases. It just really bothers me because in many cases it has meant my kids have to move backwards in their abilities to accomodate others. That seems so unfair to them.

Example #1 ~ The Coat Flip

Sam is a very smart and capable kid. He loves to please others, but can be stubborn when a request seems arbitrary or if he thinks there's a better way. He usually will comply with our requests without argument as long as we allow him some latitude in HOW it gets done. He has always done well at preschool and the teachers love him. When I picked him up today though, his teacher seemed troubled. I asked, as I always do, how Sam's day went. Her concern turned out to be that Sam had refused to do the "coat flip" that they have the children do before going outside. If you're not familiar with the coat flip, it's a method lots of people use with small kids so they can put their own coats on, be self sufficient in that way, feel good about themselves...and save the teachers a lot of time. They have the children lay their coats on the floor, put their arms through the sleeves and then flip the coat over their heads. At first I was concerned that he was just being contrary and maybe was insisting that the teacher put his coat on him. that would have bothered me. But, come to find out...he just put his coat on the way most people do, one arm at a time. Naturally, I wasn't seeing the problem. I mean, that's how I put my coat on. Don't you? I don't know any adults, or even children over 5 who use the coat flip method. The whole time Sam was sitting in the back seat quietly, occasionally whispering, "I just don't flip my coat." So, I told the teacher that he has learned the right way to put a coat on and likes that better. Her response, "Well, the coat flip is the way we do it at preschool. And we want to be just like our other preschool friends, don't we?" I decided silence was the best response I could offer to such a ridiculous statement. My real answer? Hell no I don't want my son to be "just like" all the other kids! I just want him to be Sam.

By the way, Pearson and I had this very same argument with Alex's preschool teacher when she was 3 (same school, different teacher). Alex refused to do the coat flip as well.

Example #2 ~ The Primaries

No, not those primaries. As far as I can tell they aren't discussing the election in preschool or kindergarten. I'm refering to primary pencils and crayons...you know, the big fat ones. Back in the summer Pearson and I had kindergarten orientation where we met the teachers and got a folder full of forms and information. The teachers told us to browse through the information while we were there so we could ask any questions that might come to mind. I had several questions ranging from why they ate lunch so early (10:50 am!) to if they were able to work with the children on their own individual level for reading and how that was handled. I got satisfactory answers to all of those questions. But then I asked if all of the kids had to use primary pencils and crayons. Their answer was simple: yes. I questioned the reasoning behind this. They informed me that children have an easier time learning the proper way to hold a pencil or crayon if they're taught using the primary ones, then they will move on to regular pencils and crayons. My response was, "Where does that leave a child who already has that skill?" They seemed confused by the question. So I continued..."My daughter has been using a regular pencil and regular crayons forever. Her grasp is perfect and her handwriting is excellent. I just worry about setting her back by taking this giant leap in the wrong direction." One of the teachers replied, "Well, that's how we teach them to do it right." And I replied, "And since she already does it right, then isn't this just a step backwards for no apparent reason?" The answer: "That's just how we do it." Not good enough....

These are just a couple of small examples of a much bigger problem, I think. Schools are really stifling the individuality of our kids...or at least they're trying to. It seems like the education system has taken a step back since I was kid. There certainly were a lot of similar situations back then, but they seemed to be making progress in that area. I had several teachers who encouraged me to be unique, taught me to question authority (respectfully, of course), pushed me to explore and examine life, glorified the unconventional. Maybe I was just blessed with some excellent teachers and opportunities. But it seems like there's more to it. It's all so single minded now. They teach the kids so they'll pass a test instead of teaching them so they can change the world. They teach them to be like everyone else, when most of the people who have made a real difference in this world have been incredibly unique.

I want my kids to do great things, to be great people and push themselves into new and exciting adventures. You can't do that while being forced to conform. So, I guess my point is less about the arbitrary rules of the education system and more about my own overwhelming pride in my children's early abilities to fight the power!

~Mom on the Edge

On a personal note...

2008-01-20T12:28:00.000-05:00

Taking a break from my normal form here today, I want to address some personal issues. Most of my readers here know that I lost my mom to cancer two and a half years ago. It was a difficult journey, the cancer and the grief. But, as with all things, I got through it. It wasn't easy though. It still isn't.

Someone I love very much lost her own mother to cancer this morning. It's left me feeling raw and wounded all over again. At the same time though, I feel strong. I feel powerful. I feel like I can survive anything. And I know she can as well. She may not feel it today, or tomorrow. But she will heal. There's so much I want to share with her...but now is not the time. She needs this time to grieve.

But there are things I want to share here as well. I've never been through anything as horrible as losing my mom. The pain is not something I can even express. However, in so many ways I have been so blessed from the experience. Losing her opened my eyes to how lucky I really am, and always was. I have this amazing group of friends. They are so wonderful. I am surrounded by such strong and loving women. They've always been there...since we were really young. But I think I took them for granted. I didn't realize how lucky I was. Not everyone has that.

They are all intelligent, strong, beautiful, funny, loving, sarcastic, honest...just the best bunch of women I could ever hope to have in my life. They jumped right in and have filled a void in my life that I didn't even realize was there, until my mother wasn't. I don't know if they know how much they mean to me, but I guess they do now.

I love you, girls. You know who you are. Thank you for all the little gifts you give me, and each other, every day.

~Becky

p.s. I also want to give my male friends a shout out. They are also wonderful, fabulous, amazing friends. I love you guys, too.

Such a critical thinker

2008-01-09T23:08:00.000-05:00

Dear Alex:

I just wanted to document here how impressed I am with your abilities. You really are an amazing kid. So smart, so funny, so likeable. Today you were doing your homework and I suddenly realized how big you've gotten. You really think through your work. You're such a conscientious and enthusiastic student and that makes me so happy. I hope you stay that way. It will take you far.

~Mom

Internet friends:

Alex was at the table doing her homework tonight. She was reading sentences and had to choose whether to circle YES or NO for each. She was reading them aloud to me. We had the following conversation...

Alex: This one says Can you ride on a fish?

Me: Well, can you?

Alex: You can't ride on a shark or a whale I know for sure. And you can't ride on regular fish either. People do ride on dolphins.

Me: Yes, people do ride on dolphins, don't they?

Alex: Well, they do, but dolphins aren't fish....they're mammals, of course. So the answer is no.

Nice job, big girl. :)

~Mom on the Edge

Wii are loving it!

2008-01-06T11:05:00.000-05:00

Dear Wii:

Thanks for coming to live with us. We're having so much fun. We play so much and it's such a workout! Even the kids are getting into it. In fact, Alex (who is just 6 years old) has a better record on some of the sports than her dad. She loves that. He does not. She's really good at bowling on the Wii. Her high score is 218. Her dad's is 205. :) It's family fun. Dad will just have to try harder.

