I Don't Mean to Brag...

...but wow.  I did it.  The week from Hell and I got through it.  Not only did I get through it but I didn't kill anyone and as far as I know I haven't been turned into the police.  I'm putting survival of last week up with giving birth 3 times and making it through my first 6 months here in Australia.

EPIC as my now 9 year-old daughter says.  Of course every time she says it I get, "You keep on using that word, I dinna think it means what you think a means" stuck in my mind.  But if you think about it, a day with The Princess Bride quotes stuck in your head really can't be called a bad one.  Inconceivable!!

The Mother's Day Stall was a glorious success.  One mom decided not to be held back by official lack of interest and took it upon herself to organize it all.  Initially I was afraid to openly help her because of my poor "moral code" and dismal popularity with the "good mothers" at our little school but I came out swinging and I have to say...we put together one Hell of a stall.

Our teachers and kids at Normanhurst Public School have restored my faith in humanity.  I hate sounding like a maudlin twit but I love this event so much because of the emotions I see in the kids and the teachers.  What a joy.  Watching a little one, especially a kid famous for being a little monster, put heart and soul into choosing a present is staggering to see.

This is coming from me....a woman who is very well known on two continents for her lack of mushy sentiment.  Keep in mind I watched "Titanic" spending 2 hours muttering, "Jesus, when is this stupid boat gonna sink?"  I think I'm lacking the gene sequence that requires a need to cry at weddings, spews that  "awwww" sound when little kids say rude things or channels my inner adorable into carrying a dog in a purse.  I don't get it all.

I actually told a friend of mine on Thursday that, "this is the one week of the year I actually like all kids"  I'm just not a sweet nurturing kind of gal.  I know that doesn't make me sound like your typical mom, but it's honest.  And if I'm even more honest...I bet there are a few more moms out there like me.

Now back to the important thing.  The stall.   I can't talk about it without praising the staff at Normanhurst Public School.  Our teachers have done wonders with their classes, installing superb manners and respect.  Thank you all so much.

It's a shame that some members of our pious parent and community organization can't get over themselves enough to realize what a beautiful thing it is to see a child gleefully picking out a present for his or her mother.  This little gift stall is so very much more than just a few presents on display for Mother's Day.

I suppose though, some people really need that expensive present to feel confident in their worth.  Either that or since it's not important to them it just isn't important at all.  I can just imagine how spectacular the Education Week events or Father's Day BBQ will be.  Of course, more people will be watching those events.

Appearances don't you know.

Myself, I got what I needed when I saw my gorgeous girls race by me and head straight to the expensive table (I have trained them well) and ran back to me with a quick smile and hug.

I got what I needed when one young boy was so terrified about picking out the wrong present he just shut down in tears.  He finally let me help him pick out a beautiful manicure set for his lucky mother.  I don't  know if she will ever know how hard it was for him to choose her gift.  I wonder if she realizes how desperate he was to find something good enough for her.  I think though she must be pretty remarkable if he was so eager to make her happy.

I got more than what I needed when one tiny Kindy looked up at me and said, "I can't hear you, what's your name?" and then she proudly told me hers when I answered.  I think now we are super best friends forever.

And the best part of all...one kid remembered me this morning at school when I walked by and he shouted, "YOU'RE THE MOTHER'S DAY STALL MUM!!!"

Yes, Love...I am.