Today is a Bomb

I had high hopes this morning. There were lots of smiles and happy promises of a great day ahead.

In 5 minutes things went completely to pieces....

Both KIDS.

Both Blatant rebellion.


And I am really struggling. I've taken it quite personally. It was all calculated. It's the one-up-on-you game. Neither children succeeded for more than an instant.... but I was already upset and frustrated, and that discourages me more than anything.

Brianna is suggesting that their morning is not structured enough, because they start this stuff every single time they have a moment to play around. She's suggesting they have a long list of chores, inside and outside that must be accomplished, rather than the little morning routine of make your bed, get dressed, put away laundry, brush your teeth, drink water, use the toilet. These should be the incidentals to the bigger picture.

In a sense it was a huge deal to get to this point where they could manage those little things. Things have changed, though, they've aged in short amount of time ( can't get myself to say they have matured. Ha!). Since they are smart enough to play games to cheat and lie and come up with manipulations to get out of brushing their teeth, it's time to bring out the big stuff.  They are not babies. They are 7 years old! They are no longer 6 year olds who haven't been taught anything. In the last year they have learned to capably handle a lot . It's about to increase.

Boot camp here we come.

He's doing the dishes, and she will make my bed for starters.