What I learned in 2012...

Many years ago... Colleen, Manny, and I started a tradition of writing down the things we had learned in the past year. So on the Eve of New Years Eve (when Colleen and I would traditionally celebrate) I am reflecting on the past 364 days... I give you my list...

What I learned in 2012!

1) The end of the world did not happen... Again.

2) Nothing will get my butt faster to a movie theater like Indiana Jones.

3) That the road of life may not take you down the path you planned to go down. It's how you handle the ride that matters.

4) Surprise visits from/ to friends are the best!!! So are the greatly anticipated visits with friends and family.

5) I am happy for child swap because I can't ride Rollercoasters like I used to. The time of riding 15 times in a row is long behind me.

6) Adversity introduces a man to himself, And in every adversity there's a seed of equivalent benefit. Thank you Alonso Morning.

7) I like Burbon. And I honestly prefer just a plain cheese pizza.

8) You can inspire others simply by your actions to do good for others. Start your own little wave of kindness.

9) Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim. Thank you Norah Ephron.

10) There are a few Disney princesses I actually do like. A small few that I don't mind my daughter loving obsessively.

11) No matter how simple a little thing as running a 5k can be. Climbing that mountain is an achievement to be proud of.

12) It's amazing what you can accomplish when you change the way you look at it. Huge Thanks to Carla Hall for the Operation 2012 outlook!

13) Cherish each moment with every special person in your life... That moment may be your last.

14) Instead of posting about it... Don't forget to live it!

15) My power of my voice can be heard... Again!!!

16) Some people will never change. No matter how much you wish and pray for them to... The best you can do is stand your ground with who you are.

17) Find joy in sharing the successes of others!

18) Thanks to the powerful, inspirational women of this world... I now know what kind of Woman I want to be, the type of foot print I want to leave behind, the legacy I will create, and the mother my daughter will want to become.

19) I am a little bit of a Harry Potter nut when all I dream of is ButterBeer and Rollercoasters.

20) If I were ever to win the lottery... I would just want to go on vacation with Kevin for the rest of my life!!!



Sent from my iPhone

A Random Act of Kindness for me?

Dear Woman at my Dadeland Target,

I can not say thank you enough for the simple random act of kindness you showed me today. You so generously stopped what you were doing to lend me a much needed hand.
You saw me struggle with a broken bag, contents of that bag on the floor, and a 2 year old taking full advantage if the situation to break free from my hand and run around the entrance of the store (in full giggle mode). You could have passed me, laughing at my situation... But you didn't. You chose to help. Not only did you collect all of my purchased items that had fallen out of the bag while I ran to collect my marathon training daughter. You ran to get me a new bag, re-bagged all of my stuff, and handed me the new bag with a wonderful smile and these reassuring words "I've had these kind of days too!". In a world where I try to share more Random Acts of Kindness... Your kindness has moved me to tears. I pray that you too will be showered with kindness when you need it the most!

Thank you,
Arianne Collins

Our Family 2011 Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create a gorgeous, high quality wedding photo album at Shutterfly.com.

I finally got around to making at year in review book for 2011... Enjoy!  

Day Trip to Hogwarts

That's right... We made a day trip to Orlando to hang out with Colleen and her Mom at Universal. Because I had shows every day that week we were unable to stay longer... But we still had a great time.

Happy Mothers Day to me... And Happy Birthday to Colleen!

Cooking with Baby: Brunswick Stew (crockpot/ leftovers recipe)

January 12, 2012

I love it when I make a great dish. It makes me feel like I actually have some skills in the kitchen.

I love it even more when I can take those leftovers and make it even better. That's what I did tonight! Are you ready for this? I made one of my favorite southern dishes from the leftover BBQ pork dish I made the other day and the left over chicken from last nights Publix Chicken Dinner.

