Please see me after class...

Today, after Emmy's class at Preschool, I was asked to stay behind. The teachers led me into the room and closed the door behind us.

"Emmy, can you tell your mommy what happened today?"

Emmy shakes her head.

"Would you like me to tell your mommy what happened today?"

Emmy shakes her head again.

"Well, one of us has to tell your mommy what happened today."

Emmy shakes her head again.

After a few minutes I learned that my darling little girl was told to go to time out for talking in circle time and decided that she didn't want to do that, so her response to her teacher was a very simple, "No".

I am very sure this will not be my last time to have a sit down talk with teachers about my darling Emmy's defiant behavior. I have so much to look forward to over the next 15 years.

Strep is in the house...

When I was 5 years old my mother, the nurse, sent me to school for a week with pneumonia. While I don't remember having pneumonia or even feeling sick, I do remember to remind my mom of this failure as much as possible.

Saturday night Izzy started running a low grade fever. In and of itself, not a big deal, especially for Izzy. She is my kid that can run a 104 degree fever and not even seem sick. So, I gave her some acetaminophin and had her lay down. A few hours later she told me her throat hurt, so I gave her popsicle. By bed time, her throat hurt, her head hurt and she was super congested. Uh Oh, I thought, she has a cold.

Sunday morning she didn't feel much better, so I gave her some more acetaminophin and sent her back to bed.

Monday, I called the doctor, but not for the right reason. "Izzy has been fighting a number of viruses this year, so she has missed a lot of school. She is running a fever today and had to stay home. Is it possible for me to get a Doctor's note?" the pathetic mom says to the nurse. After a bit of conversation the nurse replies "Well, it is always up to you whether your child is seen or not. However, it sounds a lot like strep, which is going around. I would suggest she come in for a throat culture." Of course, I acquiesce, begrudgingly. Monday night, I take Izzy out into the cold of the night to a doctors appointment, I was 100 percent sure she didn't need.

From my mommy's mind to yours... listen to the nurse at your Doctors office. Oh and never, ever remind another mom of a failure. It will undoubtedly come back to haunt you.

Sorry Mom!

Who defines your family?

Zach Wahls from Iowa has a very compelling point. We define our family structure internally regardless of the states position on marriage. Is it really a good idea to make hate okay? It is happening everyday, all over the country. Parents are sitting around the dinner table having conversations, teaching hate... when did this become okay?

R.I.P. The White Stripes

I confess, I am a White Stripes fan. I find Jack White to be in the category of musical genius. I know there are people who disagree, but I just shrug and think they clearly have no idea what they are talking about.

I remember the first time I heard The White Stripes. They were on the Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, and Jon and I thought they were a little strange. However, we kept hearing really great things about them, so we decided to give White Blood Cells a try. We bought it at Borders in Rapid City, SD over Christmas in 2001 and I fell in love. To this day, it is one of my three "go to" albums for constant listening (the others being Hitchhike to Rhome by Old 97's and I and Love and You by the Avett Brothers). I was, however, skeptical of a band with only two people. There is something about this that just seemed wrong.

I am a strong believer that a band is only as good as their live show. It didn't seem possible that two people could perform all of the songs on the album. Then, in May of 2002, I was lucky enough to see The White Stripes live and I fell even more in love with them. It was astonishing to see Jack White in action. The man is amazing. That was the day Jack White became a genius in my mind, leaving us mere mortals way behind.

Even the kids love The White Stripes. I always smile when I hear Emmy singing along to their music. Which of course, she hears all day long on PBS Kids. Seriously, how many bands can say that one of their songs is used in a PBS Kids identification spot?

Yesterday, The White Stripes officially announced that they have decided to go their separate ways. While we can still get our Jack White fix with the Raconteurs or The Dead Weather, it is a sad time for White Stripes fans.

Yo Gabba Gabba

I have always loved Yo Gabba Gabba. The first time I saw it I thought "finally a show for children that parents can enjoy" (and I mean really enjoy not just live through). The Decemberists, who I love, have a song in the upcoming season. I have tried desperately to add this video to no avail, so you will just have to make due with this link (to see the video click on continue reading at the end of the section). Thank you Pitchfork for sharing... if you are on Twitter, you should follow @pitchforkmedia for all kinds of fun music news.

I can honestly say that the day Emmy told me Yo Gabba Gabba was a baby show and she didn't want to watch it anymore was among the saddest in my life. I miss you Yo Gabba Gabba.

Reading Wednesday - Charles Jessold, Considered as a Murderer

If we have ever had a conversation about books or music, then you have heard me talk about Wesley Stace aka John Wesley Harding. If not, you should know... I love him.

His music, although not typically my taste, has a very special place in my heart. His voice is strong and clean and his lyrics are storytelling at it's finest. His live shows are amazing! If you ever have a chance to see John Wesley Harding, I strongly suggest you do. Not only does he interact with the audience on stage, you will find him selling cd's at the end of the night. Usually providing lively conversation while signing autographs.

I remember the first time I heard that Wesley Stace was writing a book, I was crazy excited. I couldn't fathom a better person to tell me a story. Misfortune is still among my favorites. Stace was able to weave this story in the most intricate of manners. The gamut of emtions felt while reading this story was unbearable. I was literally awed as I turned the last page. I have said for years that it is among my favorite endings to a book, ever. If you have not read Misfortune, I highly recommend it.

Yesterday, Stace released his third novel, Charles Jessold, Considered as a Murderer. Below is some sort of silly interview that someone, somewhere thinks is clever... I am not one of those people. Although I have been told that Eugene Mirman is funny, I don't think this video is a good example. Regardless, I plan to run out tonight and buy this novel at my local Borders and hope you will do the same.

Oh and if you are at all curious, Stace's second novel, By George, is also fantastic.

If you have never read, or heard, anything by Wesley Stace, you must do so immediately. I am sure your life will be even more full once you allow this creative genius in.

February 1st, 2003 - 8 years later

8 years ago today, after completing it's 113th mission, the space shuttle Columbia broke into pieces during it's decent over Texas. All 7 crew members perished.

Please take a moment to remember those who lost their lives and the people who love them.