Thankful for Cats and Bacon

The kids love Saturday mornings because that’s the day dad goes out early and gets them bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches. Saturday mornings are special to me because on most days, I leave the house before dawn and I love being able to have breakfast with the kids. While they were munching on their sandwiches I said “Since we just celebrated Thanksgiving I want to go around the table and hear what you’re thankful for.”

They looked up at me as if to say, “Are you kidding me mom?” (They are all getting very, very Jersey!) I started off by saying I was thankful that my kids were happy and healthy. Paul rolled his eyes. Maxwell said, “I’m thankful that the Chargers beat the Giants. In your face dad!” He ran up to the head of the table and did an obnoxious touchdown dance.

“How about you Natalie?” I asked. “I’m thankful for candy and Daisy the dog.” Daisy the dog is Paul's best friends new dog. She was clearly using the moment to lobby for a Christmas gift.

Paul was next and I tensed up thinking he might say something about ultimate fighting or candy as well. He looked up and imitated me, “I’m thankful for my happy family.” Meanwhile, Paulina was busy picking the eggs out of her sandwich. “Last night, at my school, my teacher said I was a good girl…” she launched into an imaginary story where she went to school with Maxwell and Natalie. She was so not answering the question.

Aidan was literally at the edge of his seat waiting for his turn. “How about you Aidan, what are you thankful for?” Clear as day he yelled, “Cats and bacon!” He looked up triumphantly, waiting for us to break into spontaneous applause. I think he had mentally prepared himself as we went around the room to astonish and impress us with his answer. By that time, I was the only one paying attention. “Good job buddy! Cats and bacon! Nice!”

Surrealism and Turkeys

Maxwell is studying Surrealism in art class. Yes, that’s right, Surrealism. The thought of this really knocked me out. The art teacher also explained that they are studying light, value, hue, symmetry and proportion. My memory of 3rd grade art involved paint, glitter, pipe cleaners and creating a Papier-mâché turkey. They just finished creating mobiles out of water bottles inspired by the work of Dale Chihuly. Paul thought their mobiles were inspired by a menu item at Taco Bell.

Art class has sure come a long way. It’s such a shame that not all kids get the opportunity to study art. When we left California, the state budgets were cut so drastically that they barely had a full-time school nurse on staff, let alone a good art teacher. We are so privileged to have our children at a school that exposes them to art in any form. I adore their art teacher. It’s so inspiring to meet a teacher that is so passionate about what she does for a living.

Who's Bought a Snuggie?

I have suffered in silence long enough and I just have to ask, what is with the Snuggie? I recently visited a high-end retailer that shall remain nameless (for fear that they might cut off my 20% off coupons) and there it was, a tower of Snuggies surrounded by twinkly lights and other holiday knickknacks. My son Maxwell saw the pyramid of Snuggies and said, “Those are so cool Mom. Maybe you should get that for Dad for Christmas.” Even my son has gone to the dark side.

I mean, really, it’s a blanket /glorified robe. Who is buying this stuff? The low budget commercials alone are enough to push me over the edge. Is any self respecting Giant fan really showing up at the Meadowlands wearing this? They now even have one for Rover. I admit, I am no arbiter of the next big thing but can my trend meter be this far off. Help me to understand. If anyone has bought a Snuggie, tell me why!