3.5 stars ( )

Loved how all three of these shorts showed the ups and downs of parenthood.

Rough Road -- Chassie, Trevor and Edgard Glanzer know they live an unorthodox life style but the love they all have for each other and their 3 kids has been enough. Now that their oldest has started school the unfortunate aspect of bigotry had affected there family. We get a glimpse of how these 3 not only keep a healthy sex life with 3 kids but also how they are going to have to deal with the prejudices their children face.

All Knocked Up -- Wild child and short fused Keely is pregnant. I am amazed that Jack lived for the 9 months. There were some very touching moments and also some funny ones that all have to deal with childbirth and what a woman's body and mind goes through afterwards. Love that we got to experience Keely's first birth her..

King of Hearts -- Deputy Cam McKay is called to a murder/suicide of Jim and Teresa Swensen. It’s one of the worst things he had ever seen. When both sets up parents get there they are understandably very upset and things come to blows. The father of Jim asks Cam why he never helped his son with his PTSD. That since he had been thru so much himself he should have helped his boy. Cam had no idea that Jim had been in the services and feels extremely guilty over this. He also wonders if one day he will do the same thing to his family. He refuses to go home but Domitri sends Colt after him to bring him home to her and his children who are his greatest healers. This was a very short read but it sure packed an emotion punch and brought tears to my eyes. ( )

Nice visit with old friends. ( )

*happy sigh* It was so good to see some of the McKays again. Only thing that bothered me: In the 3rd story was condom breakage - twice - in a row. That was a bit too much, imo. I mean, I know they're quite some studs, but come on, seriously? ( )

Julie's ARe Cafe staff pick for 4/14/13. ( )