Enough....

My sweet friend Anne told someone the other day, in my presence, that "Amanda is the most positive person!" hummm. Some days. I would like to think most days. I try very hard to monitor the words from my mouth. Long ago learning that it is just best to not say anything. I do this very well with adults. I am not as good with my kids. I feel like many teachable moments would be lost if I did not stop them right then and talk.
As Carlton has worked and earned privileges I have been quick to see good results for him......I have begun to use the words with our other children....but just was not ready for such a traumatic lock down(lol..my thoughts to the extreme over haul required). I have parented children on a honor system. You respect and honor the family and rules of this house and you maintain a nice level. With my rowdy crowd today....my system is not working. I am truly amazed, and I can say amazed, that my children are not respectful. Scott and I are respectful. We do model this. Kind of reminds me of the christian perspective "example or works". Many think that if they are good examples they will bring others to Christ. True and not true. What if Moses had told God, "How about I just stay right here in my comfort zone and be a Great example. If I live here with my family safely and quietly, I think others will see the my life and my love of God." Thank goodness he did not stay, his faith and love required action. That action spoke very loudly. Sometimes example is enough, sometime action is enough, but usually our lives and service require both!
I have decided that my example and "talking" to my little people is not enough. Action was needed. So as of today, all my little girls have left the "big girls addition" and are now all rooming in one room. We are back to where we began. Now, they will earn what privileges they have. If they want to have their own room, they will earn it! They will earn it with respect for self and others. Respect for self and others property. I suppose the final straw was the mess they made in the big girls living room, trash everywhere, but most sickening was Sarah's History notes book, full of notes and tests and papers for the whole year.....all strewn everywhere! Frustration is not even a good enough word. It was the straw that broke the camels back. I cried. Cried because I could not put it back together. Cried that I have children who would not respect others property. Then I stopped crying and moved people.
I wish that people would just do the right thing. I wish I could. I wish there was a clear and obvious "right thing" all the time. But there is not. I wish that "mother knows best" was always right...lol. But "mother" is just like everyone else.....trial and error.