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The Mom Blog ~ OC Register staff and guest writers share their parenting stories.

This is my husband working

November 6th, 2009, 12:06 pm by Jenny Angelici, Contributing Writer

gino-at-work

I always knew my husband liked his job. But I figured it was because he works for a wonderful company. Now, I know the truth.

Here he is working this week at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas — a tradeshow for the specialty auto parts and accessories industry. It’s a huge gathering for those who like to take ordinary vehicles and make them extraordinary with aftermarket enhancements.

And speaking of enhancements, I’m guessing that the model my husband is working with has had some custom work done herself.

No, I’m not jealous. Really… I’m not.

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Happy 40th, Sesame Street! My kid still hearts you!

November 6th, 2009, 9:06 am by Roxanne Hack, staff writer

Thanks to this week’s Google Logo, you probably already know that this year marks Sesame Street’s 40th on television. Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 10, its actual anniversary date, new episodes will air on PBS in place of the re-runs we’ve had to endure all summer.

There is some discussion over whether or not Sesame Street is still relevent, which surprises me to be quite honest. There aren’t a lot of good things on TV these days — even a self-proclaimed addict like me can admit that — so I tend to really latch on to the few things I do feel comfortable letting my son watch. A show full of furry monsters who teach you numbers and ABC’s is definitely on the good list.

Sesame StreetIs it outdated? Possibly. Is there anything wrong with that? Not in my book.

It’s a virtual place I can take my child where the economy hasn’t effected the neighborhood. It’s dependable and trustworthy. It’s safe. It’s Sesame Street, for crying out loud!

My son favors Elmo, whose voice can get a little annoying after awhile. But I’m pretty sure I owe thanks to the little red guy for my 14-month-old son being able to sing along to the Alphabet Song with, “Aaaaa-Eeeeee.” However, sometimes in the middle of the night, I’m haunted by Elmo’s Song. I prefer it when he’s riding his tricycle.

When I was a kid, I was a big fan of Grover, especially when he wore his red cape. I can still remember reading “The Monster at the End of This Book” over and over. My favorite segment was the Teeny Little Superguy — who lived in a cup and taught me things like sharing, and the safe way to cross the street.

Nowadays, the animated learning segments continue, and celebrity guests still visit and sing with the gang.

So what’s not to love? Who is your kid’s favorite monster? Who was yours?

Happy 40th, Sesame Street!

More from me and my monster:

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Looking ahead to this weekend and beyond

November 6th, 2009, 7:00 am by Theresa Walker, Editor

comedy-nightNext week we mark Veteran’s Day. You might call the Comedy Night military family benefit on Saturday an early salute.

It’s an annual event put on by San Clemente Military Family Outreach. The money raised will go to provide Thanksgiving dinners for more than 1,000 low-income Marine families in north Camp Pendleton.

Mark Schiff and Steve Mittleman, frequent Leno and Letterman late night show comics, will entertain.

Tickets are $30. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m., at San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. Info: 949-492-2537 or militaryfamilyoutreach.com.

Here are some other events happening this weekend and beyond:

Family Pet Day Extravaganza Join Friends of Lake Forest Animals and the City of Lake Forest for Family Pet Day Extravaganza for a day of fun for you and your pet. Adoptable animals, pet related vendors and entertainment. Free. Saturday, 11 a.m. Pittsford Park, 21701 Pittsford, Lake Forest. Info: 714-743-0507 or  folfa.org

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Parenting classes for real life

November 5th, 2009, 1:29 pm by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer

This morning, my son had to memorize the “5 themes of geography” for a class.

Let’s face it, there is no situation in adult life where anyone will ever have to know that geography has more than four themes.

Like algebra, which I couldn’t do now, even if it were the only thing that would save me from burning hellfire, some things you learn in school are just useless.

And you never get to study topics you actually need.

Here are some real-life classes we could all use. If you think you’re qualified to teach any of them, send me your resume and I’ll see what I can do.

badparent3Guilt 101. Regrettably, I can’t pretend I spent 36 hours in agonizing labor giving birth to my children, since they were already potty trained when I adopted them.  And, while I have a very short fuse, I really am no good at pouting or cold-shouldering. I need a psychology practicum on the use of guilt as an effective method of discipline and lifetime control. The successful outcome of the class would be when, someone asks me how many moms it takes to screw in a lightbulb, I can say with weary sincerity, “None. I’ll just sit in the dark.”

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Celeb gossip has gone too far

November 5th, 2009, 6:02 am by Roxanne Hack, staff writer

Hollywood fire

After watching Kate Gosselin on her interview with Natalie Morales of NBC News sob while saying, “I still think the phone will ring and it will be the old Jon,” I realized I was part of the problem.

I was watching the interview.

I was watching a woman talk about a fresh divorce. I was watching a woman with a broken heart answer questions no one outside a close circle of friends and family should ask. I was watching a real person, with real problems, as if I knew anything about her.

I crossed a line once more when I read about this Lindsay Lohan tape of her sobbing to her own father — who is, by the way, the person who sold the tape.

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My kid bites harder than your kid

November 4th, 2009, 6:21 am by Roxanne Hack, staff writer

biting

It’s possible he’s teething again. The kid has like 10 teeth already, but there’s a side of his mouth that isn’t yet filled with tiny white razorblades, so maybe he’s growing more.

It’s more possible he’s learned from his mama that biting is fun.

My favorite tickle spot on the little monster is his knee, and the best way to really get him going is by playfully chomping on it. His left knee is more ticklish than his right. His laugh turns my heart to gold.

So let’s say it’s all my fault. Let’s say he is biting the crap out of me — my leg, my shoulder, my tummy — because he thinks he’s playfully chomping on me the same way I do to him. If I weighed the amount of happiness his precious giggle has brought into my life against the pain his bruises have brought my skin, the former wins.

Though I’m not sure his dad feels the same way. Or his Grammy. Or his great-aunt Linda. Or Rosie the family pup. Or …

Well, you get the picture. The kid bites. Hard.

And when you yelp, or pull away, or tell him, “no bite!” — he laughs. (Again with that giggle!) He thinks it’s funny. And why wouldn’t he?

What bad habits have you accidentally taught your child?

More from me and my monster:

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