Oh boy!!! My kids...

Man, this was a pretty laid back week with them, believe it or not!! I do hate weeks when I don't get to spend as much time with them as I'd like. This was one of those weeks :(

Catalina wound up losing her other front tooth, so a space occupies her cute little smile for the moment. She also got her report card this week. I will say this...she improved in everything. She is a very smart little girl, and I'm really proud of her. There is one problem...her behavior. She's not a bad child, but I'm sure she's one of those ones that the teachers get frustrated with. Her ADHD tendencies really are starting to surface!!! Many people think that because I am a teacher, I'm just supposed to have the perfect child. Nope, I don't, but I do have a perfect little gift wrapped up straight from God right here, and her name is Catalina!

Branden is so silly. He is starting to realize that mommy likes to multi-task a lot, and there are many times I answer him while not looking up at him because I'm usually writing lesson plans or something on the computer. Don't get the wrong idea...I'm not an absent mother, but Branden doesn't understand the concept of "mommy-time." Anyway...this week he started to grab my face and turn it towards his while saying, "mommy look at me! I have to ask you a question!" I find it pretty comical to be quite honest; however, it is also like God's saying...WAKE UP!!!! God most certainly does talk through my kids!!! Love you lil'man!

Never talk to strangers!!

So, I'm sitting here watching my two kids role-play about strangers. Apparently, Catalina learned about strangers at school today and felt compelled to instruct her brother upon her return home. I had to write about it because honestly, I am cracking up laughing watching this show. The only thing I'm missing is popcorn.

Catalina has been talking to Branden about strangers all day; I know this because he's thrown comments out like: "Mom, you say no to strangers!" or "Don't ever go in a car with stranger!" The climax of the events is finally happening and I'm on the edge of my seat. 

I am very proud of Catalina. Recently, she's been taking on the responsibility to "school" her brother. Of course, this doesn't negate or replace what mom and dad are doing, but none the less, it's very cute. She's his mentor. She has this system in place to where she teaches Branden his letters and numbers, behavior, science, and related pre-school topics. In fact, she has a grading system in place in which I have to sign a daily progress report to comply with her teaching methods. Their discourse is actually very meaningful and educational. 

Okay, back to the stranger story:

Just a second ago, I witnessed Catalina coming down the stairs in the most extravagent outfit ever put together - even for her!! She's usually a little flamboyant when she dresses herself, but this takes the cake. Her prudent antics are actually working in this case. She's dressed in a lime green shirt, blue biker shorts, purple polka-dot leg warmers, barettes all over her hair, rainbow socks, black high heel shoes, a sequenced bracelet, a silver jeweled crown, pink heart-shaped sunglasses, and a red purse. Her character: The Stranger

She is taking Branden through a scene where she has a movie he really wants to see in her car. She tells him that if he comes in the car with her, she will give it to him for free. When Branden tries to oblige himself, she starts screaming, "I told you that you NEVER, EVER go in a strangers car. Don't you know you can get killed like that? Do you want to be taken away from mommy? No, because they buy you nice things, Branden. Give me a break!"

Branden, of course speechless at the moment, tells her, "But you told me to go in the car, Suga!" He really didn't realize he just set himself up for a 10 minute lecture reviewing the facts already taught to him about strangers. This is when she continues the lesson.

"Now, what if I offer to take you to the park. Think about a time when you were mad at mommy because she fussed you. You were punished, no grounded, and you wanted to get off the sidewalk and go play at the park. Here is what you do." Back in character...

Catalina: "Hey little boy, do you want to come play at the park with me?"

Branden: "Yes. I really love the park!"

Catalina: "What's wrong with you Branden? How many times do I have to say the same thing? Ugh!!!! (emphasis added)"

Branden: "But I really want to go to the park Suga."

Catalina: "I'm not Suga, I'm a stranger and I want to take you away from your mommy and kill you."

Branden: "But you're my sister Ca'lina"

Catalina: "I give up. Mom, can you pretend to be a stranger? I'll let you wear my sunglasses!"

So, the lesson is: "Never talk to strangers!" 

My take on the objective: Never try to teach a 3 year old about strangers with a 6 year old dressed in eccentric clothing promising to give him a favorite movie or take him to the park. 

Tomorrow's objective: Make it believable. 

To begin...

Well, I decided last night that I would start to blog about the kids. I believe it would be a great tool to have to read about them constantly, so here we go - inspired, of course, from Katie's site!

Catalina:

Last night she lost one of her front teeth. I'd always thought that this was the most awkward place to lose a tooth, and I have to admit that I wasn't looking forward to those pictures; however, I have been proven wrong. No, I'm not one of those mothers who thinks their children are the cutest thing in everything they do (ok, well, maybe), but she really does look cute with it missing! I have to admit that although I've pulled the two bottom teeth out, I was a little apprehensive about removing the top one. Its one of those things that give you butterflies right before you do it. She was a trooper, but I have to share that she immediately relented to the mirror and observed her new look for at least 15 minutes. That's my Suga though!!! True to the bone!

We were doing her homework last night and I realized just how smart this kid is. She is going to be a Math genius, I'm convinced, and of course this makes mommy proud. She is a little behind on Reading, but I can only blame myself, honestly. As a teacher, you know all of these things: read every day, practice, and etc. But, unfortunately, life happens and they don't always surface on the hopeful schedule of life. Coincidentally, she is rapidly increasing her level, and is going above and beyond. Needless to say, I have to now work on the mothering skills, but thank God, He loves us all anyway!

Branden:

Oh, Branden...where can I start? First of all, he is a very smart boy. I have to say that I am very pleased at how intelligent this boy is. He's started this "habit," if you will, to where he has to touch my arm about 100 times a day. Call it affection if you please, but after a while, it becomes a little bothersome, at best. He began it last year, but it has since elevated to an all-the-time habit! I'm working with him to show him other ways to show his affection!!!

Let's talk about his sleeping. Of course when Charles and I first had kids, we agreed that them sleeping with us was a great option. We wanted to know at all times of the night they were safe, as well as them feeling that way. Now that he's over 3 and takes up a large portion of the bed, mom and dad feel as though its time to fly the nest for Branden. I'm a little perplexed about the whole situation because I keep going back and forth. Last night, he just wanted to talk, rub my arm, move around, dance, etc. and all of this was at the wonderful midnight hour. I made the decision last night in my tired stupor that it is now time for Branden to sleep in his room. This is not to say, of course, that if they are scared they can not come in my bed, but at least to start the night off right, he has to be in his own room.

Ahhh, motherhood! I love it, but its a daily walk and lesson!