Now, enjoy this video of Sam's first Wii boxing match. He knocked the guy out in the first round. Go Sam!

Oh, and for the record, my high score in bowling is 225. I rock!

~Mom on the Edge

Am I good, or what?

2008-01-05T10:54:00.000-05:00

I would like to direct your attention to this post in which I made the following prediction:

And now my prediction for this season. The Redskins will have a winning season. I'm going to say... we're looking at a 9-7 season....but I'm hoping for even better!

For those of you who don't follow football, the Redskins did indeed finish the regular season at 9-7. Nice!

~Mom on the Edge

No Whammies

2008-01-03T23:48:00.000-05:00

Dear 'Skins:

I'm going to be brief because I don't want to jinx anything. So, Come on Redskins! Big money! No Whammies!!!

~Fan on the Edge

O Tannenbaum, Teil Zwei (Part 2)

2007-12-21T15:59:00.000-05:00

Dear Tacky Tree:

So, I dressed you up as best I could. Not bad, I guess. What do you think?

~Mom on the Edge

Warning: Too much cuteness!

2007-12-20T12:24:00.000-05:00

Dear Lola:

You're really cute when you're not eating the kids crayons or pooping on the floor! :)

~Mom on the Edge

Oh Tannenbaum indeed!

2007-12-20T10:56:00.000-05:00

Dear tackiest Christmas tree in America:

How did you end up in my house? I mean, I've always prided myself on decorating the most beautiful trees. We love real trees. We've had gorgeous Fraser firs, magnificent Douglas firs, and so many beautiful trees over the last dozen years.

But this year Sam was tested for allergies and we discovered that he is very allergic to pretty much all trees. I vowed to find an artificial tree that I would love as much as any real tree we'd ever had. Pearson was delighted at the thought of a pre-lit tree and never having to put the lights on a tree ever again.

I set out on my mission as soon as the stores put out the trees (around Halloween). I quickly became skeptical about getting a fabulous tree without spending several hundred dollars. Even the skimpiest trees were close to $200. So, I decided to hold off until Black Friday and perhaps find the perfect tree on sale somewhere. There were some great Black Friday deals on trees, but still I just couldn't find that perfect tree. I was getting discouraged.

Pearson and I started discussing the possibility of getting a real tree and hoping, now that Sam has meds for his allergies, that it wouldn't be so bad. We had all but decided to get a real tree when suddenly Sam's allergies hit full force. This time of year is so bad for him. He's been taking meds every 4 hours for a week and a half now. He even wakes up in the middle of the night, shuffles into our room to wake me up and beg for more medicine. So perhaps inviting another allergen into the house would be a mistake, right?

Last night I realized that Christmas was less than a week away and still we had no tree lighting up our beautiful bay window. My grandmother had mentioned that she had a pre-lit tree in the attic that she wasn't using. So I asked my aunt and uncle to bring it over.

Aunt Sharon walked in the door, followed closely by Uncle Don carrying two huge bags, and she said, "I hate this tree." Trying to be positive, I said, "Oh I'm sure it'll be fine."

Now here we are. I guess I should have known, any fake tree my grandmother would buy would have a tragic flaw of some sort. Would it be white or some other ridiculous non-tree color? Would it play loud music every time I turned the lights on? Would it be covered with fake snow? No, none of these things. But it is full of colorful fiber optic tips. Is this tree really in my house?

It's a sad day around here. Damn those allergies! I'll do my best to make the tree work. But it really hurts my eyes just to look at it. Without further ado, I give you....The Totally Tacky Tannenbaum.....

This picture doesn't do it justice, really. The lights fade in and out while changing color and the power supply makes this wonderful droning hum. Delightful! It really embodies the peacefulness that is the holiday season quite well, I think (note the sarcasm). Merry f'ing Christmas, y'all.

~Mom on the Edge

The mind of a 3 year old

2007-12-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

Dear Bill Cosby:

Kids really do say the darndest things, huh?

We are an atheist family, but we believe in teaching our children about many religions and cultures. So Sam attends (as Alex did for 3 years) a Lutheran preschool. Pearson and I, both being raised in the Baptist church, find it difficult to give an unbiased explanation, at times, of a religion that neither of us were able to swallow when force-fed as children. So we thought it was best left to the believers. When one of the kids comes home telling us that they learned that God gives us food and water, we reply that yes, that is what some people believe (one of many examples).

Today Sam came home from preschool and we had the following conversation...

Sam: Today I learned about baby Jesus at Christmas. Do you know about baby Jesus at Christmas?

Me: Yes, I've heard that story.

Sam: Now can you tell me the story of baby Jesus at Halloween?

Me: I don't think I know a baby Jesus at Halloween story.

Sam: What about a pirate Jesus? That would be a really good story!

Me: I don't know that one either, but it does sound like it would be good.

Sam: We should write one, Mom.

Me: I think that's a great idea....

Sadly, someone already had our idea. Tonight I found http://www.piratejesus.com/001.html

At least we can read it together. And who knows what other adventures we can come up with for baby Jesus? Stay tuned...

~Mom on the Edge

Wii love raffles!

2007-12-04T00:25:00.000-05:00

Dear gods of good fortune:

Thank you for finally noticing us. :)

So our 6 year old daughter has one thing she expects Santa to bring this year (in addition to the many gifts she expects from mom and dad)....a Nintendo Wii. As you may know, these are nearly impossible to come by these days without jumping onto ebay and spending at least twice what they cost in the stores. And speaking of cost, we don't usually spend that kind of money on a Christmas gift. So we were kind of lost on what the answer was.

Then you came along. Apparently Pearson had entered a raffle quite some time ago. He bought two tickets at $5 a piece. Today he found out that he won 3rd prize...a Nintendo Wii. Unbelievable.

It will be a happy holiday in the Hurst household afterall. Now, how do I keep Pearson away from it until Christmas morning?

~Mom on the Edge

What the Eff?

2007-12-02T19:02:00.001-05:00

Dear Joe Gibbs:

Way to throw away the game. Nicely done.

~Mom on the Edge

Welcome to the world, Luke

2007-12-02T11:06:00.001-05:00

Dear S & A (and big sister R):

Many congratulations on your newest addition. We're so happy for you. He is beautiful. I hope the birth experience was everything you hoped it would be. I can't wait to meet the little guy. Take care of yourselves and your wonderful little family. Much love.

~Mom on the Edge

An early Christmas present

2007-12-02T10:54:00.001-05:00

Dear Internet friends:

Meet our newest addition. She was an early Christmas present for the whole family. Her name is Lola and she is, in fact, a show girl. :) No, not really. She is about 13 weeks old now. She's a chihuahua/pomeranian mix, less than 2 pounds currently and will probably grow to about 5 pounds. The kids adore her and she is settling right in. More pictures to come, I'm sure.

