just some updates

So Stephanie passed all of her first quarter of college classes.  This is a good thing.  Especially since I didn't realize we should be anxiously awaiting this news.  She's home until January 3rd.  We forgot what it's like to hear singing and random movement from the long empty red bedroom.  Not before noon of course.

Nick is funny.  He's just really really funny.  He should probably get in trouble for some of his alleged humor.  It's just a little tough to reprimand when I'm laughing so hard I have tears in my eyes.  I tried to convince him they were tears of sadness for his inappropriate  mutterings but he didn't buy it.  We  have learned that when Nick likes his teachers he does exceptionally well in school.  Remarkable concept.   Hire teachers that like children.  Brilliant.

Jack is just Jack. That pretty much covers it.  There are unrecognizable science experiments in bowls and cups throughout the house.  He tells me it's extra credit. I think I heard the word polymer.  I'm thinking all science experiments should be confined to the boys  bathroom.  And he's wrestling.  Saturday mornings.   Early.   Jack and Daddy left at 6:30 this morning to drive an hour away to a wrestling match.  I wanted to go.  I really did.  But someone had to get Nick to his pitching clinic and then come home and drink coffee in the lovely silence.

And then there's Aunt Laura.  December 22nd is the day and we can't wait to see her.  I was sad for this Christmas so it will be fun to have her with us.   Sad because it's the first year in 18 years where no one believes in the big guy with the red suit.  Jack came clean.  The pressure  was killing him.  He is the  town crier you know.  The keeper and sharer of all household happenings and secrets.  No way could he keep this little revelation to himself for too long.  He feels bad that he had such long Christmas lists before.  Now that he knows it wasn't all  free from the elves.  He has 2 things on his list this year.  He thinks maybe a 3rd could develop but he can't remember what it is.  I love that kid.

And in case you are ever jealous because you don't get to hang out with my kids I leave you with this:   Last night, out in public, we saw a guy who looked  exactly like Santa.  Both boys started  yelling - did I tell you we were in public? - SANTA.....SANTA.....I KNOW HIM.  I was horrified.  And laughing too hard to speak.