6.29.2006

What happens when you've reached the end of your rope.

Today I am taking a hint from Brandi...my new online friend. I woke up this morning to find my kids demanding that I get them breakfast, turn on the cartoons all while sitting on their lazy butts. I.HAVE.HAD.IT. My kids have had it too E-A-S-Y!!! Something inside of me snapped and I immediately turned into an Army corporal. Boot camp begins today. The television is unplugged, their computer games are put up, the toys are all off limits unless they are putting them away, the phone is off the hook to prevent friends from coming over. M is working on her school work in between chores. T is sleeping soundly so that we can get things done. When she gets up she will get a wet rag to wipe baseboards and finger prints.

I used to have it all together. We had schedules, we had more time during the day, I had my house under control and laundry was even done. The only thing that I can even partially blame it on, besides myself, is that my DH works from home and that my kids think that every day is a party. Were they ever wrong. The party ends TODAY! They are in for a rude awakening!

My poor husband, he even came to visit this morning and I snapped at him telling him "How can I expect our kids to stay on task if you keep interrupting them?" He has been very cautious since then...asking me when he can visit and if he can come upstairs.

What can we learn from this? DON'T MESS WITH MAMMA!!!

21 comments:

Super Happy Girl said...

The last strand, the last drop, the end of the rope...mama turned green and became the HULK...HULK smash!!

:) You know, this bloggin thing is awesome, where else can we vent without actually killing anyone in the process?

I find that written schedules and chore lists always work. My kids -who as you know are teens- are not allowed to do any gadgetry (any computering or any technogy) until all chores are done.
Also, they are not allowed to say "I'm bored" 'cause I'll give them some chores to un-bore them right away.

Party's over at Stephanie's house everyone!

Mall Worker said...

Crack that whip! Now if only I could do that with myself!!!!

Brooke said...

You go girl!

I need a better laundry system. How did you do it in the past?

Wendy said...

I know that feeling and I think it is easy to let things slide at times (especially summer) and then it catches up with you. I hope your new system works better for everyone. It is no fun to feel like this. And, I know it is true that we set the whole tone for the household, so if we aren't happy noone is. Good luck.

Jane said...

You Go Girfriend!
I totally agree with. The party doesn't start here either until the house is in order. Some of my kids get that concept, other are a bit slow in learning it.

Hope they pitch in and get things done.

Nettie said...

I love how you write. I can practically hear the whip cracking and see the tip toeing husband! I think we all have moments where we snap and then have to remind everyone who's boss. Probably because we are way too nice the rest of the time. I'm sure that must be the issue here, you are just way too nice!

Anonymous said...

YEAH FOR YOU!!!! I tell ya, just because it's summer doesn't mean kids can just sit around. GOOD FOR YOU!!! I'm right there with you..if you need help give me a call! (Kara's got my # or e-mail me) I know I've posted about this before but my kids don't even get breakfast until their beds are made--I don't care what day of the week it is. (mostly because I've found if you take a day off it's ten times worse the next day) They have their "morning" jobs and I don't give out the tickets until the whole house is picked up (it doesn't have to be shinny clean--just picked up) and since their night time jobs are supposed to be about picking up their things it really shouldn't be too bad.
Here's what gets me though...yesterday I CLEANED all the bathrooms...this morning there is toothpaste on the girls bathroom counter...guess who's going to be learning how to scrub a bathroom this week? I think if they realize it's not so fun to do all this work they'll think twice about making MORE work. know what I mean?

Blackeyedsue said...

Brandi, that is one thing I have mastered. M takes a container of Clorox wipes and wipes out ALL of the bathroom sinks every day. LOVE that!

Missy said...

Funny, the same thing happened at my house today too! The house was in disarray and the kids demanded breakfast before I was even awake. That is how they woke me up..."Hey mom, I am hungry. Get me some breakfast!"

Needless to say, never fun to wake up to that!

I hope tomarrow goes better for you!

Dawnyel said...

Who in the world is pulling on everyone's ropes?? It seems that the people I've been running into lately are at the end of them!
It sounds like you have things going now! :) If it works tell the rest of us how you did it. Do you want to share in my chocolate fix?? *handing over some kissables*

Anonymous said...

Go girl!!! It's funny the picture you painted about kids demanding breakfast, and wanting cartoons turned on. That is exactly how my mornings go. My kids also have it easy. My oldest is almost 6, and I have been thinking it's about time to start giving her more to do other than just picking up her room. You've inspired me!! =)

Theresa said...

Amen sister! Daddy does this to on the weekends because he travels during the week. Then is free time! Come Monday I've gotta crack the whip to bring them back to reality! But, now I'm crackin' the whip on Daddy!! :)

Gabriela said...

Totally been there! Very well put!

momofalltrades said...

I think I love Brandi! LOL

I think my biggest struggle in parenting is figuring out how to include the kids in the housework, and the biggest struggle I have in my personal life is figuring out how to stay on a routine to keep my life under control. It's a vicious cycle. I need to get back on Flylady, and I think the Accountable Kids thing is just awesome!

Just think, with all this spare time, you'll have plenty of time to make some ice cream! LOL When I read your comment, I just couldn't help picturing how much damage I could do with FIVE ice cream makers!

Gina said...

Way to make it happen, mama!!!

I just saw your comment about kid-e-col... I have been swearing by that since Liam was brand spankin' new!!! I think that was my first "works for me wednesday"! Thanks for suggesting it though! That is certainly my advice for gassy babies...

Lei said...

Lol, Stephanie! Go you!!!! ;)

mamashine said...

Awesome! Whip those kids into shape! :) Schedules do make things go more smoothly. Now if only I could stick to one...

Thanks for visiting my blog! I'll be back to read yours some more.

Karla said...

I love summer for the very reason that I can take more time to train the kids to work! The kids are expected to get their own breakfasts once they hit kindergarden, and this summer the four oldest are making their own lunch. Yep, mom is no longer a short order cook. Either make it yourself (I am willing to help as they learn) or it's PBJ's all around!

Nicole said...

Wow! It sounds like things around there are about to pick up. Literally! :) I think that my kids could use a few more rules. I love the bed made before breakfast. And the Clorox wipes. Great ideas!! Keep them coming!!

Sabra at Sew a Straight Line said...

Woo! I gotta get me some of that attitude. Too bad it takes so much work on our part to get kids to work.

Kristen said...

You go girl!! You have inspired me today! My kids don't know what they're in for! ;-)