Biting off too much?
Maybe I have bitten off too much this time, but this was a temptation I couldn’t resist.
Yep - that’s me, as a brunette Snow White (don’t laugh out loud, Todd, I promise I can be Disney-sweet when I want to!)
Next month I’m playing the role for Beef and Boards’ children’s theatre program. (Oct 10-Nov 15, Friday and Saturday matinees) I’ve been a theatre geek my whole life, but I’ve had a hiatus the last few years since I’ve been so immersed in my kids and work. Finally, I’ve been offered a role that actually fits my schedule and is as appealing as that shiny red apple (minus the poison, I hope!)
MAGAZINE COVER
My kids actually got into costume with me last week to get photographed for the cover of an upcoming IndyMoms magazine. Here’s a shot of the photographer helping us strike a pose. She offered Clara a chance to take a picture herself if she smiled nicely - brilliant! (The editors wanted us all in costume to fit their Halloween theme - the kids loved it! I think Calvin makes a perfectly hilarious little dwarf)
YOUR PARENTING PHILOSOPHY
I answered a Q & A for the magazine that really got me thinking. One of the questions: “What is your parenting philosophy?” I have so many thoughts about parenting it was tough to boil it all down into a couple of magazine-friendly comments. Here’s what I came up with:
”Shower your kids with time, affection, and new experiences. Don’t be afraid to get messy. Share your own passions with them, and don’t underestimate how much they understand. When things get rough, humor usually fixes things a lot faster than anger.”
I’d love to hear some of your philosophies too, moms and dads!
SITTER SITUATION
Anyone else finding it next-to-impossible to find a sitter on a Friday night? Luckily this doesn’t happen often, but the two college students we use regularly as sitters are busy, and all the teenagers in the neighborhood are going to football games (who could blame them). It’s not such a big deal if all you have to cancel is a date night, but Ian and I both have to work this Friday night, so things were looking desperate.
After trying no less than each of the 14 RELIABLE SITTERS on my list, I struck gold with a wonderful fellow mom of 2 willing to help shepherd the Shepherd kids out so that both of us can go to work. She’s always come through for us in a pinch, and although I usually hesitate to ask a mother of two to take on two more, she seems to handle it beautifully.
It does amaze me the hoops we have to jump through sometimes on our schedules - it takes a village and 
then some. If only the grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles lived just a bit closer, we’d be SET! I guess I will settle for being within fairly easy driving distance. Just this past weekend we packed up and visited my fam near Chicago - a great visit that went by way too fast.
Thank you for reading and please don’t be shy about sending your comments - I love to hear what’s on your minds.
Trish
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Your parenting philosophy rings true, and I think Barb and I would agree that it still applies as children grow up. Though sometimes in their teens they don’t want to admit it, they still need our time, affection and humor. Between us, we now have 6 in their 20’s, and though we still cause them a little embarassment, they look to us when they face life’s hurdles, as well as its’ blessings.
Sorry we’re booked on Friday nights! Our caregiving energies take us up to Frankfort for dinner with Barb’s folks. Her 81-year-old father is caregiver for her mother, who has Alzheimer’s.
If you get in a jam some other night, though, let us know. Our own children aren’t quite ready to give us grandkids, so we’d love to “practice” on Calvin and Clara!
OMG, I had no idea that was you as Snow White!!!! I could see you as a brunette, I’ve been trying to highlight my hair to a dark-red (in some parts, not the whole head..) I’ll send some pics…
Now if only Beef and Boards can do a special Salute to Spongebob special, I’ll be all aboard!!!
I can so relate to the babysitting issues. I have no family in town and very few friends/sitters. Lucky for me, my husband and I work opposite schedules. Our issue comes when we want a night out away from our kiddos. Glad you were able to find someone to help. Wonder how the studio would feel about your kids hanging out?? ;O)
You look great as Snow White. Good Luck (I’m a theatre geek too hahaha). Maybe I’ll check that out. You should try the black hair thing…you look cute
Thanks for the comments! Nope, no plans to bust out the black wig on the news desk. (I do wonder what kind of emails we’d get?)
Melissa - yep, it’s not easy finding someone free on Fridays! I have a feeling my co-workers would welcome the kids here - it’s just that I work so darned late at night! I can’t quite see them curling up with their blankies on the floor under the bright lights and noise of a dozen TV monitors and going “night night.”
Ollie - you and Barb are sweet to offer your help - leave it to my church friends to extend a hand! Hopefully things will be easier next time we face a Friday night sitter crisis!
Thanks as always for your comments-
Trish