Shades of gray

So the other day when I was driving the kids to school when we got into a discussion about the MLK holiday (I believe Tehani called it Civil Rights Day) Tehani asked why they had a day off of school and I explained that at one time, there were separate restaurants, water fountains, etc. for whites and blacks. She asked why and I explained that the white people at the time thought they were better than the black people.

I went on to give an explanation about MLK (thinking back now, I'm pretty sure the kids had probably tuned me out by this point) Anyway, some where midway through my intro into the "I Have A Dream" speech, Tehani interrupted and asked "What water fountain would we drink from?"

This wouldn't be so strange other than the fact that Kobe has asked me on several different occasions if he is black (he even asked me once if he was African :) I explained to the two of them that they were brown, not black. Tehani said that she thought that brown WAS the same thing as black. Brown, black, yellow, white--at this point I've decided that being color blind wouldn't be such a bad thing :)

Happy Civil Rights Day!

Shake It Don't Break It

Cynthia and I like to say this to Tehani anytime she is supposed to hula. So yes, these were the words of motherly advice I gave before her dance recital a few weeks ago...

Tehani started with a new teacher a few months back and she loves, Loves, LOVES it. I love the fact that she is learning about her Tahitian culture (specifically from someone else that actually knows how to dance--meaning not me.) I also love that she will now have some new dances to do at my parent's next luau (no offense Tehani, but I was getting a wee tired of the poi ball routine every year :)

So if you are interested in improving your Tahitian dancing skills (and who isn't these days?) be sure to check these guys out.

I'd call you but I don't have a cell phone...

We've been pretty busy this past week getting the kids ready for their summer in Chicago with Grandma & Grandpa. We of course had to clean (anytime Grandma is coming, it's time to clean the house!) and then wash and pack enough clothes to last Kobe and Tehani through the summer.

They just left this morning at 5am for their flight. The good thing about "going to Chicago" is that we can at least talk to the kids on a daily basis as opposed to when they have spent summers in Tahiti and we only call them every Sunday ($30 for a10 minute phone call is way too much--no matter how much I miss my kids!)

Anyway, as I was fixing Tehani's hair this morning (she is fond of her center part but but needed help to make sure "the line" is straight) I reminded her that she can call me anytime while they are gone. Her reply shows that Norm and I are in for many more years of fun with our teenager-in-training:

Tearful Mom (aka Me):"Now make sure you call me. If its during the day, you can call me at my desk..."

Tehani: "I can't call you."

Tearful Mom: "What do you mean you can't call me?"

Tehani: " Well if SOMEONE would buy me a cell phone I could call..."

Apparently, my six year old believes she needs a cell phone. And this isn't the first time she has expressed this opinion. As I said earlier, I am sure the teenage years are going to be oodles of fun! I explained to Tehani that she can borrow Grandma or Grandpa's cell phone or that she could always do like we did in the olden days and use a land line.

I'm sure she'll be too busy having fun in Chicago but I'll be waiting by the phone just in case.