At 9 years old, Beckett is constantly wavering between being independent and completely helpless.It’s quite the range and on display multiple times each day. He likes the idea of being self-sufficient and not needing our help, but the reality is he’s far from it most of the time because it takes a lot of work.It’s… Read more »

As parents, we think we know our children better than anyone.I believe that to be true, especially at my kids’ ages of 9 and 8 years old, respectively, but I’ve learned something recently. We can’t diminish how well our children actually know us as parents.As aloof as they may appear at times with mundane daily… Read more »

Carson turned 8 on Sunday.The poor guy’s birthday falls days after Halloween, which typically leaves us exhausted for a week or so from all the prep work involved with the day in Berlin.In the past, pushing through our post-Halloween malaise, we have scrambled to have a birthday party for him near or on his birthday… Read more »

Halloween is a big deal in Berlin.I’m not sure my children will ever truly grasp the magnitude of it until they are older and experience a Halloween in another area.To them, walking outside their door to thousands of people every Halloween is normal. Their mother working for weeks on Halloween props suitable for the chosen… Read more »

It was a nightmare weekend as it was unfolding, but will ultimately be remembered forever.Ten miles into our road trip to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. for Howl-o-Scream fun, Beckett got sick. A couple minutes later, there we were on the shoulder of Route 113 as vehicles whizzed by with our 9-year-old puking in the… Read more »

It’s a constant source of amazement to see the differences between our two kids.For the longest time, I wrongly figured their contrasting personalities and approaches to life were a result of them being adopted. I realize now it’s not due to the fact they didn’t come from the same place because I have conversations with… Read more »

If he had his druthers, Carson would pick his mom over his dad for most things.An example would be every night at bedtime. Pam and I switch kids each night when it comes to tucking them in. That’s a phrase I’m sure they both would cringe at hearing. Carson, 7, invariably hunches his shoulder in… Read more »

I love Beckett’s interest in music.When he heard word this week of Tom Petty’s unexpected passing, he, being 9 years old, immediately made it all about him.His quote was something along the lines of “there’s another of my favorite musicians you got to see in concert without me.” Pam and I were fortunate enough to… Read more »

Phone conversations with my son are always interesting.Pam and I got away for some live music in New York City last weekend. The only negative to that was it meant we would be missing the kids’ soccer games.We called on Saturday afternoon to get an update from my mom, who graciously stayed with the kids… Read more »

Forgetful is the latest adjective I am using to describe Beckett.He has a long list of positive attributes, including being funny, smart, optimistic, compassionate, understanding and kind-hearted. However, he also has one not so positive trait. He’s forgetful. There are times he can’t remember to do the simplest of things.At our house, school mornings have… Read more »