Can't say it any better than
this.
"Hello my girl,
I wanted to say hi and tell you how much I miss you and that I hope your classes are going well and that you are having fun too.
But I also have to have a mommy moment- bear with me here. I won't take long, and I won't be saying anything I haven't already said in one form or another, but it is important.
You may or may not have heard about the
NJ college student who killed himself last week because his room-mate had posted videotape of him having sex with another guy. A terrible, senseless tragedy.
My mommy job requires that I remind you of two essential things:
One:
Nothing ruins your life forever. NOTHING.
Two:
Nothing ruins your life forever. NOTHING.
If that young man had only waited a couple of weeks nobody would have cared- he'd have gotten past it. People have short memories- life would have gotten better, much better. His parents and friends? They loved him prior to the tape- they would have loved him afterward too. A few awkward moments and then life goes on.
But when you are young you don't know that even the awkward moments are fleeting. On this, you just have to trust the old people. Remember when you were really small and cried and cried over something? Well, it didn't last. That's kind of what it's like- awful things happen, you feel like there's a rock in the pit of your stomach, somehow time goes by and it gets better. I promise you, it ALWAYS gets better.
The students, a girl and boy, who were involved in the taping and posting-- they are being charged with bias crime, invasion of privacy and possibly other things. Their college life is over. They will have to live with this death the rest of their lives-- and their families are devastated. What they did was so wrong- but also so kid-stupid. Not to mention mean. And so their lives will be different forever- but even so- their families will love them and they will have time enough to hopefully live in such a way as to make meaning from their mistake.
So, my beautiful girl, never, ever think something is unfixable. NOTHING you do will ever keep us from loving you. NOTHING you do could be so awful you can't get past it.
And if someone is mean to you, and it isn't something you can ignore-- seek out people to talk to about it. Surround yourself with people who are supportive. If you ever need help and don't know how to ask- try writing a letter instead. And right now- before you might need such help- think about who you would talk to if needed. In the midst of turmoil sometimes we don't always think as clearly- having a plan makes it easier to find help in crisis. And remember there are always alternatives. Always.
Finally, don't be mean. Don't let other people be mean.
Stand up for the underdog, protect those who aren't as smart or confident or easygoing as yourself.
Treat people's feelings like fragile little puppies- if you play with them- be gentle.
I love you so much and I know you really don't need me to tell you this stuff.... but it's my job.
Love and hugs,
Mommy"
Still don't have presents wrapped which means a late night but enjoyed Christmas Eve with the family. We went to church at 3:00pm so we could get a seat. It was doubly important this year since Mom was on crutches. As usual church was packed but we managed to find a place where we could all sit together. 
Managed to squeeze in a little fun and go view the lights at the Wildlife Museum. We've done this for the past few years but I don't whether is was the date or the weather but it was packed with people. Haven't run into the lines before but will remember it next year. I was hoping the kids could talk with Santa but the line was way too long. We went with the Lawrence's and the Wyman's and had a great time despite the lines.
Spent the weekend in Walsh celebrating the Davison Christmas. Hadn't been down there for Christmas in a long time and really enjoyed it. Phyllis filled us with lots of great food and way too many sweets. Unfortunately Merle woke up and was very sick. Ended up with walking pnemonia so we didn't see much of him. Zeb actually went down on Friday to attend a wedding which was fun since many family members were there. Mitch came down on Saturday with his crew and we all really had a great time.
Kailei's teacher is just amazing. We are so lucky to have her. This morning the kids performed a reader's theater version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". The kids were all just adorable and I know they practiced a lot. Kailei even bought the book with her allowance and I listened to her read it to me over and over and over and over again. She memorized her part as Kailei Who and was very excited that I could take off of work to come watch.
Keara's class began the day with breakfast and then wrote letters to soldiers for valentines day. They got to wear their pajamas to school all day and celebrated with a movie before leaving for break.
One of my colleagues from work invited the girls and I over to make gingerbread houses last night. I've attempted to make them before but often fail rather miserably so I was a little leery. She was confident her method was foolproof and I became a believer when she told me we would need to bring hot glue guns. I wasn't sure Kailei or Keara would be able to handle the glue guns but alas it was I that burned from hot glue. The process took quite a while and Tina treated us to dinner and we ate our way through candy for dessert. The girls had an awesome time. Keara was especially proud of her house and for good reason. Kailei as expected ate more candy than anything. My house was actually a barn of which I was proud too. We had a great time and look forward to doing it again next year.
Both girls auditioned for Treasure Island recently but Kailei was the only one to get a part. She was very sweet in saying how sad she was that Keara wasn't going to be in it. Naturally Keara was disappointed but this is one of life's little lessons I suppose.
Getting harder to get this group together but I sure love it when it happens. These Moms are the best!
Looking at a stack of photos on my desk Kailei says....
I was walking through the playroom and Kailei stopped me, looked me in the eye and said, "Whatever you do, don't go in the bathroom without shoes on." Not quite registering I walked into the bathroom without shoes and starting looking around. Suddenly I look down at the floor and see liquid on the tile. I ask her what it is and she says, "OK, OK...I confess. I had an accident." "Oh Kailei", I sighed. Her only response to me was, "I told you not to go in there without shoes on."
Kailei and Anika celebrated their birthday's together yesterday. Grandpa and Grandma made the trek back up to Denver to celebrate with us. Kailei choose the theme and was sure Anika would like it. I must admit however that I got quite a few double-takes as I walked around with a pink pig cake.
