Just Roll With It.....

Most of the family was together last weekend.  As usual, there was chaos throughout the house.  The Jo-nado was chewing something, gum I think.  It took me back to when the Surprise was four or five.  I had gotten a new vehicle (or a small bus, depending on how you want to think of the size of the vehicles I had to drive for all of us to fit).  I had lectured the kids several times on not eating in the new car.  As we were picking up the gang from school, I smelled Doritos.  It is an unmistakable smell.  Then I heard a crunch!  I immediately looked in the rearview mirror (which, by the way is a valued safety device for any mother or bus driver), and saw the Surprise make a chewing motion.  In a very angry voice, I asked "Are you eating Doritos in my car?"  Utilizing those eyes in the back of my head, I watched his face go white with fear, chewing stopped instantly and he shook his head no while uttering "Uh-uh".  I was sure of what I had seen and smelled and heard, or was I?  Then it happened again!  And again I caught him in the rearview mirror.  The bag was confiscated or surrendered, depending on your vantage point.  Discipline and the fear of God (or mom)Jo-nado reminded me of that when she was asked if she was still chewing gum after we had already removed some from her clothing, and of course the answer was no.  You just learn to roll with it.

Every once in a while I can get Pook to run a few errands with me and help out when I have all the kids. It is amazing that I can get him to come along as he seems to be terrified of these little critters who are three feet tall.  This is a guy who went head to head with some pretty big football players.  But anyway, he can still be bribed with food and that is a good thing for me.  

So, we were out running these errands.  Those of you working with car seats know how important they are, but you also know it is a giant PAIN to get kids in and out every time you make a stop.  It is much easier to have someone else in the car who can sit in the car while you run into a store or the post office or bank.  It also cuts your errand time by more than half!

To make a long story shorter (as my stories are never short),  I offered to let Pook run in while I sat in the car, but he was content to play on his phone while I ran in and out of buildings.  After errand number two, I could tell by the look on Pook's face that something had happened.  You know, that shake of the head and a disgusted expression.  It also begs the question, "What happened?"  (You want to know, but you don't)  Apparently, Stitch was doing something to annoy Pook and that really doesn't take much. Pook told him if he didn't stop immediately (whatever it was) he would be in big trouble.  Didn't work.  The behavior continued. So again, Pook said if you don't stop now, I will spank your behind.  Very calmly Stitch looked at his uncle and said - "No you won't, Nana will."

Can't argue with that!  I still got it, whatever "it" is.  Seriously, don't be afraid to set limits and keep your children within them. In my experience, children who are given parameters for good behavior become better adults and citizens and employees and parents and friends.......   Have a beautiful and blessed fall week.  The colors are changing and God is showing us his glory.