I Ripped My Sister

Today started with Lucy and Jack tag teaming with great & passionate drama, "whyyyyy are we left alone?!" "what's going to happen to us?!" "it's the middle of the day, and we're still in our rooms!!!" I rolled over to check the clock- 6:47 am. 

Poor neglected children. 

Once they were given the ok to start the day, or I guess "what's left of it" Lucy emerged with her bags packed and a plan in place. She was spending the night at Gram and Uncle Caleb's house. Caleb had told her she could. 

I called Caleb (once 9 am had passed as I'm not cruel enough to call a 19 yr old at 7 in the morning) he didn't answer. At this point- Lucy's plan had only grown and she was now expecting Caleb to pick her up from school, go on a cocoa date, "maybe get a new toy" and then head to Gram's house for an evening filled with activities. 

He'd better wake up and return my call or this was only going to grow worse for him. 

He did. And as I suspected he'd mentioned, "maybe sometime soon" they could have her over. Of course this meant the next day in Lucy's mind. 

Drama ensued. "Mooooom, I trust you to believe me" was my favorite line. 

I had a meeting for a majority of the morning- so I was able to escape and therefore keep my sanity. 

The trick to Lucy (and most kids I think) is to somehow allow them to think they are in control of as many decisions as possible; all while you, in fact, keep true control over the decision. 

When they were younger this was much simpler with things like avoiding the "I don't want that cup" tantrum by asking them if they'd like the blue or the red cup as soon as they walk into the kitchen. They choose the red and feel oh so powerful. 

The older they get however, the more crafty I have to become. Or the more I simply need to let go and let them figure things out the hard way. For example- Jack insisted he could make his own breakfast the other morning. Usually I just want to do it because I haven't had my coffee yet, and I simply can't handle the barnacle children right away. But, I let him have at it. I backed away from my station at the toaster and let him try. 

He was so proud of himself- see Mom, I got this. 

He is definitely sitting directly on top of the butter dish. 

And yes, I'm aware that sometimes you truly do need to let go and let them learn. Sometimes you win, and they realize maybe they really do need their mama, but it won't always "let you win" sometimes it opens your eyes to the fact that they are perhaps capable of more than you give them credit for. 

He did need a change of pants, though. So, even though he successfully made his toast- he still learned he needs his mama to point out things like the butter dish.

Win/win.

With the exception of this afternoon, we've had a few days of beautiful weather. "Let's all go draw with sidewalk chalk!" Said this crazy mom. 

There was about 5 seconds of this beautiful scene. 

Then they scattered like "blow flowers" as Lucy calls them. Dead dandelions to the rest of the world. 

After school today, I opened the van door for Lucy to climb in... "not these kids, mom!!!!"

 Yes- I know it's shocking- they're still here. 

"I just was hoping for something different"

Despite her shock, she quickly accepted reality and our afternoon began. Only one physical altercation between the bigs- "Mom! Jack punched me in the head for no reason!" ......"Oh I didn't do it for no reason, and that's the Christmas truth." 

Around Christmas time they started saying "the Christmas truth" in place of what most would use a pinky promise, or cross your heart scenario. 

Glad to see it's still going strong. 

Poor Tiny got in her brothers path as well

However, Jack wept in a heap for the better part of half an hour. Screaming to the heavens in disbelief & disappointment in himself, "I ripped her! I ripped my sister!"

Pull it together man. 

Speaking of Violet- no crib land took a step backwards.

We basically just made her a deluxe crib. 

For whatever reason- she doesn't climb this though- so all are happy. 

Later Jack asked me if Violet would be a boy or a girl when she was a grown up. 

A girl, Jack. 

"How do you know boy and girl babies will be boy and girl grown ups?"

Seriously? The kid is 4.5 and hasn't figured this out yet?! 

He's our special guy. 

Speaking of that- this is the bulletin board picture in the hallway at Jack's school for the month of April...

Repping the Smith name like no other before him. 

May this image stay with you always. 

With that I'm signing off and will enjoy a quiet evening with the laundry. Hope you enjoyed today's peek into this crazy, beautiful brood!