~Mom on the Edge

Speaking of Thanksgiving (Warning: Graphic Image!)

2007-12-02T10:41:00.000-05:00

Dear possible skull fracture:

How do I know the extent of the damage? I mean, could you cause Sam more problems? I really thought when the swelling went down there'd be nothing but a bruise left behind. But there is sort of a ridge (for lack of a better word) beneath the bruise. What's that about? It's been more than a week (happened on Thanksgiving night). In hindsight, maybe we should have taken Sam to the ER, just to be checked out. When he rolled off of the office chair and his little forehead smacked the TV stand, the sound was horrifying...that thud. I couldn't believe that his head had made that sound. The blood curdling scream followed within seconds. By the time I scooped him up there was already a bump nearly as big as an egg on his head. It was all blue and purple. It was horrible. When I first saw it I thought I might throw up. Pearson and I were both freaking out a little. But thanks to a good friend who was visiting (Thanks, J) we remained fairly calm and tried to comfort Sam. We put a cold wash cloth on it and watched as the swelling started to go down. It seemed like he was fine. Eventually he calmed down enough to go to bed. It seemed all was healing well...but now this ridge. I just don't know what to think. Is it normal?

~Mom on the Edge

Thanksgiving...Well, I'm thankful that it's over!

2007-12-02T10:33:00.000-05:00

Dear family:

Maybe we could skip the whole Thanksgiving feast next year? We could just go to Shoney's or Nanking or Kabuto (that was a fun year). Preparing Thanksgiving dinner is not fun. Cleaning up from Thanksgiving dinner is not fun. Being too exhausted to chase after my sugar infused children is not fun. As usual though, I'm sure nothing will change. See you next time.

~Mom on the Edge

The Toothless Wonder

2007-12-02T10:26:00.001-05:00

Dear Tooth Fairy:

Did you really have to take all of her teeth at once? I've never seen such a silly smile! All four front teeth gone at once. Not to worry though, she can still whistle.

~Mom on the Edge

Good luck today!

2007-12-02T10:21:00.000-05:00

Dear Redskins:

What a sad week. I know it will be hard to put it in the back of your heads and play hard. No advice today...just get out there and play.

~Mom on the Edge

Separation

2007-12-02T10:13:00.000-05:00

Dear local public school district:

One of the things I love most about this area is its diversity. My daughter's kindergarten class is made up of several different ethnic groups. I love that and think it's fantastic! Now, I have no clue what religious or spiritual beliefs the families of the class (and the school's 5 kindergarten classes as a whole) hold. I can say with certainty that they are not all Christian, nor do they all celebrate Christmas. That's why I found it so odd that the first field trip of these children's educational experience is to see a play titled "Santa's Picture Perfect Christmas." Don't get me wrong, I love Santa myself. We do celebrate Christmas as a family, although we are not Christian. It just seems somewhat inappropriate to me, I suppose. But Alex seemed beyond excited about going to see the performance, so I decided not to make an issue of it.

Then a few days later another permission slip was sent home. Alex's class was going to the county's central office to present the collection for the Christmas Mother...then they were going to sing some Christmas carols for the workers. Hmmm...that seemed even more odd. Christmas carols? Really? But again, Alex seemed excited so I signed the form. I'm not happy about it though.

This seems a lot like promotion of one religion above all others to me, which is something I am firmly against in the public school system. I hear the rumblings every year at this time...all this BS about a war against Christmas, blah blah. But in reality, at least around here, it's the same old story. Christianity is pushed on our children as if it were the only answer. No regard for church/state separation at all.

I wonder if the parents of the Jewish or Muslim children signed the permission slips as well. It's funny because when I attended a room parent meeting at the beginning of the school year they were very adamant about the "Winter Party" being about winter and not about any particular religious celebration or traditions. It was to be about snowmen and penguins and such. They stressed that the party should be inclusive for all of the children. I guess the same is not true for field trips.

~Mom on the Edge

Another day, another dollar...or 4

2007-11-09T20:22:00.001-05:00

Dear Tooth Fairy:

I fear your generosity has filled our daughter's eyes with dollar signs. The $4 you left Alex last night was much appreciated. She was so excited that she spent much of today wiggling the tooth next to the gap in her smile. This afternoon, tooth number 2 surrendered and Alex gleefully yanked it right out. Not to worry, she's been warned that you don't always leave $4. That was a first time only deal.

~Mom on the Edge

She pulled it herself! Now that's badass! ;)

2007-11-08T15:01:00.000-05:00

Dear Tooth Fairy:

What's the going rate for a first timer these days?

~Mom on the Edge

Enough is Enough

2007-11-07T22:50:00.001-05:00

Dear China:

Maybe you should get out of the toy making business. Just a thought...

~Mom on the Edge

I'm Alive

2007-11-06T14:32:00.000-05:00

Dear readers:

I apologize for the long absence. Things have been wild around here. Busy, busy, busy. I'll be back and posting soon though, I promise!

~Mom on the Edge

Take 'Em Down!

2007-10-28T13:37:00.000-04:00

Dear Redskins:

Intimidating? Yes. Unbeatable? No. We can beat New England. We've done it in 6 out of 7 meetings. I still say NE is overrated. They are in a division with incredibly sucky teams. That gives them a lot of breathing room and far less pressure during the regular season. Since they play the 3 other teams in their division 2 times each...that's pretty much a 6 win guarantee right there. The rest is a piece of cake. They barely have to show up to make it to the post-season. That means we have more at stake, more to lose. I think we want it more...and hopefully that will count for something.

~Mom on the Edge

BK...Basic Training Video?

2007-10-26T11:38:00.000-04:00

Dear Burger King:

Does your company not provide a basic training video? I remember in my very first retail job, at Thom McAn Shoes, I had to sit through about 3 hours of training videos. Have you considered anything like that for your employees? Maybe you should. And here's the first lesson you could teach them...

When it's breakfast time and you run out of biscuits....MAKE MORE! Don't just send hungry customers away.

~Mom on the Edge

I really wanted that sausage biscuit!

Kick Some Cardinal Ass!

2007-10-21T10:19:00.000-04:00

Dear Redskins:

Well last week was very disappointing. I think I may be partly to blame. It appears you guys only play well if I'm actually watching. I admit, I cut out early last week to take the kids to a party at the pumpkin patch. And today could be a problem as well. I will be watching most of the game, but will likely miss the end of the 4th quarter. So, please start off big and leave them no chance to catch up, ok? That'd be great.

