"Mene Mom"

Everday I require Katelund and Cloey to spend some time in the afternoon having "study" time, where they have to quietly read to themselves, write, or draw (if Katelund draws she has to write about her drawing as well). I do this not only because it is good for them and educational, but mostly because it helps me keep my sanity (if I have any left). Anyways, yesterday Katelund was not happy about having to do this yet again, but I persisted and so she finally gave in, stormed off down the hall, and slammed the door. She went to her bedroom and wrote me the following letter....

Mene Mom.

You betr be nise to me. I hop you fil bad.

Katelund.

Feeling very proud of herself for expressing her feelings so perfectly, she brought it to me and then stormed off once again. It took everything in me to not burst out laughing. I debated in my mind about how I should respond. I finally decided to just write her a letter back. This is what I wrote....

Dear Katelund,
I am sorry you are sad. I love you so much!
Love,
Mom

I took it to her and then left her to read it. A couple of minutes later she returned to the room with another letter and a little smile. This is what she wrote...

I am sorry thte I said thte. {thte=that}

She had done exactly what I wanted her to...spend time reading and writing. But that isn't what touched me the most. It never ceases to amaze me how children can let things go so easily and so quickly. What happens when we get older? Why is it that we have to work so hard for the humility, submissiveness, and unconditional love that came so naturally as a child? The other day at dinner Katelund said that she couldn't wait until she was older so that she could know everything like Mommy and Daddy do. I just laughed. I think the older I get the more I realize how little I really know, especially after becoming a mom. I think that most often, it is my children that are teaching me.