I've been learning a lot about my kids since moving, and I've also been learning about myself. Here are my top five ways to make your children happy in the midst of a new routine.

1) If you get a flat tire on the way to school, DON'T cry in the car.

2) DO tell them it's not their fault, take them back home, and let them watch Madagascar whilst Daddy fixes the problem.

3) If Daddy can't fix the problem, DON'T make your children walk to school in sub-freezing temps, especially if the girl has a bad cold, is wearing tights and rockin' black motorcycle boots.

4) DO take them to a coffee shop that is conveniently located halfway between home and school when you realize you are all crying at the bus stop and not a one of you will make it to school alive.

5) DO fill them up with hot chocolate and whipped cream, let the barista lavish them with marshmallows, ring a friend to collect you, and watch your newly revived and warm children chase their shadows in the sun.

By 10:30am, they'll be happy at school, you'll be home in bed, and you all can try again tomorrow. Join me next week as I continue to share valuable lessons from my crash-course in risk management and childhood limits.

E says: "This hot chocolate totally makes up for you making us walk to school. 

Sorry we never made it, but yum! marshmallows!"

J says: "I forgive you for crying, mom."

Ever reached the point of no return, unable to turn back?

On the day there was a blizzard

We watched and waited. Watched and waited... and waited...

Thankfully, March is here. And the snow is, hopefully, gone.

Boots

In Ireland, you gotta have a good boot. Rubber wellies for summer, leather boots for winter. They keep out the rain and the mud, the sand and the ocean. But not snow. Never snow. Boots in Ireland are for surviving the flood. To keep you upright. To save you from drowning.

(Written the night before a snowfall. Ironically.)

Dandelions

As if God were blowing seeds off a dandelion

scattering us,

into the arms of doorways,

under the shield of awnings,

fighting against the natural urge to fly into the air and far away.

To disappear between the tall reeds of winter.

Ireland at Year End

Hunched over with covered eyes

Waves of puddles in streaming streets

Christmas music fades away

My cup is full and warm

but I am cold

The wind breaks backs and hearts

Sea wrestles land for control

The end of the world seems near

My cup is full and warm

but I am cold