school agers are here on break…I’m tired, hungover and sore from last nights rather emotional festivities. I’ve taken a hands off approach and they are working out things just fine. When they tattle I say, “tell them not me” lots of disputes and negotiations. I’m proud of what I’ve taught them so far and my “stop talking so much” goal is proving effective.

Kids are flipping through the art book laughing at the “lady showing her butt”, also noticing some of the other pieces and commenting on the images. Some are curled up for a moment on a pile of blankets. One boy tries to get a reaction by saying “liar, liar pants of fire” while glancing at me. I call his bluff and chime in “hanging from a telephone wire” which leads into tons of rhyming variations, “liar liar, vampire on fire” etc.

Loaded them up with oranges for lunch. Hopefully they are all somewhat healthy for christmas day.