As for why it's been almost 2 months since I last posted, I can only say that other things have taken priority (with apologies to my mother....sorry Mom!).

If my subject line sounds arrogant, let me explain:

I was just in the kitchen having a conversation with Gameboy (8).  He had asked me to cut-up some cinnamon bread for him to have for breakfast (okay, that's not a good breakfast is it?  On second thought, I stink as a mother).  I sliced a few pieces and told him to leave some for his sister.  I started to leave the room when he took a piece and immediately dropped it and complained it was too cold.  Of course, it's cold, I said.  I just took it out of the freezer.  (Let's be honest.  If I kept it at room temperature on the counter I'd eat a piece every time I passed within 10 feet of it....and nobody needs that!)  So he asked me to heat it up.

"You're giving me a rash, boy," I said.

"That's because I'm RASH-ional," he smiled.  "What's 'rational' mean, anyway?"

I'm thinking of a good definition.  "Well, it's thinking and responding logically without a lot of emotion."

(Hang on, we're getting to the good part....)

"So Lizzy is rational,"  he ventures.

(Getting that mommy/teacher thrill that is sometimes too infrequent)  "Yes, exactly.  And her mother is irrational and out of control emotionally, " I respond.

He continues, enjoying the new word:  "And Lizzy is very rational when Lady Catherine deBourg is yelling at her.  She doesn't yell back but talks normally."

(Color me beaming!)

"And Darcy is so rational he never changes his expression at all,"  he concludes.

My apologies to Colin Firth, but he is not the most riveting actor, though the quintessential Mr. Darcy.

So in conclusion, I had a literary discussion with my 8 year old son this morning, about my favorite book!   Of course, he's not read it, but watched the most faithful film representation of a novel ever made (in my limited scope of reference).

Ergo, I am a success as a mother!

Surely my standard for "success" isn't too low, is it?