Pull a chair up with the hyrup
The Olympics is slowly killing both Jon and me by pushing us three and four hours past our normal bedtime. We've been trying to keep up with all the excitement, and two nights ago I finally had to call it quits at one in the morning and hit the sheets. I remember thinking as I checked the clock, oh God, please Leta, sleep in until at least 7:30, do it for Michael Phelps. She answered that prayer by screaming out at 5:00 AM and then refusing to go back to sleep. I brought her back into bed with us and for two hours she asked, CAN I HAVE A PANCAKE NOW? HOW ABOUT NOW? I WANT A PANCAKE. MY OWN PANCAKE. PANCAKE. PANCAKE. PANCAKE. I won't lie, I did have the sudden urge to punch Jon in the gut at about 6:30 and go THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT. In fact, two days later, I'm still fighting that urge.
I couldn't sleep through the PANCAKE monologue, so I finally took her upstairs at about 7:00 to eat breakfast. Jon was wiped out, had been working on about six different projects, so I let him sleep despite the fact that THIS WAS ALL HIS FAULT. And then when we got upstairs I realized, oops, I don't know how to make pancakes. Sure, I could read the directions on the box, but on four hours of sleep I couldn't see straight. And was in no state to operate a piece of machinery whose main component is fire.
So I suggested that we eat some cereal together. And she protested a tiny bit until I explained very clearly that her daddy is the pancake parent and me? I'm the cop out cereal parent. Pancakes taste better when made by daddy, and cereal poured into a bowl by anyone other than me will just not taste as glorious. Also, I'm tired, be quiet, be glad you have food to eat, if you want I can give you the speech my dad used to give me about starving children in Africa, I haven't yet uttered that sentence to you, and it would give me great pleasure this morning to cross off that rite of passage.
So we had cereal. And some casual conversation (note, she is watching herself in the viewfinder the entire time):
Also, thanks to several kind readers who sent me the link, I think I now know how to make pancakes because of the following amazing video. Be prepared for the most sensational three minutes and forty-six seconds of your life, I promise you it is worth the investment of your time. Someone get this kid a recording contract STAT:
Watch Heather discuss her feelings about vaccinations on this episode of Momversation.
1. Katie said:
Can I hire Jon to make ME pancakes every morning?
2. Trisha in Memphis said:
You're welcome. :)
3. kirida said:
There needs to be more pancake ditties in the world.
4. amanda said:
"I love Chuck. He's my favorite."
You're killing me with the cuteness.
5. Jenni said:
So what the hell is "hyrup"? LOL
And who leaves their garage door open like that when making said pancakes?
Don't worry, I'm a cereal mom, too.
6. middle-aged-woman said:
Daddy is the best friend AT HOME. I love the note in her voice when you ask if Coco is her best friend. It says, "Poor woman, have you not yet figured out that the dog is after my stuff?"
7. Robin said:
"When did he barf?"
"Tomorrow."
Awesomely delicious. Almost as good as a pancake.
8. Z said:
Very cute. I love the whole part about Chuck.
9. andrea said:
Now I want pancakes.
10. Erica (Crummy Cupcake) said:
You do know that you can't make pancakes with Olive Oil, right? Virginal status not withstanding, it is not the right kind of oil for these breakfast delights. I say, just leave it to the hubs.
And I adore the deep Leta morning voice.
11. Christina said:
That made me smile, she is darling.
12. Penelope said:
If only we all had as much sparkle as your daughter at 7 in the morning :)
13. Nichole said:
That song will be in my head for the rest of the day.
14. Patti said:
My children are 23 and 16 and their Dad is STILL the pancake maker at our house. It's just something that evolved and you can't and shouldn't mess with tradition!
15. Joy said:
Guess what song I now have stuck in my head?... :)
16. Heidi said:
You are correct, that was the most awesome 3 minutes and 46 seconds of my life! Pancakes ROCK! And next time I'm making them I will be singing this song in my kitchen!
17. The Husband said:
The Olympics are killing us too. My wife thinks we're getting old because we actually care about the Olympics this time around.
BTW, she's adorable (Leta, not my wife). That didn't come out right. Nevermind.
18. Laura said:
Ok- So I read your entry at work, and I had to turn the volume up pretty loud to hear Leta. And then I clicked on the pancake video and WOW. I was no longer being discreet.
19. Amy said:
*TOMORROW*
20. gingela5 said:
Normally I don't care about the Olympics but for some reason this time around I just can't go to bed without knowing if Michael Phelps did it again or if we won any type of medal in gymnastics. Luckily track and field isn't my thing so next week I'll be in bed by 10!
21. Anne said:
You may have already thought of this but I'll go ahead and share anyway. Freeze the fuckers - as in make a batch of pancakes (well have Jon do it) let them cool and throw them in the freezer so when the 6:30 am demon (excuse me, light of my life) wakes up wanting pancakes I don't have to think much while they warm up and the coffee brews.
You know the natural progression of introducing pancakes is to make them more nutritious. You know adding fruit such as bananas to the mix or (gasp) flax seed meal. My little dude never knew what hit him.
22. Kelly said:
The cuteness it kills!
And I love how she's all like I'm eating this poor substitute -- and not always getting in my spoon, hmm, must practice that some more -- because YOU can't make pancakes.
She also totally doesn't appreciate your gotcha moment about Roxanne and knows you are just bitter because she loves pancakes more than cereal.
23. kristine said:
I have seriously just watched the video of Leta 3 times and die laughing when she says, "I love Chuck, he's my favorite". My, she's come a long way. Still some work to be done with Coco. Ha! I also love have Chuck barfs...tomorrow.
I used to babysit twins and they would always say things like I am going to eat ice cream for breakfast, yesterday.
Just love how kids talk.
24. Amy said:
I had to post another comment because now I understand why you have kids. They are pure entertainment.
25. Maureen said:
Leta's attempt to gaze into viewfinder whilst getting cereal with spoon is classic. Also, I go for the instant (add only water) pancake mix. 'Cause let's all be honest with ourselves -- what are the chances I would have vegetable oil, and *unexpired* eggs AND milk.
26. Ryan said:
You could be the "Eggo parent" (if she'll eat them, that is). Hey it's related to a pancake.
27. Angie said:
My first opportunity to read a dooce blog post and I'm so happy that I did. Make a pancake, make, make a pancake. That little jingle is going to be in my head the rest of the day.
Thank you
28. Susan said:
You can now buy pancake batter in a can and spray out pancakes. At least that's what I've heard. Why don't you buy some and let us know how that works. :-)
29. BrendaS said:
You should really get the pancake batter that comes in the squirt can. It's organic,even. you just squirt it out like you would whipped cream... (but not directly into your mouth).
30. houndrat said:
Holy Mother of God. Now I have the theme to your pancake song stuck in my head along with the (unknown) words to this little Japanese ditty my husband keeps torturing me with:
http://www.houndrat.com/2008/08/13/husband-killing-me-with-random-videos...
And they do not make a very good combo.
That video is hilarious, though. And I suddenly have the urge to run out and buy some Bisquick.
31. nnjagurl said:
make a pancake make-make a pancake
make a pancake make-make a pancake
yeah, that's going to be in my head ALL DAY.
thanks.
:)
32. Becky said:
Be sure and let us know if Chuck barfs tomorrow!
And poor Coco, the unfavorite.
33. kbreints said:
I tend to throw a pop-tart at my child and call it good on 4 hours of sleep... you are really good for pouring milk!
34. amanda said:
The determination with which she says she loves Chuck is so adorable.
