Lots of ‘em. Meetings, that is. Just when you think, “Ok great! All the forms are in, clothes purchased, kids out the door and adjusting nicely to all those new classes. Yep, we’re all set!”

Nope. You’re not.

Well, that is we’re not, because tonight the Catholic Family and I found ourselves attending yet another parent meeting/orientation/open house and met with no less than 7 teachers and/or facilitators. It’s enough to make your head spin around in 360 degree circles, I tell you. Thankfully, ice cream was involved - although not for certain lactose intolerant parents (me) who can do without the painful side affects, but the kids were all over that cold treat at the end. *woohoo!*

But anyway, here are a couple of priceless quotes that I want to remember for all time, thus earning a plug on my blog. They were just that cool:

• Catholic Son on the way to school on a dreary, blechy weathered morning: “Mom, I think someone forgot to paint the sky today. There’s no blue in it, or any color at all.”
• Youth Chamber Orchestra Conductor: “Watch and stay with the tempo as I direct you. Because it’s all about me here, you know.”

Meanwhile, I’ll close with a little motivation for the morning Catholic Kid shuttle:
Mongo-Sized Double Espresso (It works miracles.)

Catholic Son brought home the sweetest message ever from his teacher, and it screams Share this with the Blogosphere! at the top of its lungs. Enjoy!

First Day

They came
with bright eyes and curious minds.
They came
bold and confident, shy and reserved.
They came
with eagerness and apprehension to begin a new year.
They came
to form a community of learners.
They came
with knowledge and innocence.
They came
representing their family’s aspirations and dreams.
They came
to learn and I am so glad they did.
Thank You for entrusting me to educate your child. It is an honor.
(Photo of CS here, signed by teacher.)

I think we’re all in love with this teacher. *sniff*

Von Maur at the Westroads Mall in Omaha, Nebraska will reopen tomorrow. After much cleanup of the memorials and at least one ceremony that I know of outside of the department store, business will return as usual. I don’t know about you, but this has been a hard tragedy to swallow… especially one so close to the holidays.

Be well everyone. Hug your loved ones and tell them that you love them every single day. It matters more than you know.

Today my daughter and I made our way to Westroads Mall to visit the memorial outside of Von Maur where the tragic shooting incident occurred. The constant stream of onlookers who passed by on foot or via car made the whole event seem surreal. Photos of the victims printed on personal notes and prayers alongside stuffed animals, flowers, bells, and engraved stones decorated the store entrance, the one that is closed to all shoppers until the ‘crime scene’ has been fully investigated. Such outpouring of faith is unfathomable… my God, how can we possibly go on without it?