Kindness Continued...

I'm seeing a sad pattern develop in my life.  Sundays are the day that I freak out on my children.  I didn't see this until I started this kindness challenge and became more aware of how I treat my kids.  But the first step to recovery is admission, right?  "Hi my name is Jill and I go psycho on one of my children on Sundays.  Praise God, let's go to church!"  Anyway, after another day where I apologize to my kids and say, "M, you know how mommy says that it's okay to get angry, but not okay to sin (scream, hit, be disrespectful, etc)? Well, I have to work on that too.  It's okay for me to be mad at you, but not okay for me to yell at you.  And I'm sorry."  Sadly, I'm getting too used that that!  Anyway, devil be gone!  You will not affect me anymore when it comes to my emotions and the way I handle my boys!  Speaking of boys, I'm starting this TOTALLY cool challenge for the next 21 days to pray for my boys.  Check it out here at 21 day boy prayer challenge.  I'm super excited about my prayer life directly affecting the current and future lives of my boys.  Anyhoo, here's how the week went...

Monday--M had an orchestra concert (he plays the viola...shocked the pants off of me!  But he stuck with it!) at the Paramount.  I wanted to get him a little something, as a congratulations present because most of the girls get bouquets of flowers.  I sure didn't want him left out.  So, knowing he wouldn't appreciate a armful of daisies, I opted for a Game Stop gift card.  He was so excited and grateful!  Who knew he had it in him!  I usually wouldn't do anything like that because I complain all the time that he has too much and they're limited to gifts for Christmas and birthdays.  But, I wanted him to feel special...so here we are...

Tuesday--on our way home from school R and I came across a snake in the road.  He was BEYOND excited.  We dispatched for pap's help and R summoned the neighbors.  He was giddy with adventure as he and the "big boys" tried to catch the snake with a hoe and leather gloves.  Lord, you would've thought they were trapping a rattlesnake or a bald eagle!  R was giving orders and identifying the snake like he was The Crocodile Hunter (RIP Steve Irwin) when finally they decided the snake's fate and let him loose in the woods.  Once we got home and our brush with death had worn down, R decided he needed to "protect the hill from more snakes."  So naturally he gets his blue rubber snake out of the bathtub and sits outside waiting on more to arrive.  Thankfully, word must of spread to stay away, because none showed up.

Wednesday--I encouraged J to take R on a house wash estimate after he picked him up from school today. R loves nothing more than to spend "big boy/daddy" stuff with J. I'm so glad J was good with it!

Thursday--was R's birthday and the whole day was devoted to him. At one point during the party, I turned around to see M and one of his friends. Instead of getting on to him for inviting someone without asking I just rolled with the punches and welcomed him.

Friday--was an early release day so M spent half the day with me while I was in meetings. I let him rule the school with another teacher's son. Just smile and wave, boys. Smile and wave.