sweet reward

As a mom I have ebbs and flows on the happiness meter. I mean who hasn't had good days and bad. Yesterday since my husband was on duty at the Fire Station I was required to take all 4 kids for the after school activities run. This meant that we had a certain time to leave the house in order to arrive on time. To compound matters I had my nephew to drop off as well.

If you have ever spent anytime at my house, or really around children, you can imagine that time constraints and kids are rarely positive. As much as I try to transition with countdowns, and prepackaging it is a challenge. When they were little and needed me to physically put them in the vehicle I hate to admit it was easier. I had control. Now I must will them all to move in the same direction and work together. HA! I need to watch some more Star Wars maybe then I could use the "force".

To say it did not go over well would be an understatement! This day it resulted in a raised voice or two and then a useless lecture in the car. Yep, these kinds of days are times that I think hmmmmm did I really want kids?

Well tonight I had the polar opposite occur. As I put these words down where I can visualize them I remain in awe. Wed are chore nights. We have no activities on this night so it is not stressful for anyone. Plus since Michael attends preschool I can first clean the house to my standards during the day. Then what the kids do well or not so well makes no matter. I can focus on the learning and not the cleaning.

Tonight I gave the children 35 minutes of down time when arriving home, then we ate dinner. My new motto of eat or sit but no complaints allowed without consequences is working. I actually enjoy my meal and when #2 finishes she politely asks if we can draw sticks so she can't start early.

Let me digress and tell you that in order to not stress myself from figuring an appropriate rotation of chores I wrote them all on Popsicle sticks. Each chore time we draw sticks.There usually is bartering amongst themselves as they each have things they hate (#1 can't stand trash duty). I also add some additional ones when necessary such as pick up sticks by the pond when it is mowing season etc. But now we head back to the regularly scheduled blog, LOL.

Well this time, this glorious night they went above and beyond anything ever done. Once negotiations were complete #2 began. At this point #1 had finished as well and headed out. #3 was not thrilled with dinner so even he said, "May I please be excused?." They were all off. I continued to finish my dinner, alone which really was kinda nice. #4 had already gotten down to be a copy cat shadow. Each completed their tasks with little help from me. When #2 needed something she couldn't find #1 got it for her on his own. #3 said he was finished with his wipe walls chore and #1 asked if he wanted to walk around together and double check before Mommy did. #2 gave #4 an extra towel and a lesson or two on the fine art of dusting. Yes dear friends I had no words to say. I cleaned up the kitchen as that job is too crucial to entrust young children and quietly made my rounds looking over and observing. Not a single task needed to be redone, not an argument could be heard. There was no lingering disgust only the sweet reward of a job well done. One by one I gave verbal affirmation, and hugs. This moment could not be left unnoticed.

I think I see dessert in their future. Aaaaahhhhh no calgon take me away tonight. Just glorious cuddling on the couch with the Olympics and cheers for the USA. Yep, tonight I am certain these are the moments why I had kids. To teach, see them be independent and productive and share it all together. Don't mind if I do take a bow on this one:)