Crossing Christmas shopping off my list

I'm done.  And it feels so good to type that.  I ordered N's present for B this afternoon, and that was the last of it.

Everything is wrapped, under the tree, and ready to go.  I have to get some stamps so I can mail my Christmas cards...they've only been sitting on my table, all addressed, for a week now. 

I've kind of been dreading tomorrow morning.  I know others have probably talked to their kids about the tragedy that struck Newtown, Connecticut on Friday, but I'm not one of them.  I received an email from the school district, outlining what will (and will not) be said by teachers and special measures that they are taking to make sure the kids feel safe.

Have I mentioned how grateful I am to be in this school district?

I had a totally low key day today.  It consisted of movies, present wrapping, and working on a Christmas puzzle.  I don't have any cats, though, so hold any and all old lady comments until further notice.  Both of my boys came home, and we spent a little bit of time together before bed.

It's going to be another full week with my boys, and even though they drive me completely insane sometimes, I'm dwelling more on the fact that I have them; they're alive and healthy, and less on the insane part.  Or at least, I'm going to try.  Rome wasn't built in a day, and all that.

Patience is a virtue that seems to have skipped me when it comes to my own children.  I can be kind and caring and patient all day long, but I think maybe my expectations for my own boys might be too high.  And to be honest, I'm not really sure how to change that.

I keep telling myself that I'm going to be more understanding and not let little things make me angry, but it's a lot more short-lived than I'd like it to be.  When it's just one of them, we're good...but put both of them in the mix, and my fuse is practically non-existent.

Which is why I had to smile tonight when N told me he needed to talk to me.  It went like this:

N: Mom, B is really not so much of the problem.  He's okay most of the time, it's just...
Me: What?
N: Well, sometimes I wish I were an only child.
Me: Honey, everyone who has siblings thinks that at some point in their lives.  Sometimes they even think it when they're grown-ups.
N: Have you thought that about Aunt Katie?
Me: Only about 54 times...and even as a grown-up once or twice.  It's just the way it goes.  We're human.  Sometimes we think we'd rather be an only child, but think about how boring that would be.
N: If you say so.

Both boys have such caring and compassionate hearts.  I really am so blessed to be their mom.  I just have to remember that the next time they make me absolutely insane!

Aubs