Mom as a teacher....

Well Hollin finished her first set of Swim Lessons today. She is taking them all summer but they are in two week sessions. Part of her lessons today was jumping off the diving board. My dad took Hollin everyday this week and I must admit I was not ready to see my BABY jump off the diving board. I will also admit that when she did it I cried. Yep, I am a cry baby. It was tough.

After her swimming lessons today she got a "report card." And on the report card it said she needs to listen to directions more carefully. As a teacher, and someone who writes comments I took it pretty hard. I didn't know what and continue not to know what to do with that. I know she is three (almost four) and I know she gets pretty excited about swimming but I see that lack of listening here at home. So as a teacher, and someone who selects comments carefully when placing them on a report card I take it very seriously. The question I ask is how serious should I take it? Her swim instructor is a college girl, and she does have four other kids in the class that refuse to put their heads in the water. My daughter loves swimming and swims without fear (hence the need for swimming lessons) and therefore, she is underwater for most instructions and therefore, her swim teacher is constantly saying, you need to stay above water to listen to directions. This is where I interfere and reinforce what the teacher says. We are a team right? I am worried, nonetheless, I never wanted to have that kid that doesn't listen. But she does, because of excitement, not to be naughty or defiant. So I am really confused. Does she listen to everything I tell her to do at home? NO! But what three (almost four year old) does? Or am I making excuses? So parents, teachers, grandparents, adults, ANYONE!!!! Help me!

Besides swim lessons we have a chipmunk here at our house. No, not JOhnny! You give him food, he eats it. No ifs, ands or buts about it. It is great. However, Hollin on the other hand, cracks me up. She does not eat so easily and normally we fight her for dinner but tonight she ate it all! It is all in her mouth! We had London broil with pasta salad and tomatoes. She is not such a big fan of steak but she put it in her mouth and 30 mins after dinner it remains there! She did this last time we had steak and to be perfectly honest it cracks me up. I can't believe she would rather have her steak in her mouth for hours (like last time) than to just swallow it and be done. It is funny if you ask me! :)

Speaking of dinner... I am cooking! Yep, you read that right! I have had two weeks of successful meals and I am proud of myself. Last week we had cheese enchiladas, chicken burritos, linguine with clam sauce, and turkey stuff burgers. This week we have had kabobs, flank steak, chicken sandwiches and panini's! I have made it all and I have made all the sides! I am proud! I will continue to be proud. This is from someone who has not turned on a grill or cooked a meal her ENTIRE life. I am suddenly domestic! I am proud!

Life is about being proud for what you have... my daughter, my son, my hubby, my cooking it all. I love it! Hollin will listen, Johnny will walk, my hubby will always love me and I will continue to try my best to cook. I am proud!