Ooohs and Ahhhhs

I read in the paper last week about a creative family.  During dinner they play the Oooh and Ahhh game.  Each person goes around the table and gives an Ooooh for the day.  For instance, "Today I went to Starbucks and got a coffee."  "Ooooh," replies  my family.  "But," I say, "they forgot the cream."  "Ahhhh" they say.  It's a really fun game to play and could get my family to reflect about their day. 

I have married, and have birthed four children who aren't great communicators.  Asking about their day is like pulling teeth.  My son was the star in the first grade play and I found out the morning of the play (another parent texted me).  My husband swears he tells me things, then tries to blame my failing memory when I don't remember.  The only time they want to talk to me is when I'm perched in front of my show and trying to have a quiet moment.  Only then, it seems, they never shut up.

I'll go first.  "Tonight at dinner we played the Oooh and Ahhhh Game."  "But nobody would play with me."

Great Fun

 

Last week we had dinner and drinks at the Side Door in Newport Beach, CA.  It was a great night.  The Side Door is literally the side door of the restaurant Five Crowns.  Five Crowns is owned by Lawry's Prime Rib.  At the end of the evening a threesome sat down at the end of our table.  We started talking and it turned out that our table mate was the owner.  Not only the owner, but the CEO of Lawry's.  Imagine how I felt recommending items on the menu to him!

57 Days Remaining

With only 57 days left of school I am starting to panic.  Parent Conferences begin tomorrow and I am looking forward to seeing all of my parents and sharing their child's growth.  What scares me is facing those parents whose children aren't doing as well.  What am I doing for them?  How can I do more?  What can I do with only 57 days remaining?