I really didn't have a recipe to work from to create this... Just a common ingredient list:
1 pound smoked pulled pork
1/2 pound smoked pulled chicken
1/2 pound smoked pulled turkey
1 pound smoked chopped beef brisket
1 ((number 10) can crushed tomatoes
1 quart drained yellow corn kernels
1 quart drained baby lima beans
1 quart or more quality chicken stock or broth

I took out the left over meat and strained the sauce (discarding the onions) from the crockpot. I then returned the sauce back to the pot. Next I added 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 bag of frozen corn, and 1 bag of frozen Lima beans. I shredded up some of the left over fried chicken and threw it in. And topped it off with some chicken broth (1 box). I then cooked it on low for 4 hours since everything was already cooked. It was delish. I might even say better than the stuff I dream about back home.


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Mission RAK: Breakfast and a cup of coffee

Friday, April 27, 2012

Mission: RAK
Target: A homeless man in Coral Gables
The Act: Breakfast and a cup of coffee

It was like every other Friday when both Kevin and I are working. I rush out saying "I love you" and head to work thinking of all the things I have to do that day. This day was no different. As I waited for the train to whisk me away to Coral Gables I made note that I had bills that needed to be paid. I signed on to our account and got a pleasant surprise... Our Tax Refund was there. A surprise that made me feel good.

As I continued to work I thought I would stop off at Panera for some breakfast. As I got off the Trolley I saw the man I had tried to do a RAK for back in January. He was just sitting on this bench. Then it came to me...

Do you know what makes me really feel good? Helping others.

I headed to Panera planning to get my muffin and tea and ordered a cup of coffee and a bagel with cream cheese. I packed up some sugar and milk and headed out the door... Praying he would still be there.

But he wasn't. I couldn't find him anywhere. I walked up and down Miracle Mile looking for this man whom fate was not allowing me to do a RAK for.

After a while I started looking for anyone to give this breakfast to. Just when I was about to go into the theater I saw something on the bench across the street. I crossed to find an old man sleeping on the bench. I tip-toed up placing the coffee and bagel next to him... And trying my best to not wake him.

As I walked away... I prayed that someone wouldn't come by and take it from him. I prayed that this man would wake from the smell of fresh, hot coffee. I prayed that he would feel happy.


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Peter Rabbit and the Garden of Doom

I am so excited to be back on stage again. After having a baby, teaching every Saturday and Monday, doing spring camp 2 times, a full summer camp, stage managing 2 shows, and teaching 13 weeks at Ransom I was so ready to get back on stage. In fact part of my Operation 2012 was to get back on stage and I am loving every moment!  And why not... I get to play Cottontail!  

Last weekend was Kidsfest and Kevin brought Ainsley. At first she didn't want to come to me but later she warned up. Yesterday she was pointing at the photos of me saying "Momma" so I guess she isn't terrified. 

I am so very thankful to Earl for giving me this opportunity. I hope I make him proud. :) 

Cast photo with Milton (the author) and Shannon from CBS 4. 

Peter Rabbit and the Garden of Doom

Cooking with baby: BBQ with a Coke (crockpot recipe)

January 9, 2012

As an operation 2012 objective we are trying to cook more at home.  

I would like to have at least two meals a week home-cooked and from scratch. I know this is going to be really hard especially these next eight weeks with me teaching full time.  But I have a feeling that the crockpot is going to be the items that will help make this happen. 

It's funny...  ever since I started the "cooking with baby" posts (to archive our family recipes or new recipes)  I have been looking for more crockpot/ slow cooker recipes. 

Since today is the last day before I head back to teaching I decided to try a new recipe. 

Today's recipe is a combination of two similar recipes. The first is one that I found on Pinterest and the second is one that I found on the Pioneer Woman's website. Both use a slow cooking method and some form of soda for the sauce. 

I used the pioneer woman's recipe as a base for the recipe.  First of all, I love how her servings for all of her recipes are for 18+ servings. I can't even imagine cooking for 18 people. 

I purchased a 1.75 pounds pork shoulder. 

I used a half of a red onion that was left over for New Year's Eve and a small yellow onion. 

I also purchased a honey chipotle barbecue sauce instead of using in the can chipotle peppers in Adobe sauce. I think the chipotle peppers and the Adobe sauce are a little too spicy for the little one (aka Ainsley).   

