Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Isn't Family Night...

...supposed to bring the family closer together?
The night started out with a great idea for our Family Home Evening-go to Jill's and let Trent fix a couple things. The kids were excited to go see Jill and Brooke as always. Unfortunately, they didn't behave. Aiden spent a good part of the night in time out. Upon arriving, Jill told all the kids not to touch her Christmas tree (which is beautiful), so what is the first thing Aiden does??? You got it, he touches the tree. Time Out. Jill had a curtain rod on the floor and I told the kids not to play with it, so what does Aiden play with? Time out number 2. The night continued like this and by the end of it that kid was pretty close to being beaten. Before you judge me because of that last sentence just know that there were a couple other events earlier in the day that led up to Trent and I having no patience left for Aiden's tactics.

And not to single Aiden out completely, the rest of the Hoard was having issues too. By the end of the night we told the kids we were going to put big worm bugs in the ears to make them hear us and do what we say. You know, just like the new Star Trek movie when Niro puts the big slug in Captain Pike's brain to get him to do what he wants??? Ya, we are psycho parents, but Andrew didn't like the idea of a big bug in his head. Maybe the threat just might work...And once again, before you judge us, maybe come and take over our household (watching 5 kids, meals, cleaning, laundry, AND working) for a couple of weeks and then we can talk.

So, I am thinking that next Family Night we are all going to go to separate rooms and ponder the complexities of life. No interaction with each other = less of a chance of yelling parents and time outs. Sound good? It sounds 'Heavenly' to me.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Ha ha I will never judge you! Like I said before the fact they are all still alive is more than I can say if I had 5 kids under 4. And hello you are a great mom and I have yet to see you yell at your kids!

Annie said...

I don't think a single person would ever judge you. Just praise you for making it through each day and maintaining your sanity!

Tavan said...

Oh yes...I remember family nights..someone was always in trouble!!

melissa said...

No judgments here. I have way less patience with my kids than you and I only have 3.

Stephanie said...

I am guilty of wanting to beat Alex so no judgement here!

Andrea said...

Whoa.

Whoever said family home evening would bring families together was high...(just a figure of speech--don't want to be struck by lightening). But seriously, fhe is the only fight that starts and ends with a prayer!

Jamie said...

LOL! I'm laughing at that picture of Aiden and Andrea's funny comment. She hit the nail on the head, didn't she? And come on, who would ever judge you for surviving 5 toddlers? You are doing a great job as far as I'm concerned!

Allen's said...

Our Family Nights consist of boys literally jumping off the walls and fighting. I am not sure what we do even sinks in..hopefully it will someday pay off!

Maga said...

I'll try and ship you some patience as I don't have much even in my calm life. Just look forward to getting old and not having any kids around to entertain

Brady and Jenna said...

Amy I can guarantee that every parent feels the exact same way. Yours is just timesed by four other little ones around the same age. You have your hands full for sure and handle it so well. We already can't wait to hear the stories when they are teenagers.

Sarah said...

I don't care how many kids you have, I get SO annoyed with parents that don't discipline their children. I really don't think you can "rationalize" with children that age. Sometimes you just have to show them who the boss is so they learn!!

P.S. I don't want to sound like a total psycho. I am against the true meaning of child abuse - I don't want anyone to turn me in or anything :)

Based on the facts given - you are totally in the right here!

Jake said...

No judgement on this end. I think you guys do an amazing job. I appreciate consistency. We have had friends come over and when their kids have left, our house is destroyed and jackson had been hit, and othersise beat up. Keep up the good work.
J

Unknown said...

Heh heh. I just read "Isn't family night supposed to bring the fam together" and took one glance at the pic and I didn't really have to read any further. My brain automatically thought: "Ah yes, time out during FHE." Fact o' life, you know? You're amazing.

Kim said...

Haha...Aiden. You're amazing parents to your kids...and mine. I just don't know how you do it with "six" kids ;).

Angela said...

haha! I don't think you need to worry about anyone judging you! Gotta love Family Night, right?