35. Lynn said:
OK, you're killing me with the cute...she's ridiculous! "I love Chuck" holy crap...I almost fell out of my chair. PS John can make me pancakes anyday! Lucky girl!
36. Kelly said:
Thank god for cereal. And the best part? The best part is that they eventually get old enough to FIX A BOWL THEMSELVES! That gets you at least 20 minutes extra sleep until they all want "human interaction." Cha.
37. The Independent Mom! said:
Holy "hyrup"lmao! She is so adorable! (Leta, not Aunt Jemima) Kids are funny, I love the "he barfs, tomorrow"
38. Winning Startups said:
Oh man, that is a punishment song. I'm going to have that in my head all day.
39. jwalk said:
Even though he's a boy and not a princess, check out the Nate the Great books. http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/natethegreat/
He loves pancakes too!
40. Jilleen said:
Love the song! I have four year old twins and a one year old - all pancake fanatics. Want to recommend you try Krusteez Oat Bran pancake mix for Leta. All you add is water and I feel better that is has some healthy goodness in the mix. I add chopped up bananas too and they can't get enough. I now will make big batches at a time on Sundays, wrap individually in Cling Wrap and freeze. Even you can pop one in the microwave, right?
41. Lauren Bailey said:
Curse you! Not only can I NOT afford to buy food today for lunch, but now I'm also STARVING TO DEATH FOR PANCAKES.
Of course, with hyrup.
42. stacy said:
thanks for the detailed "how to make a pancake". My pancakes usually suck so I throw pieces of bananas in them to soften the unpleasant taste.
43. Doug said:
This may be the cutest video I've every seen. She is a doll with her facial expressions and voice and face.
44. Tracy said:
Eggo makes frozen pancakes. IF you're afraid they're not wholesome enough, Whole Foods sells an organic variety.
The benefit to older kids is that they can get their OWN breakfast...
I would like to see Leta singing the "Make a pancake" song though. I can just imagine how lovely THAT would be at 5 AM!
45. Jen said:
All gold today Heather. I can't stay up past 11pm to watch the Games, I can't imagine you mid-westerners stuggling through.
Pancakes rule - Bob's Red Mill has a bad ass buttermilk pancake mix! I highly recommend it! Although I made the mistake of making french toast on Sunday and my daughter said, "I have a new rule - you have to make this every Sunday!"
46. Joseph Lied said:
AP Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY--A Salt Lake City woman was arrested before dawn this morning after assaulting her husband with what appeared to be a Mrs. Butterworth bottle.
Heather B. Armstrong, 33, was arrested after neighbors reported hearing her screaming "You HAD to make her love pancakes, didn't you?" at her husband.
Mrs. Armstrong, who has a history of mental illness, was shot with a taser gun after she pulled out what police originally thought was a handgun. It turned out to be a really tacky looking piece of clog footwear. Her husband explained to police that it was her favorite pair of shoes.
She was eventually subdued and was remanded to the custody of a woman who would only identify herself as "The Avon World Sales leader."
47. Osman said:
It's kind and nice that you pay attention to the Olympics. Not many people feel the joy of it nowadays. Not because they don't like sports but because of ignorance. I find this important because of the history of Olympics.
48. Kay said:
Somehow I have seen that pancake video before. Don't know where or when, just that it means I'm spending way too much time on the internet. I'm a teacher, this is what happens in the summer holidays.
I thought he was making some kind of tribute to a real Aunt Jemima till I saw the sauce bottle. I'm from England and we don't have that here. Now I have a whole new excuse to go to America for my next holiday - a quest for syrup. Yes, I am that sad.
49. Lanie said:
Hilarious pancake song! This is my first comment EVER on any blog and it is to share some pancake advice. (We eat a lot of them at our house too). When Jon makes them, make an extra big batch and freeze the leftovers in a big ziploc bag. That way you can pull out just enough for one serving and heat them in the microwave. Grocery stores have (very pricey) prepackaged frozen microwaveable pancakes too which is what gave me the idea to do this. It takes a lot longer the one time, but definitely well worth it.
50. Ailis said:
If you decide you might want to make easy pancakes, I have a solution for you. My sister showed me a product called Batter Blasters. Do you have Costo in SLC? They come in three packs there. It's already made pancake mix in a whipped cream-like container. Their web site is http://www.batterblaster.com/ and I found a commercial at http://www.batterblaster.com/tv.html to show you how it works. All you have to do is heat up a pan, put some Pam on it and cook it under golden brown. We had this stuff on a recent beach vacation and it was awesome to get up in the morning and throw this in a pan just like an egg. And there is no clean up for prep dishes. I promise I'm not a corporate shill for the stuff...just thought it might help you out.
51. sara said:
I thought you were a woman who used your powers for good not evil... now the whole freaking internet (me included) is pulsing their head singing, Make a pancake make make a pancake.
Evil. Evil. Evil. God forgives you for the whole premarital sex while drinking coffee thing, but this is going too far!
make a pancake, make make a pancake...
:)
sara
52. DLJ said:
I love hearing her sweet voice. Too funny. "I love Chuck, he's my favorite." was adorable... and you better watch it tomorrow... and report back! ;)
53. Undomestic Diva said:
God help you when Leta turns 13. You'll probably need a blessing from the priesthood just to survive teenagedom.
54. kerry said:
this is why we buy frozen pancakes. i used to describe myself as the goddess of pancakes, because i make some pretty damn good pancakes. but, the downside to making great pancakes is, you constantly get asked to make them until you're ready to slit your wrists if you have to stir one more batch of batter.
frozen pancakes. they will change your life.
55. Stacy said:
Does she really say "he's so pleasing to me?" or am I hearing that wrong? Too cute!
56. Sadie said:
Oh my lands. The Olympics! I love them. I too have been staying up way too late to watch them and strangely, my normally happy to sleep in baby has decided that this is the week to wake up every morning at 7:00. Bah...babies.
57. Lisa said:
Hey WAIT A MINUTE - That's the same tactic my Husband uses to get me to cook EVERY night.... ("You're better at it than me") - same thing with laundry and computer stuff. He's going to teach my kids that shit!!! ARGH!!!!!
Oh wait - I use it on him about breakfast.
Whew... maybe we're even...
58. Abbie said:
The Olympics are killing my husband and me, too! Gymnastics + Michael Phelps... Sigh. I guess a few weeks of not sleeping won't kill us!
59. Ames said:
My favorite was the credits...."Next time wake me up at six you big ol’ stank Koofie!"
60. Angie in Texas said:
thank you for helping to implant the song that will be in my head the rest of the month. =) (the song in the credits will be next month's ditty. i thank you in advance for that.)
61. Eileen said:
I was RESISTANT to the Batter Blaster concept - and then I found out it was Organic! I know - organic pancake mix in a can, it just sounds wrong . . . but they are GREAT.
62. HeyJoe said:
You go "upstairs" for breakfast? That sounds so odd. Perhaps you sleep in the garage.
63. Jenny said:
I see I've been beaten to the link, but she failed to mention... It's organic! oooohhhh!
http://www.batterblaster.com/
64. Anonymous said:
The Olympics suck. Fake singers, fake jocks, fake freedom.
65. Court said:
"Tomorrow."
Leta's a psychic! And super cute.
66. Jill Shalvis said:
God, she is adorable. Granted, it's not five in the morning and I don't have to make her pancakes . . .
67. Tina said:
I'm so glad you posted the video of Leta. My baby girl turns 24 today and I needed a little girl fix. And a drink. One down, one to go.
68. misstraceynolan said:
I'm SO having pancakes and hyrup for dinner tonight.
