Um--no.

My idea of multi-tasking is breathing, talking, and hiking in woods--all at same time. My family eats a relaxing dinner together at home--by candlelight!--at least five nights a week. It's best part of day.

Don't get me wrong. Sports are great for kids. So is drama. And music. And debate.

But dinner matters, too. I figure that my kids aren't going to be living with us forever, and while they're here, it's a lot more important to have dinner together than it is to have girls sign up for every sport and activity on earth.

What they lack in basket-shooting ability, they've gained in conversation skills, thoughtfulness, and an appreciation for family and shared meals.

They don't eat yogurt from a tube while riding in a van, then race home to study. Here's a typical scene at our house: four girls sprawled on floor in front of fireplace, doing homework or reading. This is after we've had an enjoyable dinner and they've cleaned up kitchen.

It makes me feel terribly guilty. Shouldn't I be exhausted and irritable, battered by constant demands for rides and juice packs?

It's not that my kids don't do anything. They're into all kinds of activities--drama, music, dance, volunteer work, and even jobs. Two are gearing up for lacrosse, one is in midst of interviews for a year-long exchange program, while oldest is in her senior year and doing college application dance. It's a busy time.

And yet, they still eat a real dinner at home most nights.

All of us--singles, married couples, young families and empty nesters--can benefit from dinner ritual. By adopting and continuing tradition of shared meals and conversation, we are emphasizing importance of thinking and sharing ideas. If we want our culture to value thinking, we've got to start by offering a tribute to it on a daily basis.

Okay, so my kids may never get athletic scholarships. They may never meet a single university athletic director before choosing which college to attend. They won't be next Olympic gymnast or ice skater, and they're not likely to be conducting symphonies by time they're 25.

They'll have to settle for being happy, smart, kind, aware, motivated, and full of enthusiasm for world and their place in it. Their father and I will just have to be satisfied with lasting memories of slow life with our cherished children, and our daughters will strive only to duplicate this same lifestyle for their own families someday.

Radical, isn't it?

Shopping for Quality

Not all log furniture is created equal—no matter how stylish or comfortable it may be. The quality of materials used in log furniture, and craftsmanship employed, vary widely—and this is often reflected in price. While there are always some bargains to be had, it is quite true that you get what you pay for in log furniture. With this thought in mind, buy best furniture you can. It will look better and last longer if you do. In addition, look for all-wood or solid-wood furniture (as opposed to veneered plywood or particle boards). Solid wood furniture tends to show less wear at joints and fittings, and also reacts better to seasonal moisture changes. Look for well-fitted, carefully crafted connections. Dove-tailed drawers are especially known for holding together well. If you want your furniture to be finished, look for a long-lasting, tough and evenly applied coating. A word to wise: unless you are experienced in applying furniture finish, leave finishing up to furniture manufacturer.

Choosing a Log Furniture Store

Let buyer beware—there is a wide variety of customer service between log furniture stores. If you are looking to buy on line, look for a store where quality furniture and customer service are both top priorities. I have seen log furniture manufacturers and stores that always deliver late, and I have seen some who deliver on-time with shoddy quality. Look for testimonials on site you are considering. Call and talk to a salesman at log furniture store. A word to wise—log furniture websites that merely drop ship log furniture have a lot less control over quality than those who building, finish and/or ship furniture themselves. The ideal online log furniture store has many repeat customers who not only purchase again from their store, but recommend them to others. Quality stores are interested in more than a quick sale. They understand value of delivering top-quality log furniture—furniture that will last a lifetime and add a truly rustic touch to your home.