Chapter 6: And the Children Grew Up

People will always say something like “terrible two” when mentioning raising their children. It’s quite true for us, and I took it as a challenge. Well, they ran and ran, and catching them was quite an exercise.

They quite mess up a lot, and it put stress on me and Carlos when cleaning everything. Oh, how I remembered the faces of my parents whenever they saw the dirty tablecloths. Me and Carlos’ wet clothes when they splash too much water when bathing. The faces of the visitors when they see the mess in just about every room; scattered toys, misplaced objects, and clothes around every corner.

And so, those times passed. Soon, they talked to each other, giggling and whispering. I wondered what things they could talk about. They soon did things independently, such as using the bathroom, eating, and brushing their teeth. Little by little, they helped in the household chores, making up for the mess they made in their early days.

And then they were sent to kindergarten. Fortunately, Carlos’ aunt ran a school in the city, and we enrolled our children there. In that time, I realized that the children won’t get any younger. So do I.

Junior was more behaved in kindergarten more than Catherine, I observed. Carlos told me that Catherine cried out so loud when she saw her father leaving, and it took around 5 minutes before Carlos could leave the classroom. But Junior quite understood that he will be without his dad for a while, and he didn’t cried much on the first day.

But I have to say that both children excelled in school. The teachers had always noted their good art skills and their desire to learn. Me and Carlos are very happy to have such excellent children, with such strong values.

Then, they completed their kindergarten with flying colors, and me and Carlos were very proud of our children. We also discovered their interest in the arts, and as their parents, we supported their works.

Catherine was the first to go to elementary school. When she went to take her entrance exam, I was there, near the school, all the time. And as unexpectedly as it happened, she made through the exam smoothly.

And days later, Catherine had actually made the entrance exam! It was a Saturday then, and the family went out to the mall the next day. Soon, it was yet the start of another school year for both children, but Catherine will start another chapter of her education.

Me and Carlos agreed then, that I will bring and fetch Catherine in school, and Carlos will do the same for Junior.

Two years have passed, and our kids steadily maintained their progress in school. The graham cake business is booming, and Carlos still has his job. But sometimes, the thought of returning to teaching crossed my mind. Since the both of our children are already studying and require less attention, why can’t I return to the job I once loved?

Months before Junior completed kindergarten, I had talked to Carlos about this thought. He had nothing against this, and I was delighted. And soon came the time, when Junior will take the entrance exam for his elementary school.

Oh, and by the way, Catherine hasn’t been studying well in the past months. Well, I suppose that her brother studying in the same school as her will motivate her in studying better.

Lo and behold, Junior had passed the exam, and we went out to the mall the next day. Soon, Carlos brought both of our children to elementary school. I also decided that this would be my last year as a housewife. I will return to teaching students the next year.

I also decided to close my graham cake business, as I will be returning to teaching. But I will still be making graham cakes for the children.