Llama Mama

First of all, I made an awesome lasagna for dinner tonight. And I didn't even have to call my mom to ask about how much salt or water goes into it. Took Sarah's half sausage/half beef suggestion, and Laura's whole milk mozzarella (here I had been using part skim like a chump) suggestion, and deliciousness ensued. Then made breadsticks out of Trader Joe's garlic herb pizza dough and had a side of broccoli, and it was pretty much a fabulous dinner. It was my attempt at making up for days of leftovers.


I've decided that since this is supposed to be my journal, one of the things I'd like to remember are the books Mabes loves. So periodically, I'm going to post books that we've checked out from the library and enjoyed, and maybe warn you about the ones we haven't renewed. I'd love any suggestions, but Laura and Becca, she's a little too young for Harry Potter. Give it a couple of years.

Our current favorites are three books by Anna Dewdney:

Grumpy Gloria--About a grumpy pitbull named Gloria. I love this solely because it's hilarious to hear Mabes try to pronounce "Gloria," but the story is cute. And who doesn't like a story about dogs?

Llama Llama Mad at Mama, and Llama Llama Red Pajama-- Fun rhymes, and it reiterates proper bedtime and shopping behavior (in case an amusing story isn't enough, there's an educational aspect, too). Mabes likes to point to Llama's tantrums and say, "We don't do that!" And yet she does, but that's another story. They're cute books with great illustrations. For some reason, the picture on Red Pajama makes me think of Louie. Red Pajama makes her want to get in bed and go to sleep, and what's not to love about that? These books have earned me the nickname "Llama Mama." I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Oh, and Mabes and I love "Some Dogs Do." It's about a dog, Sid, that discovers he can fly. Yes, another story about dogs. Dave doesn't like it, because Sid's classmates and teacher are pretty mean to him when he claims he can fly. But you know what, the real world is cruel, and kids should be warned that some people might be jerks if you claim you can fly. Every time we read it, when we get to the part where Sid's dad asks, "What's up? You seem unhappy, little pup" Mabes stops me and coyly asks, "Mommy, will you call me little pup?" And then giggles and giggles when I comply. Spoiler alert: at the end it's all good, as Sid learns the secret that his parents can fly, too. Some dogs don't, and some dogs do.