Foodgasms

Look at me! I'm blogging! This is so freaking fancy! All right. I'll rein in all the excitement. Well, not really at all because I want to talk about a Food Network and Cooking Channel "thing" I call the foodgasm. In case it's not self-evident, the foodgasm is when a tv chef/cook takes a bite of whatever they've just prepared and their eyes roll back in their heads. They put their head back a little bit and chew, with eyes closed and seemingly jizz in their pants. This is almost always followed by the words, "so good" (or some variation there of). I cook everyday (or nearly everyday). Sometimes new recipes, sometimes tried and true family favorites, but never anything that I think, "Hey, I'll bet this will make me experience a spontaneous orgasm". I get it, they're on tv and they're selling themselves, sometimes their product lines, and trying to stay on the air, but seriously. That cottage cheese pancake you just made was not THAT good.

Your kid is obnoxious.

   I've said this publicly before, but that's not the point. Unless you are very close friend, I probably don't think your kid is cute and find him annoying. I'm going to brag a bit, but my kid is pretty fucking awesome. She's well behaved in public (most days). When she is being a brat, I take her away from public.
  I don't have to deal with screaming, crying, kicking, I'm spoiled rotten and get what ever I want tantrums. It's a combination of being a mom with a back bone and being blessed with a good kid.
  Back to other people's kids. Oh my gracious. I have no patience. NONE. Even when I can tell the kid has been brought up well and the parents are trying, I get annoyed at tantrums. When I hear that annoying, whiney, I'm not hurt cry I cringe.  I can tell the difference between the tantrum cries and the I'm hurt, tired, and/or hungry.

  All that being said, if a little one is being cute, sweet, or says hi I will be more than happy to say hi back. Cause kids can be pretty fun. Mine is just more fun.

Play time.

Shiny New Things

New things are coming to Singing Princess Astronaut. I can't wait! Keep checking back!

On this day.

Peanut and I watch some Sprout together this morning and a commercial for cake pop pan came on no less than 17 times. Peanut decided we NEEDED one. Instead, we are making our own cake pops. The Red Velvet cake is baking right now. Tonight we will start making up the pops. Pictures coming soon.

Random

Toaster oven S'mores are AWESOME.
That is all

Almost 20 Questions (I think) you should ask when deciding on a preschool

   I am not a professional. I am a mom that worked as a preschool teacher for almost 8 years. I won't tell you the "right" answer, these are just things I think you should consider. You know the what is right for you and your little one. They are not in any special order of importance.

1. What kind of curriculum is taught?

2. Who writes the lesson plans? (Does the planner have any knowledge about early childhood education?)

3. How is the curriculum implemented? (If the school hires someone with a degree to write a curriculum,  but the teachers don't follow through or care, what's the point)

4. How much free time/outside/get your wiggles out each day? (cause kids need to wiggle.Being forced to sit all day is just not good, if you ask me)

5. How big are the classes, what is the kid to teacher ratio? (smaller is better, especially with little bitty ones)

6. Teacher turnover? (The longer the teachers have been there, the more likely they are happy. Which means happier kids. Trust me)

7. Do teachers have degrees or experience working with preschoolers? (having a degree isn't important, but experience really makes a difference. Sure the girl right out of high school is energetic, but she's also more likely to not have a handle on tough situations.)

8. If the preschool is at a church, how much is faith a part of the daily activities? (Faith is a very personal thing, make sure you are comfortable with what your little one may be learning)

9. Are meals or snacks served? What kind of food is served? Are you OK with what your child may eat? Find out the policy on allergies, especially peanuts.

10. Do they allow drop in visits or require you to make an appointment?( I would never, ever trust a school that made me call ahead to visit/check in on my Peanut. Makes you wonder if anything shady is going on.)

11. What kind of security procedures are in place? Are they doors locked so random strangers cannot come in? What about an emergency, such as a crazy gunman? Does the school have a plan?

12. What are the rules for sick children? Are they actually followed? (and PLEASE follow the rules. Don't take your sick kid to school)

13. Rules and procedures for problem children? (Sometimes there are children that just can't be in a group setting. It's sad, but the safety of your child is important)

14. Discipline. What do the teachers do when kids fight, throw tantrums, act like kids? Is it something you can agree with?

15. Is the place clean and organized? Does it smell nice? (There are times when kids get stinky, but if the place reeks, EWW)

16. How much media are the kids exposed to? Do the teachers put on a movie every day and let the class zone? (I let my little one watch movies at home, but if I'm paying, I expect her to be taught. Not sitting in front of the TV all day)

17. If you have a little one still in diapers, does the school provide them with tuition? (Diapers aren't cheap. If a school supplies them, it may make tuition higher. Something to keep in mind when comparing schools)

18. Finally, do you like the place? Would you be comfortable leaving you little one in the care of these people?