Adjusting to Summer...

Today was one of those days where you look back at the hideous array of behaviors, presented to you, by your kids, and you wonder, "really?! what am I doing wrong here?!!"  

We are trying to adjust to summer, here in week one, and establish somewhat of a schedule.  Trying to keep up with the academics, and the chores, while also trying to take it slow, and stop and smell the roses.  It is not an easy balance to find.  Gabby and Kaleb, especially, need a lot of structure, and oddly enough, they happened to be my two embarrassing, humbling moments today.  

It is really a toss up, as to which issue, was MORE embarrassing and humbling... they were both sooo rich.  Firstly, at the park, when a kind-hearted, eager child wanted to participate in the water gun fight, and picked up one of Auntie Sara's guns, Gabby violently wrenched it out of her slippery hands and then verbally (and probably emotionally) abused her, by calling her a "big fat Mornhog" ??? I'm sorry... what the @# $% is a "mornhog"? And, furthermore, does my 5 year old have Tourettes?  I hauled her little butt all the way out to the parking lot, and let...her....have...it.  Unfortunately, corporal punishment wasn't an option in this situation, being the public nature of the park and the baby Pen pen on my hip.  Because, besides acting dangerously, belittling others is probably the most intolerable crime that one can attempt, in our family.

The second issue arouse when Kaleb, exhausted and hungry, saw an (I'll admit it, pretty sweet)....motorcycle, for sale, at Safeway.  I had been turning the girls requests for toys, candy, and general crap, down right and left, so there was really no legitimate way I could let him get it. When I said no the first time, he went completely limp on the floor of the cereal isle.  This was not too bad; some light flopping and crying is pretty standard for a child who has been told "no", in the grocery store, at the hour of 5 o'clock(again, what was I thinking??). But when I attempted to force him into the shopping cart, he turned quite primal on me... like a wild, ferocious monkey.  He was...grinding his teeth together as he snarled at me, and at one point...he tried with all his might, to BITE me on the hand.  I had to pull his angry head away from my flesh, by grabbing his sweet curls and yanking them back. OHHHH it was quite a scene, and I'm sure his screams could be heard throughout the entire store.  I couldn't look anyone in the eye,  as i walked the isles, with "That child", that child the everyone sees, and thinks, "oh god, learn how to control your kid lady"... with disgust and pity.  

What neither the folks and the park, or the observing shoppers realize, is that both of those instances, have literally never even come close to happening before!  My Gabby is empathetic and kind hearted, and Kaleb USUALLY takes orders like a good little soldier.  But that is why I' m there..so when they step over the line, just a tad, I can reign them in and teach them not to behave like self-loathing, insecure bullies, and wild rabid creatures.