I seasoned the pork with seasoning salt,  pepper,  garlic powder,  and a dry barbecue seasoning. 

I put the cut up onions in the bottom of crockpot pan. Topped them with the seasoned pork shoulder. Added the barbecue sauce. 1 can of Diet Coke (the only soda left in our fridge)  and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. 

I put the top on the crockpot and turned it to low.  Cooked it for 8 hours. 

I used 2 forks to pull the pork apart,  topped it with homemade coleslaw, and placed them on the little Hawaiian  Sweet Rolls. 

OMG!!!! This dish was delicious. It was pretty simple to prepare... Even with Baby! And the house smelled amazing!  Ainsley loved it too. This will def be added to our family cookbook. 

Here is the Pioneer Woman's recipe: 

The Pioneer Woman 

Recipe: Spicy Dr. Pepper Shredded Pork

Prep Time: 5 Minutes  |  Cook Time: 6 Hours  |  Difficulty: Easy  |  Servings: 18

Ingredients

1 whole Large Onion

1 whole Pork Shoulder ("pork Butt") - 5 To 7 Pounds

Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper

1 can (11 Ounce) Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce

2 cans Dr. Pepper

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Peel the onion and cut it into wedges. Lay them in the bottom of a large dutch oven.

Generously salt and pepper the pork roast, then set it on top of the onions in the pan.

Pour the can of chipotle peppers over the pork (include the sauce.) Pour in both cans of Dr Pepper. Add brown sugar to the juice and stir in.

Place lid tightly on pot, then set pot in the oven. Cook for at least six hours, turning roast two or three times during the cooking process. Check meat after six hours; it should be absolutely falling apart (use two forks to test.) If it's not falling apart, return to the oven for another hour.

Remove meat from pot and place on a cutting board or other work surface. Use two forks to shred meat, discarding large pieces of fat. Strain as much of the fat off the top of the cooking liquid as you can and discard it. Return the shredded meat to the cooking liquid, and keep warm until ready to serve. (You can also refrigerate the meat and liquid separately, then remove hardened fat once it's cold. Then heat up the liquid on the stovetop and return the meat to the liquid to warm up.

Serve on warm flour tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, avocado slices, salsa, and whatever else you'd like.

January 9, 2012

As an operation 2012 objective we are trying to cook more at home.  

I would like to have at least two meals a week home-cooked and from scratch. I know this is going to be really hard especially these next eight weeks with me teaching full time.  But I have a feeling that the crockpot is going to be the items that will help make this happen. 

It's funny...  ever since I started the "cooking with baby" posts (to archive our family recipes or new recipes)  I have been looking for more crockpot/ slow cooker recipes. 

Since today is the last day before I head back to teaching I decided to try a new recipe. 

Today's recipe is a combination of two similar recipes. The first is one that I found on Pinterest and the second is one that I found on the Pioneer Woman's website. Both use a slow cooking method and some form of soda for the sauce. 

I used the pioneer woman's recipe as a base for the recipe.  First of all, I love how her servings for all of her recipes are for 18+ servings. I can't even imagine cooking for 18 people. 

I purchased a 1.75 pounds pork shoulder. 

I used a half of a red onion that was left over for New Year's Eve and a small yellow onion. 

I also purchased a honey chipotle barbecue sauce instead of using in the can chipotle peppers in Adobe sauce. I think the chipotle peppers and the Adobe sauce are a little too spicy for the little one (aka Ainsley).   

I seasoned the pork with seasoning salt,  pepper,  garlic powder,  and a dry barbecue seasoning. 

I put the cut up onions in the bottom of crockpot pan. Topped them with the seasoned pork shoulder. Added the barbecue sauce. 1 can of Diet Coke (the only soda left in our fridge)  and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. 

I put the top on the crockpot and turned it to low.  Cooked it for 8 hours. 

I used 2 forks to pull the pork apart,  topped it with homemade coleslaw, and placed them on the little Hawaiian  Sweet Rolls. 

OMG!!!! This dish was delicious. It was pretty simple to prepare... Even with Baby! And the house smelled amazing!  Ainsley loved it too. This will def be added to our family cookbook. 

