There are few things I know for sure. Only a few truths that resonate deep in my spirit. And this is one: if there is an occasion to buy a helium balloon, you better make sure you buy as many helium balloons as you have children. Don’t try to be thrifty. This is not a time to care about money. This is not a time to teach your children a lesson about sharing. If you want to be productive at anything at all in the next three days — buy each child a different colored helium balloon.

I stand in front of our van with two boys in winter coats and a girl in a snowsuit on my hip. I debate about which door to open first. I decide on the big sliding side door — passenger side. I instruct Joey to climb in and over Elena’s  car seat to get to his. He does this every day. Maybe a few times a day.