You've had a good little life, haven't you?

It’s 6am.

The table is covered with fresh art supplies and cereal boxes ready to be deconstructed. Two boys are working away.

It’s 7am.

Three boys are doing three different puzzles. They are all within four feet of one another. Each is focused single-mindedly on their own puzzle and allows no eye contact with other humanity. But they converse, and one quietly sings Tomorrow from Annie.

Morning pronouncements.

I have a sore throat, our daughter announces.

My lymph node is sore, our oldest son announces.

The Countess - my wife, their mom - looks at them up and down and nods sympathetically. ‘You,’ she says, looking at each with extra-affection before shrugging, ‘you’ve had good little lives, haven’t you?’

I love this woman. And her children. And a shared sense of humor.

Parents and children
Something pretty in the ruins (I will write this well to remember it well).
Something pretty in the ruins (I will write this well to remember it well).
Acceptable risk.
Acceptable risk.
Manners (nosepicking, fork-clinking, and discrete signaling while eating).
Manners (nosepicking, fork-clinking, and discrete signaling while eating).
11 thoughts on raising teenagers.
11 thoughts on raising teenagers.
Another talk with dad.
Another talk with dad.
11 things to do outside with your kids outside during the winter.
11 things to do outside with your kids outside during the winter.
You've had a good little life, haven't you?
You've had a good little life, haven't you?
Why Ferdinand is one of the most important books every parent can read.
Why Ferdinand is one of the most important books every parent can read.
The one thing every child in the world should know about their parents’ health.
The one thing every child in the world should know about their parents’ health.
'Ask in a pleasant manner, practice patience.'
'Ask in a pleasant manner, practice patience.'
‘Don’t expect a repeat experience.’
‘Don’t expect a repeat experience.’
'If you want to lead, let others lead.'
'If you want to lead, let others lead.'
Do not go gentle to that good nap...actually, please do.
Do not go gentle to that good nap...actually, please do.
'Get mad at those in power first.’
'Get mad at those in power first.’
Crickets (we on the hot dry ground).
Crickets (we on the hot dry ground).
Big bloody hug (1 part 2-year old, 2 parts 4-year old).
Big bloody hug (1 part 2-year old, 2 parts 4-year old).
PARENTINGJoseph LongCountess Becca, parents and children, 2022, quotes, sickness and healthComment