Here is the Pioneer Woman's recipe: 

The Pioneer Woman 

Recipe: Spicy Dr. Pepper Shredded Pork

Prep Time: 5 Minutes  |  Cook Time: 6 Hours  |  Difficulty: Easy  |  Servings: 18

Ingredients

1 whole Large Onion

1 whole Pork Shoulder ("pork Butt") - 5 To 7 Pounds

Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper

1 can (11 Ounce) Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce

2 cans Dr. Pepper

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Peel the onion and cut it into wedges. Lay them in the bottom of a large dutch oven.

Generously salt and pepper the pork roast, then set it on top of the onions in the pan.

Pour the can of chipotle peppers over the pork (include the sauce.) Pour in both cans of Dr Pepper. Add brown sugar to the juice and stir in.

Place lid tightly on pot, then set pot in the oven. Cook for at least six hours, turning roast two or three times during the cooking process. Check meat after six hours; it should be absolutely falling apart (use two forks to test.) If it's not falling apart, return to the oven for another hour.

Remove meat from pot and place on a cutting board or other work surface. Use two forks to shred meat, discarding large pieces of fat. Strain as much of the fat off the top of the cooking liquid as you can and discard it. Return the shredded meat to the cooking liquid, and keep warm until ready to serve. (You can also refrigerate the meat and liquid separately, then remove hardened fat once it's cold. Then heat up the liquid on the stovetop and return the meat to the liquid to warm up.

Serve on warm flour tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, avocado slices, salsa, and whatever else you'd like.

Cooking with Baby: New Years 2012

December 31, 2011 

This year we were invited to spend New Years Eve at Christine and Henry's. They were hosting a dinner party and I of course had to make something!  

I was informed by Erin (via Manny) I had to make the Toffee Gooey Butter Cake and those Black eyed peas that I made last year.  So I put on a dress and found my apron and hit the kitchen. 

Last year I was in search of a "southern" New Years recipe and found this one by The Neely's.  This black eyed peas recipe is one of my new favorites and it's already become a family tradition. 

It is super easy to make.  You can either chop up everything by hand or throw it in the food processor.   I love how this simple side dish gets better the longer it sits in the fridge. It does take me a bit longer than 10 minutes to prep everything.  I also don't think I have ever made it 10 hours before It was time to serve it (7 at the most) but it still tastes good. And leftovers the next day? Amazing! 

I hope you enjoy!   

Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Recipe courtesy The Neelys, 2008

Prep Time:10 min

Inactive Prep Time:8 hr 0 min

Cook Time: --

Level: easy

serves: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

1 large tomato, diced

1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped

1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 jalapeno, finely chopped

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

1/4 cup unseasoned rice wine vinegar

1/4 cup canola oil

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 (15-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained

Directions

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a bowl.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, canola oil, sugar, and salt and pepper.

Toss all together and let marinate for at up to 8 hours in the refrigerator before serving.

December 31, 2011 

This year we were invited to spend New Years Eve at Christine and Henry's. They were hosting a dinner party and I of course had to make something!  

I was informed by Erin (via Manny) I had to make the Toffee Gooey Butter Cake and those Black eyed peas that I made last year.  So I put on a dress and found my apron and hit the kitchen. 

Last year I was in search of a "southern" New Years recipe and found this one by The Neely's.  This black eyed peas recipe is one of my new favorites and it's already become a family tradition. 

It is super easy to make.  You can either chop up everything by hand or throw it in the food processor.   I love how this simple side dish gets better the longer it sits in the fridge. It does take me a bit longer than 10 minutes to prep everything.  I also don't think I have ever made it 10 hours before It was time to serve it (7 at the most) but it still tastes good. And leftovers the next day? Amazing! 

I hope you enjoy!   

Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Recipe courtesy The Neelys, 2008

Prep Time:10 min

Inactive Prep Time:8 hr 0 min

Cook Time: --

Level: easy

serves: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

1 large tomato, diced

1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped

1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 jalapeno, finely chopped

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

1/4 cup unseasoned rice wine vinegar

1/4 cup canola oil

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 (15-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained

Directions

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a bowl.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, canola oil, sugar, and salt and pepper.

