A Little Chaos Theory

Music is an integral part of our household. Scott and I had differing tastes when we met, but we’ve been able to bridge the gaps and find quite a bit of common ground. Don’t get me wrong, we still have our differences: I’ll never be a Jimi Hendrix fan and Joshua Kadison leaves [...]

Jude opens the door and pokes his head into the bathroom. “Mommy, being a kid is hard.” I resist the urge to point out that hardship is the inability to pee in privacy when I see the serious expression on his face - the blue eyes peering intently at me beneath tousled hair.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t [...]

When I first thought about keeping a blog, it all seemed so simple. I’d install a software program, and any time I had something that I wanted to talk about, or think about, or there was a story I felt I needed to get down so that I don’t forget because Mommy Brain can [...]

The sky is falling. The sky is falling. The sky is falling. Not really, but it did snow in small town Oregon. And not just the type of snow that you need a magnifying glass to see, but several actual inches that are still on the ground several hours later. [...]

For Scott and I, one of the strengths in our marriage has been the ability to communicate with each other. I think it started back before we ever started dating, when we would have long telephone conversations with each other (and even agreed that we could never date because our friendship was so special). [...]

Mr. Baby is in a stage where he wants constant attention during his waking hours. In many ways, it’s fun. I enjoy cuddling, playing peek-a-boo, and pretending fear of toy dinosaurs. But there are times when dealing with a toddler interferes with the other things I need to accomplish - important things like cleaning the [...]

Jude: Daddy, can I handle the pot?
Scott: Not right now. It’s too hot.
Jude: Can I when I’m a parent?
Scott: Well sure, I suppose so.
Jude: I don’t think I’ll ever be a parent.
Scott: Why not?
Jude: Because it’s taking a really long time and it hasn’t happened yet.
Scott: Jude, you’re only 4. You can’t be [...]

Chaos Theory is the theory that looks at how nonlinear and dynamic systems interact with each other. While from a scientific basis those systems actually do have a type of symmetry to them they appear to act randomly and on their own, separately yet together.
Breydon is a child that craves order and consistency. If [...]

Home is where the heart is. That’s how the old saying goes, anyway. But what happens when your heart is in two different places?
I have always loved Alaska. I moved there in 1991 when I was still young, single, and wanting adventure. I didn’t expect my residency there to last long because [...]

“Take my underwear off your head.”
“You’re right, Jude, we don’t eat cat litter.  And no, the cats don’t eat it either.”
“No, I don’t want a pickle in my ear.  You eat it.”
“If you don’t put your shoes on RIGHT NOW, you don’t get to go to school today.”
“That’s right, Breydon.  A skeleton does not have a penis.”