Barry Babysitting Techniques

'How do you do it?' people ask me all the time. Well, on top of being a completely awesome "Molly Mormon" supermom(what? you didn't get up at 4:30am to read your scriptures and run? for shame!), I also ascribe to a very easy 6 step program.

Step 1: Lots of treats. It keeps 'em quiet(especially if it is extra sticky toffee/caramel)




























Step 2: Entertain 'em. If it is an educational cartoon you get extra points.






















Sometimes after the first two steps the "children" are still fidgety/annoying/loud/there. If this is the case then I 'call in the big guns' with steps 3-6.

Step 3: Restrain the children. Blankets, duct tape...whatever works for you.




























Step 4: Contain the children.




























Step5: Rough them up a bit. Even if it doesn't calm them down, you might feel a little better.




























And FINALLY, for the really difficult cases...

When nothing else works...

Step 6: Trade them for a puppy.




























*no actual children where harmed in the writing of this blog.

"Mommy..."

"...I'm stuck!"

or not

...while earlier in the evening...

love is in the air...

Pretty sure that this is going to reappear at a 16th birthday party(alternative title... "Reason's to Hate Your Parents?").

wake up Playmate!

We're driving home late. Well, technically it is only 9 p.m. but since we have the kids with us it might as well be midnight. As soon as the engine starts Gavin conks out...seriously he is drooling before we get to the end of the street. Jane and Anne are next, Jane's head lolling uncomfortably. Atticus...well, Atticus has a talent for staying awake(when we drove thru the night to get to New Jersey it was a little creepy having him wide eyed and silent at 3am). If anything is going on, he will stay up for it. He is pretty bummed about his best friend/playmate/partner in crime falling asleep and leaving him to his lonesome. As I watch he leans over and starts rubbing Jane's leg. That wakes her up giggling, and they both laugh for a few seconds. Within a minute though, she is out again. He pokes her with his toe. Nothing. He kicks her. Nothing. He kicks her repeatedly. Nothing. So sad/funny to watch. He is getting frustrated now. He starts whacking her on the shoulder while still poking her with his toes. Finally, she wakes up. Not giggling this time. Screaming actually. Poor Atticus, she falls back asleep within the minute and he sits there glumly, awake, all the way home.

Kiss Me!....

...I'm Irish(among other things!)

the adoration of Anne...

Adorable doesn't even begin to describe it. She rules the roost at our house. Her siblings fawn all over her. Gavin asks if she can sleep with him every day and she regularly has the honor of being his "best friend". Atticus thinks she is one of the coolest toys he has ever seen. She is so mellow, happy, and just plain lovable. Seriously, she is ok with being stepped on, sat upon, ridden like a pony, and kissed to the point of drowning. If she can be with her brothers and sister she is happy! I am understanding more everyday why she was just not willing to wait until I was ready to get pregnant again. She didn't want to miss the party!