We are fortunate to have a rich supply of college-age babysitters in our neighborhood (thanks to “North Park University”:http://www.northpark.edu/) — but most candidates we don’t know personally, so we have needed a reliable way to select and screen good childcare providers. Here’s the straightforward system we’ve come up with. Continue reading “How to interview a babysitter”
Lucy of the North

Lucy on February 10, 2010 (yes, apparently we had a big snow in early February last year, too).
A celestial vision
From a hand-written note rediscovered today, transcribed from a conversation last October during our trip to Wisconsin: Continue reading “A celestial vision”
Wonka Fest
February 1 is the date Roald Dahl chose for “Charlie”:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0142410314/octothorppres-20 to be admitted to Willy Wonka’s amazing chocolate factory. We were busy that day, so we opened ours up on January 29 to fifty-some of our friends and neighbors. Continue reading “Wonka Fest”
How to make a valentine
You might call these our favorite Valentine’s Day cards. Another name for these might be “Low-Maintenance Valentines for Busy Mothers of Delightfully Creative Children.” Continue reading “How to make a valentine”
Potty jokes
There’s some pretty strong language flying around at our house, and it’s not coming from the grown-ups. Continue reading “Potty jokes”
