If you ever get invited to attend one of Stacey Ballis' book launch parties, I have one word for you - GO! Stacey's new book Sleeping Over was just released and once again she outdid herself with a great party in Chicago. Like her last party for Inappropriate Men, there was lots of food and drink and a goodie bag to take home. This morning it felt like Christmas in my house (and not because my kids were up at 5am wanting to open gifts). This time it was me who got all sorts of great things. I spread out my goodie bag loot on my bed and discovered lotions and potions, make-up, perfume, a candle, chocolate, booze, a cookie, shampoo, you name it. Not to mention all the coupons for tons of stuff, including a free sandwich at Potbelly Sandwich Works, one of my favs. You can find out more about Stacey's book at her web site at www.staceyballis.com.

This weekend it was so beautiful here - in the 70's both days. One of the nicest things about the warm weather, other than the fact that we can break out the summer clothes, is that the kids in the neighborhood spend all their time outside. I'm talking from eight o'clock in the morning until way into the evening hours. On both Saturday and Sunday they played on the swing sets, jumped on trampolines, ran around the yards, got wet on the slip n' slides, you name it.

So it makes me wonder how they can have so much energy when it comes time to play, yet can't seem to muster the same enthusiasm at home, like when I ask them to brush their teeth or put away toys. The other morning I came downstairs and discovered my seven year old sitting on the couch staring at a blank TV.

"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Nothing," she replied.
"Then why are you staring at the TV? It's not even on."
"I can't find the clicker," she informed me.
Being the ever patient parent I am, I sat down next to her and attempted to explain the ways of the world. "You know," I started. "When I was a kid we had to actually get up and turn on the TV."
"Really?" she asked, unbelieving.
"Yep. We didn't have remote controls."
She was incredulous. Imagine having to move to turn on the TV set instead of just pushing a few buttons on the remote control. I couldn't tell if she felt sorry for me, or thought I was the bravest person on earth.