As for tips...Alex is out. She really dropped the ball last week, so to speak. Silly superstitions. So what advice can I give this week? Let's start with the defense...we have one of the better defenses out there this season. We've allowed fewer points than all but 2 teams. That's huge! The defense is GOOD. Last week was tough. Green Bay is tough. Brett Favre is a great QB (playing for 800 years gives you lots of experience to fall back on). But this week is a new game. Arizona is no Green Bay. Arizona already has their starting QB out and last week, lost their backup QB to injury as well. So, the QB is a definite weakness (he threw 3 interceptions and fumbled twice last week). Arizona has allowed nearly twice the points we have. So take advantage of their weaknesses and WIN WIN WIN! A loss at this point seriously could end the season. This is a must win game!

Don't let us down.

~Mom on the Edge

p.s. Sorry no cool Redskins pic...blogger is having uploading issues right now.

EDITED TO ADD: Crap, the Cardinals are playing Warner. Still...same advice applies.

Me, too! Me, too!

2007-10-15T16:28:00.000-04:00

Dear Alex:

Since Sam got his picture posted, I guess you're right. It is only fair if you get one posted as well.

Behold... Alvin and the Chipmunks Spooky Halloween Night, by Alex

~Mom

EEK! A scary pumpkin!

2007-10-15T16:13:00.000-04:00

Dear Sam:

Thanks for my picture. You did such a good job on it. And you're getting so good with your name!

~Mom

Vicious Attention Whore

2007-10-15T14:15:00.000-04:00

Dear Ann Coulter:
What does it feel like to be the actual incarnation of evil? I mean, it's a powerful thing to be able to enrage and alienate an entire group of people in one fell swoop. Amazing. Actually what's amazing to me is that anyone still cares what you have to say. Your hate-speech has, I suppose, been your vessel to infamy. So perhaps it serves you well. Let's review just a few of your gems of wisdom...

" When we were fighting communism, OK, they had mass murderers and gulags, but they were white men and they were sane. Now we're up against absolutely insane savages."

How to respond here? As usual, I think your words speak for themselves. I'm not sure that you really have the credibility to be labeling others as "sane" and "insane" though.

"We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity."

Now, actually this would be the perfect answer to the problem...if we were a Christian nation, which we aren't (thankfully). America is not in the business of converting other countries to Christianity, at least we shouldn't be. Freedom of Religion doesn't simply mean the freedom to practice Christianity. That freedom is guaranteed to all. I'm sure this makes you sad. But really it's a founding principle of this country.

"No, we just want Jews to be perfected, as they say. ... That's what Christianity is. We believe the Old Testament, but ours is more like Federal Express. You have to obey laws. ...That is what Christians consider themselves: perfected Jews. We believe the Old Testament. As you know from the Old Testament, God was constantly getting fed up with humans for not being able to live up to all the laws. What Christians believe -- this is just a statement of what the New Testament is -- is that that's why Christ came and died for our sins. Christians believe the Old Testament. You don't believe our testament."

I know a lot of people, Jewish and not, were pretty offended by these statements you recently made. My gut reaction to your remarks was much the same. I thought it was hateful and anti-semitic. But when I thought on it more, I guess I realized that you weren't totally off base in describing your religious beliefs. Many Christians clearly believe they are a step ahead of the Jews. Being an atheist myself, I have to say that I completely disagree with your assessment though (big surprise). But I think that your statement, while not said in a very nice way, is in keeping with the beliefs of many (if not most) Christians. My problem with the statement is more that you are using your religious beliefs and the religious beliefs of others to gather more publicity and airtime for yourself, being the vicious attention whore that you are. And that, in my opinion, is very wrong.

"If I'm going to say anything about John Edwards in the future, I'll just wish he had been killed in a terrorist assassination plot."

Nice. I'm sure his small children appreciate the sentiment.

"I think [women] should be armed but should not vote...women have no capacity to understand how money is earned. They have a lot of ideas on how to spend it...it's always more money on education, more money on child care, more money on day care."

You're a credit to the gender, Ann.

"I think the government should be spying on all Arabs, engaging in torture as a televised spectator sport, dropping daisy cutters wantonly throughout the Middle East and sending liberals to Guantanamo."

So, all Arabs should be suspect? Where do we draw that line? How about Casey Kasem? There always was something very suspicious about that Shaggy Rogers character.

The venom you spew frightens me. What frightens me even more is the number of Americans who agree with you. That is terrifying. But the great thing about this country is that you have every right to pollute the nation with your extremist views. And I have every right to disagree....and to call you a dangerous, right-wing, hate-speaking, attention seeking, racist lunatic.

~Mom on the Edge

Week 6...If it works, stick with it

2007-10-14T09:46:00.000-04:00

Dear Redskins:

Since Alex's advice worked so well for you last week my superstitious side feels the need to test her abilities again. So, once again this week's advice is from my daughter...

"To get more points than the other team you need to throw the ball REALLY far. And, of course, catch it. Try to always make the other team fall down. Then they can't score points. You still need your Redskins shirts because they're lucky. And crossing your fingers is always lucky, too. Sing the Redskins song when you play...and, ummm, that's all I got!"

I predict a win at Lambeau for the 'Skins. Let's see how close I can get....I'm guessing Redskins 24, Packers 17.

We'll see...

~Mom on the Edge

Offensive Player of the Week!!!

2007-10-11T17:52:00.000-04:00

Dear Jason Campbell:

I *heart* you. :)

~Mom on the Edge

Happy (belated) birthday to my little princess!

2007-10-10T20:24:00.000-04:00

Dear Alex:

Six years have gone by in a flash. Suddenly you're this bright, beautiful, sarcastic, wonderful girl. You are so intelligent, so kind to others (with the exception of your little brother) and so eager to learn. Your favorite subject these days seems to be science, especially entomology and astronomy. You're definitely Daddy's little girl.

You have grown to be a fantastic daughter, sister, student, friend, neighbor...you're just so interested in the welfare of others. You're always looking for ways to make someone's day brighter. I'm so proud of the person you're becoming.

It amazes me every day how smart you are. You're reading Level 2 readers. You can solve basic addition problems in your head. You have an incredible grasp on science. I sometimes think you know more about space and nature than I do. It all seems to come so easy to you. None of this has been taught in school yet. It's all been a matter of you wanting to learn. I hope you keep that thirst for knowledge. It's incredible.

You are a special little girl. Always remember that. I love you so much. Just keep being you. Happy birthday, baby.

~Mom

Birthday wishes to follow soon...