Toss all together and let marinate for at up to 8 hours in the refrigerator before serving.

Playtime with Daddy: Messy Room

April 19, 2012

I love S'mores!

Knaus Berry Farm

A Day at the Zoo

Letters to Ainsley: 18 Months Old

Dear Ainsley

It's hard to believe that you're 18 months old. I knew this time would fly by fast but what I was not prepared for was how quickly you would grow up. You're definitely not a baby anymore. You are a little girl. The days of you getting excited for an adventure in the stroller are long gone. You much rather walk or run to where we are going. You find clever ways of getting up out of your bed and onto your changing table. And you no longer want mommy and daddy to feed you. You must feed yourself.

I'm so proud of my independent little girl. But at times it gets frustrating. For both mommy, daddy, and you.

We are working hard on developing your language. You know words such as Apple and ball... mommy and daddy. You love to count to the number three always skipping the number one. You love to point to your eyes, nose, head, hair, and ears. Sometimes even pointing to the right one. Your favorite words are Kitty and Bubbles. Even though you have said tons of words your verbal communication is more like gibberish. But we keep working on them.

You love music. At night we listen to rock-a-bye baby on Pandora. Your favorite station is Pete's Dragon. You love the music from Pete's Dragon. If a song is playing from something thats not Pete's Dragon you try to exit out and enter back in hoping to get a new song. And your favorite song is Attaboy by Yo-Yo Ma... You love to clap and snap along to the music. And we can't forget the peanut butter jelly song. You love dancing to the peanut butter jelly song. Grandpa should be very proud... you dance a lot like him. Daddy and I get a kick watching you do "the Wayne". And that is proof that somethings just come from within.

We love to sing songs like the bitsy spider and head shoulders knees and toes. You think I'm really funny when I sing for you. I guess there's one plus to me performing for thousands of children these past eight years.

Toys that you love playing with are your picnic basket and tea party set. You want your kitty Marie, pink blanket, and your dolly (ugly naked baby) to go every where with you. And now that they have a baby doll stroller to stroll them around in I am sure they will. We got you a cute little kitchen set for Christmas and you love it. Oh... And we can't forget your purses. You love your purses.

Your favorite snacks are apples, Motts chews, and gold fish. The holidays also gave you a taste of sweets and you do love your cookies. You love to drink from the straw and we are working on drinking from a little cup (not sippy).

You have several books that you always pick up to read. My favorite to read to you is the Very Busy Spider.

I'm currently teaching my 7th week out of 13 weeks and our time together is limited. A lot of our time together is during the hour drive home. I've tried to make that our music time introducing you to all different types of music. Somedays I even make that story time and we listen to Harry Potter. I miss you a lot during the day. Daddy says I have the best part... I get to pick you up and see your happy face. He gets the tears and crying when he drops you off. All I know is I look at photos of you everyday when I teach and wish I was with you instead.

At your visit with Dr. Miller we found out that you are 4" away from riding the Pteranadon Flyers and The Hippogriff, 8" away from the Simpsons, 10" from MIB, and 16" from the Mummy. I always joke about making you a growth chart based on ride heights. Maybe we need to actually make you one.

I can't wait till March when I am done with teaching and spring camp is over. I can't wait to spend my days with you again... Just don't grow up too much from now until then.

Love,
Mommy

The Book Exchange

A few weeks ago we received this letter in the mail from Heidi.  It was a letter inviting us to be a part of a book exchange.  I have gotten a few of these "letters" in the past but we had never taken part in the activity.

This one instructed us to:

1. Mail a book to the child in position 1

2. Make 12 copies of the blank form.  On 6 of the forms write the childs info in position 2 in postion 1 and adding our information to position 2. 

