http://www.motherjungle.com sanity one layer at a time Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:28:58 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en So, we did it. we be hung around a giant-sized mall all day waiting in lines for over-priced rides and scoped out stores for cute Minnesota souvenirs to bring home to friend’s in Costa Rica. In all the years I lived in Minnesota, I went to the Mall once. ... http://www.motherjungle.com/travel/once-i-really-did-feed-a-member-of-matt-damon%e2%80%99s-family/2008/07 The amount of attention and work children takes is mind boggling. There is always a need; always a want; always a question to answer. How do we all make it? I watch all these kids around me grow, and I am amazed we adults can still laugh, and well, we're ... http://www.motherjungle.com/parent-kids/perhaps-theyll-be-better-than-us/2008/07 With so much going on in the States over the 4th of July, I would think possibly one could here it in Costa Rica. I haven't been here over this holiday in a few years. It's a nice time. Actually one of my favorite holidays: there's no gift giving or ... http://www.motherjungle.com/travel/funny-the-4th-is-just-another-day-in-costa-rica/2008/07 I set my foot on the trail and kissed it. Of all the things I miss the most about living in the States, trails - paved, windy, plotted, safe, and gorgeous - maybe is the one I miss the most. I took Coco and Addison to a trail along ... http://www.motherjungle.com/travel/trails-are-a-national-treasure/2008/07 Although Costa Rica has over 800 species of birds at certain times of the year, it's good to see some old favorites. They are like old friends. I pointed out a robin to my kids. We stopped and slowly crept closer in hopes of getting a look at the rare ... http://www.motherjungle.com/uncategorized/these-baby-birds-just-want-to-eat/2008/07 Coco has been glued to her cousin. I can safely say this in almost a literal sense. For a week, Coco has followed her big cousin everywhere she's gone. And her big cousin has been kind and, I believe quite thrilled, to have a built in friend. The two play ... http://www.motherjungle.com/travel/funny-little-computer-game-cracks-me-up/2008/07 It's summer as I remember it. The days are long. The days are warm. I get more of a tan here than I do in Costa Rica (unless we're at the beach of course). The colors burst every where from the trimmed grass to the drying towels on the beach ... http://www.motherjungle.com/travel/when-i-feel-the-urge-to-speak-spanish-ive-decided-to-bark-instead/2008/07 We've removed all the contents of our suitcases and promptly have deposited them on my sister's basement floor. Thrilled not to be anywhere near an airport, we settle into the routine of "visiting" (one of our favorite Midwest words). This "visiting" tradition is more important to me this year ... http://www.motherjungle.com/travel/green-peas-on-my-laptop-doesnt-even-phase-me/2008/06 Throw toilet paper in the toilet bowl; sidewalks as far as the eye can see; highways with no potholes; green manicured grass - what is this paradise? Oh wait a minute, it's a developed country. Oh yes. I'm in the United States. Accilimating to a culture goes both ways. I'm back ... http://www.motherjungle.com/travel/where-do-you-put-the-toilet-paper/2008/06 That's what the guy at the Newark airport said when I approached yet another security check. I'd managed the 4 a.m. wake-up call; gave Addy a high five when he woke up without a fever; jammed food in the kids; loaded up with the taxi; stood the immigration; and......well on ... http://www.motherjungle.com/down-syndrome/step-back-shes-got-too-much-stuff/2008/06