2007-10-07T21:12:00.000-04:00

Dear Alex:

Today was your 6th birthday and we had a really fun day. There is so much that I want to say to wish you a happy birthday, but right now I'm a little overwhelmed realizing that my own mom has now missed as many of your birthdays as she was here to share. Somehow that feels like a big thing to me tonight. She loved you so much and so wanted to watch you grow up. She loved your birthdays, too. She would take you to Toys R US and buy you every toy you pointed to. This has been such an exciting time for you...starting kindergarten, turning 6, you have 4 loose teeth! Sometimes it just hits me kind of hard that she's not here for it. So, forgive me for not writing your birthday message tonight. I want to be able to give it the focus it deserves. I love you so much, my big girl. Sweet dreams.

~Mom

Game Day

2007-10-07T01:12:00.000-04:00

Dear Redskins:

My only advice this week is JUST WIN! It's Detroit. You better win. Plus, it's my little girl's birthday. Don't ruin it by putting her mom and dad in a foul mood. The fate of her 6th birthday rests on your shoulders. Remember that!

And in honor of her 6th birthday, Alex has some advice as well, "Remember to wear Redskins shirts. That's important. And cross your fingers, but not while you're playing. And yell 'GO REDSKINS! GO REDSKINS!' while you play. Then you'll win."

Sound advice.

~Mom on the Edge

The Little Blonde Girl, Revisited

2007-10-01T10:16:00.000-04:00

Dear anyone with the right answer:

Apparently Alex recently told Little Blonde Girl that it's not nice to leave people out because of the color of their skin (yay Alex!). Alex told the girl that she wanted to play with those other two girls and she didn't care what they looked like. So now this child has decided to try to convince Alex that she shouldn't play with them because "they're mean." When I asked Alex if she thought they were mean, she immediately said that they are not mean, but very nice and a lot of fun. I happened to see Alex playing with one of those little girls the other morning when I dropped her off and they seemed to be having so much fun. :)

So now my dilemma is this: Do I continue to let Alex handle the situation since she appears to be doing a great job of it, or do I speak with the teacher about the situation? My concern is that I know Alex is not the only one Little Blonde Girl is trying to influence. I'm not sure they all will handle things like Alex has. The situation is so unfair to those two little girls (and according to Alex, the three minority boys in the class as well...one who is black, one who is Korean and one who is bi-racial) that I feel it needs to be monitored at the very least.

Maybe I could send a note to the teacher about the things Alex has told me. I could even offer to come and read a book to the class about diversity or something. I don't know what to do. The whole situation makes me so mad.

Any words of wisdom out there?

~Mom on the Edge

That's How We Roll

2007-09-24T09:46:00.000-04:00

Dear lady down the street:

I just wanted to thank you for saving me so much time. I had plans to invite you and your kids over one afternoon to meet a couple of other moms in the neighborhood. Since you're new around here, I thought it would be the neighborly thing to do. Of course these things take some effort and planning. I am a conscientious hostess afterall. I always want things to be just right. I had it all planned in my head. I would invite you and your 4 kids, the 2 moms down the street with kids of similar ages (4 kids between them), and my next door neighbor with her daughter and step daughter. The kids could all play while eating homemade cookies and drinking lemonade. The moms could sip on sweet tea and get to know each other. Time consuming and haggering as it may seem, we do what we have to do. But you saved me from all that trouble.

Things were moving right along with the plans, in my head anyway. This hostess thing is a multi-staged process. It had seemed like fate that we would be great neighborhood friends. It was pretty cool the way we met. When you posted an ad on Freecycle and I replied, who would have thought you lived just 4 houses away from me? Fate! And you have kids about the same age as mine. Fate.

All seemed fine when you stopped by our yard sale. We made a plan to exchange an infant seat I had for some 3T boy's clothes you had. Remember that part? I think your words were, "I have a ton of 3T stuff for boys and it's all cute, Old Navy and Gap...stuff like that..." Seemed like a great deal for us both, with Sam needing some 3T clothes and you needing an infant seat. Again, fate. But alas, sometimes fate can be so cruel.

Pearson headed down to your house at 2:30, as you requested, and exchanged one for the other. When he arrived home and handed me the large bag he had retrieved from your house, I was so excited to see what kind of wonderful "big boy" clothes were waiting in there for my little guy! Imagine my surprise when I actually pulled them out...BIG BOY INDEED!

I suppose I should give you the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps you like to dress your son like a miniature Kevin Federline, in baggy pants and an oversized shirt. Maybe you thought you were doing something nice when you gave me these things. Then again, if that were the case, maybe you wouldn't be completely ignoring my e-mails and phone calls. I hope you enjoy the infant seat. I also hope dressing like a teeny thug doesn't violate the dress code at Sam's preschool. And how do I accessorize? I'm so not up on my hip hop culture...

Anyway, thanks for saving me some time. Being friendly with your neighbors is so overrated. I don't know what I was thinking. It's so much more fun to be involved in a neighborhood feud. Look out Hatfields and McCoys...it's on!

~Mom on the Edge

*a note to the readers: Those shorts are a size 8 and the shirt is a 10/12. These seem to fit the best.

The blog goes international

2007-09-21T20:35:00.001-04:00

Dear loyal readers:

My blog has been visited by friends, family, and interested parties from around the United States since I started it. But the blog is now officially an international sensation! Ok, maybe that's an exaggeration. But, according to my trusty sitemeter, we have now been visited by inhabitants of both Malaysia and Norway! How 'bout that? Word is spreading! :)

So, to my new cyber-friends in Norway: Hvordan har du det?

And in Malaysia: Apa khabar?

Don't you have a pick-up service or something?

2007-09-21T19:58:00.000-04:00

Dear public library:

I know, I know...our books are late, all 17 of them. I have no idea what kind of astronomical fees I've incurred, but maybe you could take a page from the Blockbuster playbook. NO LATE FEES! We could take it a step further and you could just mail me 3 books at a time. I can return them at my leisure (what a funny concept that is...leisure). I'm guessing you're not going to be very interested in that sort of give and take.

If only you understood what a day in my life was like maybe you would see that such deadlines are pretty unattainable. You think I can find time TWICE in one month to make it to the library? I barely have time to shower and shave my legs twice in a month!!!

Can't we find some sort of a compromise?

~Mom on the Edge

Shameless Pandering

2007-09-21T17:49:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, family & random strangers who have stumbled upon my blog:

It's Fall Fundraiser time! And my goodness are things a lot more advanced than when I was a kid. Thanks to the internet, my little girl can cyber-sell these wonderful products to friends and family, far and wide.

Please take a moment to look at the site, and if you're so inclined...BUY BUY BUY! :) You can help Alex win a really cool prize. Every little sale helps. Thanks....

From the standard e-mail the company sent us:

Alexandra is currently doing an online fundraiser for her school... and you can help!

1. Go to http://www.kathrynbeich.com/ before 10/19/2007
2. Shop from their great selection of personalized items, chocolates, and more!
3. Enter 120792 under Option 1 after selecting an item.

