Never in my entire life have I “celebrated” St. Patrick’s Day. I’ve always seen it as a day when people who like to do mean things feel like they have an excuse to go pinch people.
The past couple of years, however, I have felt increasing pressure thanks to the public school system. The boys’ teachers tell tales of leprechauns doing naughty tricks and leaving chocolate gold coins. I personally blame Elf on the Shelf for this change in expectations. The boys come home thinking the leprechauns are supposed to sneak in and mess up our house. But really… why on earth would I mess my house up on purpose?
This year St. Patrick’s Day was on Sunday. When we woke up, we heard Evan say, “Hey Derek- I wonder if the leprechauns came and messed up the house.” They went downstairs, at which point Derek came and asked us what day it was, double checking that we had, in fact, failed to create fun for them on St. Patrick’s Day. Evan started making excuses for them. He first suspected that the leprechauns were still at his friend Grady’s house and they just hadn’t made it to us yet. Then he predicted that they would come while we were at church.
No way. Sorry buddy!
After church my heart started to change and I decided that maybe I should make St. Patrick’s Day more fun (but they better not expect it every year). I convinced Glenn to take Derek and Evan to choir practice so I could work my mischief while they were gone.
The leprechaun didn’t want to have to clean up a big mess, so he just left a sign on their door, turned a few pictures upside down in their room, and took all the green books off their bookshelf and scattered them on the floor (I wish I could say the green clothes on the floor and unmade beds were from the leprochauns, but the boys did that themselves). Not the most exciting leprechaun antics and no gold coins, but it was something at least.
Then I peeked into Adam’s room where he had been quietly reading books. He had fallen asleep on his chair.
That is when my inner Irish kicked in. A light bulb turned on in my head and I was suddenly giddy.
I ran downstairs. I got a green marker, and I drew a mustache on Adam’s face. Unfortunately, the tickling sensation made him move his head so it is hard to see, but it’s there!
Watching the boys’ reaction was priceless. They were mildly excited about their room, but the mustache was a hit! It was almost enough to make me want to play leprechaun again next year. Almost. We’ll have to wait and see if anyone falls asleep!
