7F was quiet this afternoon. We had a rigorous morning of rehearsing for their Reader's Theatre productions, and a boisterous "Mock-Christmas-Dinner" lunch where we ate turkey and potatoes drizzled in gravy around a small fake Christmas tree. But this afternoon, they were mine, and they were all tuckered out. I gave them a silent reading period and half drew the curtains to keep the room dim. I reminded myself to do a random hand-check every once in awhile. I began to hang white Christmas lights around the blackboard to really get into "the spirit" of the season. Once hung, I dimmed the lights and the kids oohed and aahed as I'd hoped they would; and then one boy started giggling in the most heinous way. This of course, caught like wild fire, and the class was ablaze with giggles and hoots. I started to laugh too, though, I still had no idea why. And then between gasps for breath, he said it, "You're tryin' a make us all romaaaantic cuz' it's Christmas, Miss. Crimmins," and he erupted into laughter again.
"Miss. Crimmins, do you have a boyfriend?"
"No! She doesn't! She's not wearing a ring, idiot!"
"But do you? You do I bet!"
"I'm not even hanging mistletoe! Get your minds out of the gutter! I'm still saving myself for Edward Cullen!"
And the girls shrieked while the boys moaned and hid their faces.

Merry Christmas 7F, I will miss you terribly.
xox