Jewels.....it's the real way to a woman's heart....

I am very overwhelmed as of late by all that is happening in my life. 

I am learning a brand new curriculum, many new UNITS, falling in love with new friends, mourning the absence of old and dear ones, and navigating a most wonderful and scary journey of the heart.  I would never have thought that at fifty (cough) I might meet someone with an incredible heart and soul.  (But more about THAT later.)

The children came into the classroom yesterday full of excitement and energy.  We were set to release our butterfly that morning, and they were so excited.  They performed their morning housekeeping chores, and sat down to “read to self” when Max ran over to me.  He grabbed my arm, and pushed a bracelet on it.

It was most lovely, skulls and all.

After school I sent a picture of my new acquisition to Mr. Darcy, as he had made me promise to keep him abreast of his competition. 

He picked me up that night for dinner, and after opening the car door and making sure I was comfortable in my seat, he got into the car himself.

“Okay.  By now you KNOW that I won’t hurt you, murder you, kidnap you and drive you across state lines, right?  Okay.  So, would you feel comfortable closing your eyes? I have a little something for you, but I want to put it in your hands.”

I laughed, closed my eyes and held out my hands.   He opened his glove compartment and set something long and narrow into my hands.

I opened my eyes and was SHOCKED!   It was a gift so special and thoughtful, and I was so incredibly shocked!

 

“Can Max drive to the special jewelry store?  I think not.”

And today I proudly wore the necklace Mr. Darcy had so thoughtfully placed in my hands. (Max's eyes were GLUED to me all morning, along with 17 other sets.  "Where did you get THAT?" he asked a thousand times.)    Oh sure, I gave MOST of the pieces away ALL DAY LONG, but it was one of the most EFFECTIVE pieces of jewelry I’ve received in a long, long time.  (Walking in the hallway quietly = pieces of candy?  Brilliant. Whoever said bribery never works has NEVER worked with children.)

I’m still not sure it trumps the skulls hanging on my wrist, but it’s a start.

Let the games begin.