Getting any almost 5 year old to stay focused and not be distracted is a challenge. With Thing 3 it’s impossible. A seemingly simple request to go upstairs and put his pajamas on turns into an endless string of diversions. He is distracted by so many shiny objects along ...

Mother’s Day 2012. I’m always amazed when we get a picture with all 4 looking at the camera.

At preschool, there are often different theme days. Pajama day. Wacky hair day. Show and share day. Today, Thing 3 offered up a new theme idea. He said, “Mommy, when is naked day? I wanna show my friends my booty…and wear a hat.”

I’m home alone with Things 1, 3, and 4. SuburbanMommy took Thing 2 to his flag football game. It’s Saturday morning, the first 80 degree Saturday since last year, and the Things are very restless. Translation: I need 15 minutes of quiet. Enter the water table. We use ...

If you are like me, bedtime is a battle that is waged every night. Go upstairs, put on your pajamas, brush your teeth. It’s like a broken record and nightly negotiation. That’s why I agreed to try these new Sunstar GUM Star Wars toothbrushes. (Disclaimer: I received free ...

Yesterday was Take Your Child To Work Day. The idea behind it is to expose kids to what their parents do at work. Maybe inspire them to discover a career and lifelong passion. It does no such thing. At least not where I work. Don’t get me ...

To say Thing 1 and Thing 2 are into football is an understatement. A huge understatement. They can name the starting quarterback and at least several other players on every single NFL team. They watch the NFL network at any time, no matter what is on, even in the ...

Thing 4 enjoyed the annual Easter egg hunt at preschool, her first. Is this kid photogenic?

There was an episode tonight where Thing 1 tried to impose his “rules” on him, so Thing 3 hit him in the face and was promptly sent to his room. SuburbanMommy [in a stern voice]: There is no hitting in this house. Thing 3: Then I need to go to a ...

Watching four kids develop, it’s interesting to see how, even though all four have the same environment, each develops into something very different. Their unique personalities emerged early on, and stay true even as they get older. Thing 1 is The Thinker. He is reserved, and carefully considers his ...