I don't know where I've been the last couple of months, but it became apparent this weekend that I've been ignoring one of the biggest fads to hit in, well, the past couple of months.

If your kids, or your kids' friends, aren't sporting thin, rubbery bracelets crafted into colorful shapes -- butterflies, kites, hearts, guitars, drums, giraffes ... well, you get the picture -- they're still being rocked to sleep or have children of their own.

Boys and girls are donning these bands by the dozens. A package of 24, depending on the brand, is under $5 or $6. They are one hot trade, and stores can't keep them in stock. While my daughter and I were standing in line at Centerville Cardtique on Saturday -- Silly Bandz in hand, of course -- we learned from a teacher that they're becoming a distraction in some classrooms. They've also caused some fights and, thus, are morphing into contraband. Still other teachers, realizing their allure, are giving them as rewards for jobs well done.

As I resist the urge to use a couple of them to tie up the celery and keep the egg carton closed, I wonder what my daughter would say if I forced her to wear rubber bands as a fashion statement. Gotta believe I know the answer to that one!

I was in Babies R Us on Monday to pick out some gifts for a niece who is expecting her first baby in September. What should have taken a few minutes, took much longer  -- probably because the walk through the aisles was more of a trip down memory lane. And a very good one at that! Almost instantly, I was transported back to the day I picked out items for my baby's registry more than a decade ago. Loved it! It was better than shopping for myself!

It got me to thinking about my daughter's first treasures, both practical and extravagant. And the ones that were a big help, even if I didn't know they'd be at the time I tore open the wrapping paper. The cute, cute clothes, of course, and the blue cotton blanket that is now white and torn from dozens of washings -- but still claims a corner in my daughter's chest of drawers.

There was the plastic key chain that brought my daughter endless delight when she was in the car, or her stroller. The children's CDs (Sesame Street, Raffi -- I'd never even heard of him when I opened that gift) that entertained her on long trips. Loved the talking Piglet -- (even though he scared the heck out of me when my daughter, as a toddler, would roll over on him during nap time and trigger his voice and my fear that there was a stranger in her room.) The umbrella stroller -- used it all the time! The Eddie Bauer diaper bag -- still use it as an overnight bag. The bathtub toys, the monitor, the lullaby-playing pillow. And the little board books my daughter paged through endlessly. The diapers and disposable wipes. And, from the bottom of my heart, I have to say it, the Diaper Genie! What a godsend!  

Not yet out of July, but we're ready for sixth grade. My daughter is one organized kid. That's why she pulled me to Target and Staples last night, July 22, to hit their back-to-school treasures. And let me tell you, the erasers, notebooks, lunchboxes and backpacks are spilling out of the shelves and off the hooks.

Remember last year? she asked. We waited until August and everything was picked over. Big time. Pencil boxes were practically endangered school accessories. 

Well, let me tell you. There's nothing endangered at this point in the summer. So, smack dab between beach week and camp time, we ventured directly into the inventory with a list and a shopping basket, determined that this would be the one and only trip. She decided on the purple, 3-inch binder. Six folders, each with a different geometric, floral or cute-puppy design. (I hope you're reading this Mrs. Braun.) Pencils: check. Scissors: check. Tissues, pens, notebook paper: triple check.

She's already filed everything in the binder, complete with labels. Argh. Now  if only I could get her to clean her room!