Ah, the Sunday paper. My favorite time is to read the paper cover to cover with an endless cup of coffee. I've trained my kids not to bug me during this time unless there's blood gushing or broken bone protruding from the skin...that's how seriously I take my Sunday paper.

Today's paper was a little thicker than normal...must be camping or vacation ads. The glossy sheets always slip out and fall on the floor and today was no exception. I flip up the foot rest on my recliner and get ready to read. All of the sudden, a collective "NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" fills the room. My fifteen and almost-thirteen year old are looking at the floor with a horrified expression...

I follow their zombie gaze and see that the glossy ads are all about back-to-school products. Ads for backpacks, protractors, pens, pencils and notebooks for 10 cents each litter the floor with happy, smiling kids modeling these products looking back at them.

"But...it's only July!" says my girl.

"This SUCKS!" says my boy.

"Woo-hoo!" say me and my husband while doing a high five and practically a jig of joy.

"It's...it's...July," stutters the girl again while walking towards her room.

"I'm going outside to play - away from THAT," says the boy.

I'm alone with my paper again. I reach down and grab the Target ad...hmmmm...notebooks for 10 cents each? That's a good deal!