I think Chris and I agree that the past two months have been tough. The game of “balancing” started to get downright unpleasant for us as we scrambled from work to school to soccer practice to home, only to begin again after a brief period of unconsciousnesss. It was beginning to feel like the life of our poor departed hamster, Sophie, who somewhat symbolically chose this fall to collapse from old age.

One Saturday morning not long ago, I found myself at home alone with Tommy, who was in a particularly whiny mood. Negativity reigned. I suggested a bike ride, a treasure hunt, a game of cards – nothing appealed. In a fit of desperation, I offered a trip to Target to buy a Halloween costume. His face brightened. Happiness! This boy likes to shop. I then proceeded to let him choose his costume – Star Wars Storm Trooper, although I refused the gun. I did, however, let him buy a light saber and a large plastic sword. Until now, I had resisted toy weapons. But somehow, at age 5, he seemed ready to handle it. Cringe.

Which brings me to the sugar part. I dragged Tommy to Sam’s soccer game the other afternoon. For some reason, he hates this and I’m told that younger siblings generally dislike watching their older brothers and sisters kick the ball around. The ice cream truck rolled by. Tommy begged and pleaded. I let him buy a large popsicle – a gaudy blend of sugar and chemicals on a stick. Two other mothers looked over disapprovingly. “My kids never ask because I always say no to that,” one commented.

What could I say? I had no excuse, except for something like “nobody’s perfect.” I shop at farmer’s markets and talk to my kids about the importance of fruits and vegetables – especially those grown locally. We talk about war and how sad it is for moms and dads when their kids get hurt.

And yet! Halloween’s coming. Time to prepare the toy swords and candy corn.