Operation AWOL Mom: Day 1

I’ve had a rather peaceful morning. I don’t know whether it’s because we weren’t running out the door somewhere or if it’s because of my children’s new found responsibility.

I was greatly impressed with my oldest child. He usually yells at his little sister for everything she does wrong. In fact, earlier he came up stairs in tears telling me that his sister had just killed the pup (did I mention he’s also dramatic) because the pup ate a marker tip that she threw on the floor. He was quite upset and I remained calm, telling him to protect the dog from her by putting him in his kennel or outside.

Later I heard the same son and daughter laughing and having fun in my son’s room. He came to me and told me he was playing with her. Then later, he was watching a movie with her and was still smiling. They were all getting along. I leaned over and whispered to him, “See, she usually acts up when she wants attention.” He smiled and nodded his head like he “got it.”

My 9 year old, hands on son was busy downstairs transforming the livingroom into a carnival. We all went downstairs when the carnival was opened and started playing games. For the most part, everyone had fun, though my competitive oldest son questioned the fairness of the games.

9 year old raided prizes from all the kids rooms. He had them priced at 5, 10, 20 and 35 points. You won points by playing the games.

Then I suggested they start making lunch. Oldest son decided to make it a game and said his cafe was open. I suggested he take their orders and everyone wanted his famous grilled cheese. Basically, he microwaves shredded cheese on a plate, peels it off and puts it on toast. It’s a big hit here.

While they were eating I suggested they come up with a plan for the chores this week that I usually do. I heard a little talk, but nothing that they’ve agreed to. We’ll see what happens.

Then my 9 year old asked politely for me to make popcorn so they could watch a movie after the carnival. I said I’d teach them how to make it. After putting the oil in the pot we discovered the top was in the sink. Yes, we make our own popcorn, not the microwavable stuff.

So 9 year old finds the lid in the pile of dirty dishes and frantically washes it with soap before the popcorn pops. Oldest son is grossed out and claims he won’t be eating any popcorn. We get the lid on the pot in time and the movie starts. Oldest son doesn’t want to watch the movie so goes to his room. I’ll have to check and see if he has any popcorn with him.

So far it’s been a surprisingly good morning. But I’m anxious to see what happens when their friends come to the door and the dishes are still in the sink.

Later:

The after noon went well. I retired to my room for a while and later found oldest son and youngest daughter watching a movie. He had an empty bowl of popcorn with him. The middle two boys were watching a movie downstairs. After the movie we did a little reading, but in the middle of our story the doorbell rang. It was my 11 year old’s friend next door.

He looks at me pleading, and I tell him after we finish reading they have to do the dishes. Motivation really helps kids do things. They really didn’t fuss and I walked them through loading the dishes. In the past they usually put their own dishes in, but the sink was piled high with pots and pans. My 9 year old was a trooper and got to work. They split the stuff in the sink and loaded the dishes. When the dishwasher was full there was still more dishes in the sink. I really had to think on my feet.

I told them all the dishes would have to be out of the sink before they could go and play. My oldest fussed a bit and I told them they chose not to do the dishes all day. They could have run a load of dishes and not have this problem. My 9 year old washed the first few dishes by hand and then my oldest did. But it got done with much less complaining and nagging than I normally would have done. It’s amazing what clear boundaries can do to a kid.

After playing it was time for dinner. But I wasn’t cooking. The boys had their first karate class and my husband was rushing home from work and wondered if he should pick something up to eat. I said it was his decision, but there was some things he could microwave.

By the time I got downstairs my husband was in full force, microwaving chicken nuggets and green beans (our staple veggie.) He found some apple sauce so give him points for a somewhat balanced meal. I helped a bit by putting a dish or two away, but that was it. I figured, they were running late. It was the most stressfree meal I’ve ever attended.

The boys rushed out the door and me and my daughter played and giggled all night. When the boys returned home they were wired. Guess I shouldn’t have sent them to Braum’s with free ice cream coupons. But all is quiet now. My 4 year old daughter is having a sleepover in her big brother’s room (11 yr. old). There must have been some serious sibling bonding going on there especially since my son hasn’t come out of his room to complain. Did I mention she sleeps with the light on? I guess my son won’t mind as long as she’s quiet. He usually reads way past bedtime anyway.

Well, the first day is over. You said you wanted details! Tomorrow we’re rushing out early in the morning to go berry picking. The dishes are clean but in the dishwasher, the dirty ones are in the sink and the livingroom isn’t that bad. They cleaned up the carnival. Crafts still litter the kithen table, and I found my son’s popcorn bowl in the hallway. I actually bent down to pick it up and then stopped myself. I don’t think I could have done this if I was homeschooling. I’m so glad it’s summer!

It’s been strange doing nothing all day, but also very relaxing. I only blew up once when I found my 9 year old under his brother’s bed instead of in his own. (Ice cream before bed heightens disobedience, I’m sure of it.) So I go to bed with a successful day behind me and lots to contemplate. I’m hoping we’re all going to learn a lot from this experience, and that tomorrow doesn’t blow up in my face!