69. Tootsie Farklepants said:
You need Bisquick Shake n' Pour. It's made for people like you. me. us.
http://vintagethirty.blogspot.com/2008/07/it-would-have-been-in-my-best-...
70. Steve said:
As entertaining as that video was to watch here's the real deal if you ever want to learn how to make the best pancakes ever. http://rouxbe.com/recipes/19/preview
71. Kristan said:
So here's what I think you should do next time Jon can't wake up to make Leta a pancake:
PLAY THE MAKE A PANCAKE MAKE MAKE A PANCAKE SONG VERY, VERY LOUDLY. In his ear.
That's what I'm going to do next time my boyfriend won't get up and make me waffles. It's not quite the same, but I think he'll get the idea.
(PS Love the Leta video!)
72. Rachel said:
I've stopped saying I'm "watching the Olympics" and started being more honest with myself and my husband, so now I'm just "watching Michael Phelps." Pretty soon I'll have to start saying I'm just "watching Michael Phelps's abs."
73. caroline said:
can't help it - I have to recommend the episode of Family Guy about young Stewie becoming addicted to the almighty pancake. Season 2: "Love Thy Trophy."
A sampling:
Waitress: Here you go, hun. From Flappy himself.
Stewie: I don't care if they're from Kubla filthy-wretched Khan!
Waitress: Try 'em. You'll like 'em.
Stewie: Yes, well, I rather doubt that. [takes a bite of the pancakes]
Stewie: Oh, oh yes! These are delectable. Flappy, good news! I've decided not to kill you!
hilarity ensues...
74. Bookish.Spazz said:
Wow, what a very picky kiddo!
I can't say much though, because I have a little sister around the same age and she refuses to eat anything unless it has pepperonis on it.
75. Shauna said:
Okay, but am I the only one who cringed every time that dude cracked the egg on the cupboard??? I mean... I suppose it's possible he disinfects his cupboard doors every day and wipes them down with Clorox wipes incessantly, but my guess is... not so much.
76. Maggie Ann said:
One time I made pancakes on our George Foreman Grill.
77. Nancy said:
OMG . . . Leta has become a PERSON!
78. Sarah said:
Okay - my hubby, too is the pancake king.. but we have discovered the greatest thing ever to address this very issue.. have the hubby make extra pancakes on the weekend (or whenever).. then you freeze on a cookie sheet.. put in ziplock bag after frozen.. and presto after :30 sec in the microwave child has pancake in hand.. almost easier than cereal. Only issue is when 3.5 yr old child demands "may I have pancakes.. ON THE GRIDDLE." Then I'm doomed.
79. Marci said:
For mornings like this you need Batter Blaster. Its Pancake batter in a squirt can (like whip cream). I have seen it on sale at Dan's and Harmons.
80. Kimi said:
My 3-yr-old just watched that pancake vid with me and found some inner funk I never knew she had. I may have to add more R&B to my music collection.
81. The Diva on a Diet said:
Best.Video.Ever.
Thanks, and pass the hyrup.
82. Jenna said:
LOL. HOW FREAKING CUTE IS THAT?!
83. Susan Schacht said:
And i'm sure someone has mentioned it, but there are boxes of pancake mix that require only water. I mean, seriously? OIL? EGGS? Who really does that? My boys are 9 and 6 and have spent years eating nothing but pancakes. At one point I had to grate up vegetables into the pancake batter to get them to eat anything else. Gross, I know. But somehow, it worked.
Thus was born my parenting motto: Whatever works.
84. Sarah B. said:
If my boyfriend thinks I won't be singing this song to him every morning, he is sorely mistaken.
85. Danny Minick said:
you are very funny. this blog is awesome. found you through New York Times.
keep up the great work!
86. Janet said:
Did Leta like the Pancake video?
87. Joy H said:
Gee, thanks for putting that in my head. And Chuck is my daughter's favorite too.
88. Karen said:
I was going to ooo oo ... make a pancake, make make a pancake ... So I was going to leave a aaah ahh ... make a pancake, make make a pancake ... wanted to leave a comment, but now I can't!!! make a pancake, make make a pancake. make a pancake, make make a pancake ... thanks a lot, Dooce. We'll be singin' this until Christmaaa ... ke a pancake, make make a pancake ... Christmas!!
89. Kari said:
Leta's so cute, I'll forgive you for making "Make a Pancake" repeat incessantly inside my mind. Good pancake video, though...that's one creative kid.
Hey, maybe that's what's for dinner? DH is the pancake man here, too. But none of that Batter Blaster stuff...we tried it and weren't impressed. But that's probably because we've been spoiled by DH whipping us up some Aunt Jemima batter.
I am definitely the cereal parent, too. And now my kids are old enough to pour their own, making mornings ever so easy for this chronically sleep-deprived Mom.
90. Tammy said:
Swedish pancakes. They're my favorite. I have a video you might get a kick out of, of the horse next door - check it out here:
91. Loon said:
Yup - the Olympics = sleep deprivation!
And now that we know what Chuck is going to do tomorrow, maybe she could tell us what MICHAEL is going to do tomorrow?
And we could all get a little more sleep.
92. grandma said:
You want to be Leta's best friend? Or not - ask Jon to make Mickey Mouse pancakes. One circle, two little half circles off set at the top and then you let Leta put on the a nose, eyes and mouth decor with fresh or dried fruit. And lots of hyrup.
93. bohica said:
You NEED to send that to Life Cereal RIGHT NOW and watch the endorsements flood in. Seriously.
94. Allison said:
My God, it feels like just yesterday that you were talking about how froggy Leta looked, and now she's having a fully fledged conversation!
95. Robin G. said:
Dammit, now I want pancakes.
Seriously, though, while from scratch pancakes are of course the best, yadda yadda yadda, Bisquick is totally the way to go. And to make delicious thin crepe-like pancakes, do 1:1:1 of milk:eggs:Bisquick. I used to eat 60 million of those. Possibly it's why I gained weight, but hey, Leta doesn't eat much, so a few extra calories won't hurt her.
96. Spandrel Studios said:
Clearly the pancakes have made it possible for her to see into the future.
97. Bobbi said:
I love the Olympics!!!
I don't want them to be over when it's over. Just extra Java in the morning, and 5 hours of sleep is enough, right?
Stop by and say hi!
98. virgotex said:
oy... such an earworm I got now.
Make a pancake. Make make a pancake.
99. Lisa D said:
The best part of the video? George W. with his own short stack.
100. diplocrat said:
Aww man, now I wanna make a pancake, make, make a pancake, and I'm living overseas...not always the easiest place to get the items to make the pancake!!
Thanks for the laugh! :-)
101. Tom said:
Pancakes rule!!
102. Jack and Jill Put Up A Blog said:
CUTE!!! Chuck barfs...funny...you can tell that Leta is mesmerized looking at herself in the viewfinder. Too cute! Hi Leta.
103. Trish said:
Yes, my 4-year old now loves Leta (hey, maybe we should get them together! It's only...2000 miles for a playdate. Worth it!), and he REALLY loves that Make a pancake, Make-make a pancake song. He made me play it 3 times.
I also highly recommend finding some real maple syrup to go with your pancakes - Aunt Jemima is a verboten word in this household. If you can't find any, we'll ship you some :)
PS I concur with the freezing pancakes idea. It's what we do in this house, because god knows I'd rather fry an egg than use it to make pancakes.
PPS We did try the ready-made pancake mix, that comes premixed and you just pour it out (excellent for car camping). They tasted fine, so you could always have some on hand for emergency Jon-less mornings.
104. Deidre said:
It's not so much the making of the pancakes that alludes me, its the flipping of the pancake that causes all the trouble.
