Erik called his office “weather notice” number and got the message that the office was closed today.  I did a little jig in our bedroom with some “raise the roof” motions and chanting “woohooo!”.  The kids were disappointed not to see snow but were excited that daddy would be home.  They lobbied for pancakes and Erik was more than willing to oblige.

While he was working in the kitchen, I set the kids up with some assignments and checked my e-mail.  A friend’s grandfather passed away yesterday and I was looking for a message from her.  I went back to the “school room” and helped Kate with her writing assignment (she’s having issues with cursive “k”).

I’ve been on edge lately.  You know that annual “grief monster” visit I mentioned last year?  Well, he’s been knocking and I’ve been “ignoring” him as best I can.  Gradually the morning began to go south as little things started getting to me and my patience was running out.  I didn’t realize Erik wasn’t in the kitchen working on pancakes so I had no idea he was online chatting with his boss.

“The office is open,” he says at the door of the schoolroom.  I just stared at him.  Anger flared.  I had kids expecting a huge pancake breakfast, complete with dad being home and there’s the matter of my own “to do list” that’s growing by the day.  So, the “powers that be” changed their mind and opened the office (which will likely equate to over an hour commute for Erik in the ice).  This news was the last straw this morning.  Tears and fierce words flowed.  My attitude was terrible as I realized I would be the one making the big breakfast (not my plan for this morning).

As Erik got ready to leave, I mixed pancake batter through tear filled eyes.  I just don’t feel like putting on a “happy face” today.  I just feel like crying.  How dare they change their minds and make everyone come in after teasing us with an “Ice Day”.  I needed an ice day, to be quite honest.   I think, yes, I think I see why we typically take most of December off.  So, I’ve cancelled lessons for the rest of today and the kids are working on making a paper nativity (will probably post more on that later).