By entering number 120792, you'll credit Alexandra and her school with a large percentage of your purchase price.

Alexandra thanks you for all your help!

~Mom on the Edge

Week 3 and looking good!

2007-09-21T10:42:00.000-04:00

Dear Redskins:

Wow 2-0 going into week 3...who would've guessed it?

You guys did a much better job of catching the ball in week 2. But you'll have to do even better this week. The Giants defense is weak. Get the ball to Moss and he'll be unstoppable. You will NEED touchdowns, not just field goals to beat NY. While the defense is lacking (big time!), their offense is solid. You're going to have to outscore them, not just try to stop them.

And just a note....the last time you guys played the Giants you got 10 penalties for 100 yards! Not cool. Don't let it happen again or you will lose...again!

Until Sunday...

~Mom on the Edge

Holy Mucopurulent Discharge, Batman!

2007-09-20T21:48:00.000-04:00

Dear allergy season:

As if it weren't bad enough that Alex constantly coughs like an 80 year old 3-pack-a-day smoker, she now has a faucet for a nose as well. She coughs all night long. She coughs all day at school. I'm waiting for a note to come home soon asking me for proof the child doesn't have TB.

And Sam...poor little Sam. His nose is stuck on the "stream" setting. The snot doesn't even drip down his face like most kids. It actually leaps from his nostrils and takes aim at unsuspecting passersby. We get some very strange looks from people as I try to explain that my son didn't spit at them, his nose just has a mind of its own. On top of this annoying, leaky nose Sam also gets little red bumps on different areas of his body when they come into contact with certain allergens (grass, most trees...air!) so the kid is constantly scratching at himself like a junkie in need of a fix. But the best part came today when he got up from rest time with a face full of a remarkably thick, yellow discharge. At first I thought he had sneezed all over himself. Ha, I should be so lucky! I scooped him up and off to the doctor we went. Turns out he has not only pink eye, but also an ear infection. Beautiful. We've missed having antibiotics around the house. It's been so long. So begins the fall allergy season...and, I'm sure, an endless parade of antibiotics in our household.

You would think that we could keep you at bay between the allergy shots (twice a week), the prescription nasal spray (once a day), the Pulmicort Flexhaler (twice a day), the Albuterol inhaler (as needed), and the nebulizer treatments (as needed); that the kids would be impenetrable...but you're a persistent little booger (no pun intended).

It's not even fall yet and I'm already counting the days until winter. Is it time for the first frost yet?

~Mom on the Edge

I have a dream...

2007-09-19T10:47:00.000-04:00

Dear little blonde girl in Alex's class:

I wonder if your parents have raised you to believe the things you say or if you're just beginning to innocently notice differences in people's appearances. I certainly hope it's the latter. If it is a matter of upbringing, I hope you will find the strength and wisdom to rise above your parents' prejudices and see all people for who they truly are, not just for the color of their skin.

A great man once said, "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today."

When Alex came home from school the other night and told me that the girls in the class had created a "club" for themselves, I smiled and told her how I remembered those days. My friends and I made up our own clubs often at that age. As I was lost in the Land of Nostalgia, Alex suddenly snapped me abruptly back to reality when she said, but "L" and "M" aren't allowed to be in it. I immediately asked her why. She told me that you had said they weren't allowed in the club because they had brown skin and it was different and gross. My heart just broke for those two little girls...and for my own daughter, who has never expressed any prejudice against another.

I asked Alex if she thought their skin was different and gross. She told me she thought it was different, but not gross. I reminded her that people shouldn't be judged based on how they look. She replied, "I know but "A" said that they couldn't be and I can't make her." I told her that she was right...she can't make you believe that. But that she can lead by example. I asked her if she really wanted to be in a club that treated other people badly. She said she didn't want to be mean to anyone or hurt anyone's feelings, but didn't know what she could do.

I told Alex that I would like for her to go to school the next day and play with "L" and "M" and come home and tell me something that she liked about each of them. I'm proud to report that Alex did play with those little girls yesterday and told me all about it. She said that "L" is really nice and very shy, so they didn't play much. But she likes her and wants to play with her again. She had a great time playing with "M" yesterday. They pretended to work in a candy factory making all sorts of yummy treats. She's very excited to play with "M" again today. Please don't ruin that for her.

Alex told me that if you ever again tell her that someone should excluded from a group based on their appearance that she would tell you, "that's not nice and I don't play that way." I hope she has the strength to follow through. I believe she does.

I hope Alex helps to open your eyes to how wonderful diversity is. Her father and I made a point of sending her to a preschool that was very culturally diverse. We wanted her to learn from an early age that it's ok that not everyone looks, dresses, or talks the same. Not everyone has the same beliefs. Not everyone has the same abilities. These are important lessons. I hope one day someone takes the time to teach them to you. Maybe it will be my little girl.

~Mom on the Edge

Hi Jack, I'm Annette. You're doing it wrong. (South to drop off, moron!)

2007-09-17T09:35:00.000-04:00

Dear dads at my daughter's school:

I really hate to generalize, and I'm sure you're wonderful fathers. But I'm also sure you're NOT wonderful carpoolers! When dropping off your kids in the drop off circle at the school, you may have noticed there is a line of cars (with moms driving them) waiting patiently for their turn in the circle. You've probably noticed several of us waving at you (well, maybe "waving" isn't the right word, so much as gesturing?) as you fly past our block-long line of mini vans and station wagons, and jump in front of whoever's supposed to enter the circle next. I'm sure whatever you have planned for your morning is infinitely more important than the plans of the rest of us. And I'm sure your child is just that much more special than the rest of our kids. But I'm giving you fair warning right now that one of these days some frazzled mom who's lacking in patience and sleep is going to jump out of her vehicle and go totally road rage on your ass. I'm just saying...

~Mom on the Edge

Safety scissors...not so safe for hair

2007-09-16T17:34:00.000-04:00

Dear Fiskars:

I would like to lodge a complaint. A pair of your safety scissors snuck into my daughter's bedroom today and viciously attacked her beautiful hair! I should press charges, but my daughter has remained tight-lipped about the scissor's involvement. As is the case in many abusive relationships, she seems to be blaming anyone and everyone else.

"No, it wasn't the scissors. Please don't take them away. It was this piece of plastic that was under my bed."

"It wasn't the scissors, really! It was a DVD that cut my hair."

"I promise it wasn't the scissors, I ripped my own hair out."

It sounds all too familiar. The victim blames themselves and those around her, but never the true abuser. I know it was the scissors. I found them, hiding under the bed...still holding clumps of my daughter's hair. Be glad she's not talking...

