My little helper

After a semi-rocky start to our Monday, which may or may not have involved homework that was pointedly ignored by a certain 10 year-old all weekend, the boys jumped on the bus wearing green in honor of the victims from Sandy Hook Elementary.  They didn't know why they were wearing green, just that I asked them to.  I rarely pull rank when it comes to clothing choices for school, so they tend to give me a little less grief than they normally would about anything else.  We all wore green today, and each time I saw someone else wearing green/white, I wondered if they were wearing it for the same reasons I was.

I wish I could put my finger on exactly why this is having such an impact on my life.  I know I'm not the only one.  B being the same age as the littles who were killed probably has a lot to do with it.  Having friends who are teachers, teachers who would do the exact same thing without hesitation, probably has a lot to do with it.  Being a parent probably has the most to do with it.  But I think the thing that gets me the most is, like the tragedies that have happened recently where I live, there are no boundaries on this grief.  It is not felt just by those in Connecticut or on the east coast; it is nationwide.  No, it's worldwide.  People all over the world feel the raw emotion, and there is a sense of solidarity, even though our world is completely chaotic at times.

It's sad that it takes the deaths of innocent people, children no less, for this to happen.

I noticed the other day that I have a pididdle on my car, aka one headlight is out.  I had a ton of things to do today, but that kind of jumped to the top of the list.  I'm going to attempt to change it myself, but I honestly have no idea what I'm doing.  It has to be pretty dang easy though, right?  I also had to go to Target.  How is that different from any other day?  It's not.  As I was heading to check out, I looked up and into the eyes of someone I knew.  It took me a few minutes to place him, partially because it caught me off guard, and I could tell he was trying to do the same.  As I was checking out, I looked over where he was, just to be sure it was who I thought it was, and he was gone.  I went on about my business, then felt eyes on me again.  He had moved to the register next to mine, and was looking at me, puzzled.  I smiled, but didn't say anything...because it's fun to watch people try to figure it out.  I only went to the high school I graduated from for 3 years, so I don't really feel like I'm that memorable, but he was trying so hard.  That was when I realized that I was not wearing make-up and my hair was in a messy bun(ish), and I wondered why this always happens to me.  Probably because (according to my dad anyway) I'm "closed for business."

I can't type that without laughing.  I love my family.

Tonight was "breakfast for dinner" since we haven't had one of those nights in a while.  B wanted to help make the pancakes, but I refuse to let him crack the eggs because he pulverizes them.  I learned my lesson after 7 or 8 tries.  I let him mix the wet ingredients, and then I gave him the job of sifting the dry ingredients.  He got a little over excited about the sifter, so part of the flour mixture ended up on the counter.  He kept asking if he could taste the dry ingredients, and I kept telling him no.  I don't see how flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt could possibly be a tasty combination.  When part of the mixture was discovered on the floor, I asked him to clean it up.  he said he didn't know how, so I suggested a paper towel, a sponge, or the vacuum cleaner.  When he offered the option of using his tongue, I just stared at him while he grinned and said, "Nevermind.  I'll vacuum!"

Who is this kid?  Oh right, he's mine.

I sent them to bed kind of early because they were slacking on their laundry duties and I had a killer headache, but they went to bed without (major) incident, so I went back and let them watch the cartoon version of "The Grinch."  B was so grateful; he was worried that he would have bad dreams about the zombie hands that he saw at his aunt's house.  (His dad's sister's house, not my sister, just to clarify.)

Tomorrow, I have some treats to make for teacher Christmas gifts, and then I fully intend to relax.  My grades have finally been posted, and the 4.0 semester is a reality.  I actually ended up getting a perfect score on all of my major papers this semester, too, so I'm pretty happy with that.  We'll see how things go next semester.

Oh, I found this super-cute hoodie for B, and so far, I've ordered it from two different places, only to find out it's on backorder.  Keep your fingers crossed that this last place with come through.  When I saw it, I immediately thought of him.  Is this not the most perfect thing for him?!

I have a little bit of time, since the boys both leave on Saturday and won't be home until the 28th.  It's going to be really tough not seeing the boys on Christmas.  That's never happened before.

At least I have my kids.  So many families will have presents sitting under the tree, unopened, this year.  And it still breaks my heart, as I'm sure it will for quite some time.

Aubs

My little helper and me during our field trip to see Junie B. Jones, Jingle Bells, Batman Smells last Friday.  He's 7...the same age as some of those precious babies who, as we were laughing and singing along, were being shot and killed.  I know 6 and 7.  I live it everyday...and now there are some who won't be able to live it anymore.  Newtown, Connecticut is constantly in my mind, heart, and prayers.