Christmas card picture

We have never been the type to think that everyone we know, family excluded would want to have a picture of our kids for a Christmas card. You know the type, family all decked out in matching sweaters, lounging around a perfectly trimmed tree, that BTW I am sure is not their tree at all. Anyone who has small children knows that their tree will be far from perfectly trimmed. Back to the perfect Christmas card scene...all of the participants with perfect smiles, maybe even looking as if they like one another.
Well, last year we crossed over to the other side and with the help of an online service, we put together a Christmas card with a picture of all of us, yes all of us. I guess we jumped in feet first. Now this year, we decided we would formulate another photo card, just of the children this time. We have been trying to plan for a good picture of the 3 little imps together, but it seems that we don't have any that turn out with all 3 looking somewhat normal. The First Born is all for it, totally posing with a smile glued on her face. But the Middle Child and the Terrible Two's are another story. The Middle Child is ok for a few shots, but then he starts closing his eyes, making faces, striking crazy poses. And the Terrible Two's, well need I say more? We are lucky to just get a glimpse of him in the picture...


So we ended up with one so-so picture that will have to do. Now that we have crossed this threshold, is our next step to become one of those families who send out form letters about a year in the life...? I hope not, but never say never. It will come back to bite you in the....

If You Can't Beat 'Em...

In our house, raising 3 children, aged 7, 5, and 2, it is inevitable that there is lots of "potty talk". And I don't mean anything profane, unless you consider bowel movements and farting profane. Much to the dismay of several Mothers I engage in playgroup with, I do not much discourage such talk. Oh sure, if we are at someone's house or restaurant for dinner or at school, we refrain and have taught the children to do so as well. But if the children are at home or playing with friends, all bets are off.
So yesterday the first born tells me that she knows what 100 times 10 is. I ask her and she replies "1000". The middle child heard this exchange and then says to me "Hey Mom, Do you know what 100 times turd is?" How do you answer that?