We've had a hard day. You know all those articles about the importance of boredom, how it leads to creativity? Yeah, well, those authors didn't have to live in my house with one child bored out of his mind and one child exhausted from the birthday party sleepover the night before. Spring break is going to be one huge event after another because I can't take this.

But in between the whining and rudeness, David and I had a good game of Monopoly. I was working hard at yes. Yes, I will play a game with you even though I have two work projects to do. Yes, I will play Monopoly even though it is one of my least favorite games. Yes, I will happily stay in jail and let you pull ahead in money and property.

Suddenly, my old son was back. He was playful, generous, offering to help me. He accepted paying rent with grace, did not gloat over his wins. We ended being so close that it was basically a tie. Then we put the game away together, and he went back to being bored and rude. But I am holding on to the good spirit.