My mom used to make lemon and honey tea (ie Hot water, half a squeezed lemon and a spoonful of honey) when I was sick. And it does not taste nearly as a good as when I do it.
105. Rebecca said:
I say absolutely no backing down when it comes to the pancakes. Jon must be the one. My husband makes the pancakes in this house, and it keeps me sane! It's a task I have no part of. Some boundaries must be maintained.
p.s. Might I say, we have a kick-ass recipe for Amaranth pancakes. Holler and I will deliver. And by that I mean the recipe. Not the pancakes.
Thanks for your entertainment as always.
106. Ashlea said:
I absolutely second the Batter Blaster comments. And the website/jingle/video is so cute, why wouldn't you wanna try it? Plus it's ORGANIC, so bonus. Are they more yummy when I make them from scratch?...of course. But this is totally the answer for those mornings like the one you just described, I feel like a super hero when I can make a hot breakfast that June Cleaver would be proud of without actually being fully awake.
107. Brea said:
Both my children know that mom does not make pancakes, and it's not that I'm the cereal parent either - I've really tried. Short of taking notes while my husband MAKES MAKES A PANCAKE, I have yet to get it right.
Likely, it is because I lack patience and cook them too fast, which yeilds a uncooked center. No one likes a doughy pancake!
Go Leta!
108. houseofJules said:
I'm going to be singing, "Make a pancake... make, make a pancake" until I make some pancakes. Then I'll move on to the "Ice cream and cake, do the ice cream & cake!" Those dudes need to put out a kid's album.
109. Gretta Dorff said:
She's growing up so fast but still as adorable as ever!
110. Burnsie said:
I just started reading your blog, my sister introduced me to it.
Just a thought on the pancakes to make it easier for those early mornings...they refrigerate quite well, make extras and she can have re-heated leftovers (whether it be in the microwave or toaster oven).
111. Renae said:
To this day I firmly believe that "daddy pancakes" are the best pancakes in the world. Doesn't matter if you use the same recipe, they just aren't as good if he doesn't make them.
Once, when my brother and I were little, my dad was away on a business trip, it was a Sunday night (the usual timing for daddy pancakes) we were missing our dad so mom made pancakes for us. We informed her that they were ok, but dad's were WAY better. We were such charming children. To this day (more than 20 years later) my mother refuses to make pancakes.
112. Triptikgirl said:
The Olympics are killing me too! I just can't seem to turn the TV off before 1am.
113. bloggingmom67 said:
My husband makes a mean pancake, too, and I'm a decent cook - but can't make pancakes. Can make a bowl of cereal. LOL
114. Sheri said:
My kids also believe that Daddy is the only one who makes good pancakes because mine suck! It's a great excuse, especially when it's true.
115. Anonymous said:
I read about your blog today in the New York Times and I went to check it out.
Please know that I read many wonderful blogs every day - blogs about design, politics, kids, gossip. But yours is not amongst them. In fact, after reading through quite a number of entries, I find that your blog is about nothing other than your own, very unfascinating life.
So why, I asked myself, is your blog so popular? My husband just reminded me -- mediocrity is so prevalent in the world today and most people are pretty mediocre. I guess that explains why you have so many readers. Mediocrity speaks to mediocrity.
116. lisa mertins said:
so glad the pancake demo involves the milk and egg version, not the water only version. cuz that makes the pancakes like broccoli! and not like, um, life cereal...
117. Joe said:
I still have the crown thing in my head, you know the thing you color with. After this clip I'm wondering where your wonderful accent is? I would have gone on to say I like the morning voice but I didn't know if that would go over so well.
Reply to comment 115. Get the cob out of you ass and have a nice day.
118. Fishing Around said:
"When did he barf?"
"Tomorrow."
Ummm... that cuteness is making me want a kid... or two.
*snort at anon*
119. Sarah said:
Dear comment 115:
Glad to see you are so much better than the rest of mediocre folks on here. I wonder what life is like for you-Is it all rainbows and sunshine from up there on your throne? Well that's nice, I am glad you and your not so mediocre husband found each other. Seriously. Congratulations.
120. Leesavee said:
Wow, Comment 115...so nice of you to share your insight with everyone. I bet your life is just fascinating.
Heather, Leta is so damn cute! She's at a fabulous age. Enjoy EVERY MINUTE of it!
121. sarah said:
"I love Chuck" .. now THAT was adorable, straight from the heart!
"And Chuck barfs" .. ha ha .. she's killing me with cuteness!
122. Lori said:
I don't keep a lot of sugar in the house, so when Matti saw that I bought her Lucky Charms, I believe I saw her do a dance. (hey, it was on sale AND I had a coupon)
123. Chris said:
Is that the edge of a great IKEA bowl I see by Leta?
124. hello haha narf said:
oh my dog, it is almost nine o frikken clock and now i gotta go make pancakes.
make a pancake. make, make, make a pancake
hope you are happy.
125. The Niffer said:
That was one crazy song.
Leta is adorable as always. Did she really say "he is so pleasing to me"? How do you not eat HER for breakfast?
Also, you must use the word "mediocrity" in next month's banner. So happy to know, as one of your avid readers, that I'm not worth pissing on.
126. Fitness Equipment said:
Crossing out "cop out" was hilarious. That really made me giggle.
Great post.
127. Free Women's Fitness said:
Man I can't really figure out why people like pancakes. I just don't get it.
Am I weird?
I know they are popular around the world but to me it is just like eating plain bread. Sticky plain bread.
Anyway...
128. Karen said:
GIRL... you are on the front page of the New York Times Business Section!! I have been a fan of yours for a few years now, but I am now incredibly impressed!!!!
129. Kristie said:
Dear commenter #115 -
As you have deemed yourself so far above us "mediocre" folks out here, please don't let us deter you from the great humanitarian works you must perform on a daily basis. We would hate for our favorite blog writer to hinder your ability to cure cancer, solve the global-warming crisis, etc. Please go about your holier-than-thou existence and leave the rest of us to enjoy the witty banter!
130. Kathy said:
When I watched the pancake video the first time, I thought the oil was Jose Cuervo. But I didn't see the kid take a shot. You know, like it's okay for a kid to down a shot of Jose Cuervo in my world. So I did a double check and found out it was only oil. I am so disappointed. I'd be willing to make pancakes at 6 a.m. if there was booze in them.
Dang.
131. dooce said:
Everyone, please ignore comment #115. That is obviously my Granny cruising the Internet after one too many Postums. Bless her heart.
132. Mandy said:
My daughter has now asked me to play the pancake song 3 times in a row. I think it's going to be a repeat offender. LOL
133. beckybug said:
And I thought it was just me who couldn't say "Chuck" without sounding like an old cowboy. I love Chuck too, Leta, it's hard not to.
134. Kat said:
My 3 year old boy was riveted by Leta's adorable face. Then he ran to get his guitar to rock out to the pancake song!
135. sara said:
Do you have a description of the layout of your house... just intersted about why a master bedroom (I assume) and kitchen are on separate floors..
136. Lauren said:
He barfs TOMORROW! I love it. Leta is hysterical. And the "cuz you can't make pancakes" intonation? Priceless.
137. P Woman said:
Shit. Now I want a pancake.
138. marc said:
Just what our house needs--another earworm. Try this: sing "Willy Wonka. Willy Wonka" while someone else sings "make a pancake." Add on another earworm for each member of your family and hilar-, no, insanity ensues.
