Ups and Downs

Every parent experiences ups and downs.

One of the ups of this week was receiving a set of 4 reusable drinking straws with cleaners included.  My children and I anxiously awaited their arrival for review free of charge in exchange for our honest opinion.  When I opened the package, my older daughter (age 9) could barely wait for me to rinse and clean the straws before she had one ready for use.  This "up" was followed immediately by a "down."  Candace fell while going for her cup for her drink and the metal steel straw embedded into the roof of her mouth and into her hand.  As a mom, I felt horrible.  While I feel it was a complete accident and do not hold Wise Ole Owl responsible, I do feel that other parents should be warned.  These straws are not a good idea for young children.  The straws themselves were a wonderful idea.  The sturdy design makes them great for use after use.  The pipe cleaners included help insure that they can be thoroughly cleaned between uses.  The idea also aids in keeping hundreds and hundreds of plastic straws out of landfills. The product and design concept deserve to be praised. #WiseOleOwl  I just won't let the children use them again.


Now on to more "Ups!"

I received an e-mail this week from my younger daughter's teacher that began as follows, "I want to tell you how much I enjoy working with Summer!  She is the highlight of every day for me.  She is so enthusiastic and always gives me 100% in reading."  The e-mail goes on to say that they want to take Summer to be observed by other teachers as she reads and is instructed to show how successful the program can be and to look for other ways to help Summer and other students.  I am bursting-at-the-seams proud of course and just had to share.

Candace, my older daughter, participates in the Girls on the Run program.  Yesterday, she received the "hero's cape" to wear at the end of practice for her hard work in the program.  I am so proud of her as well.