Today was an emotional rollercoaster! This was the first full day alone with boys in over a month. It was tough. The big problems that I had today were that the boys fought a lot. They were having problems with sharing. Everything that I have read says that this is normal especially with Pork Chop since he is only five. But Skeeter knows better and still has a problem with sharing his toys.
Skeeter’s problem is not so much the “sharing” part, but the “destruction” part where Pork Chop breaks or looses something. Skeeter goes ballistic. He is very, very picky with his toys. Especially with the Legos. We have taught him that we are not made of money and cannot just go replace a broken toy. He takes a lot of pride in his toys and takes very good care of them. This is a value that Mama and I feel is important, but it can be a problem at times because Andrew wants to play with them.
I sat them down today and explained to them that at the end of the day when all the toys are gone they will only have each other. Brothers are very important. More important than any “thing”. Pork Chop said “We are not friends, we are brothers.” I then explained that while they are Brothers and not friends, the fact that they are brothers makes them very special friends.
They hugged and were angels the rest of the day…whew! (Spark Dad wipes his brow)
After getting the vacation clothes put up, laundry in progress, sweeping and cleaning the wood floors, I made dinner for Grandpa Joe. Grandpa Joe is very special to us so we made brownies and bought a cake. The boys made a very good card for him and since we could not find the keys to the car and could not go buy him a present they opened up their piggy banks and gave him about $2 and change in the card. I believe that Grandpa Joe will cherish those $2 for many years.
Now all the dishes are in the dishwasher and the kitchen is clean! This brings up a very important point. For all those stay at home Dads and Moms out there, I truly believe that a clean kitchen and sink before bed really helps keep the house clean and in order.
This morning when I got up there were dishes in the sink. I avoided the kitchen all day. I did not want to cook or do anything in there. In fact I made the boys fish sticks and corn because it required no cooking. One of the biggest favors you can do for yourself is to make sure come hell or high water that your kitchen is in order before you go to bed.
With that note, I am out!
Spark Dad
