Fostering Independence in Kids

I (usually) love when my kids exert some independence and take care of their own needs.  I don't see it as being neglectful ... they are simply learning valuable life skills.  This is a picture of Eva getting her own cereal.  Sometimes they get into things before I realize they've done it, and there's a mess to clean up.  Sometimes I know what their plan is and support them.  Either way, I can almost guarantee that my kids won't be on my health care plan until they are 26 (Lord, I hope not, anyway).  I mean, if my kid can legally get a DUI at the age of 21, can't he/she also pay for his/her own health insurance right out of college SOMEHOW?  I don't expect them to get $100,000/year jobs right out of school, but they have to be able to take care of themselves, even if it means working 2 jobs to pay off school loans and to have health insurance.  Call me crazy, but I don't care ... I've known too many people who have taken care of themselves and I want to put that expectation out there for my own kids and hope it sticks.  I hope it offsets some of the babying I do to them :-)

Easter Pictures 2010

By popular demand, here are some Easter pictures from our day at my mom's.  Don't get too excited now!  Don't you think Sam looks like MiniMe from Austin Powers?  Make up your own caption for this one!

Lego Cake Attempt

This was my attempt to make a Lego cake for Michael's birthday party recently.  What the &^%^ was I thinking? I am like the worst cook in America!

When it was clear it was all messed up, I got upset with myself, but Michael was so cool about it and helped me doctor it up. Next time I'll head here for some really cool, doable cakes!

Chocolate Communion: Choco Discs

 I hope this isn't some sort of blasphemy,talking about Choco Discs as Chocolate Communion.  I dig these little guys ... I get them at Whole Foods and spend way too much on them, but they don't give me a  headache like most of the sugar crap I buy at the regular store.  I just like how they are shaped like a Communion wafer and provide so much spiritual fulfillment.  God knew what He/She was doing when these were created.  I'm actually getting somewhere in my weight loss journey ... the proof is that I bypassed my little chocolate wafer friends the other day when I was at Whole Foods.

If you're a writer type, come on by The WM Freelance Connection to find out how I published my first e-book.

Wooden Trophy Stands for Pinewood Derby Cars and Trophies

I told Aron that when I am a rich writer (forget famous; you can't spend famous) he can quit his job and be a full-time woodworker (not to mention being able to give me daily foot massages and be our full-time cook, as well).

I also told him his woodworking portfolio would be on my blog for his potential clients since I've posted pictures of almost all of his projects.

Here's the latest one: Joel got a trophy for winning 2nd place in our Cub Scout Pinewood Derby recently, and Michael got a ribbon for winning 1st place for siblings, so Aron made them each a stand to hold their car and their award. What a good dad, huh?