My son loves me!

This afternoon was a rare afternoon of no homework.
After I put supper in the oven, my precious son invited me over to sit with him on the couch to play on W3bkinz with him. I know he wanted me there because I was good at making words and earning points on the game of the day.

But that didn't matter - he knew it was one of my favorite games and we had such a great time laughing and figuring out how to win. At one point, he reached up and put his arm around my neck. A bit later he started petting my hair. Later he held my hand. All so sweet! All the while appropriately marveling at the words I was creating.

My heart sufficiently melted.

Time for Mom and Dad

My Bible Study is doing a great book about parenting. One thing we discussed today was the importance of a marriage centered family, not a child centered family. We discussed the importance of doing things so that the children see Mom and Dad as a unified front. We also discussed the importance of not letting all of your actions revolve around the children.

One of the Mom's was worried that taking the children out of the center would be hard to do and would basically just be adding more to her already long "To Do" list.

I will admit that my children are older than hers, so some things are easier for me - no wiping behinds, no wiping drooling chins and no changing clothes of wiggly, little persons.

But, we all talked about the little things that send the message to the children that the family doesn't revolve around them.

So, here are 10 ways in which I think Moms and Dads can incorporate "marriage centered", not "child centered" behavior into daily routines. This will help let the children know that Mom and Dad are boss and lets children see that Mom and Dad time is important and will happen.

1. Close the door to the bathroom and don’t let them come in – this is your time.

2. When you're reading a book – make them wait for you to finish a sentence or paragraph before you talk to them. Don’t let them interrupt you.

3. Same with the phone.

4. Greet husband first and plant a kiss on him. Children need to know you’re not embarrassed or ashamed to show love to your spouse.

5. Just because your children want to use the computer (or whatever the devise may be), doesn’t mean it’s their turn. Letting them see you on the computer (doing banking or blogging or simply playing a game) lets them see you doing something for you – another example of your time. This helps them realize that you don't rely on them for something fun to do. And saying "No, not now" is a perfectly good answer to them wanting a turn at something.

6. Not letting the children have the remote control just because they’re in the room. They need to know you have likes too.

7. Don’t always let the children dictate the choice of music in the car, and have family movie night where Mom and Dad pick the movie.

8. Don't let them get you off track of going to the gym or on a walk. They don't have a say in your leisure time - sometimes they just have to go along too.

9. You pick the toppings on the pizza and let them pick off what they don’t like. Why should you always sacrifice your favorite style.

10. Let the children see Mom and Dad make plans together (for each other or for the family). They will learn a lot from watching you compromise and figure things out.

A note from the Headmaster

This is the email I received from the Headmaster of the children's school today.
Needless to say, I am very proud of the actions of my son and his friends.

"Folks,

Just wanted you to know I recognized your children in assembly today for being such good representatives of [Our School]. Apparently, Legare, Lucas, Thomas, Sarah and Catherine were at the [Neighborhood] playground at some point over the weekend. A fellow named Jed who lives in my neighborhood was there as well. Jed ended up meeting them and talking with them, and he was mightily impressed with their kindness and manners. I told all the students in assembly this morning about how well they had represented the school and what a positive impression they had made on my neighbor. I presented each of them with Mission Accomplished pencils and pens.

Thought you should know…

Have a great day.

[Head Master]

That Durned Tooth Fairy

Did you ever have that time in your life when the tooth fairy was supposed to come visit and didn't?

You know what I'm talking about, you woke in the morning and didn't see money.
Your parents come in with large amounts of disbelief - surely you've overlooked it.
And you end up finding it under the other pillow, or on the floor.

Well, this morning - Julia rose and there was no money. This is the 2nd tooth lost in about two weeks - right next to each other - large, large hole.

She showed no displeasure. She just quietly made her bed and started getting ready for her day.

As I woke, it dawned on me - Julia lost a tooth right at bed time last night.
I wonder if the tooth fairy came. If so, surely the money may be on the floor - what with it coming out so late and all.

I enter the room excitedly to see if there was money.
Julia flatly answers "No.".
I go to look under the pillow and on the floor..."I've already looked - it's not there."

Hmmm.

"Well, Julia..."
"...I told you that putting it under your pillow in an eyeglass case wasn't a good idea."

Then Bryan joins our conversation as breakfast is being prepared.
B - "I didn't even know she lost a tooth."

A - "Well, what were you looking at on the computer when she jaunted in to tell us?"
After Bryan goes to her room to look, Bryan then thought he saw a $10 BILL on the floor.

"No Way!" I say with a snotty little voice. "You have got to be kidding."
B - "Well, Maybe it was a 5."

A - "What are you talking about Bryan?????? Julia and I have already talked about how the Fairy probably couldn't get in to see the tooth in the latched eyeglass case. Are you sure you saw a big 'ol Fiver?"

B - "I guess not."

Julia will just have to try again, and maybe tonight she won't latch it in her eyeglass case.
And maybe now the Fairy has had ample time to prepare for the delivery. I mean, it was after 8 when the thing came out - she (or he, I keep getting reminded of that) was probably already on rounds. Or so tired and finally had a night off that she (or he) may have just gone to bed and taken the night off.

Who knows.
But whatever the reason - I don't like making excuses for the little Tooth Sprite.
Luckily, Julia seemed understanding.