~Mom on the Edge

From Buffett to Blondie

2007-09-15T17:27:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends and family:

The phone's back! :) So, as Debbie Harry says...

Call me on the line

Call me

Call me any anytime

Call me my love

You can call me any day or night

Call me

But please don't. I really HATE the phone. So, just e-mail anytime. Thanks.

Flyguy's doppleganger?

2007-09-13T22:23:00.000-04:00

Dear Richmonders:

Have you seen I'm Gonna Git You Sucka? If not, where the hell were you in 1988? Anyway, I'm so excited to report that Flyguy has moved into our fair city. I was driving down 7th St. near the Coliseum the other day when suddenly, from around a corner appeared this larger than life character. All that was missing were the platform fishbowl shoes. He was spectacular! I've never seen anything like him in person. I wanted to talk to him...at least take his picture, but he was pretty intimidating. I was waiting for him to start reciting "My Bitch Better Have My Money" when the light turned green and the driver behind me (who amazingly wasn't entranced by the superfly pimptastic creature in our presence) started honking at me and I had to move on. Oh well. And now, just for dramatic effect, I present to you...

My Bitch Better Have My Money

by Flyguy

My bitch better have my money

Through rain, sleet, or snow

My whore better have my money

Not half, not some, but ALL my cash '

Cause if she don't,

I'm gonna put my foot in her ass.

Have It Your Way

2007-09-13T21:38:00.000-04:00

And speaking of the Redskins...

Dear Jason, the Burger King cashier:

Thank you so much for making my son the happiest kid in town. When we ordered his kid's meal with a new BK mini NFL jersey included as a prize, my 3 year old son (a HUGE Redskins fan) naturally assumed he would be getting a Redskins mini jersey. Imagine his disappointment when he pulled out a Carolina Panthers mini jersey instead. He was devastated. But when he turned to you and asked if you had a Redskins jersey instead, my heart nearly broke. This being a Redskins town, I thought the odds of that were pretty slim. But you, Jason, came through for my son. You told him, "hang tight for a minute, little man." Then you left the restaurant, leaving Sam completely confused. When you reappeared carrying the mini jersey that you had secured for yourself and handed it over to Sam, he nearly burst with excitement and squealed, "it's the Redskins, Mom! I told you I can have the Redskins!"

He may not know how wonderful a thing you did, Jason. But I do. I hope you get a replacement mini jersey from one of those boxes. And even if you don't, remember you're one little guy's hero. Thanks.

~Mom on the Edge

All My Rowdy Friends...

2007-09-13T21:15:00.000-04:00

Dear Redskins:

Congratulations on your (very lucky) win last week! I'll take the win, even if it's not pretty. But, right to the point...I said I would give a tip each week. Last week I suggested that Campbell show off his ability to pass a little more often. It seems maybe you listened to me, at least a bit. Nice arm, Jason! But that leads me to this week's suggestion. As we head into week 2 let's try actually CATCHING some of those passes??? That would make the game a lot more fun for us all. Philadelphia may not appreciate it. But I'm not here for them. Catch the damn ball. That's it. Sounds simple, right? Well, you didn't make it look very simple last week! See you boys Monday night.

~Football fan on the Edge

If the phone doesn't ring, you'll know that it's me...

2007-09-13T20:54:00.000-04:00

Dear Jimmy Buffett:

When you wrote that line, had your husband also buried the phone bill under a pile of crap at his office and forgotten to pay it...leaving you with no phone service? Oh wait, you never had a husband. That must just be a problem I have. Sorry to bother you!

~Mom on the Edge

p.s. to any friends or family members who have tried to call me, only to get that sweet message from Cavalier Telephone...the phone should be back on tomorrow. They say it takes 24 hours. Why is that? Whatever. Call the cell.

Deep Fried...WTF?

2007-09-11T15:33:00.000-04:00

Dear State Fair Officials (Freaks):

I have seen some crazy things at the State Fair over the years. Some actually turned out to be pretty good. I am a slave to the deep fried snickers. I do like the deep fried oreos, although it still seems an awfully strange concept. Funnel cakes are one of the most perfect foods in the world especially when covered with chocolate syrup and powdered sugar. But really, you've reached new levels this year. I would love to meet the individual that created this new sensation. I have no desire to try it, but I feel certain there are many Virginians out there salivating at the thought. But, DEEP FRIED PEPSI? Why? That's all I want to know...WHY???

And what happened to the deep fried snickers anyway? Bring them back!

~Mom on the Edge

Hail...victory???

2007-09-07T14:54:00.000-04:00

Dear Redskins:

As always, I have high hopes for the upcoming season. You guys looked pretty good in the preseason. And I have to say I am actually starting to believe we may have a winning season. Last season was bad. It was hard to watch, honestly. But I still have the 2005-2006 season in the back of my mind, reminding me that the 'Skins CAN play football. So, do it! Allow me to help with a suggestion. Granted, I've never actually played a game of football...but I have watched many a game fall completely apart! I will add a new tip weekly, so pay attention people...I'm talking to you this week, Al Saunders!

This Week's Tip...THROW THE BALL! I know we have some great rushers. And a good running play, at the right time, can be of great benefit. But we finally have a QB with an arm! The kid can throw! Let him do it. Maybe then we could actually put a couple of touchdowns on the board instead of field goal after field goal. Just an idea.

And now my prediction for this season. The Redskins will have a winning season. I'm going to say... we're looking at a 9-7 season....but I'm hoping for even better!

Go get 'em!

~Redskins fan on the edge

First day

2007-09-04T10:32:00.000-04:00

Dear daughter:

You're at school right now, your very first day of kindergarten. This morning was chaos, no big surprise. We are not morning people around here. When your brand new hot pink alarm clock went off for the very first time this morning, you tried to ignore it....so much like your dad. When I came in to turn it off, you rolled over and said, "That thing is way too loud. It woke me up!" :) We decided to lay around in my bed for a couple of minutes while Daddy was in the shower, but it was short-lived as we had so much to do this morning.

I started making breakfast---your favorite, bacon and toast---while you got dressed and brushed your hair. I decided to surprise you with a cute toast creation that I had heard would wow any kid. Apparently you are not just any kid....thanks a lot, Rachel Ray! You were totally unimpressed and asked me why in the world I would write on your toast. At least your little brother thought it was cool.

Realizing you had to be at school in ten minutes and no one was dressed besides you, we began the mad dash around the house to correct the situation. We gathered your school supplies, your "I love Jack" Pirates of the Caribbean messenger bag (so chic), and your pink camouflage lunch bag and headed out the door. I was feeling a little nervous for you, wondering if the kids in your class would be nice, whether they would take to your outgoing personality immediately or if they would shy away. I just wanted your first day to be great!

