Cookies 4 a Cure Is Back!
Nick and Emily will kick off this year's Cookies 4 a Cure booth at the Grayslake Farmers' Market Wednesday, July 1, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

They started their two-day bake-a-thon yesterday and will work furiously today to get everything ready for their 2009 debut.

Nick is concerned that the lousy economy may hurt sales, so dig the change out from under the couch cushions (thanks for that tip, Kelly!) or check under the seat of your car, and if you're in the neighborhood, come on out and buy a cookie! You'll be glad you did! (And you'll be back on July 15 and August 12...)

A Kiss Is Just a Kiss (Or Not!)
Zacky has really wanted to go the movie “Up,” and since the weather was chilly and overcast today (what’s new?), we decided this afternoon was as good a time as any. 

Zacky was a real sweetheart, rubbing my arm when he heard me sniffle during the movie and whispering, “It’s okay, Mom, I think there will be a happy part at the ending.” 

He was right, of course, and we all ended up thoroughly enjoying the movie (though Jim and I agreed that kids’ movies are some of the saddest movies we ever see).

On our way home, the sun broke through the clouds, and the kids began clamoring for a trip to the park. Jim and I looked at each other, with one of the themes of the movie fresh in our minds—that the ordinary moments are often the most memorable ones. Why not?

So we made an impromptu stop. The kids immediately started up a game of tag, but Jim and I—sitting on a nearby park bench—soon noticed that Zacky’s 5-year-old legs put him at a severe disadvantage.

I nudged Jim. “Go play with them,” I suggested. “Nick won’t be so cocky if you’re in the game!”

Sure enough, the game grew considerably livelier—and louder—with Jim in the mix. He ran down Nick, he lifted Zack up to the monkey bars to get Emily, and he threw up obstacles for Nick and Em that helped even the playing field for Zack. With all the laughter, good-natured taunts, and squeals, I was itching to get in the game.

So I did.

I waited for Zacky to be “It” again, and called him over to the park bench where I was soaking up a few precious rays. 

“What?” he panted, pushing up his damp bangs.

“Touch my arm so I’m It, and then I’ll ask Dad for a kiss and get him!” I whispered conspiratorially.

Needless-to-say, he loooved that idea! He surreptitiously brushed my arm, then ran off again.

“Honey, will you give me a kiss?” I immediately called to Jim, all innocence and sweetness.

Jim, of course, had seen the whole thing (it’s not like I can hide!), but he gamely played along. He swooped in for a kiss, as I playfully tapped him on the shoulder.

Zacky, gasping for breath through his peals of laughter, squealed as he jumped up and down, “Dad, you're It! We tricked you!” 

An ordinary moment, but one I will hold in my heart forever.