Make or Break Deal

Having children is something I always wanted. I've loved working with children from the time I was twelve years old. It was my calling..my passion, if you will.

When I had Paige at the sweet age of 22 (one month away from my 23rd birthday), I thought everything I was became complete. I discovered a hidden well of love hidden within me that threatened to overwhelm me on a regular basis.

Fast forward to the third child.

It takes all I got sometimes not to knock a head off around here.

I completely agree with the old saying: "You have to teach a child to be good; you don't have to teach them to be bad."

Lawd, how true is that one? I feel like I work nonstop from sunup to sundown trying to teach these kids of mine to go to the Good Side...to stay awake from the Dark Side. And I gotta wonder if I'm succeeding sometimes. I really do.

I try to incorporate my schooling into raising my children. I try to reward them with correct and moral ways instead of the easy time saving ways.

I always try to start discipline in a calm, smooth voice. Then when no one listens (which is every SINGLE time), I move to a slightly louder firmer voice. Again, no one listens. I go to the next level of a LOUDER more threatening tone. THEN, when that doesn't work? I usually end up saying, "IF YOU DON'T LEAVE YOUR BROTHER/SISTER ALONE, IMMA CUT YOUR BUTT NINE WAYS FROM SUNDAY. DO YOU HEAR ME? HERE I COME!!!!" That usually gets their attention...for a minute.

Having and raising children can feel like a make or break deal sometimes. I said it can feel that way. Any parent worth their salt will tell you there are times you want to run screaming naked in the woods never to be seen again. (That totally would not work for me here living on a military base. Sure, there are woods...that are patrolled and I don't feel like a bunch of Marines finding me in a naked state and foaming at the mouth.....) We get worn out and tired. We need breaks from our wonderful home life in order to re-charge the batteries so to speak. It doesn't mean we don't love our kids...it just means we gotta find some lost sanity before we are committed to the nearest asylum.

We are a lovey bunch here at the Edge. We tell each other we love each other. My favorite thing lately is that when Vitt goes to bed at night, he doesn't kiss you on the cheek or lips. He has to grab hold of your cheeks, pull your head down to his level, and then kiss you on the forehead. It is precious and I hold that warm fuzzy feeling close every time he does it. He counteracts this sweet act by finding my magic cough medicine and pouring it all over the floor. Checks and balances, people.

I have despaired of all three of my children ever getting along. I know they are far apart in age, but they really need to get along. I mean, they are the ones who will be making decisions for me when I am old and decrepit. I NEED them to get along. Yet, they fight still. Pull hair, tease, hit, etc etc. I know this is normal for siblings...but I yearn for the Nirvana of a peaceful home. I can't help it.

Then, one day, you turn on the television to find that there is a new Japanimation cartoon on. It is full of color and action to the highest degree. You notice that all three of your babies gravitate to the couch in one accord to watch this animated marvel. You sit there and watch them watching the show with this goofy grin on your face. Because the sight gives you hope. It gives you a good bona fide reason to keep trying every day to raise and love these kids who grew under your heart.

And this is where I say......Thank you, Lord, for Japanimation. You have the power to bring my children together, if only for 30 blessed minutes.