What are some of the best(and worst) things about summer?
Submitted by L33tchica.

Having the boys home for summer, even though they are a pain, I do enjoy them home from school each day.  Perhaps its because I don't have to get up early, but still do.  Perhaps its the "mom, whats for breakfast when they stumble out of bed at noon"   I don't know, I guess I just like having them around!  The worst is trying to keep up the yard and the house and having them home!!  lol...mowing is a days job, weed eating is another...and before you know it you are back at it.  Yes, they help, but still its an all summer job!  And then again when its all mowed and trimmed its beautiful!   Why complain...its just another day.

HarveyCollet

A small photo...for a great man...Dad.  Today was your birthday, and you know I miss you.  I miss your hugs, I miss your jokes.  I am sorry about stepmom, I just can't.  I'm sure you understand, I know you loved her.  I'm sure her daughters will take wonderful care of her, I don't agree with things that are done, but I have no say.  Rest well, I'm sure I will see you in the afterlife!  I love you....

How many houses have you lived in? How is where you live now different from where you grew up?

Mainly four homes.  I grew up in Chicago, went to private schools and did the whole ballet, circus', plays, museums etc.  Our home their was on the Univ of DePaul campus, and it was a fun neighborhood.  My best friends all lived near and we had run of the city.  (Well the Lincoln Park area!)

As a teen we moved to Idaho, my father was transferred, and I finished high school and lived in a beautiful area, Sun Valley.  Its a ski resort in winter and a beautiful valley in summer.  We had a home that looked straight out to the ski mountain. It was a great place to finish school and new friends.  (yikes this is my 30th class reunion time)

After high school, I married my husband and we moved into our ranch house, it was built before his grandparents lived in it.!!  It was a great place to live, older, but comfy.  And it sure made me appreciation our new home.  Plenty of space and a beautiful yard!!

What parenting tip do you swear by?

When your teen tells you he/she is staying at a friends, and they've called on their cell, have them call from the friends house phone or the other parents cell phone.  With caller id, you can at least verify they are where they say they are. 

Regular parental discussions with other parents in the kids circle has been a lifesaver.  We all talk openly about who, where and what our kids are doing, right or wrong, so that we all know whats going on in the kids lives.  You know how when they're over and they hint at problems, it helps to be able to talk with parents about things said at your house that the other parent may not be aware of.  We started it with no criticism, no finger pointing, no "not my kid" just dialogue to keep them out of trouble.

What could we do to create a world with less violence?

I am a firm believer in the "pay it forward" thought.  I think if everyone would do one act each day, it would make an incredible change in the world.

Creator's Ashes Buried in Pringles Can

(June 2) - I swear this isn't the punchline to a joke. "Where do Pringles tube inventors go when they die??" "Their ashes are buried in a potato chip can!" When 89-year-old retired chemist Dr. Fredric J. Baur gathered his family members to discuss his eventual passing on into the great beyond, he told them he wanted to have his remains buried in the invention of which he was most proud: the Pringles tube.

Who was the meanest teacher you had in school?

ooohhh...I went to a catholic grammer school in Chicago, St Vincent de Paul.  It was run by nuns...yes the dreaded, black and white penguins.  We had one nun who would, if you were seriously in trouble, make you take everything out of your desk and kneel and hold it all in your arms for hours.  We had one that would pull hair, and rap your hands with a ruler or a pointer til you couldn't close them.  And when we were in the 7th grade, one who wouldn't let you go to the bathroom.  I don't know how many times, my friend Laura pee'd herself.  She was the same nun who would sprinkle the pink sawdust stuff on the puke and then make you clean it up...enhancing yourself to vomit yet again! 

I know in the big city the school was a great place, but boy oh boy the nuns were scary.

What are the goofy nicknames you have for your pet? Bonus points for sharing a picture of him/her.
Submitted by Papi Chulo.

Mr Waddlesworth, for  Ralph  who obviously waddles when he walks

Mr Wiffles, for  Wulf   who always sniffles loudly

FurGargoyle, for Larry (he sits on the edge of the hot tub protecting us)

Little Man for Twister, who is a huge 18 lb cat!

What did you do for fun when you were a kid? How is it different from what you see kids doing now?
Submitted by jaklumen.

Barbie!  My best friend and I played Barbies'.  We played for hours and hours, my older sister sewed and we had clothes for them til they were hauled around in a suitcase!   When we got bored with barbie, we played dress-up.  We had a playhouse on her backporch and we played and played.  Even conned her younger brother into it.  We had a church on the corner of the block and every few months they held a rummage sale.  It was like heaven, we'd spend hours looking for the perfect dress up clothes!  Now kids play video games and watch movies...geez...no fun at all.

What's your favorite midnight snack?
Submitted by Raina.

Coffee Ice Cream....need I say more??