One of the frustrations of being a working mom is being confronted with the last minute school related project.  Oh, I try to sort through all the flyers that come home about after-school enrichment classes, sports camps and what-not.  And in my defense, I do religiously read the weekly bulletin. I am trying not to miss anything – REALLY.

However, a few Fridays ago, as we were walking out the door, Frack, told me that it was the day to turn in the talent show applications.  And, he announced that he was going to be in it.  Although, I had some vague recollection of the fore-mentioned talent show, this was the first time that Frack told me that he was going to participate – five minutes before we needed to walk out the door.  Of course, being the patient, loving mother that I am, I asked “And what is your talent?!?” Although, my boys have many talents – none of them could be translated into an act for the stage – or at least that’s what I thought at 8:20 a.m.

Frack explained to me that he and his bestest buddy in the whole wide world were going to play “Calvinball.”  For those of you who have never read the classic comic strip about a boy with a very vivid imagination and his trusty stuffed tiger, “Calvin and Hobbes,” Calvinball has no rules.  So playing Calvinball for the talent show would mean that the boys would be on stage just be playing a game with a ball, possibly some sticks and no real point.  So, of course, I said no and we got to go.  I also lectured him (for the umpteenth time) on the way to school that you can’t just spring these things on me at the last minute.

I thought the case was closed until we got to school, when I was confronted by the bestest buddy, with the biggest, saddest eyes, who said and I quote “That’s okay if Frack can’t be in the talent show, I can do it alone…(heavy sigh).”  Of course, I didn’t bring the talent show application with me so I ended up emailing it later that night (Thank God for scanning machines, emails and a forgiving talent show coordinator – a mom, of course.).  I also came to the conclusion that if the boys wanted to play Calvinball as their talent, so be it.  They would have to pass the audition anyway or at least that’s what I thought.  As it turns out the auditions are really just to see how many acts they have and everyone gets in.

The following Tuesday, the day before the talent show auditions, based on a brilliant idea from the bestest buddy’s mom, the boys made up a skit reenacting panels from “Calvin and Hobbs” where they sort of explain a game of Calvinball.  It’s very cute and I can’t wait to be in the audience on talent show night.  So as frustrating as these last minute things are, I’ve got to remember that this is only elementary school, and I should be happy that Frack wants to participate and things usually turn out really ok. Maybe.