December 18, 2006
Special Sunday
Yesterday, Dawson and I had a wonderful, fantastic, special day together. Doug had to work so we decided to do some fun things all around town.
First we went to church at 10:30 in the morning. Now, usually Dawson can’t handle the task of behaving well for an hour long service. He manages the first ten minutes and decides to give in to the meltdown. But on this special Sunday, the third Sunday in Advent (in which the pink candle is lit for all you Catholics out there), he was well behaved through the entire hour. I was impressed. He looked at the song books and he was mesmerized by the 3 month old baby in the pew in front of us. It was nice to have something to occupy his attention.
After church we went to Walmart because my mom ordered extra Christmas photo cards (I helped her on the computer, as she is not savvy with that yet) and I promised to pick them up on my way to meet her later. Dawson was starving and wanted pizza, but we decided to go to the Subway inside the store. He chose to have a pretzel with cheese but when we got to the table he had a tantrum because he wanted Cheetos instead. A gentleman in his early 50’s was very rude to us.
“Can’t you keep your son quiet? Little boy, you shouldn’t be crying, that’s for babies.”
I was completely angry but I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want to justify that man’s comment with a response, so I smiled politely and got Dawson his Cheetos. We started to eat and I gave him a bite of my sandwhich. Dawson looked around the restaurant at a child who was about five years old. The little boy was eating potato chips. Suddenly, Dawson decided he wanted potato chips, too.
“Mumma! Chips! Chips!” he yelled.
I told him no and redirected his attention to his Cheetos. Again, the man said something rude about ruining his lunch. This made me more mad, so finally I said, “I’m sorry sir, that you cannot tolerate a toddler. I’m also sorry that you feel the need to voice your opinions loud enough for me to hear. But, what I’m not sorry about is the fact that no matter how upset you may be, I’m still having an excellent day. Not even an old grump like you can take that away from me.”
He got up and left without saying a word. I felt guilty for maybe a minute or two but realized that it’s not easy to keep a child quiet all the time and we have to co-exist in this world somehow.
After lunch we went to Copps grocery store (where Doug works) and told him that we were meeting my mother and brother at the movie theater but first we were going to see Santa Claus in the mall. We had some time to kill and since Doug couldn’t be with us, we thought it was a nice gesture to visit him at work.
At the mall, I stopped at Bath & Body Works to use a coupon that was going to expire. It was a coupon to get a free item up to $12.50 with any purchase. I got Japanese Cherry Blossom lotion and body shimmer spray. At first I wasn’t sure how I’d like it but I’m starting to like it.
Next, we went to the center court of the mall to see Santa. Here’s how that turned out:

Dawson still wouldn’t sit on Santa’s lap, but we’re getting better at this. He should be ready by next year. I hope.
After that, we went to the Enchanted Forest Christmas Display. That was fun. I loved looking at all the lights and decorations. Dawson loved it, too. Especially the Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck & Friends display.

My favorite was the Point Beer Tree. (Point Rootbeer, that is!)

After the Enchanted Forest, we still had more time to waste. I decided to take Dawson to see the Steam Engine by the railroad. It’s kind of like a mini outdoor museum. Since my son is fascinated by trains and loves Thomas the Tank Engine, he was awestruck by the huge train.

He’s so tiny compared to that big machine!

He loved standing on the Caboose!
Finally we went to the movie. We saw Charlotte’s Web and it was fantastic. It was Dawson’s first trip to a movie theater. I loved the movie…there are no words. I’m definitely buying the DVD as soon as it’s released. It was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. I loved the book, I own a copy and I read it over and over and over again. I have the cartoon of the book, too and that was my brother Frank’s favorite movie when he was little. I would highly recommend this film.

Here’s Dawson before the movie started, eating popcorn with Nonna. He was so well behaved. He sat through the entire movie and was so excited to see Wilbur, Charlotte and all the barnyard animals.
It was such a beautiful, fantastic, special day. A memory I will never forget.
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December 19th, 2006 at 7:44 am, Mammacheryl Says:
Wow. You must be so proud. Spending such a wonderful, memorable day with Dawson. I’m so impressed with his behavior! Good for him. And good for you for raising him so well. Kudos, as well, for standing up to the old grumpus.
December 19th, 2006 at 9:17 am, Fat Chick Says:
This post made me smile! I’m glad to see you had such a special day with your special little guy.
~ FC
December 19th, 2006 at 11:36 am, Leslie Says:
Wow, what a wonderful day! Dawson is amazing. That’s a big day for a little guy. I’m glad you both enjoyed it.
December 19th, 2006 at 3:57 pm, becca Says:
what a fun day. These are special memories!
December 19th, 2006 at 4:56 pm, qofs Says:
that’s one LOOOONG day. my kids never would have made it
December 19th, 2006 at 9:44 pm, Dana Says:
Ladies, thank you for your sweet comments. I’m still walking on air from all the love of that day!
I’m surprised he made it through all our activities as well…maybe God was watching out for him and preventing any temper tantrums!
December 20th, 2006 at 5:38 am, LiberalByotch! Says:
I thought this was a Political Blog. What the hell kind of crap was that? That was the most (Yawn) I have ever read in my life! Dawson did this, that and the other. No wonder you Republicans are so friggen stupid. You sit around and watch Soaps and have Kids. Hey, if Dawson farts, make sure you post about it okay? We all want to know what it amells like okay?
Sheeese!
December 20th, 2006 at 5:43 am, LiberalByotch! Says:
I HAD HOTWINGS FOR DINNER. sHOULD I POST A BLOG ABOUT IT?
December 20th, 2006 at 5:45 am, LiberalByotch! Says:
Um, So like, who’s the Dana person? It obviously aint you because like sje’s all skinny ang you look like you have a little biy named Dawson.
OINK!
December 20th, 2006 at 5:46 am, LiberalByotch! Says:
I know it doesn’t feel good to have a troll come on and disrupt your websute, but you guys keep doing it to us, so we will start showing you how it feels.
OINK!
December 20th, 2006 at 3:28 pm, Dana Says:
LiberalByotch, it was so nice of you to visit. Please remember to come back when you’ve learned manners and how to spell.
Also, I’m sending out your e-mail address and IP numbers for anyone to see, since you obviously have no respect for me based on your comments.
Couldn’t find anyone else to pick on?
ladylibertee@hotmail.com and 209.253.185.21 and she’s from the Green Bay, Wisconsin area for anyone who’s interested! And it appears you visited the Candlewood Suites? Is that correct? Perhaps we can call and find out what room you’re in.
December 21st, 2006 at 10:21 am, Guinevere Says:
Ouch! lol You’re a hoot, Dana! :o)
December 21st, 2006 at 7:47 pm, Dana Says:
I know. I’m a mean byotch…..
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:29 am, Elizabeth Says:
Sheesh, should I call myself ByotchMom if I want to post a comment?
I KNEW Dawson would love the movie! I watched a clip of it online today and I want to see it SOOO badly. It looks like just the kind of heartwarming movie I need right now. However, my husband wants to take all of us to see “Night At the Museum” on Christmas Day, and he never gets to pick the movie, so we’re seeing that first.
Thanks for telling us about your excellent day, even if you were sitting next to Scrooge at Subway. You look so cute sitting with Santa! A very Merry Christmas to you and your family!
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:51 am, Dana Says:
Thanks Elizabeth! -hugs- Merry Christmas!!