Laurel is going to read a short story that she wrote..like me and not like that spreadsheet loving Ching!

Recently, in Laurel's freakin' red folder (yeah, you know the folder) came home a white envelope.  I knew what was in this envelope and what I needed to prepare.  Because they never surprise, the moms' of Laurel's classroom gave all the parents a head's up about their request.  They are making a laminated book as a end of year gift for the teacher and aid.  The envelope contains stiff paper to make a self portrait, some simple questions for the child to answer by themselves and a "bubble statement" where the child can write their best part of the year.  (My kid chose learning fractions.  First of all..I am so proud (regardless) but this kid is all Wang all the time.)

But you may ask..aren't you a mom of Laurel's class?  Yes, but  no..not so much.  There are three classroom moms that represent Laurel's class.  While anyone can stop by and help, there are three moms that coordinate everything:  gifts for the teachers, set up the classroom art website (yeah,I know) or make sure there is enough food for any art show breakfast or conference situation.  They find a lot of options for the class that involve very little money.  But God damn, anything they ask for, I make sure they have it..because it is the least that I could do.

These moms are very nice (even from me!) and busy regardless of the classroom responsibilities:

G is a single mom of 3 adopted girls that works outside the home. (Previously, I have called her the alpha mom that kind of scared the shit of me but she has become very kind to Laurel and the Wangs.)
M is a stay at home mom of two but is in the throws of finding a new home. (Not tragic..find or build)  The chaos of finding a home caused her to miss a play date with Laurel and her best girl.  She called me very apologetic and practically crying.  I told her that I do this shit all the time. (Yes, I used the word shit..)  It didn't sink in..I think I should send her six bottles of Chardonnay and my Hint of Attijude card.
D..I don't really know D but I like her daughter..she has never approached me after the first Laurel/D's kid play date..oh crap..

(Regardless, none of these girls are ever regulated to lurk in the driveway prior to the play date..they are very nice girls. (And I hope their mom liked me too.))

I am constantly amazed at where these ladies find the time.  The recent gift that they are coordinating is being presented during author night. (Quick aside..Author night is a night where the kids read their short stories.  Laurel is going to read a short story that she wrote..like me and not like that spreadsheet loving Ching!).  Recently, for this event, there was a quick e-mail requesting Popsicles.  I jumped at the chance to do at least something.  The two boxes of juice pops are quelling my guilt.

I know what you are thinking..you find time to blog but don't volunteer in the classroom?  There's the rub..freak me! While I am guilty of not volunteering, I am also guilty for not wanting to volunteer. I hate group projects (that involves some of gift collection), a million e-mail exchanges and delegation.  Spending 20 minutes with Laurel's project (that goes back in the envelope) gave me enough anxiety for the day.  (I was afraid she wouldn't finish in time.)

During author night, I know what will happen. I will kind of skulk to the back of the room, knowing that I brought Popsicles but, other than that, I did absolutely nothing.  I feel guilty but escaped with 24 pops..Christ..the "moms" could have asked for a kidney and I would have tried my best.  But it's about being there for my girl who is anti-spreadsheet at the moment as she is reading her creative short story...

(There is a little boy named Luke that I would like to welcome to the world..Congrats Mike and Sue W.)