A Sticky Situation

Some things in our family are absolutes. They always have been and they always will be. These absolutes are not simply a matter of "we've always done it that way", but they are a matter of being firmly rooted in principles and beliefs that cannot be dissuaded.

For instance, we go to church Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night. There is no variation. There is no discussion as to whether or not we're going to go. We will be there. Another example is that my children will be respectful. No exceptions.

But just this week one of our bedrock fundamentals was shaken. My children have questioned something we've always done. Some of them are protesting against one of the absolute basics in our lives. The source of this rebellion?

Peanut butter.

I take peanut butter seriously. I am brand loyal and I am a choosy mother. Therefore, I choose Jif. It's what I've always bought, and I will not change.

Actually, the boys aren't complaining about the brand. They're complaining about the consistency. That's right. The age-old choice between smooth and crunchy peanut butter has reared its ugly head. I've always bought smooth. Always. I don't know how they came to discover there were any other choices. But somehow the joys of crunchy peanut butter became known to them. And I'm afraid some of them have crossed over to the other side.

Two and half of our boys have declared their loyalty to crunchy. (One said he could go either way--that's the half.) They've asked for it when we're in the store. They've turned their nose up at the faithful smooth that's always had a place on the pantry shelf.

So this week I finally caved. I bought crunchy. I'm not sure if this compromise will bring a new era of peace and happiness in our home, or if it will sharpen the divide between us. Only time will tell.

So what about you? Brand preference? And are you a "smooth" or a "chunky"? (When I put it that way, isn't the answer obvious?)