139. Katherine said:
When I was little I was afraid to let my Dad know that he was the inferior parent when it came to making chocolate milk (he just drizzled it in the cup but never mixed it) because I didn't want to hurt his feelings. When my mom was sick a few years ago and I came home to take care and give Dad a break and I'd make her milk. So my whole Dad Sucks At Chocolate Milk theory came out...to everyone but him. This video thinks I should have come clean a long time ago and let Mom have the credit. :)
140. Katherine said:
Is it against the rules to post twice? Because when I watched/read this when it was posted I thought of (you know, and the milk too) the video but forgot...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnCVZozHTG8
141. Schumanator said:
Dude, 20 bucks says #115 is the most mediocre mother fucker of us all.
(can you say that here?)
142. Jennifer B. said:
The funny part of this whole story, is that we have been letting our kids stay up with us to watch the Olympics. At least we get the privilege to have them sleep in with us in the morning! What are the benefits of working from home, if you can't sleep in during the Olympics!
P.S. I'm not criticizing, I'm giving pointers!!!
Love your site.
Jennifer B.
143. Bump Fairy said:
Please gawd don't tell me I'm the only one who "makes" toaster pancakes when daddy-pancake-maker isn't home??!!
144. Connie said:
Next time, you could pull out the Chinese gymnastics card. Tell Leta that she should be glad she's not in China where she'd be shipped off to tumbling school, all year long, without her princess dolls and her own pancake.
145. Emma said:
I loved it when she said "I love Chuch; he's my favourite"
Soo cute :-)
146. Jenni said:
Due to the fact that I'm still nursing a lactose intolerant child, I have had no culinary delights in 11 months other than wheat free, dairy free Newman O's and the gluten free, dairy free frozen pancakes I found the other day which SURPRISE have three pancakes inside each wrapper. Jackpot. You should totes get those. Toaster oven on convection...seven minutes...done. Don't forget the real maple syrup even though I love a lady in a do-rag.
147. amyz5 said:
LOVED that. Especially the dancing with the rake.
note to self: teach husband to make pancakes.
148. Stacy said:
My 7 year old is running around the house singing, "make a pancake." Could be worse...
149. Kari said:
That is why I love frozen pancakes that go in a toaster oven.... I am the worst pancake maker in the world!
150. Clio said:
I'm the only one in my house who eats pancakes, so I make a batch and freeze them with parchment or waxpaper between them. Take a couple of them out of the freezer and pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds and you CAN NOT tell the difference. Swear.
151. Lana said:
This post has just made me so excited! My version of Jon will now be making Blueberry Pancakes on Sunday morning, as I am the cereal spouse.
Wheee! Thank you for the inspiration!
152. Paula said:
Others beat me to the punch, but you have to get some of that Batter Blaster and keep it in the fridge. (See Regis and Kelly trying it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n4tYytn_T4&feature=related
My friend's son, Nate (a "classically trained culinary wiz" from San Francisco), developed it and it ain't bad! Is it as good as the ones you make from scratch? No. But it sure beats messing up the kitchen for one or two pancakes and then throwing most of the batter down the sink anyway when the kids say "I'm full!!!"
And, as pancakes go, they are reasonably healthy. Nate also developed a whole line of kid-friendly vegetarian "meat" products that you can get at Wild Oats.
You should try them!!
Check them out here: http://www.elenasfoods.com/
Happy Blasting!
153. Zenmomma said:
If you want a catchy little pancake ditty that will be stuck in your head FOREVER, check out Pancake, Pancake, Waffle!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoKZhaigLQA
We own a breakfast place in Oregon. If you're ever in Oregon, please come by so I can treat you all to the best pancakes in town!
154. heather said:
My 3 year old eats the store bought ready-made frozen pancakes every single morning. She's almost at the point where she can pop 'em in the microwave herself. I've already started the lessons on things that are not allowed in the microwave in prep for her becoming self sufficient in the pancake department. She has a healthy fear of electricity and fireworks and things that go "BOOM" so I think I've scared her enough in my detailed explanation of the explosion and meltdown that will ensue if she puts anything other than "this specific plate" and "this many pancakes on the plate" in the microwave and pushes "anything other than this button", so that we're safe. If we;ve run out of pancakes , I find myself in serious trouble. I've ruined her day. Unless I get the cookie cutter out and let her make "star" and "heart" toast with jam. I agree with the other commenters - maybe Jon should just make a big ol' batch of 3 dozen pancakes and freeze 'em!
Bobbin won't eat syrup on her pancakes. She's weird that way - hates juice, sweet syrup, candy, cake, chocolate, peanut butter. She'll only eat snickerdoodle cookies, and she loves strawberry ice cream. But ask her if she wants a peach or a piece of chocolate or candy and she'll go for the peach every time. Which means there's more chocolate left for me.
155. Amy AZ said:
You know they make them like frozen waffles now right?? Maybe she can learn to use the toaster & make them for YOU!
156. Liz said:
lol heather, good luck with that! When I was younger, one of my best friend's little sisters - who was at least six or seven at the time, probably old enough to know better - tried to cook macaroni in the microwave with no water. It went about as well as you'd expect. I can't remember when I first started using the microwave, but I do remember that I never screwed it up too badly. Mom, on the other hand, put a jar of chocolate sauce in there that had real foil in the label. Whoops.
157. Emily said:
I love the "Do it for Michael Phelps."
Because I totally would.
No matter what "it" was.
158. Rick W said:
Thanks for the pancake post. My two year old is OBSESSED with pancakes. While I try to limit the pancake meals to one per day, he thinks that everything can be made into pancakes if you can mash it up and throw some sort of liquid on it. Broccoli--beat it with a spoon and add milk=pancakes. Raisin Bran+milk=pancakes. Dogfood+crying=pancakes. Your post was a quick bit of relief that put his challenging behavior in a new perspective. Going through a divorce and am scarred about how much I'll get to see him...your post made me realize that no matter what and when I might have a moment, they are all to be savored.
159. M@ said:
Oh My God, she is growing up so fast!
160. HollyGolightly said:
Seriously - I have this urge to sing
MAKE A PANCAKE MAKE MAKE A PANCAKE
All day long!!
That made my day!
xx
161. Deborah Rey said:
Uh ... have you ever contemplated just saying, No! to your sweet child?
162. minxlj said:
"you can't make pancakes" - LOL I love it. She's so damn cute!
Also, ready-made frozen pancakes and ready-made pancake batter in a carton are NOWHERE near as good as making them yourself. Dammit...now I want pancakes again...
163. Georgia said:
Watching the Olympics has been fun and exciting, but very time consuming.
Your not alone, it has also changed our sleeping habits.
164. Stacy said:
I'm not a fan of pancakes even with syrup. It's a texture thing and pancakes have a mushy texture that doesn't agree with me. I prefer waffles or french toast.
I think Leta grew a few inches overnight...
165. Tom said:
My friend Jen has you as a link on her blog. She talks about you pretty regularly. After reading all the nasty things written by CL about this site, I figured I'd wander over here and check out your side of things. Post after post, page after page, I read wondering if it could possibly be just a big hoax or what. Because Holy Crap! CL is right! Get some parenting skills for the love of Mike! You were right in calling yourself the cop out parent. This is about the most negative, self serving, cruel to your kid, blog I've ever seen. Are there posts here where you like your child? Or your husband? By the sound of things you are way too good for them. When does your sainthood kick in? And I wonder about the readers here who seem to worship the keys you type on. Are they reading the same words? Are they also so far superior to their spouses and kids that they can actually relate to this drivel? Sad state of affairs for the blogging world if you are the Queen. Of course, then I see that many are linking to their own blogs, how big your coat tails must be! Guess I'll try and start my own country, where people respect their children for their talents and foibles, not exploit them. A world where spouses are at least equals, if not put on even the shortest of pedestals. A place, well, very far from this one. Good Luck in the future Leta. See you on the news after your rifle and high tower incident when you realize what mommy dearest did to you growing up. 115 is wrong. This blog isn't mediocre. It is drivel. Now... let the Tom Bashing begin you sycophants.
