Sometimes, no matter how hard I try, there are just some things that I CANNOT get my kids to do...without a fight...or, flight...tapping into some serious negotiating skills taught in some sort of parenting class I've obviously MISSED.

Like, getting Little Man to go to the bathroom, brush his teeth or go to bed...ALONE!

"No way, Jose...'cause...it's WAY too dark [far, high, deep, quiet, loud, whatever] in there!"

[eyes rolling]

"No it's not."

[doing potty dance]

"YES, it is!"

[rubbing right temple]

"Mini-Me, can you pleeeeeeeze go with me to the potty!?!"

[shaking head]

"Nuh-uh...no way...NOT ME!"

[enter the negotiator]

"But, brother takes you to the potty...why not go with him, now!?!"

[shrugs shoulders]

"Well...'cause...I don't havta go!"

Sigh.

It's not all that bad, really - some days are worse than others - but, there are times when my head feels as if it's about to explode...like today...my oldest has finally succumbed to the creeping crud...DAMMIT!...because, there's only so much puke and phlegm a mother can take and..uh...with only THREE MORE SLEEPS 'TIL CHRISTMAS...it's about that time...when I've had just about enough...and must resort to using...well...weapons of mass destraction!

"NO, I don't want to..."

[drum roll]

"Uh-oh...would you look at that...I believe the nutcrackers are about start a war!"

[eyes go wide]

"Yep, I think it's time to let loose...THE BEAST!"

[big grin]

"Do you know where...um...I could find one...this late and soooo close to Christmas!?!?"

Enter...the dragon.

It was a long, hard battle...no, not really...for once, Little Man had a ball using his nebulizer - I even got some pretty decent pictures to send my sister-in-law, basking in the warmth that is Arizona - and no one had to get hurt!

In fact, in an expression of comfort, congeniality and fellowship - after a quick flick...and swish...and transforming the lair into a spa - even the nutcrackers were happily treated to a facial Chez Mini-Me!

Bet you didn't know a nebulizer could be so much fun, huh!?!

Next week, how vegetables are our friends and some krazy things you can do with ketchup - Happy Holidays and stay healthy, everyone!