Year 5, Day 326

The focus of Miles's artwork can be...well, inspiring, yes, but also unexpected.

Year 5, Day 325

As Miles was falling asleep last night, we engaged in some of our usual, light bedtime banter. "I don't want to die," he said without pretext. "And I don't want you to die and I don't want Mommy to die. Just stay every day forever." "Well," I started, wanting to make things a bit less … Continue reading Year 5, Day 325 →

Year 5, Day 316

Having acquired a bunch of rudimentary (read: toy) cooking supplies for Christmas, Miles has begun insisting on cooking for us. On the one hand, I applaud his enthusiasm for it. On the other, I like my house and am in no hurry to see it engulfed in flames. So, with some sly support (which he … Continue reading Year 5, Day 316 →

Year 5, Day 298

After a few weeks of stops and starts, Miles has finally assembled his "gummi house" for Christmas. Despite Jaclyn's best attempts, Miles refused any and all help, building it the way HE wanted. Gotta be honest, I don't know that the building inspector is going to sign off on this one. Not that it matters. … Continue reading Year 5, Day 298 →

Year 5, Day 268

Another birthday is looming for me, threatening (as it does) to ratchet the years up one more notch and bring me that much closer to an assisted living facility. Frankly, I can't wait. It is simply too noisy in this house -- all the time -- and if a retirement home is what it'll take … Continue reading Year 5, Day 268 →

Year 5, Day 267: The Fourth Dipsgiving

Today heralded the return of what has become one of the premier events of the holiday season -- Dipsgiving, the friendsgiving that eliminates pesky things like silverware and most solids. GAZE UPON IT. GRAZE UPON IT. Looking back over the years, there has been a lot of child supervision that has had to go into … Continue reading Year 5, Day 267: The Fourth Dipsgiving →

Year 5, Day 202

On a recent trip to Costco, we agreed to let Miles pick out a snack of his choice -- something he could have on-hand that was quick and easy for car travel, such as our morning commute, or as an afterschool treat. He chose a massive box of Entenmann's Little Bites mini-muffins, and he's been … Continue reading Year 5, Day 202 →

Year 5, Day 198

"It says, 'Miles gets to eat his muffins and no one else gets any'," Miles said as he consulted the Costco receipt.

Year 5, Day 165

For Miles's latest strategy in his ongoing quest to avoid eating his dinner, having determined that whining and screaming aren't means to his preferred end, he's opting for a surplus of enthusiasm and kindness. "Oh this so yummy you gotta try it," he'll say, sans punctuation and with no room to breathe, much less for … Continue reading Year 5, Day 165 →

Year 5, Day 163

Miles and I killed a couple hours at the Charlotte Comicon today while we waited for Jaclyn to return from her retreat, and while I was there to rummage through some long boxes, Miles quickly demonstrated that he was only interested in two things. First, acquiring a balloon sword. Why oh why did I give … Continue reading Year 5, Day 163 →