If I had one Christmas wish...

Well, I have made it to December and I am still alive. I have officially finished my Fall term in school and we are coming close to the end of 2009. I feel good about things. My family has had a couple of successful non-funeral based get togethers and I have successfully taught two months of kindergarten!

Last night I went to the sixth birthday party of one of my kids. I showed up figuring that I would drop the present off (at Chucky Cheese), say happy birthday, maybe have a piece of pizza and be on my way. Things turned out much different, but I had a great time. I sat with the child's dad, brother and best friend and talked for almost two hours. I really enjoyed my time with them. It is amazing how much you learn about people in such a short amount of time. I think everyone had a great time. I really felt like part of the community for the first time since I've been in this position.

Yesterday I brought in a huge bag of batting for the snow in our winter display. I put it on the ground and one of the kids asked me if it was snow. I automatically figured she meant fake snow, so I said yes. I walked over to my desk and when I turned around she was kneeling in front of the bag touching it and looking very concerned. She said "Mr. Mason, this snow isn't cold!". I explained to her that it was going to be fake snow. I had a hard time holding back the laughter on that one!

I am really looking forward to the Christmas season with this group!