Relaxed

I had a wonderful week after Christmas, Nate took the week off as well and it was the perfect remedy to our busy holidays. I still have a lingering cough that makes me feel tired and since it rained a lot this past week it was perfect for lounging, reading, movies and sundry of other pleasant activities. Sunday was a little dismal because I had the blues about vacation being over and starting school again, but it wasn't too bad a day, although 2 children have had several large discipline issues.

My baby cussed today at Amanda and that has filled me with trepidation about the future offenses. We never allow family members to say shut up to each other, but once the first kid did it one time all the others have followed suite no matter the consequences and we have yet to completely eradicate it from their vocabulary, so I am worried that this will proceed in the same manner. The word of choice was a dozy and I am kicking myself over the fact that he even learned it in the first place. Several months ago a boy his age was here visiting us, he used to be part of our circle but has since moved away and now attends public school. He told Luke that he had learned a bad word and then told him not to tell anyone about it. Luke came to me immediately and told me the whole story, which made me feel good that he didn't want secrets, but sad that my little bubble of protection was broken. I was not upset with this boy, I know these things are bound to happen eventually, it is just frustrating because Luke does not have the maturity yet to understand the consequences of this yet. I only hope that the discipline was enough to make sure he doesn't have a repeat. I have assured the older boys that if they decide to try it they will rue the day.

I'm glad that this has shaken me up, because I can't imagine how many of these scenarios we would have to go throughif they spent more time away, and although I actually don't mind discussing these things with the children, I have greatly enjoyed the luxury of keeping them children for as long as possible and for the most part introducing topics when I think they are ready not on anyone elses time table.