We made it!
I have to say that at the start of this week I was regretting it, but after finishing it, I had such a great time. I learned some really good lessons this week, tought some really good lessons, and had an amazing time with my children.
We started building a system of rewards for positive behavior, and punishments for wrong behavior. The kids really got into to these concepts and became much better helpers.
Emotions ran the gamut from sheer happines to utter frustration, but we made it. And I want to do it again. 
Here is a short list of the successes:
- House stayed clean, dishes got done, and toys got picked up every night.
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner got served at the same time, everyday, on a clean kitchen table.
- On time for school bus every day.
- Little boys took a nap everyday at 1pm – 4pm. (Had to separate them, one upstairs, one down stairs)
- Naters peeed in the potty and got to play video games. (still hoping for the poop)
- Dale Jr. rode his bike with no training wheels.
- Went out to dinner at a “fancy” restaurant and all the kids were very well behavied, even got dessert bought by a kind man that said I had “a fine family”.
- Made a chore list and kids helped clean and check off the items on the list.
Here is a list of the challenges we faced:
- Fighting amongst the children (all of them at one time or another).
- A bit of whinning at the begining of the week.
- Dirty looks, name calling, etc.
All in all I am so encouraged with our family. My only regret is that I did not do this sooner with them. Daddy’s are so important to the development of their children. It is not easy and I dont think it is suppose to be. The lesson I learned this week is that I can do more than I have been doing, and more than I thought was possible.
Of course, I am very ready to see Karry!
