Last night, was National Night Out.  Our neighbors had a little party and ate some barbecue while the children ran around like wild monkeys playing carnival games.

I love talking to my neighbors and finding out all the things that happen behind their beveled glass doors. The nights topic. . .kids and homework. . .and parents having to stay up into the wee hours of the morning helping them with it.  They teased and chided about how their kids hated language arts, or had way too many math equations to do. I found it so endearing to hear how they stayed up late with their children, instructing them on just. how. to. perform. their. task. Until 11:00 PM or even later.

I HAVE NEVER DONE THAT.

EVER.

NOR DO I WANT TO.

That’s not to say, that I wouldn’t. I totally would, but my kiddos are pretty self-sufficient in that area. So far. Anyway.

They come home, do their homework, study, read, and off to sports they go. . . .  .Which got me to thinking. . . .Geez. What kind of parent am I? Honestly, with my 12-year-old, half the time I don’t know what she’s studying, only that she’s getting good grades, and I figure that is good enough.

And then of course, because I’m me, I started thinking that my efforts ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH. I should be all up in their business, cracking the whip and making sure every T is crossed. That is what ALL kids need.

And then we walked home.

Stepped into the house.

And my kids ran around looking at all the new Halloween Decorations that I put up. Begging to make some of their own. Staring at the lights, and spinning the ornaments, and loving every minute of the holiday cheer. . .or ummm. . .fear. And I realized, my kids got the Mom they needed. They don’t need a mom to sit every night with them at the table and go over social studies. What they need right now, is exactly what I can give.

Creativity. Festivity. A moment of beauty and cheer.

I will try to remember that. I will try to serve that purpose.

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BUT.  The best part is. . . .

that after Soledad (7) saw a few of the decorations she came over and gave me a tight, full, wrap her arms around me self enveloping hug. She melted into me, and I took it all in. Her smell, her soft pillowy skin.

“I love your hugs Mommy. Thank you for the decorations.”

And I died.

Right then and there.

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Want to die too? From sheer love and appreciation?  From a project that took you only 5 minutes to put together?*

OK.

Have at it.

What You Need:

Orange, Black and Silver Christmas Bulbs (Preferably shatter-proof)

Sheer Black Ribbon

Scissors

AND THEN.. . . . .

I DROPPED IT.

*hint, hint. buy shatter-proof ornaments*

Durrrrrr.

Using the ribbon,tie them to the light fixture.

Cut off excess ribbon.

Done. Done. And Done.