Just About Lost It...

I have a bad habit of thinking I can handle things when, in reality, I can't. Like the idea that I could possibly make it through today A. without finishing off the apple pie that Dan made last night and B. without HELP. Due to a series of miscommunications on my part, I had both kids all day by myself while Dan was at work. Under normal circumstances it wouldn't be a problem, but things lately are far from normal. My kids have discovered that I can't really stop them, so naturally things went wonderful today. My poor husband came home to an entire potato chip bag smashed all over the kitchen and living room floors, art supplies spread throughout the house, a flipping flood in the bathroom from "bath time, and two kids already in their pajamas sitting on their beds since 4:30 pm because they'd been told that their mother was going to tan their hides into leather if they so much as thought about putting one toe on the floor. Not one of my proudest moments, but I had already counted 4 painful contractions in just over an hour and I didn't want them getting any closer than that. Dan was NOT happy today when he walked in the door, and he made it VERY clear that he never wanted to see that type of behavior from the kids again. I felt horrible. I mean, obviously I've failed somewhere as a mother if my kids can't even behave for me when I'm in the same room with them! As I watched Dan lecture the kids about respect, obedience, and just plain acting like human beings instead of a herd of rabid monkeys, I realized something: They are testing us. I tested my parents on occasion, and they were testing me today. They were trying to see what they could get away with, and they found out fast that they didn't get away with anything once Dan got home. I am SO glad that my sweet husband loves and respects me enough to make sure the kids apologized to me, cleaned up their messes, and provided an opportunity for us to "kiss and make up" as a family. Dan not only scolded the kids, but he grabbed the scriptures and gave several examples of how obedience, respect, faith, and love for one another benefited their Biblical heroes. I sat there in amazement at how it seemed to "click" in their little heads how horrible their behavior was, and they started coming up with ideas on how they could help me and make me feel better for tomorrow. There have been moments of bonding with my kids that I am so grateful for. I hope that today was just a fluke, and that we can continue enjoying our time together before Baby Annie graces us with her presence...