7-Year Old Dictator

In the news, it's usually a 70-something year old dictator. But here, we are celebrating our 7-year old one.

She received a Browns jersey (ouch, that hurt this Steelers' Fan to purchase) and is thrilled beyond words with it. She's such a fan!

We had cupcakes and, by request, "Christmas Dinner".

• Popcorn Chicken
• Rice-a-Roni Rice Pilaf
• (steamed broccoli for the adults)
• chow-mein noodles
• sliced almonds
• General Tsao's sauce (from Trader Joe's)

This is what I made for Christmas last year, being a smart-aleck and paying homage to A Christmas Story. (And my best efforts to replicate an Asian-Chicken-Rice bowl thing that both girls like at a restaurant that charges $8 each for it and I can make it for $8 total -- with leftovers.)

It's a good day.

Necessary Absurdity

Yet again, something I never expected to have to say:

"Put your shirt down. You're supposed to be studying for your religion test, not making your belly button sing."

Although, I must say, The Princess' belly button does a fabulous rendition of "Boston" by Augustana.

At Church This A.M.

The priest asked all couples who were married in October to stand for a blessing. (Nice touch, I thought.)

It may have been my imagination, but it seemed as if all of the women stood up second -- as if by silent agreement, they all were waiting to make sure that their husbands REMEMBERED that their anniversary is this month.

I may have read into it too much. But maybe not!

Overheard

It's been a while. Sorry about that. Some quotes from the past few weeks.


"Holy CRAP! There's a CLOWNNNNNN!"
The Princess, demonstrating that -- at age 11 -- she's still afraid of clowns, even if they are at a birthday party in an episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8, on TV.

"I know what I'm going to be for Halloween."
The Faithful Alligator, trying to figure out how much a rainbow wig and face makeup would cost.

"Do it! Do it! Do it!"
The Dictator, loving the potential of her big sister being scared.




"I'm going to get my hair cut at the Salon next time, not Great Clips. I'm actually going to spend more than $10 on a haircut!"
The Faithful Alligator, tired of having her hair almost the way she wants it.

"Ooooooh, while you're there, I'm going to have them rub my feet."
The Dictator, demonstrating her complete understanding of the amenities here.




"Do you want to know what you're playing for? An herb garden . . . "
Jeff Probst, on Thursday's Survivor:Gabon. The reward challenge offered an herb garden with vegetables, herbs, seasonings, and oil for the winning tribe.

"Now, if that were a MEAT garden . . . "
The Dictator, dreaming.