We've Created a Monster

Being the sub-par parents that we are, Dave and I have allowed Amanda and Alison to each have a tiny T.V. in their rooms. This is mainly to ward off the rude awakenings we were getting on weekends at 6am. Both the televisions are not hooked up to cable, and so are at the mercy of the antenna perched on top of each one. Luckily, even without cable, we have been able to find a 24 hour kids channel. Unluckily, the kids channel has liberal showings of infomercials.

Alison has lately been extolling the virtues of various products with the enthusiasm of the "Sham-wow" guy. At dinner the other night, she tried convincing her aunt that she really needed the 'Bumpit' so that her hair would be "fluffy" and she wouldn't be ugly. She later told Dave and I that she really wished she could get a Snuggie for Christmas. Apparently, you can do anything in a Snuggie AND it comes with matching socks with "little white bumps" on the bottom! According to her, I am also in dire need of the Buxton Bag because you can "even fit a water bottle in there"! And of course, we really, really need to grow tomatoes...upside down!

At first, I didn't understand why a 24 hour kid channel would be showing infomercials. My kids certainly don't have access to a credit card. Now, of course, I understand all too well. While Dave and I can change the channel if an infomercial comes on while we're watching television, we've yet to find an "off" button on our children.

All About the Attitude

Amanda is one of those kids who is an overachiever and perfectionist. This is great when it comes to anything school related. She is one of those kids teachers don't worry too much about and often seat next to "trouble" students to help bring them into line. I know, because as a teacher, that's exactly what I'd do with her in my classroom! Recently, she brought home this award:


While Dave and I are proud of her for doing so well in school, we sure wish that good attitude would extend to the homefront. All the eye rolls, sassy comebacks, and stomping away in a huff are earning her a plain ol' "Attitude Award" at home!