A new reader named Susan made a comment on the “manners don’t matter? excuse me” post.  She gave an example of how she taught her kids manners with a little toy pig at the table.  Go ahead and read her comment.
Then, since it’s been way too long, and since Thanksgiving is around the corner, I think we should start up a little dialogue about manners.  So, here’s the question:

How do you teach your kids manners for the dinner table?

and, another question for good measure:

What are your favorite family traditions for Thanksgiving?

This trip reminded me why I love New England.  The trees were magnificent; the weather was glorious.

I am sad to be back.

(more…)

It has been so hot lately (and I think you all know how I feel about that!), but now that the weather is actually pleasant, I’ll take the time to tell you about our little day at the pumpkin farm.  I say little because it lasted all of forty-five minutes.

I had had dreams of a breezy fall day in the crisp cool air.  We would wear thick hand-knit sweaters, pick bushels of apples, find the perfect pumpkins.  Then we’d come in from the cold and have cider and doughnuts.

It felt more like we were in a scene in Grapes of Wrath, complete with ninety degree heat, dead crops, and dust.

We had fun, but I will be glad to be in New England soon, where I can have a real fall!

My two-year-old keeps asking if he can please have a tomahto.  We’ve been watching a lot of Charlie & Lola.  I think I’ll make a new rule that we all have to call them tomahtoes now.  I don’t ever want him to stop.

“Last week, Japanese scientists explaced… placed explosive detonators at the bottom of Lake Loch Ness to blow Nessie out of the water. Sir Godfrey of the Nessie Alliance summoned the help of Scotland’s local wizards to cast a protective spell over the lake and its local residents and all those who seek for the peaceful existence of our underwater ally.” —- Napoleon Dynamite

I couldn’t resist. I finally found the whole thing written down (I’ve been searching for it since I read Breaking Dawn), and it’s one of my favorite movie lines of all time.

Ever since I had my first baby, I have envisioned taking my family to great heights–I’d love for my son to go to Oxford, or for my daughter to sing opera. I, however, do not have a degree from Oxford and can’t sing. But that won’t hinder me from helping my children achieve those things, or any of their other lofty pursuits. My plan is to read classic literature to them, travel with them, teach them good manners and foreign languages, and try — try – to get them to eat great food. This blog will document my attempts. Thanks for visiting.