By the way, pancakes are about as hard to make as toast you moron. And no. I won't be back.
166. amyz5 said:
oh, i almost forgot. WHAT AN ARTICLE in the NYT biz section. Cover article! You so rock it is not funny. Great pic, (love the necklace – that looks awfully familiar. It looks better on you than on the dog). And the soundbites were perfect. They did not mess it up or spin you the wrong way. A wonderful thing. You should be very proud.
167. Emily said:
I know how to make pancakes. I pick up the phone and call my mama and she makes them for me. Voila....easy peasy.
168. Emily said:
Leta is the best.
169. Emily said:
I'm posting again because I just accidentally scrolled through some of the other comments and I saw some of the cruel ones. Dude. Who are these people?
Mediocrity? Life is about taking the mediocre moments and making them beautiful. It's about taking the tears and turning them into laughter. What kind of people can't take a second to laugh at the mundane yet ridiculous aspects of life?
I know you've been attacked before and probably don't even care at this point, but I needed to take a moment to defend you. I'm a young writer who suffers from depression and you've made my life just a little bit better. I'm sure there are a lot of others who feel the same way so please never stop what you're doing.
You're a fantastic mom.
170. Jodie said:
"he soooo barked at me."
i want one.
serious, my new biggest fear is that when i have children they will have the personality of a future cheerleader instead of leta's.
dammit
171. thleen said:
Hello #115.
I was amused that you could not recognize mediocrity on your own and that your husband had to tell you what it was you were looking at.
We mediocre people stick together and make fun of excellent people with sticks in their butts. Stay in your bubble.
and Tom, join 115.
172. Marcheline said:
Hahahahaaaaaaaahhhahahahhaarrrrrrgghghhhhaaahahaharrrh
hhagahhhahahahahhaahrrrrahhhrhahhhahrhrrrrrrrrrhrhhah
haagggghhhhhh!
*croak*
173. Alyce Barry said:
>>>I explained very clearly that her daddy is the pancake parent and me? I'm the cop out cereal parent.
Is this really what you said to Leta? Maybe you're just saying this to be humorous. If not, I'm wondering why you didn't choose the honesty route and say, "I'm really sorry, honey, I'm very tired this morning because I stayed up too late last night, and I've never made pancakes and am so tired that I don't want to try to learn how right now, so I would like to make them another morning instead, and have cereal this morning."
Seems like an opportunity missed. Kids whose parents are honest with them generally become kids who are honest with their parents, which is particularly helpful later during the teenage years.
174. katliz said:
Memo to Tom (#165) and oh, while I'm at it, the hundreds of people protesting "Tropic Thunder":
sat•ire
noun
1. the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc.
2. a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or ridicule.
3. a literary genre comprising such compositions.
Watch the news. See all of the awful crap that's going on in the world? The wars, children being imprisoned by incestuous parents, starvation, financial collapse... shall I go on?
Some people with a brain would like to occasionally have an escape from this unfathomable reality where it is safe and cathartic to laugh at the less traumatic foibles of the human condition. We get the difference between satire and cruelty, between farce and real hatred. It’s okay if you don’t get it, just admit to it rather than attacking those who do.
175. Rachel said:
Someone beat me to it, but I must second the Pancakes video by GIR2007, I believe his name is James. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnCVZozHTG8 It's amazing. Actually all his videos are..
176. Michelle and Winston the Westie said:
Love it- making pancakes now- thanks Leta for the inspiration!
BTW- I agree with post #169- you are a great mom- you just have a humorous edge- which is needed more in this world. 'Boooo' if other readers don't get that. ;)
177. Jennifer said:
And he barks.
When did he bark?
Tomorrow.
Best. Answer. EVER.
178. Beth said:
I'm right with you guys on the Olympics, staying up way too late. I just don't want to miss anything, especially my Olympic boyfriend, Michael Phelps.
Only Daddy makes pancakes at our house too, Mom is not a morning person!
179. Sarah said:
OMG...Leta is just delicious. Like, better than a short stack smothered in syrup delicious. :-)
That pancake song? I just busted a blood vessel laughing so hard.
As for the haters...I will just never understand why people feel the need to spread their bile. If you don't like a website...MOVE ON. Nobody is forcing you to read and you coming along and saying cruel things isn't going to change anyone's mind who supports and likes Heather, and it sure as hell isn't going to change the way she writes.
Love,
A sycophant
180. Liz in NoWhere PA said:
The pancake parent at our house (not me) makes a double batch. Then we stack them in piles of 3 (a serving) and freeze them. They all stick together so it is easiest to stack in the exact size pile that you have to fight in the morning. Two runs through the toaster and instant happiness.
Since the pancake parent has to wait to eat until all the pancakes are cooked, it's one more way we know he loves us. Or, he just tortures himself.
I'm also happy to know that there are other homes with pancake parents and nonpancake parents. I'm not so lonely now.
181. birdgal said:
I'm guessing 'Tom' will be back to read all the sycophantic comments defending Heather though! Moron.
I'm surprised you have to stay up so late to see the marquee Olympic events (LIVE) since you're what, two hours behind the east coast? All the good stuff happens after 10pm EST--it sucks! I mean good for China and everything, but the whole 12 hour time difference is so overrated ;)!
Oh, and pancakes are certainly NOT overrated. I totally agree w/Leta on that one!
182. Front Porch Legacy said:
My Grandmother has a magic pancake recipe. I once ate 14 pancakes at one sitting. On the morning of my wedding she fixed me my favorite breakfast...pancakes...and I ate 10 pancakes and still fit into my wedding dress that evening!!
Her secret...you don't even want to know how. Your arteries and heart would run far, far away!
183. Daph- said:
Haven't read all the comments so this may have already been mentioned. Try Aunt Jemima frozen pancakes...you cook them in the microwave. They are lovely.
184. Sprite's Keeper said:
And now I want pancakes...
Are you doing subliminal advertising now? Cuz it's working.
185. The Long and The Short of It said:
It is for moments like these that you teach them where the cereal box is and convince them that milk isn't REALLY a necessary part of cereal. If you can get them to turn on their own cartoons too, then life is simply golden!
186. kelly r said:
sorry if you get this comment twice, it won't let me post and i promise i'm human. i love dooce, have never left a comment but i find your take on family/kids/life inspiring. wondering if you have ever seen princeliamthebrave.blogspot.com. not mine but i follow it and as a mom, her posts tear into my heart. they are doing a great campaign in september, cookies for a cure, might be interesting for you. worthwhile, anyway. thanks again.
187. Kim said:
I loved this post and your last one. I also have a daughter that only eats a few things. She exists on beans (not green, of course) and pasta. She is now 11yo and grown three inches in the last four months. It took me a long time to let go, realize she was healthy and preserve my sanity. Just my two cents, over the years, I've learned that I've had to take the same approach on homework and clothes. When I stopped being the homework witch and the dress warden things got oh so much better. God, I sound like a control freak...actually I am, sort of. Good luck, I can't say that I don't still cringe when my child will eat pasta with butter three meals a day for four days. However, now I have more important things to worry about...like getting her to stop molesting her new cellphone.
188. Andi said:
I think it's sad that Heather posts a cute video about breakfast with Leta, and people like Anonymous (#115) and Tom feel the need to go out of their way to make a negative comment about it.
