Conversations in the Car

For Declan's school this year, we have a carpool with two other families. They are kids he has known since 2nd grade, and they've now gone on to middle school together. I'm discovering that I learn a lot about my child while listening to the chatter and pretending I'm listening to NPR.

The three of them -- two boys and one girl -- remind me of Harry, Ron and Hermione from the Harry Potter series in their dynamic. And they squabble, tease and laugh like they are siblings. I've been really glad that Declan has had the two of them as they have transitioned to this new school.

So some of the things I've learned about my son is that he's a little bit girl crazy. There is a LOT of teasing that goes on about that. Apparently he always his eye on someone. Great.

I've also learned that the three of them have tons of inside jokes that date all the way back to second grade, and they tell the same stories and jokes over and over again. And over and over again. And they appear to have the capacity to laugh even harder every time. Personally, this is about the time I think about driving off the road. If I hear the "boxen" joke again, I'm going to have to put something sharp in my eye.

I think the most eye-opening thing is realizing that my eldest child clearly has a life that is separate and distinct from mine. There are jokes, stories, activities and yes, even crushes, that I am not even remotely involved in. I realize that separation will only grow greater over time. At this point, I'm still counting my lucky stars that I have that time in the car to listen and learn and laugh with them for a little longer.

L U V Madonna!

I have been cracking up at all of the articles and comments floating around the Internet this week about Madonna's half-time performance at the Super Bowl.

I'm going to come clean here and tell you that I loved it. LOVED IT! I thought it was showy and fun, and my sister and I grooved through the whole thing.

Did she lip sync? I'm pretty sure she did (although the kids caught onto it first and had to convince us). But so what? I think it was proven by the Black Eyed Peas that the acoustics, no matter where the Super Bowl is played, just really aren't that great in these huge stadiums. Besides, I'm one of those people who wants to hear the music like it sounds on my iPod!

Did she slip? Yes, but I can't even walk in boots like that, let alone dance.

Did her back up dancers assist her when she was doing her moves? Yes, I'm pretty sure that was part of the dance routine. I don't think she was there to try out for the 2012 Women's Olympic Gymnastics Team. I could be wrong though. Think Geena Davis.

All in all I thought the whole thing was fun and entertaining, and I laughed when someone said, "I didn't get the gladiators." And someone else said, "I didn't get the pom poms." It was just a show. I don't think we were supposed to find any existential meaning in it.

But I could be wrong.

Now I totally want to see her on tour with my hair up in a bandana, black leggings, mini skirt, and arms full of black rubber bracelets. Because I L U V Madonna, and I think I always will.

Grandparents are Fun

I consider myself very lucky that I still have a grandparent alive. My Grandpa is 98. 98! I love visiting him and hearing tales of his youth or his observations on life. He's very well-read. In fact, I'm usually pretty embarassed at what I DON'T know what I talk to him.

All four of my grandparents were a very big presence in my life growing up. We lived just about an hour away from them, and I spent a lot of time in the small town where they all lived.

So I love it when my own parents come for a visit. It's fun to see the boys interact with them. My Dad just left after a visit. Here are a few pics of the fun.


Finn and Grandpa out for a snowshoe.


Me falling down while snowshoeing.


Boys out for breakfast with Grandpa. I thought I asked for a croissant, but did not receive one upon their return...



First ever picture of Grandpa and all nine grandkids.



Grandpa and the boys.