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 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.
Nov 12 2008
Potty training update
The nice thing about participating in the Relay for Life is that the event planners make it a family affair. Volunteers' and cancer survivors' families are invited to participate in early evening family activities like face painting, bouncing around in a jumpy castle, and listening to the rock bands play. After stopping to pick up some dinner, Paul brought the kids over to the track so they could see the mom's club tent and learn what I was doing that night.
Later we ran into one of Lucie's preschool teachers, Mrs. Jansen. She was there to show support for one of our families who had lost their son, Ben, to brain cancer. (I was participating in the Relay in Ben's memory as well.) Mrs. Jansen gave Lucie a big hello and I updated her on how Lucie was doing with potty training.
Today, Mrs. Jansen sent me an email: "It was good to see you and your family at the Relay for Life. I am so proud of Lucie! I knew she could do it! She's growing up!"
I read the email to Lucie, and told her how proud I was of her, too. After all, Lucie was the one who got the potty training book out, looked at the pictures, and just about self-trained herself. I just helped out when needed with the occasional mop up or clothes change.
Honestly, the girl is capable of anything she puts her mind to. I just hope Mrs. Jansen is prepared.
Nov 11 2008
Love bug, preschool style
While Nathan's class has grown out of the Love Bug, I think Lucie's got it now. She must be pretty advanced since Nathan didn't get it until he was in kindergarten.
The object of her affections is Michael. We first met him at the local golf course last year. My first impression was of a cute, polite, and charming young man who I thought was a second grader. It turned out that Michael, like the rest of his siblings, is just tall for his age. In fact, he was in Nathan's kindergarten class. This year, they're in the same homeroom and language arts class.
Every Monday afternoon, I read to Nathan's class. One day, Lucie stood up in the middle of a story and declared she was thirsty and needed a drink right now. I asked Nathan to get a drink for her, but his water bottle was empty. Instead, Michael volunteered to take her to the water fountain so I could continue reading.
Ever since that fateful day, Lucie smiles whenever we say Michael's name. And that's all right with me. If I were three, I'd have a crush on Michael, too.
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