Mother Knows Best

It's true what they say about mothers. They really do know best. You see, my dear mother is wise beyond her years when it comes to dishware. When Reggie and I got married, she insisted that we register for Corelle at the local ZCMI. At the time, the idea seemed preposterous. I had been eating off the same Corelle dishes, adorned with avacado green flowers, that my Great Grandparents had carefully carried across the plains. Or so it seemed. I was bored to death of those dishes and I knew I couldn't bring myself to adding them to my registry. Besides, my Martha Stewartesque sensibilities simply would not allow me to serve my fine cuisine on such a thing (despite the fact that I knew nothing about cooking or fine cuisine at the time). So I decided to be the first girl in our metropolitan area to go against tradition and register at Williams and Sonoma instead (remember when ZCMI had the wedding registry monopoly).

Those "White Brasserie" dishes have served me well. They have been the perfect backdrop for many fine affairs. They look equally sophisticated dressed with beef tenderloin or PB and J. Especially paired with my red goblets at Christmas time. But, with three kiddies and one on the way, I have decided to concede. My mother was definately on to something when she gave me that advice 13 years ago.

32 trips to Walmart later, and I have finally completed my collection of fine tableware. What makes it so fine is that it is of the "practical", "non-breakable", and below "$3.00/each" variety. Those three qualifications have become ever so important as my family continues to grow. You know, there really is something to be said for a dish that weighs a mere 3-ounces and can be dropped from a second story window without worry (I don't think the Good Housekeeping Institute has validated either claim).

I have finally been able to allow my children to empty the dishwasher without disasterous results. This is important since teaching them responsibility is vital in their formidable years. Plus, dish loading/unloading is among my least favorite chores.

If only I would have thought to photograph my kitchen cabinets after Mitchell's first try. Sherrie would have been so proud. I didn't adjust or straighten even one skiwompous dish. When summer arrives, I plan on having a training camp to teach the kids housekeeping 101. Or maybe Grandma Connie would like to be a guest instructor. Because when it comes to cleaning and housekeeping, she really does know best!