Estella

Estella

It's snowing outside as I write this.  I feel more domestic when it's snowing. I get into the cooking mood, update photo albums, sort and organize things. 

1. Drink hot chocolate by a fire. We have a fire (the real, old-fashioned kind) every night.

2. Make snow angels and build snowmen.

3. Ski

4. Cook and bake

5. Cuddle and try to think of related ways to stay warm

Estella

Estella

I remember the age of six being a sassy one. I didn't care for that age nearly as much as the age of five. That said, you still have to deal with the attitude that comes with being six.  I think you should give the kind of party you feel comfortable with. Your daughter should not make demands, and you should not give in to her demands. Make it clear that you are the adult, and you make the decisions.  I wouldn't skip the party because she'll tell it to her shrink someday....how your ruined  her life by ignoring her birthday. Just have a smaller, more manageable party...maybe family and close friends.

Estella

Estella

I have to say I really admire your commitment to these kids and their mother. You sound like the decent, kind, caring person they really need in their lives at this time.

Being the disciplinarian will take time. You don't want to overrule your girlfriend in this area. Her methods may not be the best, but they are the methods the kids are used to.  Gradually, the kids will want to please you because they love and respect you and not because you have asserted yourself in a bullying way. Out of the earshot of the kids, it would be wise to start discussing discipline tactics with your girlfriend. She might begin to agree with you if you approach it in a way that proves you are doing it for all the right reasons, not because you are annoyed at the children's behavior. Be gentle. Be patient.

Estella

Estella

Hello, Daddy-o,

Cute pic! I'm always happy to see more men on MT. They give a much-appreciated different perspective of parenting. I think you will find that you'll learn a lot here and enjoy this  fun gathering-place.  What I like best is that it's a 24/7 party, especially nice for night owls like me. Someone is always logged on in those wee hours of the morning when everyone in the house is asleep except you. Join the Daddytalkers group and post often. I'll look forward to hearing what you have to say.  Welcome!

Estella

I'm sick about this, too. I thought he was one of the brightest stars today. I loved him in Brokeback Mountain. It was a brave and sensitive performance. I loved the few freckles that sprinkled his nose. He seemed real, unpretentious, and his talent will be sorely missed.

Suzanne Pleshette also died this week. She was great, too. Sassy, outspoken, husky-voiced, and very funny. In her youth she was a great beauty. She still looked great in her 70s.  Anyone who can hold her own with Bob Newhart in the scene is a great actress.

Estella

To me a movie star is someone who is so compelling that you can't take your eyes off them in a movie. The people who come to mind  first are mostly older actors. When I list these, I'm thinking of them in their acting prime.  In no particular order: Vanessa Redgrave, Anthony Hopkins, Peter O'Toole, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Paul Newman, Audrey Hepburn, Robert Redford, Jane Fonda. Robert Duvall. I would see any movie that stars any of these people.

 Younger actors who command attention : Ellen Page, James McAvoy, Johnny Depp, Drew Barrymore,  Orlando Bloom, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz, Cate Blanchett, Brad Pitt, George Clooney ( OK, he probably belongs in the former category, but he's not as old as he looks....just prematurely gray.)

Estella

Estella

Estella

Estella

Estella