Growing up, after a good meal my dad would often say: "Tak for mad, tusind tak, jeg elsker dig" - a Norwegian phrase that translates to "Thanks for food, a thousand thanks, I love you". I knew that my Grandma Maxine had some Norwegian in her, and I guess I also knew that my mom's mom, Grandma Bev was also part Norwegian, making me a just a little bit Norwegian myself. I've remembered the phrase and repeated it occasionally over the years, as you do with nostalgic childhood things. I'm thinking of it now, because I got some funny news the other day that completely turned my genealogical identity on it's head. Background: I was raised in a family where our story was that we are Swiss-German on my Dad's side. Both of my parent's lineage is solidly Germanic, with a little English, a little Irish, and a little Scandinavian making up the rest. This is the identity I grew up with. My maiden name is decidedly German: Buhler. I had an Oktoberfest for my 30th birthday, and I named my blog Poppy "Haus", because I am have always identified as an American fräulein. As it turns out, I am not German, not much or not at all.

I just want to look at their little faces right now.  Being a parent puts you in a very vulnerable position... your heart is on the line. You have to send them out into the world.  Sometimes you're in a hurry and you forget to say I love you. My husband is a Principal which always makes days like today especially hard to swallow. Going into this weekend I have a million little projects to complete, and parties to attend, but I'll be thinking about those parents and siblings, and the families of those teachers and administrators.  It's heavy.