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!
|
Jan 8 2009
Chess theory
Nathan loves to play any kind of board game, but he's passionate about chess. Paul will come home from work and no matter the time Nathan will ask, "So Dad, want to play some chess tonight?"
Nathan's been trying to teach his sister how to play. Considering that Lucie's only three, it's been an exercise in futility. Even though she's smart and knows about taking turns, moving pieces, and so on, it's really beyond her understanding.
Still, I'm amazed how much she does pick up. The other night, she lay in my bed with her eyes closed and limbs akimbo. I went over and asked, "Lucie, are you asleep? What are you doing?"
"I'm a dead guy," she replied.
"A dead guy?" Oh gosh, not Power Rangers again, I thought.
"A dead guy on chess, Mom" she answered. "I have blood. I'm dead. Then you move and yell check mate. The queen comes, and I'm alive again!"
Not knowing much about chess, it seemed a perfectly good explanation of the game. Nathan's a better teacher than I thought.
Jan 7 2009
When I'm 64
The result of many years of playing sports and abusing his body, Paul's joints ache and he feels pretty sore. These are the days he likes to joke that he's getting old. He always says he married me because I'll take care of him when he's an old man, but now he has the kids in on the joke, too.
"Hey, Nathan Boy," Paul asks. "Will you take care of me when I get old?"
"Sure dad," Nathan replies. "I'll push you around in a wheelchair."
Hearing this, Lucie is very concerned. "Daddy, don't worry," she says. "I'll take care of you when you get old, too. I'll still love you when I turn four."
Geez, Paul's getting older faster than we thought.
Jan 6 2009
In Lucie's world
As I work upstairs, Lucie's got her own thing going on downstairs. Lately, she's been entertaining imaginary guests. I'll hear her singing, "You're my girl. And you're my boy." Or she'll ask, "Do you have to go to the potty?" Sometimes she's addressing one of her stuffed animals. But sometimes it's someone else.
I try not to interfere, wanting her to explore her imaginary world. Yet I'm extremely curious. Who is here? And what are you guys doing, besides making a mess?
So, the other day, I had to ask, "Lucie, who were you talking to?"
"Oh, that's Maddie," she replied. "Mama, Maddie comes over to play. And she likes to eat everything you make."
She likes my cooking? Oh, this imaginary friend can come over anytime.
|
