What Would Jesus Do?

Going to church has not been an easy task and my Catholic guilt gets to me about that. But I know that I've been raising my children right with teaching that fall in line with my Catholic beliefs. For instance, every night we say the Our Father and for almost a year now, we tag on "Thank you God for..." and you thank God for anything. Each person says what they are thankful for and items have ranged from toilets to our family to God himself. Well, one particular day we had a wonderful day at Knott's Berry Farm, but of course with the usual drama - people walking too slow, cutting in line, not getting the airplane we wanted. Well that night, we said our prayers and it was Cali's turn to say what she was thankful for. She was thankful for the wonderful day at Knott's Berry Farm and with a turned scrunched up nose, she says, "And that boy that cut in front of me in line." And I asked, "Oh, why are you praying for him." And Cali responded, "Well, God made him too, didn't he." Awww----My little girl. I had been angry at a few people too over the past year and I've prayed for them as Jesus had taught me to do. Well, I guess my Cali learned that lesson to. :)

First Day of Pre-K

Cali starts her first day of Pre-K today and we are soooo excited. She has been waiting for this day for such a long time. Learning is one of her most favorite things to do and I think she is most excited about having a teacher. The opportunity to make some friends is also one of the highlights. But, she is a little confused on how getting older and "bigger" relates to going to school. Last night she asked me, "Mom, how can I go to school tomorrow if I'm not bigger? I don't feel any bigger than yesterday. Do you think I will get bigger tomorrow?" Cali is so sweet and today she's gets to share that sweetness with others. Praying she doesn't encounter mean girls already.

The Optomist

Cali is an optomist. She is dissappointed for brief periods of time, but is able to make the best of it. It is a wonderful personality trait, but increasingly difficult to discipline. Time outs or "Calm Down" corners are effective for a small amount of time, until she sings to herself or plays out a little scenario with her imagination. Take away her favorite toy? She doesn't have one. If we take one toy away, she will find another with delight after her momentary dissappointment. Being good bucks, fun at first, but not motivating enough. Gummy bears, thanks, but sometimes she doesn't want them and says, "That's okay. No thanks." Not eating dinner with the family until you pick up your toys, motivating the first time, not the second. Even with a bowl full of peas for dinner, which she ate happily and said "Thanks for the peas, they were delicious." Tacos seem to be motivating. She is the sweetest, most sensitive, loving, caring, glass half full child - I guess we're going to have to make the best of it. :)