So I went to an Awards Ceremony at Mackenzie's school this morning. Since I needed to get back to school as soon as I could I figured I would watch her, clap a lot, blow her kisses, and run out the door as inconspicuously as possible. I did all that, and just as soon as I was ready to dash I saw her come off the stage and stop at the prize table. She could choose from a necklace coin/key holder, a pencil or the most dreaded one, the school bumper sticker. As my butt got ready to lift itself off of the bench, my head was telling it to sit back down and at the same time, was sending Mack subliminal messages. Get the coin holder, get the pencil, but stay away from the BUMPER STICKER!

(Let me interject something here. I like the bumper stickers that say 'My jack russel (or insert another breed's name) is smarter than your honor student. Some people like to arrange their kid's star student stickers in a cool arrangement. I don't want to. I'm weird like that. So I continue...)

For some reason, Mack's brain always mixes up my messages, and she picked the sticker. Crap! I've been hoping for the past couple of years that the sticker would hold no interest for her. But what first grade girl would pass up a giant sticker? I figured we'd deal with it later so my butt was allowed to get up again and the dashing began.

Fast forward to the car line at dismissal (4 days left, BTW). We talked about her award and how exciting that was, and I casually inserted how cool her new sticker was. She promptly corrected me. Here's how the conversation went down:

M: It's a bumper sticker, mom.

K: Nah, you put that on your bike or on your desk or something.

M: NO, it goes on your car.

K: No, I'm pretty sure you put it on your handle bar.

M: Not convinced and not budging

K: So, it will look nice on Daddy's car.

M: No, it's supposed to go on your car because we go in it more often.
AND, it's really sticky so it won't fall off. AND when Ethan starts at my school next year he'll get one too and we'll each have one on your car.

K: (in my head) Aww, crap - and that's when I heard the gavel hitting the wood. The judgment had been made by the 7 year old in the backseat.

Of course, Matt had to remind me that I did want to Mom My Ride. I just have to make sure my car doesn't end up looking like this one.

Dramatics

Last weekend the kids participated in our church's Children's Musical. It was called "The Rock Slinger and His Greatest Hit." Ha! It was pretty funny. Mackenzie loves the musical. She has a memory like a steel trap, and she enjoys learning the songs and all the choreography. This year was Ethan's first experience with the stage. When he had his surgery I wasn't sure if he would be up to performing, let alone able to do it. So, one week before the show he told me he wanted to do it for sure, and the preparations began. I knew that he would add a little flare to the show, but I was still more than a little nervous about what to expect. Poor Ethan! He never fails to amaze me. Not only did he know all the songs he also knew all the motions that went along with them. He delivered his lines with spunk (and one leg in the air?), and he didn't disappoint his audience. He served up a big dose of the much anticipated flare that only E can give.






Mackenzie did a great job! Her love of the songs really showed while she was on stage.





Of course, I continued to hear the songs for a week after the show was over. While we walking out of the church after the last show, Ethan asked when they would start practicing for the next show. I nearly fell over. So now you know who their drama queen is.

Happenings

I have been focused the past week. Focused on getting Mother's day projects completed. Focused on the growing piles that have been spreading throughout my house. Focused on Matt's family in Tallahassee. Focused on the words and actions coming from my kids.

So tonight my brain feels a little fried. The Mother's Day projects were given out at our Mother's Day brunch at school today. A lovely time was had by all, and it was a great to see the smiles on all the mom's faces. The students were absolutely adorable, and this made all the preparation worth it.

The growing piles were shifted to my room, which is okay. Don't ask why. I can't really give a good reason. I think it just feels better to have them out of sight in the living room. (Out of sight=out of mind. Until school's out, that is a-ok with me.)

We're still focused on Matt's family in Tallahassee. His grandmother (Grandma Rosie) passed away yesterday afternoon. She turned 93 on Monday, and while her health had been declining in the last couple of weeks, it still feels surreal. She had been living with Matt's parents for the last few years.

I'm still especially focused on the words and actions coming from my kids. Why is it that they hone in on my weakness when I feel like a deflated balloon by acting out like a couple of nuts? When I am feeling weak (whether mentally or physically) I just want to throw up my hands and give up. That would be today's reaction. Hopefully a good night's sleep will recharge my batteries, and I'll have a better attitude about life tomorrow.

And my spirits can't help but be lifted when I think about the treatments I'll get from here. My hubby did good! Pedicure here I come!!