Practice

This year, as every other year in recorded history we have practiced. The game goes like this. My job is to make up scenarios for the children wherein they receive gifts like a) nicely wrapped dirt; b) socks; c) sweaters knitted from dog hair....

Their job is to genuinely come up with a thank you and a reason to be happy for the gift.

Because children must be trained to not only a) not embarass this mother, but more importantly b) realize any gift they receive in their life is an expression of love. It means that the giver has had them on their mind. That they took the time to try. That they are loved and fortunate.

So far they have proven their ability to be genuinely excited about some seriously weird stuff. Its hereditary.

Little lady

I have a girl that drives me nuts. She dresses funny. She's loud and opinionated. This kid has never met a stranger and she openly chastises smokers in public... Loudly. She chatters constantly without much real content. And just when I think my head will explode with the sheer presence of her, it hits me.... This is why I adore her guts. She is unique and won't be pushed around. She loves with wild abandon. She wants to save the world. And while I wish she would share at a slighlt lower volume and pitch, she absolutely still wants to share with me. On purpose. And anyone who can dress like she does on purpose is always good for a chuckle. so I hang in there. I buy earplugs. I give her artistic freedom. And I love her guts.