Favorite Things - Spring 2010 Edition

So, technically it's time for Favorite Things again.  Only problem is, as this is the Spring 2010 edition, I feel like it should actually BE Spring when I post these.  However, seeing as Utah can't seem to make up its mind as to which season we are in, I am just gonna go out on a limb here [a limb covered simultaneously with new blossoms and snow] and post these anyway.

1)  The Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days DVD I bought for The Tyke.  Oh wait, are we being honest here?  Then I will admit I really bought this DVD for me.  The Tyke could care less about Sesame Street.  Unless Buzz Lightyear is added to the cast, I don't see him transferring his attention to educational tv programs anytime soon.  So, yes, this DVD was purely for me for sentimental reasons.  It does not disappoint; all my favorite Sesame Street moments are on it and even some that were new to me (Robert DeNiro pretending to be a cabbage, anyone?).  And hopefully The Tyke will realize soon how awesome Sesame Street really is.  Especially because, unlike some other children's characters,  this tv show will be relevant to infinity and beyond. 

2) Kashi TLC granola bars. These have been my favorite granola bars for a few years because they are actually pretty good for you.  I tried so hard to find granola bars and protein bars that weren't essentially candy bars in disguise and I finally lucked out with these.  They have a good amount of protein and fiber, are low in sugar, and they taste good.  This is the Goldilocks and the Three Bears of granola bars.  Seriously, they are "juuuust right".

3) Budokon.  A while ago, Riley's work schedule changed and I found myself in a predicament when it came to getting to the gym at a time that didn't require that I become nocturnal.  I quickly got bored with my workout dvd's and decided to try one on Budokon and just loved it.  It's part yoga, which I have loved since taking it up when I was pregnant, part martial arts, and all challenging since I am the most beginnerly of beginners when it comes to this type of workout.  But it's fun, holds my attention and doesn't require a gym pass or night vision.


4) Audiobooks.  It's occurred to me that I spend a TON of time in the car commuting, running errands, and taking trips up to The Compound.  It's also occurred to me that I have to constantly renew books I have checked out from the library because I am so distracted by Life, I have a hard time finishing them in a timely manner.  Enter the audiobooks section of my local library.  While it doesn't have as diverse a selection as physical books, I get through more books this way and have much more fun doing it.  Plus it saves me from morning radio.  I am a kinder, gentler commuter now that I have Jim Dale, David Suchet, and Jeremy Irons (to name a few) to keep me company along the way. 

5) The Tyke's ever-expanding vocabulary.  I'm aware that I could make The Tyke a Favorite Thing in every edition, but lately I have noticed that his vocabulary has just taken off and he has become my favorite form of amusement.  I love to hear what he has to say because I get to see how his brain is working to make sense of this great big world he's found himself in.  He's been dubbed 'The Clown' at daycare and he just has the funniest, most innocent and straightforward way of saying things.  He is learning please and thank you and will request, "More chokit milk, thank ooo!"  He growls at Dixie: "Kissie, come!  Nooooow!"  He calls strawberry Qwik "strawby grandma milk," thanks to my mom, who he calls "Grandma Frodo" because of their new dog, Frodo.  It's not all chatter, however.  Today, when he was put in time out at daycare (a place he frequents quite often, apparently), Ms. Mabel was surprised when he wasn't crying or talking back because she could see he was really upset.  He just glared at her for a second and then let out one loud, earsplitting fart.  I gotta hand it to the kid, he knows how to get his point across.