I guess some people are just so miserable with their own situations that they have to try to take people down with them. It's unfortunate, really. As much as I have had problems and trials and disappointments in my life, I've NEVER tried to hurt/ridicule/condemn other people.
Heather, I love your "mediocrity" because it's the same as mine. The things you talk about are the things that resonate with me because my life is like this, too. I know you know this, but your words make a difference to many people out there because we need to hear that we're not alone. Our dysfunction is more tolerable when we know that there are other people out there who have the same damn issues happening to them.
I'm sorry you get such asshole comments. I really am.
189. WickedStepMom said:
Our girls always demand Dunkin' Donuts first thing on Saturday morning. They usually have to suffer with a bowl of cereal... The youngest will pick out all of the "lucky" (mashmellows) from Lucky Charms and eat only that. Then, she will declare she is full and wants pancakes/waffles/donuts.
PS. I love your blog, I love reading what you have to say and the witty twist that you put on it. So, as a friend of mine would say, "Don't let the bastards keep you down." I know that you won't because you are dooce but, just in case you needed to hear it, there it is.
190. Ali/il said:
Pancakes freeze very well. Have Jon make a big batch of them, cool them, separate them with wax paper and throw them in a ziploc bag in the freezer. Microwave them for a few seconds and voila - breakfast you can prepare even on 4 hours of sleep.
191. danielle said:
it seems the moms are always up early in the morning, and the dads get the glory of the pancakes. :)
192. Becky said:
I'm really surprised that you didn't use that line in the last four years - especially with her eating 'challenges' - I think it's definitely time you crossed that milestone.
:) Becky
193. ORKMommy said:
Totally off the pancake subject, but I thought of you & Leta immediately when I saw this...
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/08/15/disney.protesters.ap/index.html
I always knew those Disney Princesses were too good to be true!!
p.s. Maybe you could use this bit of information against Leta when necessary :-)
194. cat said:
I'm sitting at work checking your blog and I swear some brain cells just died while watching that... It is oddly captivating...
195. Emily said:
My only beef with this kid -- I prefer to use a whisk when mixing the batter, it keeps your pancakes lighter and fluffier.
196. Kare Anderson said:
Way to go "unfiltered' girl - Heather!!!
"popular" subject on the New York Times...
(yes this is off topic to your post re the extraordinary athletes at the Olympics - but you are a celebrity too...
to many more people after today... (how will it go to your head?)
It will be interesting yo see who reads NYT (I read online) and finds your blog. Imagine! The newspaper has plenty of links to the advertisers - but not to the core of the story... the women we love who write to/for us - like you.
Celebration time!
another fan
197. Kay said:
I love Leta! The best part about this video is when she took that big bite of soggy life cereal! Nothing was more disgusting to me as a kid than soggy cereal! She certainly has unique tastes; wouldn't try pancakes for years, but will down soggy cereal. I don't know how your brain doesn't explode. Mine would - you're awesome!
198. Leslie said:
I sent the Make a Pancake kid a myspace message to tell him he's famous in the blogosphere. He thought it was pretty funny and said he's considering a follow up about koolaid.
199. Julie said:
cute movie of Leta. She's so articulate...
200. bexy said:
O dang it anyhow. Now I need a pancake. Where's the Bisquick...
201. phhhst said:
When my daughter was two both my husband and I worked nights. One morning after four hours of sleep she decided she wanted ice cream for breakfast.
After multiple rounds of "ice cream is not a breakfast food" she felt the need to chant ICE CREAM in a shrill scream, complete with foot stamping and pumping fists.
I locked her outside and while she pounded on the back door, kicking up the scream several notches, I looked wistfully at the Tequila bottle and thought one or two shots at 6 AM was surely (considering the circumstances)an appropriate breakfast for mommie.
202. Laura said:
I think I'd like some pancakes.
203. Cyndi B said:
I love Chuck, too!!!!!
204. Kelly said:
Love the blog and pancakes!
As a child, the first pancake was know as "the dog's pancake" because invariably the pan wasn't hot enough and it didn't come out right. Even now as a childless 45 year old with a cat who could care less, the first pancake is still referred to as "the dog's pancake).
Let's see Chuck with a fabulous Pan-a-cakey HAT!!!!!
205. spookiepants said:
After traveling around Europe many times I have decided that instead of telling my children about starving children in Africa, a concept which as a child always slightly confused me as to why or how my food would help, I would tell them about the starving backpacker who would gladly steal that untouched food off their plate and how they can only hope that someday they would be that starving backpacker and they would think back to all the food they wasted and wish they had it.
I'm not sure if it will work any better, but to me it seems to inspire traveling and eating while traveling, two concepts which are near and dear to me.
206. Kate said:
First of all, those videos MADE MY DAY. I laughed like an idiot.
More importantly, I'd like to share this amazing creation developed for college students and others who are, ah, pancakely challenged:
http://www.hungryjack.com/products/product.aspx?catID=282&prodID=587
Also, tiny pancakes are easier to flip than big and/or animal shaped creations. Grab a bottle of wine, put on your favorite YouTube pancake song and practice making pancakes some night. And hide the camera so you're not at the mercy of an amused husband when you pass out on the floor covered in batter...
207. schmutzie said:
You are being featured on Five Star Friday:
http://www.fivestarfriday.com/2008/08/five-star-friday-edition-19.html
208. Anonymous said:
I can so relate to the pancake issue, Its one of the four things my baby boy will eat...my husband has posted directions for me on the fridge, or I would be so lost. This site is his mojo......
maybe you already have this link to " how to make the perfect pancake...... if not.......
http://video.on.nytimes.com
/?fr_story=13262da3abffe45d0ccb09102eb5dbb69fa9eb71
209. KK said:
Did anyone notice that #115 sounds a lot like the troll that trashed Jon's blog awhile back? #115 used the word syncophant, as did Jon's troll. Unless that's a common insult used in the circle of people who spend time trashing things they don't like...
I think #115 got his vocab mixed up and meant "mundane," not "mediocre." Mundanity and mediocrity are subjective concepts. Celebrities and scholars and Michael Phelps are only extraordinary because many people are interested in their lives.
But Michael has said numerous times - all he does is eat, sleep and swim. By definition, that sounds pretty mundane. And yet everyone in the world watching the Olympics knows his name. Sounds exceptional to me.
And then there's Dooce. You lead a life just like me and the other 200+ commenters and Michael Phelps himself. You're exceptional because you write about the things many of us experience. You bring us together. Your wit and courage to write about these common life experiences brings "mundane" subjects into an extraordinary light. You help people, you make people laugh, and you make us think. Exceptional in my book.
Besides that, I think following a blog is like making a friend. I love your style and stories, so I read. I care about you and your family. I'm sure the angry posters talk to their friends about mundane details of their every day lives (or maybe they don't have friends and instead talk to their cats). You just have thousands of friends who like to hear about your life. If people aren't interested, they don't have to read. No need to hit the Haterade bottle so hard.
210. Sundance Moods said:
I just fell off my chair laughing :)
211. Our Crooked Tree said:
She is clairvoyant! Chuck will barf tomorrow? ? Too cute.
212. Grace said:
You've probably seen this already, but...
Hippo!!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13297525
213. jen said:
I realise I'm a little late here and you probably won't even see this, but costco has pancake batter in a spray can, I always hesitate when I pass by it, but have never purchased, so I can't be sure of their yumminess. Are spray pancakes bad for the ozone?!
214. Adina said:
sort of wish i was high while watching that
215. Jill said:
I swear that reading your blog is like reading abot my life. Hope and I had nearly the exact same pancake conversation this morning. My goal of the week is to learn to make them. (I dream big, right?)
