About This Blog
Welcome to my blog. I'm Anne-Marie Nichols, a 40-something WAHM to Nathan, 6, and Lucie, 3. I've been married 12 years to their dad Paul, a scientist. When I'm not doing the mommy thing, I'm a freelance writer, and vice president of the board of directors for a Colorado public charter school. In my spare time I like to sleep, eat, read, and decorate cakes.
I created this online journal to share some entertaining and insightful stories from my own experiences as a writer, domestic engineer, and mom. I encourage you to share this blog with your friends, and hopefully it will spark some lively discussions on issues we can all relate to. Enjoy!
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Nov 19 2008
Party boy
We had a party for Paul's coworkers over the weekend. This meant getting the house cleaned up, food bought and prepared (even though we had it catered), chairs set up, and making sure coolers were filled with drinks and ice.
It also meant dressing up in our Broncos finery since we were planning to watch the game. Paul picked out one of his Broncos Super Bowl t-shirts. I chose a button up Broncos shirt from the '80s that I had found in a thrift store. The old logo is very retro and "old school."
(Our friend, Big Dave and his family came in their Kansas City Chiefs shirts, since that's who the Broncos were playing. His daughter Becca, a true rebel at five, came in her pink Broncos shirt. Got to love her spirit.)
I don't know if Nathan was nervous about people coming over or just very excited since I found him standing in the middle of his room, deep in thought, and wearing just his underpants. He was trying to decide between three outfits -- two kinds of long pants, one pair of shorts, a too-small Hawaiian shirt, two t-shirts, and two different pairs of shoes. Nathan was beginning to panic, so I came in to help.
Due to the chilly weather, we quickly eliminated the sandals and shorts. Since the Hawaiian shirt was too small, I told him to wear the Broncos t-shirt. Instead he chose the "Blame my sister" t-shirt and opted to change into his Broncos shirt during the game.
Gosh, at six-and-a-half (as he likes to remind me) he's already acting like a teenager on date night. Lucky kid, as long as it fits, he looks good in just about anything. Wish I could say the same.
Nov 18 2008
Power Rangers bring peace
I finally have found one way to get the kids to stop fighting -- let them watch the Power Rangers together.
That's almost as pleasant as saying I let them shoot rifles or throw knives at each other -- I hate the Power Rangers that much. I think the show is stupid, ridiculous, and boring. The special effects are lousy, too. Yet the kids love it. It's maddening.
However, there's an atmosphere of cooperation when the Power Rangers are on. The children sit together quietly. They agree on things. They diplomatically assign each other roles in the show. "Nathan, you can be the black Power Ranger and I'll be the pink one," says Lucie. "O.K.," says Nathan, "And mom can be the bad guy."
I'm always the bad guy, which is fine by me. I'm willing to march around waving my imaginary claws in the air while making Godzilla noises. It's worth sacrificing my dignity so they won't fight. I'd do anything for a temporary detente.
Nov 17 2008
Star spangled bathroom
Lately, Nathan's been breaking out into a rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner." In his squeaky, high voice it's a joy to hear his version of the song -- complete with new lyrics and missing stanzas -- from the back seat of the car as we drive around.
Lucie often joins in, which usually results in an argument over the lyrics and accusations that she's not singing it right. I put a stop to that by telling them they're both singing it wrong and demanding, "SILENCE or else!" It's amazing how lovely singing goes to yelling so quickly.
The other morning I heard singing coming from the downstairs bathroom, "Oh, say can you seeeeeeee." Yep, it was Nathan. I'm glad the boy loves to sing and is patriotic. But in the bathroom when he's, um, busy in there? I'm not so sure that's appropriate.
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