Illyse Lane

The Mother Wins Again

A few weeks ago, in my motherly blog, I toasted my crowning achievements of summer. Â One being making it through the entire break without hosting a single sleepover. Now is the moment when I eat my words. When I wrote that blog, there was no reason to assume I wouldn't achieve my perfect, no sleepover record. Â As the weeks of summer dwindled down to days, I could taste victory. Â The Satur…

Posted 2 mon. ago.

The Right Time

Little Guy and I were in Costco when his eye caught a very cute, very pregnant mother with her husband and toddler. He asked, "Mom, suppose you only want one baby? How do you make the magic stop so you don't get another?" It dawned on me that he still thinks babies come from the baby fairy. That magical process we talked about years before.

Posted 2 mon. ago.

Forty Birthday Lessons

Now that Big Guy and Little Guy are back in school, I can tackle those projects Iâve been neglecting. One being getting over to the DMV to renew my driverâs license. Yes, it is official. Iâm less than 60 days out from hitting the big 40. And in case I was trying to forget, it was so kind of DMV to remind me with its little renewal postcard. Donât misunderstand. I really believe…

Posted 2 mon. ago.

King of the Square

Summer is almost officially over, as the start of school is days away. Of course, like all summers that pass, it is only now that I have fully adjusted to our routine and will be sad to see it go. As far as summers rank, this has been one of the best. Somehow, without even trying, we had the perfect blend of nothing to do and somewhere to go. Big Guy and Little Guy never complained - not even o…

Posted 3 mon. ago.

Always a mom

Just imagine.Â Youâre nearly a world away from home. Sitting in prison.Â Waiting to be sent to a hard labor camp.Â For twelve years.Â Feelings of hopelessness and sadness must consume you, because it appears there is no chance for freedom.Â In the little correspondence that you are allowed with your husband, you are most concerned about your daughterâs school admission.

Posted 3 mon. ago.

My List of Don'ts

Little Guy and I were getting ready to walk out the door to make the quick drive to school, when he turned to me and said, âYou canât wear that, Mom.â I looked myself over.Â Granted, I wasnât at my best.Â But it was 8 a.m.Â In my defense, old running pants and a T-shirt is certified mother attire at that time of day. And I wasnât even going to be getting out of th…

Posted 3 mon. ago.

Way Out of Africa

As my sister gets ready to board the first leg of her flight to Zambia, she leaves me with this parting thought, âNext year, itâs you and your boys.Â And if you wonât go, Iâm taking them.â Oh dear sister, donât hold your breath.

Posted 3 mon. ago.

Home Sweet Home

We just returned from our two weeks away.Â It was out of character for us to leave home for such a long time.Â Well, more specifically, out of my character, as I am the reining Queen of Homebodies. Â But we did it.Â We packed the car and made the 10 hour drive.Â And after six days, when Really Big Guy had to go, the boys and I stayed on with the rest of our family.

Posted 4 mon. ago.

A Different Story

My sister is very generous. So much so that this summer, she rented an incredible house in the very chic east end of Long Island for our entire extended family to enjoy. We could wear our sunglasses and pretend to be rich and cool.Â I could look for Kelly Ripa in town. It didnât surprise anyone in our family that my younger sister was the one to do this. Â

Posted 4 mon. ago.

Friendship Rules

Poor Paris Hilton. I read in the paper that she's searching for a new best friend through her new "reality" television show. Â Oh Paris, I hate to tell you, but I doubt you'll find her.Â All of us who have those special women in our lives know that they donât come from searching.Â Relationships that special develop over time.

Posted 4 mon. ago.

about this blog

Illyse Lane

Illyse is a TriangleMom2Mom featured blogger, appearing every Thursday.

She is a stay-at-home mom who also works as a freelance writer. She resides in Raleigh with her husband and two sons, ages 8 and 10.Originally from New York, Illyse fled the cold to attend Florida State University. After a brief return to life in the city, she relocated to Raleigh to work for GE Capital and has never looked back. Illyse is sure that as long as all the boys in her home continue to speak, she will have plenty of material to write about.