Making you smile is optional.
No, my child is not stomping her foot in anger. She just loves her light up shoes. In fact, the bonus cool factor is the only reason she'll wear sneakers. I take my wins where I can get them.
(I used to be one of those parents that proclaimed I would never let my daughter wear light up sneakers, thinking they were obnoxious. I can admit this. I was a schmuck then. Now, I'm just a pushover.)
John and I had a date night on Saturday, leaving Sprite with my parents for the evening as we took in dinner at a nice restaurant (Reservation, yo!) and a highly acclaimed movie. As payment for babysitting, I made a complete dinner (meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and fresh green beans), dessert (homemade flat apple pie courtesy of The Pioneer Woman's cookbook along with storebought vanilla ice cream) (just being honest) and set up a screening of Despicable Me, a feature my parents hadn't seen yet and Sprite hadn't memorized yet, so it was still kind of new to her. (Okay, she does know how to imitate "It's so FLUFFY!", but I could easily blame that on playground gossip.)
While we enjoyed our time out, and only called home once to make sure everyone was still on speaking terms, I did mention to John during our dinner that I would have preferred what I had made for my parents in lieu of the salty mess I abandoned after a few bites.
We did love the movie though! The King's Speech was wonderful, made brilliant by the actors and the story. John noted the next morning when we were discussing movies that he wasn't interested in seeing The Black Swan. I asked why, considering the action that was drawing most men to the movie. It seems John was one of the few remaining males on this planet that was not aware of Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman's "friendship". Now that he is aware, he is currently making plans for another date night very soon, this time to join ranks.
Imprompu Facebook Status Filler:
As written on January 12th: Jennifer‎'s daughter is looking forward to being a "princess in distress" at this weekend's superhero birthday party, but the way she's been behaving lately, I may just have her re-cast as an evil villian.
I even broached the subject with the party's hostess, my friend Tracy. I don't think she quite believes me when I tell her my daughter has a vicious snark level, but then again, she has twin five year old boys. I think she may be somewhat numb by now.
Unfortunately, due to Sprite's sick day and a half last week, I am doing double time (and double portions of tea for the caffeine kick) to catch up, so it's a short one this week. Longer than last week though. And hopefully shorter than next week. What can I say? It's perfect for snacking.
Now go see Keely and complete your Tuesday obligations..

Wow, I'd babysit for you too if that's how you treat your sitters! That meal sounded delicious!
Posted by: Alaina | January 25, 2011 at 06:47 AM
Previously, Inception was my nominee for best picture, but then I saw The King's Speech. Words cannot begin to describe. I hope it does a sweep at the Academy this year!
Posted by: unmitigated me | January 25, 2011 at 07:18 AM
Man I'd babysit too!!!LOL!
Happy RTT!!
Posted by: Kristine | January 25, 2011 at 08:52 AM
We don't go to the movies - the other patrons tend to complain when Beloved starts snoring (I swear, the man can NOT sit and watch anything without falling asleep; you have no idea how many episodes of Dexter I've watched 2 or 3 times because of this).
Posted by: Jan | January 25, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Dinner was so good. Sprite was so good we all had a great time. Play it again sam any time!!!!
Posted by: Baba | January 25, 2011 at 09:12 AM
I said I would fight against light up shoes too but my kid loves Spider Man and they all have dumb lights. I gave in!
Posted by: Claire | January 25, 2011 at 09:46 AM
I did light up shoes for Turbo--but they often only had one or two lights. I avoided the ones with lights all over them--although they are good for locating them when it's dark out.
I hate when restaurant food is over salted. Why do they think more salt=better flavor?
Posted by: VandyJ | January 25, 2011 at 10:15 AM
You know I would babysit without the food. Though it always helps.
I want to go see The King's Speech. It would be the first time I've been to a theater since the second Pirates movie.
Posted by: Michele | January 25, 2011 at 10:18 AM
I can't wait to see The King's Speech! Too bad your meal wasn't very good. I hate going out for dinner and discovering we could've made it better (and cheaper) at home.
Posted by: Elle | January 25, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Ooooo......I want to know what you ate and what the horrific salty mess was on your plate. How disappointing! Don't klnow why, but Black Swan just doesn't appeal to me at all...but if it gets you out for another date night, then who can argue!
Posted by: GIna | January 25, 2011 at 12:08 PM
Wow, don't tell my sitter. I left her with a box of oreos, some coke in the fridge and a whiny almost 3 year old. I did put the baby down before she got there, as requested, though.
Posted by: Mama Badger | January 25, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Tell John that "the scene" is not even worth it. Black Swan is totes creepy.
Posted by: Jenni | January 25, 2011 at 01:49 PM
With eats that good, I'll even come down there and babysit for you! ;)
I want to see that movie - I noticed it on our 'On Demand' list, but wasn't sure if Princess Nagger would be interested - apparently she would! :)
Posted by: Stacy (the Random Cool Chick) | January 25, 2011 at 06:50 PM
How i have missed your randomness!!!! It is so good to have a computer again. I can now resume my stalking!!! Is the area over there by the tree still avaialble or has someone rented it out?
Posted by: Krystal | January 25, 2011 at 11:17 PM
Nice night out! I can't WAIT to see The King's Speech, it looks so good.
Posted by: goodfather | January 26, 2011 at 01:52 AM
Too bad they don't make light shoes in adult sizes.
Posted by: Captain Dumbass | January 26, 2011 at 04:54 PM
"It's so FLUFFY!!" My favorite line in that entire movie! Especially the way she says it!
Glad you had fun!
Posted by: Joanie | January 26, 2011 at 07:03 PM
Perfect timing. I told hubby that I wanted a date night. Haven't been on one for the last 3-4 YEARS! So the King's Speech seems perfect.
And really, I truly wished that I had the type of shoes, little girls get to wear today. The variety is astounding, light up ones, Dora shoes, Princess shoes, adorable chucks, purple patent leather, sparkle shoes. I'd be Amelda Marcos of the kindergarten set.
Posted by: Ellie Belen | January 27, 2011 at 12:22 AM
haha! I'm laughing at the "calling home to make sure everyone was still on speaking terms!" Yeah, with grandparents, kids tend to get a little manipulative...well, I shouldn't speak for Sprite. But my 7 year old is the master of manipulation with my mother!
Posted by: Sandra | January 27, 2011 at 12:43 AM
Yeah, I would totally babysit Sprite for that dinner! Yum....
Posted by: Patty | January 27, 2011 at 05:30 PM
I remember how wonderful it was to get away alone when the kids were little...glad you guys get the opportunity. At least you're the cool mom that gave into Sprite's shoes...I was the mean one that wouldn't let mine wear those cartoon character ones! I hope they've forggoten by now, or at least by the time they pick out a nursing home for me!
Posted by: SuziCate | January 27, 2011 at 05:48 PM
Sounds like you had a great day! Sprite is getting so big. Aren't you glad you have this blog to look back over her life and yours? Andrea
Posted by: andrea frazer | January 27, 2011 at 11:34 PM
Well, John wasn't the last fellow to know about that friendship...Roy just smiled when I told him.
Posted by: Laufa | January 31, 2011 at 06:03 PM
LOL for reals!
Posted by: Kate | February 04, 2011 at 08:05 PM