3. Mail 6 letters (including the new filled in form and a blank form for each letter) to 6 of your friends.

It stated that if everyone does this than our child will receive 36 books in the mail.  Now I know the odds of everyone that receives this letter participating is very low.  But I think the idea of this is very cool.  So we thought what the heck.  Let's participate.  Even if we don't end up get any books in return what did we lose? $5 on a book and $1.50 on shipping?  Kevin and I both felt that this was our chance to gift the gift of reading to a little boy we have no prior connection to. 

We headed to Barnes and Noble to get a book.  We were looking for a book for a 2 year old little boy named Taylor.  I instantly thought... Curious George.  What little boy (or girl) doesn't end up loving this adorable little monkey?  And then we found it... Curious George at the Baseball Game.  It was the perfect book to come from our family.    

Inside I wrote: 

To Taylor 

From Ainsley

Book Exchange 2012                

I hope Taylor likes his book.  I hope he loves the adventures it will take him on. 

I know he will never know why we picked that book for him.  He will never know that Curious George was a part I once played.  And he will never know Kevin's love for baseball. 

But he will know that a little girl (that he never met) gave him a book. And that is worth more than 36 books in the mail.     

The Little Old Lady in the Elevator

Ok... So it's not an Old Lady. It's Ainsley. But last night, when we were walking from the car to our place, she had to have her purse. Kevin started calling her Granny because she was walking slow and how she was holding her purse. At that moment I grabbed the camera.

Here... look at my Baby!

Sometimes I think that's all I say!  Well... maybe not say  it but that's how I feel.  I have always known I never wanted to be "That" parent.  You know what I am talking about.  We all know them.  They are everywhere.  The parents that post every photo of their kid, tweet, or status update about every little thing that they do.  Everything from their first tooth to pooping in the toilet.  No... I knew I didn't want to be "That" parent.       

But some days I feel like I have crossed that line too many times.  Not a day goes by where Ainsley doesn't do or say something funny or new. I am constantly grabbing my phone to capture it. It's not that I am one of "those" parents who has to share all the amazing accomplishments she does. I don't post them to brag about how advanced she is.  I post them so you... my family and friends... will not feel like you are missing out on her growing up. Or at least that is just what I tell myself to keep me feeling that I am NOT "That" parent.  I promise not to update you with every moment in her life.  Because I am sure you all don't want to know everything that we do. And... sorry... I will not be bloging or taping the potty training sessions.  Sorry!

Anyway...

 

Kevin and I have been talking about our goals for 2012 since before Christmas.  I am really excited to unveil our "OPERATION 2012" project in the next few weeks.  Instead of resolutions this year (which we always end up dropping by the end of January)  we decided to focus on the year itself.  What do we want to accomplish by the end of 2012?  And we have the entire year to "Make It Happen!" 

I bring this up because one of the things that I want to work on for this year is posting regularly on our blog.  Not just for us.  But for our kids in the years to come and for our family and friends.  Ever since we got the iphone posting has gotten a bit easier but I have needed the computer to do multiple photos and video.  That was until now.  This new iphone 4S is amazing.  And thanks to it I am able to take photos and video (sometimes) and instantly load them up to our blog.  So this explains all the multiple video postings of Ainsley these past few weeks. 

I would like to post more updates about Ainsley and the things she is interested in.  I tried to make this my goal last year but that sort of failed.  So I have made it my goal, once more.  This time with the goal of blogging at least three times a month.  So... I want to apologize if it seems like all I do some months is post photos or videos of Ainsley.  Because there might come a month where I cross that line again and become "That" parent.   

Show Me Your Eyes... Part 2.

Here is part 2

Show Me Your Eyes... Part 1

So the other day Ainsley and I were messing around with the camera on my phone. And I started asking her where her eyes were... Hope you like it as much as I do.

* Due to the size of the video I had to break it down to 2 files.

Our Big Little Helper

Forget "Your baby can read"... My Baby can do the dishes! Well... At least the unloading part and preferably with just plastic items.

For the past few months whenever we open the dishwasher Ainsley runs Over to "help". In fact we have had a few "meltdowns" over dishes. I so can't wait for the day she tells me she can't do the dishes... I will totally show her this.

Enjoy!