Directions for Your 2012 Garden

First, plant five rows of peas: Preparedness, Promptness, Perseverance, Politeness, and Patience.

Next to them plant three rows of squash: Squash gossip, Squash criticism, Squash indifference.

Now, how about five rows of lettuce? Let us be faithful. Let us be unselfish. Let us be loyal. Let us be truthful. Let us love one another.

And no garden is complete without turnips. Turn up your courtesy. Turn up with a smile. And turn up with determination.

Do this and you will have the best garden you've ever had.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Why Didn't I Think of That? Wednesday

Each Wednesday I'll share a tip to make your week go more smoothly or just make you say "aha!"

Anybody know what you call those little square plastic thingys that hold the bread wrapper closed? Me neither. However, they're perfect for sticking to the end of a roll of duct tape, painter's tape, masking tape, etc. Now you don't have to fold the tape over to find the end!

If your kids are tape folders, this is a tape and money saver. Jackjack always folds over what seems like an arm's length instead of the tiny bit that's needed.

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours...may your holidays be merry and bright.

--Mama and Papa, Jackjack and Thumbelina

Photo by Chris Carbone

Why Didn't I Think of That? Wednesday

Each Wednesday I'll share a tip to make your week go more smoothly or just make you say "aha!"



'Tis the season for running around crazy, and that can result in eating out at a restaurant or fast food. This tip works best if you're willing to set a good example, so implement with caution!

Ask your kids to choose water instead of a soda or juice when eating out. If they choose water, pay them $1. That's less than the soda would cost you, and helps them start a good habit.