Have you ever?

Paid for a kid's monthly activities using nothing bigger than a $1 bill? I'm pretty sure her coach wondered if I was taking a second job that involves skimpy clothes and pole dancing. Ha! Bet that gave him nightmares for a while!

Repossessed your own kid's iPod? I had to lock myself in the bathroom for an hour afterward so they wouldn't see me cry, but better they learn the lesson now than when their car gets towed away. Real banks require collateral, interest, and enforce consequences. Now If I can just figure out how to use the dumb thing!

Served ice cream for dinner? After two weeks of meals that were designed to empty out the fridge and freezer the kids were very nervous about the menu. (In hindsight, topping very old fish with nacho cheese and blueberries might not have been my best culinary idea ever.) They only come to the table grudgingly. So imagine their faces when I told them they had to empty out the cartoons. No putting "left-overs" back. What's the point being a mom if you can't toss out the rules every now and then? Maybe that will be one moving memory they look back on and smile about.

Considered burning down the house just to avoid cleaning out the garage? Trust me, it's not as extreme as it sounds.

Looked through an old cedar chest and started to cry when you found tiny little baby booties?

Made a promise that you would never collect ANYTHING ever again?

Suspected you might be under secret surveillance to determine if you qualify for the "Buried Alive" hoarding show?

Realized how many memories can accrue in 15 years of marriage? Looking over pictures, scrap books, baby clothes, and assorted sports stuff makes me see all over again how blessed we are and how fortunate I am that I married Prince Charming. I always thought in the stories that the princess had to kiss the Frog. Turns out it is the other way around. Good thing he's near-sighted...I still can't believe he picked me, warts and all. I love ya Babe.