After going grocery shopping, Cebastian, who doesn’t have school for two days due to parent/teacher conferences, and I went to his teacher conference. She said he is excelling at school, and that his behavior is getting better. I was pleasantly surprised. He was waiting outside the classroom for me. He asked me how he was doing?

I said, “Cebastian, you are doing amazing in school, and Ms. Seidel says you are doing better with your behavior.”

His response? “Mom? Don’t you feel sorry that you doubted me.”

I started laughing, and I said, “Sorry Cebastian, I shouldn’t have doubted you.”

He said, “That’s ok mom, I forgive you.”

Hahahahahaha….Crazy kid.

I received the call a parent dreads…..the Principal.  After speaking with her, it seems that Cebastian, who told me he was finally behaving, hasn’t been.  I wish it would have happened before my spin class because I was more frustrated than ever.  She was very pleasant and said that Cebastian seemed to understand what he did wrong.  I had to smile at that because she doesn’t know how strong-willed Cebastian can be.  She said not to punish him because she had already spoken with him.  Maybe she heard it in my voice that I was not going to let this fly quietly.

While Isabelle practiced soccer, he sat next to me dreamingly staring at the playground.  When we got home, he did his homework, read, and went to his room.  I got an email from the teacher, and it took me 30 minutes to respond.  

My ex says that I am too strict on the kids, and so when they go to school, they misbehave.  It makes me wonder.  Am I too harsh on the kids?  I mean, this is coming from the guy who only sees them four days out of the month, and barely calls or is involved more than he has to be.  I still had to wonder if I am.  

I watch “Nanny 911” and “Supernanny.”  I also read tons of parenting books.  How can I control what he does in school if he behaves one way at home and another at school?  I will try though.  

I already let him know that a. I will have lunch with him every day until he starts behaving and b. He will not open his presents until he behaves for a week straight. 

Too harsh?  Maybe, but he will have to deal with it.

Yesterday, I tried going grocery shopping at Wegmans. It was horrible. There were tons of people there. It was to the point that you couldn’t move, so I decided to do Peapod. I haven’t done it since I was working in DC (never again), but now that I am super busy, I think it’s time to do it again. Here we are awaiting the arrival of the groceries. The kids did their homework, we are watching Monsterquest, and I am typing away. It doesn’t help that I am cleaning the oven, so it smells pretty gross in here. Yesterday, an entire apple pie landed at the bottom of the oven. It wasn’t very pretty, so now I have to sit here and smell the self cleaner. The kids keep asking when the groceries are coming, and all I can say is that they have til 9:30. Yawn. I’m probably being super patient because I went to my spin class today. I had to after dealing with my ex this entire weekend.

He had the kids this weekend, but the kids both had games. I told him to put Isabelle’s soccer outfit on while Cebastian raced. When I arrive, she is wearing this dirty outfit. I was so upset. I told him to go to the car and change her. After her crying, he finally got up and took her. My mother and cousin came, so I was glad to have other people there to talk to. We head to Wendys to eat lunch. He turns to me and says, “You are going to have to pay for their lunch because I don’t have any money.” It’s his weekend, and he didn’t think that the kids would need lunch? I paid for my kids’ foods. For a minute, i think he thought I was going to pay for his as well, but he was very wrong.

Yesterday, he says for us to meet at seven. I told him to make sure the kids eat dinner. When I arrive, they hadn’t eaten. I was so pissed, but I have realized there is no point of arguing with this guy. As always, the clothes the kids had on Friday are missing. I just said to him on Gmail if he could please ensure that he gives me back their clothes. He said ok, but I know better.

I think he tries to do the opposite of what I ask him on purpose. It’s like he thinks he is a man if he doesn’t do what I ask. I guess I will just start telling him the oppositeof what I want him to do. Maybe that will help.

The days of Summer are long gone, and all that is left is the beginning of Fall and the memories. Fall is my favorite season, so I am ready for the leaves to change colors; the brisk air to touch my cheeks; and enjoy all the wonderful festivities that occur at this time. Additionally, it’s Cebastian’s and my birthday in October, and so we have tons to celebrate. He’s turning seven, and I’m turning 30. I feel that is will be a new phase in my life, and I am more than ready to start it.

I have fulfilled the majority of my dreams, and I can’t wait to finally begin the few that are remaining. I’m glad that I am able to begin this new time in the Fall. I want to meet new friends, reacquaint myself with old ones, learn new things, and continue learning more about what I already know. I’m more than ready.

I leave you with one my favorite summer songs:

My daughter has refused to play soccer.  You can read all about it in my “Taking Them to Practices But…” blog entry.  I was ready to give up, but my ex told me to keep with it.  This is the first time in a long time that I am glad that I agreed with him.  We went to take soccer pictures, and she wanted nothing to do with it.  She took the pictures, and then clung to me. 

At the soccer field, she wouldn’t play until I went out there with her.  Of course, I didn’t kick the ball or anything, but I was encouraging her.  She said she was tired and sat down.  All of a sudden, a miracle happened!  She asked the coach if she could play, and she went out there on her own.  In 10 minutes, Isabelle had already scored four goals.  Of course, being the paparazzi of the family, I took like 20 pictures of the grand event.  I am so proud of her.

Tomorrow it’s Cebastian first meet, and I am also super excited for that.  I love having children.  They bring me so much happiness.