garage portrait

• Wow.  Today was really grey and rainy and foggy.  Garage photos are going to be a regular thing here for the next little while.  I'm grateful we have this big open space where we can play out of the elements.
• George, you got a package from Grandma Laura today.  A Hockey Night in Canada toque.  Katie, you're excited because now you can use one of your favorite French sayings on him, "Calme-toi le ponpon!"
• Every day I watch the principals at your schools standing out in the rain directing traffic.  I'm scandalized by this.  How can it be that these people who have been hired to educate you guys, could possibly be using their precious time out in the parking lots babysitting the parents who can't seem to abide by simple rules of common decency and consideration for others.  It simply boggles my mind.  How can this be?  Have we lost all character?  We only behave when someone is watching us?  There are emails and whole pages in the newsletter addressing this issue.  It's hard for me to watch and not say something.  
• This brings up another story.  Lila, you didn't want to go to school the other day (nothing new...) and I was having a hard time getting you out the door.  We arrived at the school and then we spent some more time in the van while you had a good cry.  We finally got to your classroom but we were a few minutes late.  Your teacher had already started the morning carpet time.  We sat by your cubby and waited for her finish so we wouldn't interrupt the class.  After she finished, she came over and thanked me for waiting and not disturbing their routine.  She said that she really appreciated it.  I was surprised by this.  Isn't that just what you're supposed to do?  Do parents really barge in and interrupt?  How would my kids learn to be patient and respectful if they don't see me practicing it in every day life?  Seems to me that the kids are not the problem these days.  It's us parents.  It reminded me to be careful because you guys are always watching and will learn more from what I do than what I say.