Boys, Business Attire and Buses

The stomach flu has hit our house. So far only little Hannah has undergone the throes of tummy pain but I would be surprised if the rest of us escape unscathed. Jacob is still in fine form and always raring to get to school. His latest gig has been several attempts to wear a shirt and tie to senior kindergarten. He insists that he wouldn't look strange to the other students. I am torn between letting him wear business attire to class and encouraging conformity. I tried to reason that the tie could perhaps become a strangulation hazard. He told me dejectedly that he really wished that he could wear a tie everyday. I countered with the Grandpa Nick (his hero) strategy: "Grandpa never wears a tie, he doesn't like them." I can't believe I am championing my father's wardrobe! In fact, I then said: "Grandpa would probably like to wear pajamas to school." Uh oh, I then saw a new glint in Jacob's eyes. Anyway, we compromised with a striped dress shirt and he headed off to wait for the bus looking pretty dapper. As usual, I followed him out wearing my PJs which I attempt to cover with various winter apparel. Nevertheless, I am sure that the bus driver has realised that my red plaid pants are not part of my ready-to-wear collection. Well, as we waited and felt the anticipation of the imminent arrival of
Mrs. Bielaskie (sp?) (yes, their bus driver is Polish and yes, she was Dave's bus driver), Dave got ready to pull out of the driveway. We opened the gate for him and the bus flew past our house with a wave from Mrs. B. What? Dave rolled down the window and said, "Mrs. B's never wrong. That boy doesn't have school." (Well, he didn't quite say it so hillbilly, I just like the way that sounded.) I ran into the house to check the calendar. Mrs. B is never wrong, but Mommy sure is. At least one of us is dressed for the day.