I was reminded of a classic comedy stand-up bit from Eddie Murphy today as Carter and I were at the grocery store (while Eli is stuck somewhere between Maine and Boston). It is worth the watch before reading on, but beware it isn't kid friendly. For those of you in my age bracket, you will likely recall it as the McDonalds vs. Homemade White Bread Hamburger bit from "Raw."
http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/nx0While Carter did not ask specifically for McDonalds, (though he does that more and more often now and rarely gets his wish), we were finishing up the grocery shopping, it was late, the store was about to close early for renovations so it was crowded, poorly stocked, and full of contractors itching to get going once all these pesky shoppers got out of their way. We were in the last aisle, frozen foods, where was I re-stocking our depleted ice cream stores, and Carter, of course, spies this "fun" dinner:
After several minutes of cajoling, discussing, distracting, ignoring, I finally managed to get us out the door without the Kid Cuisine, but with a promise to make this dinner at home (pizza, corn, chocolate something). Fine, pizza isn't ideal but it's still better than this frozen meal. I knew I had corn and figured I could wing a chocolate something. Feeling confident as we got home, Carter races to the kitchen and says "Where are the sprinkles shaped like stars? Like on the box? You said we were making what was on the box!" I think my parent-of-the-year response was something like "Wha.....?" More cajoling, discussing, distracting, ignoring and voila! Fun dinner just like on the box!
No sprinkles, but Oreos can hold their own in the "fun" category apparently, so all was well. He ate every bit and even seemed to have a little fun while doing it.
Thinking back to Eddie Murphy, I'm not that parent, right? Right?
