ALWAYS put the markers away

We have had very few incidents of crayons on the walls or pen on the furniture. The secret? Keep all the writing utinsels separated and in one place at all times. It's worth the grumbling from Chris when he can't find a pen while he's on the phone to avoid fiascos like this one with five year old Will. Obviously though, even the best laid plans go awry at times. For his face he had to suffer through a homemade facial. For furniture I like to use Mr. Clean's magic eraser (that thing is a miracle worker.)

bath time

the total and utter catastrophe of the toddler to popsicle scenario modified here into a bath-extending, photo-opting, money-saving and childhood-memory building tradition. my boys, who largely hate taking baths as many boys do, jump at the chance to have their hair washed because they know there's some cherry goodness involved. and what better way to teach a one year old the finer points of summer refreshment than to practice all winter long in the privacy of the tub? after a few popsicle sticks have built up my engineer of a four year old sticks them to the walls of the bath with bar soap. he once drafted the outline of St. Paul's Cathedral. i'm kidding.