Routine

Well, since starting school, we have fallen into a pretty normal routine. I have recently reflected on how my mornings begin with a determination to have a good day, help my kids have the same result. We wake up, lovingly rubbing cute faces and small backs to rouse from slumber, ahh...seems like we are off to a good start. As the early morning progresses, I find one child (the one who has to be out the door, of course) will not get ready, after 27 times of his name being said I am LOUDLY saying brush your teeth...get dressed...come on!! And, then a quick kiss and he is off. Fast forward through the morning with the girls and wade through a few tantrums and meltdowns and dare devil climbing stunts by the toddler and we are near to pickup after school. Then, once everyone is home, the fighting begins. The other day the two older kids were in trouble because we could not determine who was telling me a lie. Because only one of their stories could be correct, I told them one of them had to be lying. Finally, after a long 20 minutes or so, Katelee says, "alright, I guess I am the one lying." I had had it that day...my goal of a gentle loving mom went out the window and I turned to....my scriptures. No, I didn't read them a sweet story of love, I read them a verse that says, "Wo unto the liar, for he shall be thrust down to hell." As soon as the words came out, I wanted to rewind. I just condemned my child to fire and brimstone...not exactly how I pictured my day. But, Katelee did of course inquire about hell and when I told her its where the devil lived, she said, "Well, I sure hope I don't lie again, cuz I don't want to live with him!" I guess lesson received-can I call that a success?!

Dinner seems like chaos, bathtime and bed are a tug of war, but books are read, kids tucked in and everyone calms down. Every night when I ask the kids their favorite part of the day, Katelee has to tell me 3 things. Without fail, one of her top three is "giving mom hugs and kisses!" As I tucked her in, turned out the light, she says, "Mom, I am loving you right now." An hour or two later, I walk in and rearrange flailing arms (Katelee's the best to check on, she talks in her sleep nearly nightly), I can't help but be grateful that I get to do the whole routine again in the morning, (minus the condemnation). Well, that's my goal at least.