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The reason I love this holiday so much is for its sheer simplicity. It's not a mainstream celebration so it's completely devoid of any commercialism. The symbolism involved is lovely. Just because I don't accept Jesus Christ as my Lord & Savior (I don't want to talk about it thankyouverymuch) doesn't mean I deny his existence or the probability that he was a righteous dude. Therefore, the idea of celebrating his birth and of people, these particular people, traveling far and wide to bestow gifts upon him is absolutely charming to me. Even more so is the tradition we exercised last night and this morning. The very same one I practiced in my youth. The simple, innocent notion that by gathering grass and leaving it for their camels the Three Kings leave you a small treat is sweet, isn't it? (South American children leave their shoes by the bed in exchange for treats, I always joke Puerto Ricans got it all wrong with the whole box/grass thing -- Maybe they were smoking some, who knows? ha ha ha). And as with every year, the girls are so happy with their ONE small treat. Such a contrast to Christmas and birthdays when children are so overwhelmed by numerous gifts that they rarely have time to truly appreciate and enjoy each one.

So it was a lovely morning here at Chez Beavers. Gifts were found beside a toppled box, among scattered grass and leaves and then played with until it was time to go to school. As I wrote last night, I had to get up to take Nat to school this morning and it wasn't as bad as I imagined. I rewarded my efforts with a trip to Starbucks with the two little ones who behaved impeccably. And then we had our Friday Lunch Date with Nat and that was very nice as well. There were lots of parents today too! I would think they'd all be sick of their kiddos after the long break but they probably missed them this week like I missed my Nat. One thing's for sure, it was very quiet. ha ha As we were leaving the school after lunch today Elle said "Poor Nat! It's OK, we'll come back to get her when school is finished." What a love.

And to top off my wonderful, serene Friday, what should I find in my mailbox that sent me aflare with glee? My rockin' new T-shirt that I've been admiring for a looooooooong time courtesy of the talented Mrs. Kennedy. 

I rarely buy myself anything, really, but since I sold several of my own T-shirts over the holidays to two of my most loyal customers (thanks, ladies!), well, that money in my PayPal account was burning a hole in my cyberpocket. ha ha ha 

THANK YOU SO MUCH, Eden. I absolutely LOVE IT and as you can see, Anna Sofia is mighty impressed as well. 

In case you're not familiar with these (HOW COULD YOU NOT BE? ALL THE COOL KIDS ARE WEARING THEM.), the shirts read "Writing well is the best revenge."

Brilliant, just brilliant.

Happy Three Kings' Day and Happy Weekend Everyone!

Don't forget tomorrow this place is going to look completely different. Brace yourselves. ha ha ha

Toodles!