I distinctly remember the taste of peppermint in 7th grade.  Someone handed out candy canes as I sat there doing nothing but getting high on sugar, staring at the tiny classroom tree decorated with reject ornaments from everyone's homes.  

Fast forward the scene to yesterday afternoon.  I had my car full of kids and groceries (discount, mind you).  The weather was cold and dreary as we passed our local middle school.  I looked at the faces of each child as the crossing guard led them to safely pass.  Every kid had their own place in the crowd, you know?  The loud-talker, the popular one, the groupies, the loners, the jocks, etc.  Almost like they were wearing their titles on their clothing, it was so painfully obvious.  I wished for them that they could each be home with their families.  Just learning and being who they are.  However, as I looked up at the marquis,  the plastic letters indicated one more week before Christmas vacation -- or whatever people are allowed to call it these days.  As I surveyed my vanful of children, I pictured how their quirks, intense interests, odd learning styles, etc. would work against them in a public school environment.  The things that I love SO MUCH about them would be the punchline of many jokes among their peers.  Just another confirmation that my kids are right where they need to be.

As for us, SCHOOL'S OUT FOR CHRISTMAS!!!    We are lounging around, basically wasting skin.  And it's been marvelous.  Tomorrow night, our friends are coming over and we will spoil them with some good home cookin' and then hang out and maybe play games or something.  Here's my menu:

Roasted Cream of Garlic Soup "Shooters" (served in champagne flutes with croutons)

Bacon wrapped pears w/ goat cheese on spinach (I think I just shed a tear over that one)

Those are the starters that we will serve to them as they take off their coats.  Remember, there will be seven small children about so we will pretty much be standing/sitting/standing/sitting the whole time.

The Meal will consist of my famous Citrus Roasted Chicken (2 of them) with carrots.

I will sautee some thinly sliced sweet potatoes with all the nutmeg, etc.

My friend is bringing a delicious salad.

Our neighbor gave us a beautiful chocolate eclair wreath (another tear)

We will serve lattes (the house specialty)

And for the kids, I made a peppermint white hot chocolate.

HO HO HO!!!!