The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day ...and Mom

So I did something very mean this week. I've threatened to do it for a very long time and never followed through because I knew, "we...Chris & I", couldn't handle it. But the past two weeks have been unbearably bad with the kids and I couldn't take it anymore. Things with the kids had taken a turn for the worst physically with hitting and shoving and insults. I know summer is almost over and school was around the corner and things might have settled down some, but I wanted to make an impression that hopefully would last. I remember having a similar experience or two or three when I was young (TV, Cat, Gymnastics...you know what I'm talking about mom!) and I am hopeful that it will teach my kids a lesson and that I'm not the big pushover they think I am. So after 4 equally huge blowups/fights I asked the kids why they thought hitting each other and calling names, etc. was acceptable and where they learned that that is how you handle things. The answers: TV, video games, friends. Out of the mouths of babes I say. So, I grounded all three, for 30 days. (I'll probably lift the ban on friends because Chris think I went a little overboard, but don't tell them.) That was on Tuesday. We've been TV, video game, computer game-free for 4 whole days! It's been tough a few times because I'll be honest, Brooklynn's nanny is named Dora, but honestly, it hasn't been all that bad and I have thoroughly enjoyed the silence. The kids have played more together, and overall, nicer. They have played board games, done arts and crafts, listened to music and danced, played outside, rode their bikes and scooters more and read more. Chris was great and backed me up until he realized BYU football starts on Sept. 5th and the ban won't be lifted until the 18th. He says we have to watch anything church-related like Conference and BYU Football. I suggested we listen to it on the radio, but that didn't fly. So we'll see who wins that battle, oh forget it, like I have a snowball's chance in H, E, double hockey sticks. Overall, I think this is going to be good and I'm actually really excited. Lauren told me today that she doesn't think they have fought as much since I took away the TV. Woohoo! She better be careful or I might not ever turn it back on. So here's to the next 26 days. I hope it turns out well.