do I take my job seriously enough?

Sometimes I wonder that. I have been entrusted with them most precious blessings here. It is a great responsibility to raise them and take care of them. Sometimes they stomp around and say things to each other like, "That IS the last time I am going to tell you!", or "I am getting SICK and TIRED of this...!", and I just wince. Because I have NO idea where they heard things like that. If only they did as I say, not as I do. Then it would be easy.

I have been working with Charlotte Claire about listening to me the first time I tell her something. She is very independent, and she will just go on her merry way, totally ignoring me. This is not her fault. I have let her get away with it. The path of least resistance is easiest, but not good for the child. For example, I tell her not to do something, she does it anyway, and I say, "whatever, not a big deal"...that is teaching her not to listen.

Jonathan is a good good boy. He is soft-hearted and kind and funny and smart, but he has a temper. He gets stubborn, and he gets mad. I am trying to work with him to recognize when he starts to get mad and stop himself....last night he wrecked a perfectly fun (okay, it was a bit crazy, Charlotte Claire didn't quite get it and thought it was a personal insult when the other kids found a match)matching game. He was fine for the whole thing, but then he got mad about something, and just started yelling. I told him to stop, and he swatted at me. No sir, not nice. Absolutely not. I had him sit in a chair, and he was steaming mad. He told me how much he did not like me. I just ignored him. He finally calmed down, and then he told me he was sorry. Anyway, it isn't all fun and games here.

I won't get into all the boring details of all the little things I deal with all day, but there is much work that isn't housework. To teach them respect and how to listen and that screaming fits don't get them what they want....it requires a sacrifice from me. Of course I am on my knees praying for wisdom and patience. God doesn't just give children and walk away.

I have enjoyed my kids more than ever lately. I have just made it a priority to connect with them. Everyone KNOWS that housework is not as important as the kids. Everyone KNOWS that kids grow up fast and we need to listen to them and enjoy them. But to actually DO it is another thing. To put down the broom and pick up the sobbing child...or to listen to a boring dream without strumming my fingers and phase them out, thinking of all the things I should be doing....to actually listen when they answer the standard, "How was your day?"..... Yesterday afternoon I rested on the couch with Jonathan and Charlotte Claire and Sonja, we were just talking about their days. I had to literally lie down so I could concentrate on listening to them....because when I am up and around I get so distracted. I have found that being more diligent to connect with them has paid off though, and it is well worth it.

I need to go wash my long tangly hair because I have to:

1. Go pay the school taxes.

2. Pick up Abigail.

3. take Benjamin to sign up for his GED (homeschooled high school is not recognized in NY state)

4. Mail some bills.

5. Drop Mirielle off at college,

6. Take Abigail, Benjamin, Joseph, Margaret, Kathryn, Jonathan, Charlotte Claire and Camille to Denny's for the free Grand Slam.....