We arrived at the school a few minutes before the first bell. There were parents and kids everywhere. You were walking kind of slowly and I wondered if you were getting nervous or if you were just still unhappy about having to see the world before 8am. My stomach started to knot up a bit, hoping you weren't scared to start this new journey. You eased my fears pretty quickly though...

I opened the door and you strolled right in, without looking back even to say goodbye. You entered your new school life to a chorus of little girls squealing, "Alex! Come sit with me!!!" They love you. I knew they would. :)

~Mom

And she's off...

2007-09-03T21:14:00.001-04:00

Dear daughter:

Well, as unbelievable as it is, you start kindergarten tomorrow! You're so ready and I'm not worried about you at all. I know you'll do great. You're super smart: you can read, tie your shoes, tell time (a little bit), spell, you draw the most wonderful pictures, you're so creative and clever. Beyond all of those things, you're strong, honest and bold. You speak your mind and you don't let anything get in your way. I love that about you, even though it often makes my life a bit harder. ;) You're going to be just fine. I can't wait to see the girl you'll become as you meet new people and learn new things over the next several years in school. I hope you stay as strong as you are now and always hold onto who you are. Never change to suit anyone else. Most of all, I hope you're lucky enough to find friends as wonderful as the ones your dad and I found. I know you will. Who wouldn't be drawn to that personality? Good luck tomorrow, baby. I love you and can't wait to hear all about your first day!!!

~Mom

Spy Kids

2007-08-30T11:52:00.000-04:00

Dear unsuspecting citizens:

I must share with you a conversation I overheard between my 5 year old daughter (A) and 3 year old son (S). Beware. If you see them on the street, please do not approach. They should be considered armed and dangerous! You've been warned.

Conversation:

A: I think we're going to have to start spying on Dad.

S. Yep, we have to watch him.

A: Then we'll know what he's up to and can stop him before he can be mean.

S: Daddy's not mean to me.

A: Well, he could be. That's why we have to watch him. Here's the plan...you spy on him whenever he's in the living room. I'll spy on him when he's outside. Do you think Mom would spy on him at night, in the bedroom? I don't think we can trust that. Maybe he just sleeps there anyway.

S: Yep. I'll spy on him in the outside.

A: NO! You're supposed to spy in the living room! Pay attention!

S: Well, I can spy on him all the time.

A: Ok, we'll start today. Don't forget, you spy when he's in the living room...and be careful!

S: Careful, right. I'll go get our swords...

*********************************************************************************

Watch out, Dad. It sounds like a pretty strong plan, assuming they don't kill each other first.

Nine years...

2007-08-29T14:47:00.001-04:00

Dear husband:

Nine years ago today a couple of 22 year old kids vowed to spend their lives together. What were we thinking? ;) I remember the day so well, yet it also seems a blur. It went so fast...the ceremony, of course, lasting only 12 minutes. It was a kick-ass party though. Best reception ever!

I don't take the chance to say these things as often as I should, but now seems appropriate. Thank you for all you've done for me, all you do for me, for everything you are. Thank you for giving me two beautiful children. Thank you for being my rock when my strength fails me. Thank you for working so hard. Thank you for being so patient and understanding. Thank you for loving me just the way I am. Thank you for being such a fantastic dad. Thank you for being mine.

Happy anniversary. I love you.

*************************************************************************************

And now, for the viewing enjoyment of my readers... a trip down memory lane...

Craigslist

2007-08-23T10:07:00.000-04:00

Dear Craigslist:

Please release me from your siren call, luring me back to the computer every time I step away. I have chores to do, children to tend to...and sometimes I even need a bathroom break. Please release this hold you have on me! I can't take it any longer! My bathrooms need cleaning, the dishes need to be put away.....

I've wasted so much time on this post....what if I missed something awesome on the Craigslist Free Stuff board??? Oh crap...gotta run..........

~Mom on the Edge

The Free Movies

2007-08-22T12:02:00.001-04:00

Dear Patrons of the Regal Free Family Film Festival:

Having free movies to take your children to during the summer is such a fantastic thing! Of course, for us the "free" movie really just means the "$11 snack time," but I digress. My true meaning for writing is to share with you some suggestions for next summer, since thankfully this one is coming to a close.

1. When forming a line, waiting for the doors at the theater to be unlocked, it might be a good idea to keep your children away from the busy parking lot. It might ruin their movie-going experience to be flattened by one of the gigantic SUVs flying through there. I know it's so terribly difficult to manage those precious little souls (read: out of control demons) while chatting on your cell phone and applying make-up. I guess we all have our priorities though.

2. And speaking of this "line" we're supposed to form while waiting...my daughter's preschool teachers were always fond of reminding the children that "we want a french fry line, not a mashed potato line!" I would be happy with any line that didn't involve strangers knocking my little ones around while trying to make a mad dash to the front of the line, even though there were about 100 people there before you! I'm still confused as to how my kids and I got to the theater a good 5 minutes before anyone else arrived and still I was about the 50th person into the theater??? But, I didn't get much sleep last night and perhaps all that pushing and shoving was just an hallucination. I guess I'll never know.

3. I realize it's a free movie, however, I am of the opinion that the same rules apply. I'm talking to you, the moms (and nannies) who talk on their cell phones throughout the movie while ignoring your screaming baby. While it's fun for the rest of us to miss every other line of the movie due to the blood curding cries of your 8 month old, you may want to take the conversation into the hall. And take the kids along! Your 3 year old isn't a babysitter.

4. Once the herd has been led into the theater itself, be courteous to others. I know that the $6.50 large popcorn purchase allows us free refills. That's why I buy it. Do I think that the kids and I are going to eat all of the popcorn contained in that 10 gallon bucket? No, certainly not. But I do anticipate the terroristic 5 year old boy ever so politely (and intentionally) kicking our popcorn over while shooting his pretend guns at us. What an imagination on that one! What I didn't anticipate was the response from his mother, whose only reply was, "at least it wasn't a drink!" Really? That's all you have to say? (I gave a few seconds of thought to pulling out my own pretend gun on the mother, but I thought better of it and went to refill the popcorn instead.)

5. A message to all the daycares out there...parents pay you to take care of their kids. They pay A LOT for you to take care of their kids! Get up off of some of that cash and PAY to take those kids to a movie! Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy being surrounded by 127 screaming daycare kids who are being "supervised" by 4 (sleeping) teenage chaperones! But I've heard rumblings from others who aren't so open-minded as myself. I worry for you. What will you do with that brood when you return to the parking lot to find the tires on your daycare vans slashed by some renegade mom? The day is coming...

Oh there's so much more I want to say, but I'm just overwhelmed after a summer full of free movies with all of you. All I can say is, thank goodness that next summer is so far away!

~Mom on the Edge