it's a bird. . . it's a plane. . . it's a--

. . . squid dog.

Yep. You got it. A squid dog.

This is what happens when I get a new Family Fun Magazine in the mail on a Friday, my husband heads out to a Saturday night college basketball game, and I'm left alone with three kids.

And I've got some hotdogs and spaghetti that just wanna-- get together and become. . . squid dogs.

My crazy-cool, incredibly talented friend Jessica once asked me if I ever shared ideas that just didn't work for my kiddos, and I told her very honestly, that it's about all I can do to share things that do work.

I assured her that sure--I do try things that flop--but that I'd rather spend my time blogging about activities and tricks that worked for us rather than those that didn't.

This one, Jessica, my friend, is for you.

The squid dogs were a complete and utter b-u-s-t. Bust with a capital B.

the squid doggies before they really became squiggly squids

When I said, Squiggly squid dogs for dinner!! and handed Maddy her plate, she said, Wow! How cool, Mom!

Owen picked his up--just like the little guy in the magazine picture--and started making it dance in the air, crazy spaghetti legs flyin', big smile on his face, nibbling at the wild, long pasta legs.

Cora--oh, my sweet, sweet Coco--said, I don't like these dogs. I do not want these squig dogs, Mommy. I do NOT WANT THIS SQUIG DOG ON MY PLATE!

a one-eyed squid dog and his two-eyed buddy

And before I knew it, Maddy said, Mommy, actually, this is not something I want to eat. I don't think I care for hot dogs with spaghetti inside, and I've already had two bites. (Our house rule is at least two bites to try something new. Her bites were teeeeeeny.)

And Owen said, These taste funny. I can't eat this, Mommy. I just want the mac and cheese shells.

And Cora was just happy that the 'squig dogs' were off of her plate.

There you have it--the first ever shared-with-the-world, teachmama total flop.

That's not to say that other kids won't love squid dogs; I'm sure many do. But my kids weren't feelin' em. I wonder why?

Please tell me you have your own food, activity, craft, or game busts. . .