10 Things I Learned This Week, Vol 105

I don’t know about you, but a rainy day off was far more inviting than I might have thought. Since we managed to fit three days of fun into two, we’ve been using today to relax, recover and reflect. After all, we couldn’t have done any of this without the brave, dedicated service people who have made our country what it is today. Happy Memorial Day, my friends!

Lesson #1: Sometimes that one last french fry really is the breaking point. Well, for the patio chair that’s seen far better days, that is.

Lesson #2: Even if you think your toddler is about to spill a big cup of water at a restaurant, let it go. Especially if you’re holding a (not-so-cheap) glass of wine that could potentially spill all over you in the water-saving process. (Which, in my case, came about 20 minutes before the chair-collapsing process.)

Lesson #3: It’s true, my boys aren’t known for their subtleties. But Big is obviously maturing. The other day when I was singing during dinner, instead of yelling at me to stop, he enthusiastically invited me to play The Silent Game. I respectfully — and melodically — declined.

Lesson #4: You know your kid is a true baseball enthusiast when he runs to the car in a (paved) parking lot, then decides to slide into home (aka the minivan tire).

Lesson #5: As a work-from-home mom, finally escaping the house to check off some things on your business to-do list can be a huge relief. Until you realize you grabbed the diaper bag instead of your computer bag.

Lesson #6: While it may seem like you made a lovely family dinner just the other night, the fact that the chicken you’ve been planning to cook expired over a week ago means you’ve probably lost track of time. And calories. Again.

Lesson #7: At some point in life, putting on pants is just a natural part of getting ready for dinner guests. That point is not at two years old.

Lesson #8: Even after running around the park time and time again, Little manages to stay minty fresh. Of course the mouthful of Tic Tacs he discovered and ate out of the bark may have had something to do with that.

Lesson #9: Speaking of freshness… While putting baking soda in your toddler’s outrageously stinky shoes may cure the odor problem, it doesn’t seem like such a great idea after all when you find your little ones snacking on “pancake mix”.

Lesson #10: When I finally get to return to Paris, I’ll be in good company. Little can’t wait to head to the City of Lights. Or, as he seems to think, the best place in the world to meet pirates. (I knew I didn’t get to see everything I wanted to when I was there…)

Au revoir, mes amies!