Day 9, Wed. May 2

Today was another day at my other job.

But when I got home to my sweet children, my primary job required more patience, love and compassion.  For some reason, when I come home from week the kids start this weird behavior.  After they come hug me and tell me how much they miss me, they start wanting me to pick them up and hold them.  I can't hold two kids 2 1/2 and 4 at the same time.  So they start whining and crying and pouting.  All within the first 5 minutes I have walked in the door.  Usually before my mother-in-law has even left.  This is really trying on your patience when you haven't even changed out of your work clothes and you have two crying children on the floor; in front of you mother-in-law who then says, "they haven't acted this way all day". Of course they haven't, they were saving this wonderful behavior for me!!

I need suggestions... I mean I look forward to coming home and then I want to leave.

It usually lasts for 3-5 minutes and then they are either in timeout or I have caved in and turned on the TV for distraction. 

I made a great, healthy dinner.  Salmon, veggie rice and steamed broccoli, cauliflower and carrots with cheese sauce.  Everyone ate their dinner, which was a miracle in itself and we were off to the pool.

But let me back up.  Dinner Time.  This is really important part of our day.  I have made it one of my own rules not to skip the family dinner.  It is the best time to have everyone's attention and talk about our day.  I had this almost every night when I was growing up and it was really important.  If we make this rule now and get it into our schedule for everyday, when things start getting busy with sports and social calendars in the future, both kids will understand that this part of the day is non-negotiable.  Therefore new rule.
                     #8. Always have dinner together as a family
This should be do-able, even on the days that Matt works late.  Usually I don't offer snacks between waking from nap time (5pm) and dinner time (6:30ish).  Unless the wake up at 3 or 4pm or unless Matt is having his late Thursday night and wont get home until 7:30pm.  The kids are getting used to not getting a snack and they are eating really well, because the are hungry at dinner time.  Imagine that??
PLUS, I am no longer a short order cook.  Everyone is eating the same thing = whatever I am cooking for dinner.  This has been my mantra for about 2 months and it is working.

So today was a VICTORY too!