Broken Hearts

As short lived as the romance was, my youngest son now knows the feeling of a broken heart. A note appeared in his locker today, ending the relationship that started a week ago.

When he showed it to me after school with tears in his eyes, I felt so sorry for him. Knowing that nothing I could say, would make him feel any better, I looked at him with tears welling in my eyes and said "I'm sorry. I know it hurts."

He looked back at me and nodded his head.

Christmas Sweaters

Down to the twelve days of Christmas.

Madeline and her friends have been searching for the ugliest Christmas sweaters they could find since the summer months. This morning she came downstairs wearing a red turtleneck with candy canes and a navy blue button down fleece cardigan decorated with a snowman.

What I thought was so funny, I know her intent was to look silly, but reality was she looked adorable!

Christmas Spirit

I need to remind myself during this Christmas season to enjoy the spirit of the holiday. Just take a deep breath, step back and let the wonder of the season fill my heart.

Christmas Cookies

This weekend, I was fortunate to do some Christmas baking. I remember growing up, my mom would always pull out her copy of the The Complete American-Jewish Cookbook at Christmas time for cookie recipes.

My family is not Jewish, nor do I have any Jewish relatives. I have no idea how my mom came across the cookies recipes in the book.

I can't say I use any of the cookie recipes from the book, but every year when it is time to bake cookies, I always think of my mom. She would sit in the kitchen and make a list of all the cookies we would bake.

Now, I ask the kids what cookies they want, and I go to my favorite recipe binder for the recipes. If I can't find the recipe in the binder, in just a few clicks of the mouse, I can always find what I am looking for online.

Harry Potter Nativity

I live in a house with true fans of Harry Potter. Andrew made a Harry Potter themed Lego nativity to put under his Christmas tree in his bedroom.

As long as he didn't make Lord Voldemort as baby Jesus, I don't see a problem with it.

Treasure Chest Love Notes

Yesterday, as I mentioned, I received a note from Benjamin telling me how much he loved me. Today, when he came home from school, he hurried in the kitchen and said, "Mom, I got my first love note!" I responded with a "Really?" as he handed me the folded piece of yellow paper.

I asked if he wanted me to read it, and he enthusiastically smiled and said, "Yes!"

As I unfolded the paper, I wondered what the note would say and at the same time, I was flattered Benjamin would want me to read it. It was a sweet note, what I call a "yes/no" note.

I asked Benjamin if he wrote back to the girl responding to the note. Surprisingly, he answered "No." Taken aback, I asked him why he didn't answer the girl, for I had visions of a sad, young lady thinking she put her heart on the line, and didn't get an answer.

Laughing, he said, "I did respond. In person. I thought it was nicer to tell her in person. I said "yes." " Wow. What confidence for a twelve year old! I asked what he was going to do with the note, and he responded he would be right back as he headed to his bedroom. When he returned to the kitchen, he held out his hands to show me a small wooden treasure chest. "I am going to keep it in here."

Of course, I am biased, but I do believe the young lady who wrote the note, is a lucky girl.

Benjamin's Mom

The best part of my day today was being the recipient of a note from my youngest son, Benjamin. Today at school, he participated in Challenge Day. At the end of the day, each participant choose to write a note to someone either to apologize for a wrongdoing, or thank them for the role they play in their life.

I was so blessed to receive a note from him telling me how much he loves me. Not a day goes by in my life, when I am not thankful for him. I was so honored he chose to write a note to me.

I love being his mom.