classy christmas

A smorgasbord of snacks. So many options. Ashtyn approaches. He cleverly examines his choices to at least make it look like he's interested in everything snack time has to offer. What no one in the room but me knows, though, is that he already knows EXACTLY what he wants. He's just faking everyone out. He knows eating a variety of foods is normal and so puts on his best socially acceptable "Hmmm...what should I choose?" face.

And then he STRIKES! Yep! Straight for the BBQ chips! Well played son. Well played.

My boys both had their school Christmas parties on the same day this year. I had to split my time and go to half of each of their parties. Ash was up first! At his party they had a ton of snacks and soda! Nothing like sugaring up a bunch of 8 and 9 year old kids at the end of the school day! After their snacks the kids opened their stockings and then played a fun gift exchange game with the entire class. It's amazing the difference between a third grade class party and a K, 1st or even 2nd grade class party. These older kids were much better listeners and the room was less chaotic but still tons of fun! As the third grade gift exchange began I had to sneak out and walk one hallway over to Maddox's classroom so that I could be there for the second half of his party.

When I walked into Maddox's classroom, I said hello to his teacher who walked over to me and said "Maddox is SO worried that you aren't coming! He asked me to call you!" I felt so bad. I had told Maddox that morning what the party plan was but obviously he forgot. I found Maddox standing at the classroom sink washing his hands. He turned around, saw me and gave a smile that melted my heart! Maddox had just finished making a Christmas card with finger paint and was moving onto making a Christmas ornament out of pipe cleaners, bells and beads.

Maddox had already decorated a Christmas cookie before I arrived but when the teacher announced that there were enough cookies for a round two Maddox was the first to raise his hand wanting a second frosting covered, sprinkle loaded sugar cookie!

Class parties are always a fun time! I most definitely miss the days when my boys were in Pre-K and parents were invited into the classroom every other day but as my boys get older and their parties become fewer and farther between I have to learn to cherish every moment. I'm THAT mom who takes way too many pictures and runs herself ragged to make it for equal time at every party. I realize, though, that these days are fleeting and before I know it there won't be any more class parties. I'm already getting an eye roll and deep breath when I say things like "oh wait! stop! I need another picture! smile!" My boys are just growing up way too fast.