Last night I took the kids out to eat, sort of. We hit a local Mexican restaurant for take out, but I did have to take all three kids in with me to collect my food. I didn’t think I could handle all three by myself eating in the restaurant (Been there, done that.  I’m usually exhausted afterward.)
My kids are fairly well behaved, but very active at restaurants, so we just don’t do it that much. And when we do, we tend to pick out places that are “kid friendly.”
I …

OK, busy moms, what tools do you use to keep you focused, on time and sane?
My No. 1 tool is simple – the timer on the microwave. I use it in the morning as a countdown until we have to leave. I used it when I’m writing as a reminder of when the bus is going to arrive. I use it limit the kids’ Wii time or movie time.
I love my microwave timer.
Then there’s the calendar on the wall by the kitchen. To be honest, I should have photographed my …

A friend posted a one-liner on her Facebook page the day after Christmas: “Collapse.”
Yup, I felt the same way!
With our hustle and bustle from one family to the next complete, we arrived home about 9, unloaded the car and sent the kids off to bed.
With few exceptions, everything is still in the spot it landed Christmas night: toys on the floor, the dining room table, the kitchen island; jackets over the stair railing, several chairs and, again, the floor; dirty dishes still in the sink.
It’s been, what, four days, since …

I’ve walked around all day with a mark on my jeans. And to be honest, I have no idea when it got there, but I certainly know the culprit!
Note to my 4-year-old daughter: If you want to write on mom’s jeans and not get caught, don’t sign your artwork.
As I left for lunch today, a friend said: “Michelle, you have a heart on your butt.” Sure enough, a closer look revealed a “K” and a heart on one back pocket and a “K” on the other.
My daughter’s first name begins …

Sometimes moms hear words of wisdom: from other moms, their own moms, or even strangers.
Here’s mine from a Saturday running errands with the kids:
• Before sticking your hand down a garbage can at a local mall food court and asking the cleanup crew to open it for you after your 4-year-old screams, “You threw away my toy,” stick your hand in your pocket.
• Carry hand sanitizer in the car at all times. You never know when you’re going to need it.
• Before heading out of the house, even for five …

So when do you go with the desire of a child or make a decision for him?
My husband and I have always believed in exposing our two kids – now 4 and 7 – to a variety of activites. First, it keeps them physically active and second, it allows them to experience a number of sports to maybe make a decision to focus on one or two.
Plus, I don’t want the kids to have the option to come home every night with hours available to watch TV or play the …