Parenting 101: Nutrition and Meltdowns

The other day Peep 2 was screaming while I was buckling in her car seat. She could not be happy because the picture she had been drawing was not "pretty enough yet" and therefore a meltdown was well underway.

I noticed that deep in the recesses of her carseat was a single smartie left over from who knows when and had been sitting there for who knows long. I dug the smartie out, wiped it off, (germs and cleanliness are always a priority, even under duress,) stuck it in her mouth, and the crying stopped instantly! Yes, I am well on my way for Mother of the Year.

A Super Fan

I have written one fan letter in my life. To Beverly Cleary. Yep, the author of the the Ramona books (and many others.) I think I was 9 years old at the time. Not only did I tell her how much I loved her books, but I gave her what I thought were some great suggestions on possible Ramona plots. (How generous of me, I know.) Ms. Cleary kindly wrote back thanking me for my letter. And that postcard pretty much thrilled me for the next year.

I have loved books since I learned how to read them, with the Ramona books at the top of my list. When I was in elementary school I came to think of Ramona Quimby as a dear friend. I had some of her same fears, laughed at the crazy antics, I loved it all.

Fast forward to the present day. I am now reading Ramona Forever to my peeps. Peep 1 seems to enjoy it as much as I do, er, did.

So the other day I took them to see the movie, Ramona and Beezus. We loved it, the girls and I laughed out loud, and got tears in our eyes. Although I did think that Beezus was too glamorous in the movie, I will not get hung up on it.

Bottom line, it was fun to see something I had loved so much become something special to my little Ramonas.

Suddenly I'm an Expert

With the Olympics in full swing. I have once again become an expert couch judge in not just one, but every sport. It amazes me that after a small explanation from the commentators I am ready to hand out medals.

I look for the slight bobbles, incorrect form, or any nuance that could cause deductions. Do I have any experience with Men's Moguls? Not necessary! I have also added new phrases to my vocabulary, like, "nice extension," and "solid performance."

We are trying to keep the phone free just in case the Olympic Committee needs a consult. For the next two weeks I'll be right here, sitting on the sofa, struggling to hold up my enormous head.

Wanna Know Why it Hasn't Snowed in Awhile?

Because the minute we bought a new snow shovel all storms immediately ended. Oh well, I'm not crying too much. Enjoy those snow free days, I might get a snow blower next, that should ensure a completely dry winter next year.