The Dangers of Blogging

I started blogging just over a month ago, and while I have really enjoyed it thus far, I recently discovered its inherent dangers. LJ and Julianna now insist on "helping" me write my posts.

As I was working on my most recent post, Julianna climbed into my lap and said: "Mama, I'm going to help you write your blog!"

I tried to write as she sat with me, but when she started reading aloud every word I typed, my mind started to go blank. And then, when she began to finish my sentences for me, I'd had enough.

We compromised. I let Julianna choose the photos for the post, but I told her she cannot watch me while I write.

LJ has also provided his own brand of assistance. He quickly caught on to the fact that I usually blog based on something he or Julianna says. Keeping that in mind, he is now trying to feed me material for my posts.

LJ and I attended a Ravenscroft vs. North Raleigh Christian Academy basketball game a couple of nights ago. NRCA has one kid who is a terrific shooter and averages around 27 points per game. I told LJ before the game to keep an eye on #2 ... that he can really score.

After #2 drained a couple of jumpers early in the second half, LJ said, completely deadpan: "I see why you were talking about that guy, Mom. I think he's good enough to be the worst player in the NBA."

After I stopped laughing, I told LJ how funny that was. To which he replied: "You need to write about what I said in your blog."

And he wasn't kidding.

He told me the same thing a couple of more times during the second half of the game.

Then, when we got in the car to head home, he told me to use my iPhone to blog about it.

And during the last 36 hours, he has reminded me of it at least a dozen more times.

One positive and unintended consequence of blogging is that I do find myself listening more closely to the kids. I don't want to miss any of their witticisms ... or bombshells for that matter.

When we were fixing Julianna's hair earlier this week, it was full of static and standing on end.

"Mama, I don't know why my curls are so ecstatic this morning!" she said.

In the past, I might have just smiled at her mistake and quickly forgotten it.

But instead, I asked her if I had heard her correctly.

"Yes, Mama! My hair is all ecstatic and crazy -- just look at it!"

So I did. On Julianna's advice, I paused a moment to look at her "ecstatic" hair. But more importantly, I took a moment to listen too.

While blogging with my kids nearby is at times a bit risky, the perils are easily outweighed by the benefits.

All those cute, funny, and memorable moments I've never put down in a scrapbook before? Blogging gives me the perfect place to file them away for safe keeping.

And, besides, it's a lot easier than using scalloped-edge scissors, craft glue, and decorative stickers.