Cooking Class

I am thrilled with the progression of the girls education. That’s the part I was worried about. Claire is back on track (last year wasn’t easy for her) for reading and doing basic addition and subtraction and Caroline is improving her vocabulary and spelling and learning the basics of multiplication and division. That part I’m thrilled with.

The part that has totally taken me off guard is the pushback from the kids I’ve gotten to just regular LIFE.

“No Mom. I will not do that” or “Let’s call Dad and see what HE thinks of this chore you are making me do”. I mean it’s SASS, 24/7. It’s driving me insane. It’s driving their rears to time outs and walking laps annnndddd the occasional spanking. (Yes, I spank them when their behavior warrants. It’s not frequent but it does happen)

I’m hoping it’s just a trial period and they are just testing my authority as mom/teacher. It’s completely new for all of us. So keeping my fingers crossed and saying a prayer that they quit pushing back so hard.

At any rate, I eagerly accepted Monday (I *think* it was Monday) when our good friend and neighbor Ms. Merly offered to teach the girls a cooking class today. Both girls are nice to anyone else but me, so I knew they would be polite(ish) and well(ish) behaved at her house.

After our book-work this morning we bebopped across the road and I sat at the kitchen table while she taught Claire to make Sweet Rice with a carmel cream on top and Caroline learned to make her favorite Chicken-Noodle dish. (Both Filipino dishes…I think!)

She also taught Claire how to make Chocolate Covered Oreos….which I’m pretty sure is NOT a Filipino recipe. They blasted Claire’s choice of music…the Alan Jackson “Precious Memories” gospel album.

I think both girls could replicate their recipes at home, so that’s a definite win for ME.

I am truly thankful that we have so many kind friends that invest in my girls.

Ms. Merly reminded me that they ARE good kids, even if they make their Mama crazy. Even if they aren’t always eager to help out around the house. (farm work is a different story entirely!!) Even if they are sassy and strong willed.

So even though this week was harder that I wanted it to be on me, educational progress was made, the kids learned some useful life skills (and they planned some new entrepreneurship endeavors….Hellooooo Squirrel Corn in the fall and Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Valentine’s Day), and I’m still mostly sane.

Also when they got home they helped me get the house clean in near-record time.

Thanks for reading friends!!