an act of sheer genius

Last night my mom called me to invite us to come over. We had a few errands to run beforehand, so dinner consisted of a healthy meal from Old Faithful: a.k.a. Chic-Fil-A.

This is when I had Britney Spears Moment #852, or as I prefer to call it: Act of Genius #852.

It's important to note that the time of the Act of Genius was well past 8 pm. 8 pm is the Witching Hour at our house. Usually, chaos ensues if our little Avery doesn't go to bed promptly at 8 pm. Exhaustion turns our precious angel into something a bit short of ... precious. It's not a pretty sight.

Normally, we would pack things up and head straight home as soon as the clock strikes 7:55. Last night, however, our trip to my parent's house was already confirmed and "on the books" prior to 8 pm. Breaking such an appointment would mean facing Parental Disappointment of Bibilical Proportions. Which is also not a pretty sight.

I knew that a choice had to be made...

I made the call and pulled out the Big Guns. I closed my eyes tightly, handed my Diet Coke to my somewhat surprised daughter, and let her drink until her little heart was content.

Go ahead. Judge me. But I'll tell you something Ms. Smartypants: it worked like a champ. Not only was she NOT sleepy, she was actually giddy... She happily performed all her latest tricks, gave kisses and hugs, attentively listened to stories, and loved on my parents like it was no body's business.

Mommy was so proud. Of herself.

There is a lesson to be learned here: Sometimes, Britney Spears gets a bad wrap.



Avery and Bella reading a new book

"Wocky. a yickin' me!" (translation: Rocky's licking me!)

Papa is showing Avery one of the million and one breakable things at my parent's house. My mom was not pleased.

"I pincess!"