Silence...ahhhh

Yes, the kids are in bed and I'm having a quiet moment to myself. This is the time where I can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee, even if it's late. I'm one of those that can fall asleep within an hour or two after having coffee, even though it's not decaf. Today ended up being a nice day. Mom came over for lunch and she made us Katie's favorite, bulgogi. It's marinated sirloin strips bbq'd to perfection. It's delicious! After lunch, Mom, Katie, and I went shopping at Watters Creek while Sophie stayed home to nap. Stu was able to get some quiet time to himself, plus he's trying to get over a cold. I love Watters Creek, I just wish it was a bit bigger and had more shopping places. It reminds me of the promenade in Santa Monica, just a smaller version. Went to Gymboree to buy Katie some clothes, and mom ended up buying all sorts of stuff in there for her, plus some books for her from Borders. Katie had one thing on her mind, and it was ice cream. So we went to Paciugo and had some gelato. It was a great day except for the part when I scolded some twin boys there. So, as we're strolling alongside the beautiful stream, we see a duck with her ducklings that were tiny swimming in the stream. So adorable. Then I see these 2 boys, probably around 6yrs old splashing the ducks. None of their parents were in sight, and others were watching them with disgust. I had to say something and told them nicely to stop. Well, they looked at me like I was crazy and continued on. Two other ladies told them to be nice, and they ignored those ladies too. So, needless to say, the Super Nanny in me kicked in to high gear. I grabbed Katie's hand (I guess for moral support?)...poor Katie, and I told them off like they were my own kids. I said, "DO NOT splash those ducks, they're not your ducks, and that behavior is unacceptable!". Then I asked them where their parents were and they were freaked out. I walked off and then a part of me was thinking their parents were going to walk up and tell me off, so I was out of there after that. I think now that I have kids, I feel more comfortable yelling at other kids (joking!).... but in all honesty, I would've never spoken up. In the past when Katie was little, we'd go to playgroups where she's been hit or pushed, and I didn't feel comfortable telling the child to stop. Instead, I'd remove Katie from that area and have her play with something else. I hope I taught Katie at least a little something today, in that we don't treat animals or other people in that manner.