She Gets It

Eliza Grace's first grade class has been studying and writing poetry. The other day she brought home a book of poetry written by her class.

Most of them were typical first grade fare:

poems and illustrations about balloons,

fat cats, flowers and trips to Disney.

I eagerly turned the pages looking for Eliza Grace's poem. And there it was.

So simple.

So clear.

And so lovely.

As parents we talk and lecture and pontificate

on how best to treat friends, strangers and even those who are unkind. And when our children are in our care, in our eye sight, within ear shot, we can easily monitor when they slip, reign them in and congratulate them when they make the right choice.

But when they are not in our care, when they are at school or camp, we wonder "do they get it?"

When I read Eliza Grace's poem I sighed with

pleasure because, at least for now, I could tell that she got it.

Lovin' on Lucy

Last weekend was one of those dreary, cold, rainy weekends where everyone goes a bit stir crazy.

The kids were bouncing off the walls and driving mom and dad bonkers.

But, it gave ample time for loving all over Lucy. Lucy, our 13 1/2 year old mutt extrodinaire, took it in stride.

So of course, I got out my camera to catch all the hugging and smooching.

Things started out calmly enough. Lucy is

practically asleep on her feet.

Then they started scratching her ears

Eliza Grace went for Lucy's cheek

So of course Will wanted in on the action

Then they both went in for the smooch - you

can barely see Lucy's nose in the middle

Then Will wanted just one more smooch....

...and Lucy licked his lips!

Where did February go?

Man...not really had time to keep up with the 'ol blog, have I? I guess I didn't have anything to share that was important enough to type. Or perhaps it was the sheer apathy and winter blues that consumes me this time of year. Frankly, I am impressed that I made it through February without a complete mental breakdown.

Stop snickering, Scott....that wasn't a breakdown...that was just a moment.

So what in the world went on with the Hughes in the last month? Well, to sum it up, it went like this:

work
life
Eliza Grace tap dance class
work
country going to heck in a hand basket
life
Jacque sinus infection
work
Eliza Grace tap dance class
life
Scott sinus infection
work
Will's ear tube/adenoid surgery
life

Yep, that's about 28 days worth. Exciting wasn't it?

I am feeling a bit more inspired these days and have some cute pics of the kiddies to post, so I am sure I will do better in March.

Plus, despite all of the fussing and fuming, Scott and I are finally nearing agreement on where to go on our no-kids tropical get away in April....can I get a SQUEE?!?!