216. BoatSailor said:
#115 - Kindly troll your way back under your bridge before you miss your appointment Billy Goat Gruff.
Tom - Please!! Quick!! Call your doctor! Your sense of humor fell out.
217. Salsera said:
you probabably already saw this but....
Batter Blaster!
http://gizmodo.com/5037328/10-gadgets-for-guys-that-hate-to-cook-but-lov...
Now your pancakes can be quick and easy!
218. snake_smiler said:
I love it!!!
In my house, when I make breakfast there are two choices: toast or cereal. It is well understood by my 6 year old son that Dad is the only one who "knows how to make" pancakes, french toast, scrambled eggs, etc.
219. Lelel said:
I don't know why but I immediately started thinking of those Sesame Street skits. You know, the ones where they describe their letter of the day or something of the sort. It probably would be Sesame Street worthy. Can't you just hear cookie monster singing how to make a pancake? I can and I want a pancake . . . in a hyrup.
220. Jane said:
Heather, we have a rule in our house. If the sun's not up there is no food or conversation comin'. Our kids still climb into bed with us occasionally but since they know that nothing is coming until the sun is brightly lighting the room they rest and fall back asleep and do not wake up until an "appropriate" time. Try it! You'll like it!
221. yvette said:
so she loves the viewfinder - does she love looking at pics of herself too? so funny when kids discover the mirror, and how cute they are :-)
222. Anonymous said:
come on, my 12 yr old sister makes pancakes...
Some mixes you just need water.
I understand I have been soooo hung over that making pancakes would have been a challenge, you just could not do it.
223. Jennie said:
Wow - Leta sounds just like my son! And I think they all do the "look in the viewfinder" thing nowadays.
I feel your pain: Sebastian usually wakes me up at about 5 with a shriek, only when I've been up until one the night before. If I let him in bed with me, he will also ask me questions until I'm forced to get out of bed and very grumpily deal with being awake at FIVE A.M.
Ah, four year-olds!
I'm so glad I found your blog - better late than never!
224. rb said:
I consider anyone who tells their kids that only daddy can make pancakes a genius. Myself included.
225. Melissa said:
I was excited to open up a NYtimes article on advertising this morning and see your face, and Chuck chilling behind you. And slightly amused that they described dooce.com as "a blog about motherhood". :-) Otherwise, yay for being on New York times!
226. Sybil said:
#115 & #165 are Morons!
Make a pancake, make make a pancake....
227. Val & Parker said:
Uggh. Is it me or is NBC turning the Olympics into the Jerry Lewis all-nighter telethon? Last night I almost had to hold my eyelids open with toothpicks to stay awake past midnight to get a glimpse of the gymnastics action. Not to mention what happened to the good ole days when the best score was a 'perfect 10'? The new scoring sends me into a mathmatical dyslexic funk every time.
228. Natasha said:
#216: High five. Tom's sense of humour TOTALLY fell out. I can't believe that people read this blog and don't get that you're kidding, Heather! It's so remarkable. But I do agree that you have some sycophants on here. Will agree with anything you say. You're She-ra. You... have... the POWAH!!! (Maybe that was He-man.)
I forgot what I wanted to say....
Well, Leta is so cute and sweet. Reminds me of my 5-year old. I can't believe how much she has not changed since she was a baby except for the hair. My kids don't look THAT MUCH like they did when they were babies. But a blind person could match up her baby photos to her present day photos.
Oh, I remember what I've been wanting to say. That Vimeo vid of John holding chicken feet in front of his mouth like he was posing for a photo... I didn't get what he was doing. But I found it hilarious how unamused and uninterested you were. Like you didn't even notice he was there.
How WERE the chicken feet? Yeesh.
229. Rob said:
That's why we buy frozen Aunt Jemima pancakes. Don't get the kids use to the homemade ones.
230. Anonymous said:
The pancake video makes me soooo happy. And this blog does too.
231. deb said:
Leta's not the only one, I think I love Chuck too.
232. Jill said:
Here, you don't need to know how to make pancakes at all! Just buy batter blaster!
http://www.batterblaster.com/
:)
233. Dee said:
You think this is bad? I was up until after 11 last night helping my son do his homework. And I had to get up at 6 this morning. The only thing harder than hauling myself out of bed was hauling him out of bed. He's 12, and weighs more than 80 solid pounds...
234. Nikki said:
"When did he barf?"
"Tomorrow."
I love it.
235. Natasha said:
#209 KK is right on.
Also, I wanted to recommend this brand of pancake mix: Coyote. "Since 1923, A Howling Success". Let's see, what are some highlights... Just add milk or water. Egg optional. No trans fat. Ingredients are unbleached whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt. May contain traces of buttermilk powder. And they don't even taste gross. It's taken me a while to master (okay, mostly figure out) the right setting where I don't burn them and can still flip them nicely but the mixing I can totally do, even early in the morning when the last thing I want to do is make pancakes. My husband usually makes them, too.
Only downside? They come from Magrath, Alberta, from Rockport Flour Mills, INC. Likely made by Mormons, because it's Magrath. Shouldn't be too hard to convince a local grocery store to bring it in.
Boy, that was really interesting info.
236. robin said:
Is staying up late watching the Olympics killing you? Or is BOB COSTAS?????????
237. Anonymous said:
There is this fabulous product called Batter Blaster. It is pancake/waffle batter in a spray can. It is seriously makes the best pancakes I've ever had. All you do is heat up the pan, put a little butter in the pan to melt, then blast away.
238. Peggy said:
Some of my favorite videos of my girls when they were small, are the ones where I just let them talk. Leta is a cutie.
239. Mr. Noodle said:
I, too, completely blame Jon, but you have created a little Pancake Monster in which you may never recover.
You will be a pancake machine if you don't get a handle on this very quickly.
My advice, however unsolicited, is that pancakes go on a hiatus in your home until she understands that pancakes do not necessarily make a breakfast.
And I thought I had problems....
Mr. Noodle
240. suzanne.artist said:
I wish I could adopt one of these creative kids-their inventive culinary talents would make it so much easier for me to crawl into the hybrid and commute down congested I-95.
Keep up the good work-I want to see more for you kids.
241. Will said:
No offense, but perhaps you need to improve your cooking and homemaking skills.
242. Mommy jo said:
I use your dad's line about Africa with my boys. One who is adopted from Africa gets it. However our Canadian son just doesn't! Go figure! :)
243. K Cave said:
Growing up my sister lived on potato chips and Hershey bars. And at 45 she can easily survive on Diet Pepsi and peanut butter M&M's. She eats no real food. It's weird.
244. Alessa said:
I am just catching up with you after missing a couple of days. I have to tell you, I am so glad to see I am not alone with the picky, stubborn child. I am a single mom who gets up every morning to make my son his pancakes or waffles. He just started eating these with syrup after much persuasion. Joy.
Also, to add on to the funny eating stories. My son won't eat ANY sauce of any kind. My brother likes to mess with him by putting a tiny dab of sauce on his chicken nugget and waiting to see what happens. Also, he will eat nothing that can be considered a sandwich. We finally got him to eat peanut butter on one slice of bread. He claims jelly is "for girls". Sigh.
245. Jail-Free Dad said:
Stop teaching Leta the finer things in life like milk with cereal or thawed waffles. My kids love dry cereal and frozen waffles...still frozen.
246. Candycorn said:
"I did have the sudden urge to punch Jon in the gut at about 6:30 and go THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT."
Heehehe! See? Be careful what you wish for! ;)