so last night was parent teacher conferences. so much different than last year, when my eyes would tear up as the teacher described a smart but aloof little boy who couldn't make eye contact and would drift off in class all the time. this year, the teacher describes a smart, creative kid who is motivated to keep doing better, has lots of friends and likes to get involved as long as the subject matter keeps him interested. schwew. what a difference a year makes.

now onto the funny part. his teacher was telling me that she has noticed a few bad habits with my son that concern her. she said, "if he drops a piece of popcorn on the floor, he'll just pick it up and eat it."

blank, confused look from Mother of the Year.

"and the other day, he dropped his fork at lunch and just picked it up like he was going to use it again!"

i try to look horrified, but inside i'm totally laughing. why wouldn't a kid who shares his breakfast with the cat use his fork once it's dropped on the floor?

i guess i never thought about teaching him "public manners" stuff. it's not like i let my sons blow snot on their sleeves (much) but if a cookie falls on the floor, it's a race between the dog and the kids. may the best man/beast win.

so, i'm feeling a bit like a loser. i sure don't want my kid to be known as the little pig with no manners. so i guess i better step it up. no more dipping a finger in the brownie batter. no more reaching over to eat a french fry off someone else's plate. and if there's an M&M hidden in the couch cushions, it's trash, not treasure.

once i have all these hard new rules mastered, i'll pass them down. wish me luck....hee hee.