“Well of course you can!” I say enthusiastically.
We’ve all encountered the “bring a friend along,” and it’s a great idea … on paper.
Three things I’ve learned:
1. When your darlings start bringing along friends, enjoy it. Make it fun. You will be the odd man out and often more of a driver than a participant, but at least for the ride in the car, you’ll get a chance to KNOW the friends. Take it from me — mom of three and stepmom of three — no one, and I mean no one, will influence your child more than friends.
2. Be prepared if the kids want to ditch you. As kids become ‘tweens, you become invisible, especially at the mall. But relish letting go a little. Watching your child grow up and interact without you is endearing. You’re going to see a little of yourself in that tween. Smile and remember it’s a step toward independence. Give them the space they need, but make sure you have had all the safety discussions in advance.
3.You’re going to find that you don’t like some of the friends, but don’t be judgmental, at least not out loud. My mother was a terrible judge of character. She disliked some of my teen friends that are, to this day, my best buds.
But that doesn’t mean every kid will be a lifelong bud. The bottom line here is that kids change. The overly loud, boisterous and obnoxious friend that your child loves and you dislike might be the lifesaver your youngster needs someday. Trust me on this. A friend can be annoying one year and thoughtful the next. It’s all part of the growing process … for us and our offspring.

After watching the premiere of ABC’s “Modern Family” last night, I have to say I love this show. I’ve always loved the show. It is the first show, I think, that gives a somewhat accurate portrayal of blended families. As a member of a blended family, I can vouch for the funny moments, the tender moments and the irritating moments.
On last night’s double episode of “Modern Family,” I was fascinated with little Lily, the adopted child of two male partners. Last year, Lily never spoke, smiled or even showed emotions. This year, she made up for it, much like a few of the kids in our family. For a laugh, even if you aren’t in a blended family, take a look.
It always makes me smile.

It’s quiet around here these days. After six kids have boisterously passed through these rooms early mornings readying for school, there is only one who makes a bit of noise. But he was often the noisiest.
My youngest son, Ryan, a Gannon University sophomore, often needed to be heard above the din of everyone else. Four years younger than his sister, he would just repeat, “Mom” as many times as he felt necessary to get my attention. It usually worked. No matter how busy I was with the lunches, the papers that had to be signed, the forgotten homework and the sports paraphernalia that never seemed to be where it was supposed to be, Ryan’s exuberance to get in the mix frustrated his siblings. But it made me laugh. He still makes me laugh.
Oddly, I don’t hear Mom so much anymore. It has been softened to Momma, something Howie, Kelly and Ryan adapted somewhere along the line. It has a sweetness that comes across in cards and is especially touching when accompanied by, “I love you Momma.”

Consider today’s Friday Funny a public service message for men.

Here are five phrases you never want to hear from a woman:

(1) FINE: This is the word women use to end an argument when she knows she is right and you need to shut up.

(2) NOTHING: means something & you need to be worried.

(3) GO AHEAD: this is a dare, not permission. Do not do it.

(4) WHATEVER: A woman’s way of saying screw you.

(5) THAT’S OK: She is thinking long & hard on how and when you will pay for your mistake.

I’ll miss ya’ll. Keep up with me over Runners Notes.

This is really more of an “awwww” than a funny, but it’s worth killing a few minutes on a Friday:
 

Enjoy these corny, but totally clean, patriotic jokes:

What kind of tea did the American colonists thirst for?
Liberty!

***

What was General Washington’s favorite tree?
The infantry!

***

What happened as a result of the Stamp Act?
The Americans licked the British!

***

What ghost haunted King George III?
The spirit of ’76!

***

Did you hear about the cartoonist in the Continental Army?
He was a Yankee doodler.

***

Why did Paul Revere ride his horse from Boston to Lexington?
Because the horse was too heavy to carry!

***

What would you get if you crossed a patriot with a small curly-haired dog?
Yankee Poodle!

This blog post about 6 Things Our Kids Just Won’t Get made me laugh out loud at least 8 times and I nearly shot coffee out of my nose twice.

It’s THAT funny.

Warning — there are several F-bombs in here and some politically incorrect stuff, so if you’re offended by stuff like that, don’t click through.

If, however, like me, you have a slightly twisted sense of humor and enjoy a well-place, well-played cuss word or two (or 47), enjoy (and, um, put down your coffee…trust me on that).

For the record, there is no swimming permitted in the fountain out front of the Erie Times-News offices, but…you have got to love these boys who found a way to keep cool in the sweltering heat yesterday afternoon by belly flopping into the ETN wading pool…I mean, fountain, yeah, yeah…it’s a fountain, not a pool.

LOL.

Do you know how much I wanted to run out there and join them?

Thanks to whoever sent this photo to my cell phone. The boy in the middle is even waving.

Live in the moment, my friends. Do what feels good.

At least, you know, till you get asked by the suits (very nicely, I’m sure) to step out of the fountain and move along.