Sat night unusual bonding...
It is indeed a rare Sat night in which hubby was home and we had nowhere to be. In true kid fashion the vote between game night and movie night was closely separated and movie won out. Daddy had not yet scene Despicable Me and How to Train Your Dragon both thanks to fabulous Aunts we own. I overruled with the later because despite one barely noticeable remark about the "gods" (notice no capitalize because there is only one God:) it is a incredible story line for true greatness in unlikely sources. I have likened the story to my oldest son before, but I digress.
After showers, random choice leftover dinners and treats were acquired we began what should have been the last activity of the night, that is prior to Bible reading and prayer. Snuggling, shshshshsing of words since it was not knew to all but Daddy and my kids are prone to "tell" what is coming next. #4 engaged in action parts but focus fleeting moved about causing havoc wherever she chose. This is the stage of attention seeking behavior negative attention winning out more often than not. It is also too soon for the hmm I am going to get into trouble if I do this forethought. Timeouts, apologies aside until she ages just a bit more it is a cycle to be repeated over and over and over.Cute as a button, startling beauty and whit like a firework and explosive in temper too make for just a snippet of all that she is right now. I love her, and I loathe the patience required for this challenge. Funny enough I also keep thinking to all the little children her age or so that are in homes less loving and patient. It is in these moments I pray for the blank faces I cannot see. If this ever crosses your mind pray too. But back to the story, sorry my mind circles around.
Unexpected spill causes a intermission just as the most intense part begins. It is approaching her bedtime which for my kids means they get faster with words and actions before the inevitable crash. Likewise she chats away about everything and nothing and will not concede for us to finish the movie. Idecide suggest she retrieve the hair brush and "do" my hair. Her and I both enjoy that and it keeps hands busy and mouths quiet. A bit of back story in that my bathroom now remains locked. Too many times she has applied my makeup or cleaned her ears with q-tips, ingested candy (vitamins) and on. I suppose hindsight is 20/20 as my suggestion was a bit off. Shortly after she made her exit rustling could be heard in the distance, assuming (yep you know what they say about that) she was rifling through my stuff to get the hairbrush I hollered "What are you doing?" which netted no audible response. At this point there was a small bit of the movie left so trouble aside I waited her out.
Credit playing and small discussion of the implications of characters personalities etc Bibles were opened and our focus again shifted. #4 once again in her frustrating matter refused to be obedient and instead was antagonistic to her siblings was put in time out. In turn she understood quiet was needed and proceeded to scream at the top of her lungs with that teeny bit of a grin to the side. Opportunity for correction rendered useless she was swiftly taken to bed. Once prayer time began I gave her a second chance. All was well and each person happily headed out. I went to put a dirty shirt in the laundry basket only to be shocked and bewildered by what I found. The pictures do NOT do it justice.
Every wall, appliance, even her coat was coated with red or blue food colored water. These had been used for spraying snow and were left in the laundry room sink for use again. The rustling I heard was in fact my troublesome toddler obtaining them and practicing the new skill taught my dearest me. I gasped in surprise which attracted others to the scene of the crime. The culprit herself made no statement in defense, asking instead, "What Mommy?"
SO, now I pray that I carry this reminder that my fireball can not be trusted alone EVER. AND this is the last of her creating a huge mess for me to cleanup!
I know wishful thinking but don't burst my bubble just yet:)
After showers, random choice leftover dinners and treats were acquired we began what should have been the last activity of the night, that is prior to Bible reading and prayer. Snuggling, shshshshsing of words since it was not knew to all but Daddy and my kids are prone to "tell" what is coming next. #4 engaged in action parts but focus fleeting moved about causing havoc wherever she chose. This is the stage of attention seeking behavior negative attention winning out more often than not. It is also too soon for the hmm I am going to get into trouble if I do this forethought. Timeouts, apologies aside until she ages just a bit more it is a cycle to be repeated over and over and over.Cute as a button, startling beauty and whit like a firework and explosive in temper too make for just a snippet of all that she is right now. I love her, and I loathe the patience required for this challenge. Funny enough I also keep thinking to all the little children her age or so that are in homes less loving and patient. It is in these moments I pray for the blank faces I cannot see. If this ever crosses your mind pray too. But back to the story, sorry my mind circles around.
Unexpected spill causes a intermission just as the most intense part begins. It is approaching her bedtime which for my kids means they get faster with words and actions before the inevitable crash. Likewise she chats away about everything and nothing and will not concede for us to finish the movie. I
Credit playing and small discussion of the implications of characters personalities etc Bibles were opened and our focus again shifted. #4 once again in her frustrating matter refused to be obedient and instead was antagonistic to her siblings was put in time out. In turn she understood quiet was needed and proceeded to scream at the top of her lungs with that teeny bit of a grin to the side. Opportunity for correction rendered useless she was swiftly taken to bed. Once prayer time began I gave her a second chance. All was well and each person happily headed out. I went to put a dirty shirt in the laundry basket only to be shocked and bewildered by what I found. The pictures do NOT do it justice.
Every wall, appliance, even her coat was coated with red or blue food colored water. These had been used for spraying snow and were left in the laundry room sink for use again. The rustling I heard was in fact my troublesome toddler obtaining them and practicing the new skill taught my dearest me. I gasped in surprise which attracted others to the scene of the crime. The culprit herself made no statement in defense, asking instead, "What Mommy?" But what followed was far greater and worth the work. Daddy and I began the cleanup and #1 offered his assistance. Not once did he complain about the job at hand despite having to squeeze in a tight spot to help. #2 seconded the help by taking care of the cause of this bedtime work. In a matter of 30 min possibly slightly less the entire room was deep cleaned, behind appliances spic and span and the room like new.
Instead of being angry I was able to compliment my children on their first line of action thereby opening the door for discussion on responsibility and added privileges when it is demonstrated. You see #1 will not stop short of any goals once he "gets" it. How wonderful that this allowed for his eyes to be opened a bit more. He may not follow through completely but twice this week his behavior highlighted the potential. SO, now I pray that I carry this reminder that my fireball can not be trusted alone EVER. AND this is the last of her creating a huge mess for me to cleanup!
I know wishful thinking but don't burst my bubble just yet:)
wow wow wow that is so much worse than I thought it was going to be but the end result was awesome! It's a great feeling as an adult when they finally "get it" and the resistance is over.
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