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Thursday, September 9, 2010

'Twas I, Father, Who Chopped Down the Cherry Tree

Yes, I know that the story of George Washington and the cherry tree is a lie, but that's ok. Its applicable here.

It was another crazy night here. The girls had dance and piano. There was a trip to the grocery store thrown in. Chris was, once again, home with the boy and the dog.

I've had a mad sweet tooth lately and bought some ridiculous chocolate beehive and cream cake at Publix tonight. Everyone was thrilled with the idea of having a real dessert. We ate dinner and then dove into the cake. Because my mouth is bigger and I eat faster than the girls, I was finished before them. So when I finished I took the dog outside.

The scene I came back in to was, well, a little unsettling. I left the kitchen when it was full of people, full of noise, full of chaos. When I came back in, there was just Chan, sitting at the table, alone and the room was silent.

Chan: Mama. I have something I need to tell you. Can I talk to you for a minute?

Oh, crap! What is this??? Is she in trouble at school? Is she trying to corner me alone?

Me: (I sit across from her at the table.) Yeah, Chan. What is it?
Chan: I...*melting into tears* told *getting quieter* a......lie.
Me: Well, what happened?
Chan: I told Casey that you told me that I could have the cherry off the top of the cake...not her.
Me: Oh. And then what happened?
Chan: Then I told her we could split it.
Me: So did you?
Chan: *whispering and crying* No. We didn't eat it. Mama? Please, please don't be mad at me.

I am silent at this point. I mean, really? What am I supposed to say? My child is bawling and begging me not to be mad at her because she told a lie about a cherry. Why can't she be this worried about me being mad about her not flushing the toilet. Just sayin.

Me: I'm not mad, Chan. Just disappointed. You are better than that. You know that telling a lie is not a good thing and I expect more from you. But I am not mad. And I am glad that you told me about your lie.
Chan: Yes, Mama.
Me: Ok. Go take your shower.

Ugh. Tomorrow is Friday. We are having conferences with the girls' teachers. Cross your fingers that all goes well.

3 comments:

Emily said...

I am sure the conferences will go well. Your girls are awesome! My son extended his lie to his teacher over two days until he finally cracked and told the truth. Consider yourself blessed. :)

sharonp said...

Some eggs take a little longer to crack than others but at least they crack.

Amelia said...

Aw, she's a cutie. I struggle with the whole lying thing (I have a five-year-old). It sounds like you have taught your children well!

By the way, in case you are wondering who I am, I wandered here from Cjane's blog. It's nice to meet you!