Back Seat Learning

Parents are a child's first and MOST important teacher. That's an undeniable fact (DISCLAIMER FOR BRANDON: I am using the term "parent" to refer to the person or people who are responsible for raising a child) Parents can teach things without intending to teach. One of these ways is something called "Back Seat Learning". I learned about it a few years ago in a training. This is the idea that I can say "Ellie, see that red bird, it's called a cardinal." OR I can say casually to Brandon as we are driving down the road "Oh wow, look how pretty that cardinal is!" It's fairly likely that Ellie will learn what a cardinal is either way.
Last night, Ellie was playing in "her" kitchen and as I passed through she stopped me. Brandon was loading the dishwasher in "his" kitchen so he was on the outskirts of our conversation.
Ellie: "Mama, pretend like I am Starbucks."
Brandon: WHAT does she know about Starbucks???
Me: (Ignoring Brandon) Ok, I'd like some coffee please.
Ellie: NO! Go over there to the screen and you have to say "I'd like a Grande, non-fat, mocha with no whipped cream"
Brandon: HOW OFTEN DO YOU GO TO STARBUCKS???
Me: (still ignoring Brandon)I'd like a grande, non-fat mocha with no whipped cream, please.
Ellie: (extremely chipper as if she's already had 4-5 mochas) ALRIGHT! COME ON UP!

Brandon and I were ROLLING to say the least. It's not as if I ever schooled Ellie on what I would be ordering at Starbucks! Most of the time, Backayardigans is playing in the back seat so I had no idea she was even listening. But she spouted off my regular order without hesitation and the last "Alright! Come on up!" is just SOOO how they are at the Bucks! Take heed my friends! These kids are sponges!

We had a pretty enjoyable weekend. Dance on Saturday morning was good. It seems Ms Martha has had enough of the crying and fits and she escorted a couple of girls out saying "This isn't working. It's too disruptive." And closed the door behind her. (Luckily Ellie was not escorted out!) I have to say while I am sorry for the girls, I think they are just not ready for this and I was getting a little peeved that Ellie and Rachel were being punished because these kids didn't want to dance.
My parents came to pick up both kids and took them BOTH to the basketball game and then to spend the night. I know they all had fun. But I have to admit, it is a real treat for Brandon and I and something I HIGHLY recommend for all married couples. Send your kids off and let it be just the two of you! It's like we were newlyweds with no cares in the world. And he mopped the kitchen!
Say a prayer for my mom. As I type she is in surgery. Last week she scared us all (including Brandon I think) to death because she thought she was having a heart attack or stroke. Since Brandon is son-in-law of the YEAR, he left his office and took her to the emergency room where Biz and dad met her. After much testing, it was determined she was having a gallbladder attack. While that is much less serious, her gallbladder was in pretty bad shape with lots of stones. So this afternoon, she is having it removed. Dad is with her and we are playing it by ear if she needs any more help this week. So say a prayer that it goes well. The dr told her it is a 3 hour surgery! Hard to believe that takes longer than repairing a ruptured disk!
Doug finished the basement digging on Saturday. Hopefully, this week the basement people will be out to begin the process of setting the walls. We are finally moving!
Have a good week and be careful what you say in the front seat!