3 AM

So. It is three in the morning and my boys just left my room. They came home following me in tonight at around 12:30. I had been having dinner with a friend - they were gallivanting as only those of college age can do during their spring break. Sober and good and clean as always. I had just changed into my jammies and taken a giant triple shot cappuccino to my bed.

My plan for this evening was to stay up and prepare all my lesson plans for the coming unit so that I would not have to deal with any of it during the remainder of the break. He is sleeping at her house tonight and all accounts coming in by text indicate they are having a fantastic time.

However it was not to be. My boys came in excited and chatty and we spent the last few hours talking and laughing and watching random Disney clips. They chose the polish for my nails and we discussed things from the deep to the mundane.

Earlier tonight my friend asked me how I had addressed the inclusion of her in my family life with my boys and I must admit that it was considerably easier with the younger than the elder. Simply put I told the younger I love her and that his Father does too and that he should respect that. The elder I waited on and when he became concerned I merely told him that she was a very important part of our life. He asked if me and his Father had a problem and I told him that there was no need for concern. That is all he really wants to know.

Tonight it was nice and poignant and settling and sweet to hear them both discussing her and her um as if they were expected members of the family. No reservations.

I am consumed by the power of the relationships in my life.

One bomb. The girl who has made sport of breaking my son's heart since freshman year of high school is back in the picture. I hate to see him go through this again.