No, I'm not going to attempt a drawing of Karis. You're glad to hear that, I know. I've just been wanting to write some things down about Karis, giving a small glimpse into what life with her is like. It's interesting. Her personality confuses me and I still have a lot to learn about how to manage/control/train/mold her. I am open to suggestions. Anyway, here's a brief portrait, in words, of Karis.
I try to work with the kids on polite interaction with adults....stuff like speaking loud enough to be heard and looking at the person speaking to you. Today, an adult spoke to Karis and she messed up both of those goals. I pointed it out to her later and shortly after that, she had the chance to try again. Another adult asked her a question and she spoke loudly enough and looked at the person. Great improvement! When the adult was gone, I complimented Karis and she says, quite sarcastically, "Dooo I geeeet a cerrrrtificaaaate?" Where oh where does she get this attitude?
Karis, lacking any girl friends in our neighborhood, is lucky to have a brother who lets her play with him and his friends. Several evenings ago, Karis comes running into the house and asks, "Can I fight in the street with the boys?" This totally cracked up Rho and me and I wondered how many mothers have to answer a question like that from their daughters! We really need to find some girls around here! (The boys were play fighting, by the way.)
During Corban's last visit to the dentist, we were waiting for the dentist to come in after the hygienist had finished cleaning his teeth. Through a small window, we could see the room next to the one we were in. Karis saw movement through the window and commented, "Here she comes." Karis continued watching the window and says, "Oh, she got stuck." I say, "What do you mean by stuck?" Karis explains, "She got stuck talking just like mommies do. That's why mommies have kids....to help them stop talking so much." That's an interesting viewpoint and may explain why I get interrupted so much! She thinks it's her JOB!
Today, after swimming lessons, I'm combing out Kaela's hair. Karis was waiting for me to comb her hair and says, "It's not all about Kaela, ya know. It's about me too." Middle child syndrome, perhaps?
Karis needed to be disciplined one evening just before dinner. She was off in the other room, crying, when Rho called the kids to the table. He asked if they had all washed their hands and Karis dramatically says, "I washed my hands with my tears."
3 comments:
I love that kid! She has spunk and attitude! She breaks the mold of conformity and it's a quality even if it makes being her mom a bit more challenging! She has a strong personality and I believe she will grow up to be a strong woman! Hard to think that such a little being isn't as shy or reserved as we may have been as kids. Her strength and independence will serve her well!! She is lucky to have parents who raise her in such a way that she feels secure enough to be herself. I say lucky you! But I also think you must often need a nap!
Yes, she is one of a kind, but a real sweetie. I had to laugh at the one about washing her hands with her tears! What a drama queen! I can just imagine her saying that. Jessica put it in a nutshell. Other parents might try to squelch Karis' spontaneity and forthrightness but you guys are working to channel it into healthy directions. I am so thankful for you! Stay on your knees and He will sustain.
Kristen, I believe Karis has taken after Georgia Kuhl. Stop and think about it, although none of us knew her when she was little, we do know that she had plenty of attitude and a strong personality. I believe she must have been a lot like Karis. We are so blessed to have her to love and to keep you guys on your toes and on your knees!!
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