Archives for November 2010

Best Intentions Gone Awry

November 18, 2010 by Maren 3 Comments

I appreciate teachers. I’ve been a teacher & know how stinkin‘ hard they work! I’ve been there, done that, got the t-shirt, and am glad I’m no longer teaching. Hard work, I tell you! I admire all the teachers that stick with it and do what they can to make the classroom fun. I truly do.

With that said, my friend received a letter from her child’s teacher asking for parents to bring a dish to contribute to their school’s Thanksgiving feast. Good idea, teacher! Really sounds fun! All elementary aged children wanting to participate must come dressed in a Thanksgiving costume. I’m still on board with this plan. It still is a great idea. Now, let me divert your attention to where I think the idea loses its greatness: The teacher is replicating the menu of the original Thanksgiving meal. Here’s what she’s asked parents to sign up to bring (remember this is for elementary aged ‘I-only-like-chicken-nuggets’ kids):

split pea soup

butternut squash soup

venison

turkish dish of shredded meats

indian pudding

watercress salad

carrot salad

turnips

harvard beets

creamed onions

I’m sorry, but when my friend read this menu to me, I had to laugh. I truly admire this teacher’s intentions. However, I can’t see a second grader going back for seconds on a plate of creamed onions, harvard beets, and watercress salad. Seems to me to be a good idea IN THEORY, but a colossal waste of the parents’ time and money. Maybe I’m too much of a realist. But somehow in this case, I think there’s a difference between optimism, realism, and lala land. And perhaps for this little feast, all three of them need to collide. It’s just a thought. I hope for the teacher’s sake it’s a fabulous feast, and each little belly walks away satisfied from the yummy(???) menu! Otherwise, the teacher may not even have to cook for her own Thanksgiving day meal!

5 weeks ’til Christmas!

November 15, 2010 by Maren 2 Comments

I’m pushing the envelope when it comes to thinking about Christmas cards this year, but for good reason. I’d love to be able to order Christmas cards in advance, but alas, I’m waiting for this new bundle of joy in utereo to make his appearance so he doesn’t feel left out of the family card. My hope is to order Christmas cards soon after he arrives from Shutterfly because they’re offering a free promotion (50 free cards) for bloggers to help spread the word about their holiday Christmas Card Collection (Interested in the deal? Click Here)! Yippity! They’re super cute! And I love a good deal!

I’ve been perusing their selection of cards trying to decide which one I’ll use for my Christmas card after Boehmbino #2 arrives. It’s a toss up!

This card is probably my favorite. However, I’m debating if I’ll have the time to write inside each card with a brand new baby attached at the… Well, let’s just say that I’m just not that together.

So, I think I’ll go with a flat card, which I love for several reasons…the design, the wording, the layout and the cardstock. Probably one of these:

I’ve used Shutterfly in the past for Pierson’s baby announcement as well as Christmas Cards, too! and they are always great quality. If I were rich and organized, I’d plan to buy some gift tags. But seeing how I’ve yet to even THINK about Christmas shopping, that’s not going to happen.

Thanks for a great selection and the opportunity for some free Christmas cards, Shutterfly! And here’s to hoping that I get the cards sent out in time…Though, if I am realistic with myself, I may just have to scratch out Merry Christmas and use a Sharpie to instead say, “Happy St. Patrick’s Day!” Because let’s face it…sometimes, that’s how I roll.