Yesterday was the aftermath of holiday celebrations. The kids had a hard time falling asleep the night before, and then to get up and ready for school - well, it started ok, but by the time 7:30am rolled around, they were already picking at each other and whining... this lead eventually to a complete meltdown by Miss Ariel when she couldn't find her shoes for school, and she completely lost it. She was sent to her room and missed the bus, all because she hadn't taken care of her shoes on Saturday. Well, she did settle down eventually, but was almost late to school. So, I warned her about her behavior at school that day, and anticipated perhaps some problems by the end of the day.

So, fast forward 3 hours and it was still hectic around here, and the school calls. It's her principal. Uh.... ok... so, I am waiting for the worst after the morning I'd had, and then he starts in.

"Mrs. Yergo, we had a meeting with the teachers and it's been decided that Ariel is one of our shining students here at Orendorf." What? Then he goes on to say that she is a great role model, very well behaved, does her work like she should, participates and helps in class, and has greatly improved on her reading. And then he brought up the fact that she had brought a book in to read to her teachers a little while ago, and how she read it so beautifully and with feeling, and it made them cry. I had to smile about that, 'cause I knew that when she had asked to take it, that her teacher would either love it or ignore it. It was the Grateful, Grateful book with Art Garfunkel music. Being grateful for what God gives you is a major thing around here, and so I am glad she likes the book and made it a point to share it on her own accord.

Anyway, it just goes to show you that even though bad moods happen, and frustrations, your kids do listen to what you teach them, and it can easily affect others. Always trying to do the right thing, even when others don't seem to be watching, is extremely important because God always uses the unexpected. ; )