Fighting Kids

The kids have been pretty well behaved the last few days, just a couple of little squabbles. Yesterday Cat decided to bring Matthew to an abrupt halt on his bicycle. She tried to grab the handle bars and caused him to wipe out. His elbow got scraped up a little and his knee really got scratched up.

Brought him in and got him all cleaned up. Sat them both down on the couch and was trying to decide on what to do with Cat. She's not usually one to pull a stunt like this. But to make it worse she was acting like she didn't care, so not like her. I was about to blow my top but I took a deep breath and it hit me- Matthew gets to choose her consequence. I told him he had to be fair and resonable, but just. I offered some suggestions, but said it was his decision.

Now you have to understand Matthew. He is very hot headed and has trouble controling his anger. I took him to anger management but unfortuantely I don't believe it worked much.

I gave him a few minutes and then asked him if he had come up with anything. He wanted more time to calm down. Wow! Caitlin of course is getting really antsy.

4 hours later Matthew had still not came up with anything. He told me that it was really hard and he didn't like it. I looked at him and said, "Now you know what it's like for me. It's not a fun job. There's nothing pleasant about it."

Cat's consequence-- Matthew forgave her.

I don't know that Cat really learned anything from this. Maybe that her brother can show compassion. But does she realize it?

But Matthew learned about controling his anger, calming down, being logical and compassionate, patient....

I Was Busy Yesterday

Busy, busy busy. Mowed the lawn before the rain moved in, got the laundry finished, mopped the kitchen and went grocery shopping. Then I got busy on making some things for Aunt Donna's shop. I have some more that I'm working on but three projects completed in a day- WooHoo! What do you think?

Well it's been awhile. I seem to be getting into the habit of this again. Of course it doesn't help that I've fallen off into that pool of wanting again. Seems to be happening more and more lately. At least I don't want everything I lay eyes on, just a house. Hahha I said that like it was nothing. Just like the little kid that wants that really expensive video game and their parent only has $5 to their name.

I didn't used to be this way. I used to always just be grateful for what I had. Maybe it's that I have been in this home for 4 years and I'm feeling a bit restless. This has been the longest I have ever lived in one place. Maybe it's that this small two bedroom mobile is about to suffocate me and three growing kids. Maybe it's the neighborhood. Maybe it's me. And maybe it's a little bit of everything.

I've been reading this book for the past few months. Yes it really does take a few months for me to finish a book. LOL It's called reading more than 3 at a time. I probably shouldn't do that. ahh oh well. The book is called Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and It's All Small Stuff. I can't recall the author's name off the top of my head. Anyhoo, one of the chapters is about appreciating what you have. Believe me I am trying to do this and I do really good. It's just when I get to the kids' bedroom I seem to lose focus.

In my mind I can come up with fairly simple solutions to fix most every problem with my home. I just can not seem to figure out a way to make their bedroom have more space. Hmm either I stumble upon a magic wand or find a house for sale on contract cheap.