Morning Chaos

I watch commercials on TV with families eating breakfast, smiling at each other, grabbing backpacks yelling "Love you Mom!" as they run out the door. The Mom stands at the table with a smile on her face that tells us all is well.

This portrait of morning routines has never happened at my house. This morning was one of the worst. James actually got up early. (A good start!) He dragged his feet and wouldn't get moving. Ten times I had to tell him to get dressed. Finally he snapped and yelled at the top of his lungs, "I AM! STOP TELLING ME THAT!" I came around the corner, and he said, "Sorrysorrysorrysorrysorry." A mini lecture about respect and how we talk to our parents followed.

Meanwhile, Miranda has changed 5 times, getting all pouty and pissy and asking where her soccer sweatshirt is. A mini lecture about how it's not Mom's job to take care of a 14 year old girls sweatshirt followed.

James is ready, standing in the living room watching TV. He had his coat, hat, mittens and backpack on. I asked if he brushed his teeth - he growled at me and stomped off. I let him go yelling about how I shouldn't have to tell a 10 year old to brush his teeth.

Miranda is still pouting, she told me that James is going to miss the bus. I tell her that if he does we will deal with it, she needs to worry about herself. More pouting and stomping off.

This puts me over the edge and start yelling, Things like:

"You two are old enough to get ready for school without pouting like 2 year olds. "

"I'm sick and tired of doing this every morning, I think maybe I'll cancel cable until you can take care of all your responsibilities. (What?) This sends both into tears.

And my absolute favorite, "I am not your maid!"

They both have tears in their eyes when they went out to the bus. I felt terrible. I told them I loved them and to have a good day. Miranda wouldn't look at me as she said, love you and James said a very sad "ok".

A few minutes later I get a text from Miranda saying sorry about this morning that she loves me and that I should have a good day. I send her one back and marvel about what a mature girl she is.

I get one more text that says James is sorry too. I send another one back to James telling him that i love him.

All is well.

Sibling Rivalry

I always knew I wanted two children. I dreamed of two kids, the best of friends, telling each other secrets, laughing and giggling. (Just like me my sister!) I was blessed with two beautiful children, who light up my life every day.

Now... the best of friends they are not. They both know exactly what to do and say to drive the other up the wall! James shows off when Miranda's friends are over. He runs around the house yelling, "MIRAN - DUH!" He digs through her stuff, tells on her, tries to get her in trouble, you know - normal little brother behavior.

Miranda will "boss" James around, try to discipline him, and the absolute worst thing: "How come Miranda always gets to: (fill in the blank). " It's tough being the little one sometimes.

They do love each other very much. They support each other, are proud of each other, and every once in a while, have fun together. One night, after a basketball game, they were all wound up and started wrestling. I of course started yelling things like: Someone is going to get hurt! Be careful! OK enough! I eventually gave up and went and got my camera. Mike and I watched and laughed for about 20 minutes while they were laughing and giggling and genuinely enjoying each other.

Ok so maybe the secrets will come later.

Wrestling Part 2

P.S. Just to let you know, no child was harmed during the wrestling match.