The Nitty Gritty of Raising a Teen

The Nitty Gritty of Raising a Teen

Our 13 1/2-year-old has been playing basketball since third grade. At one point in time, she was called the “honey badger” because of her assertiveness on the court. Granted, early on, it may have been misguided as she growled when someone guarded her or took the ball away, pushing her to angrily stomp after them or push their arms out of her way so she could get around them. She was her own free spirit, with the end goal in mind of getting the ball. She continued to improve on her skills and took the time to practice on her own, in addition to attending school team practices and park and rec games.

Video footage of the Honey Badger in action (look out for #50!!!)

Moving into middle school was hard. Since there was no sixth grade basketball team at her new school, she joined the club team. It did not go at all as we had expected. The coaches had established a system of who earned spots in the court, which was somewhat predetermined from previous seasons as they worked on getting to know the newer girls to the team. Being new to the school and environments with a new set of peers, our daughter was not the type to climb a mountain to prove herself. She wanted to play because of the simple fact that she just enjoyed playing. Her self-esteem plummeted for various reasons that are tough to revisit as a parent seeing your child sit through tournaments with little court time while others got a breather off the court only during time outs. It was clear the compilation of minimal play time led to less confidence on the court, creating a vicious cycle of self-deprecation. As parents, we advocated for her the best we could. Reminding her of the positive plays she had on the court, trying to hide our own disappointment that it was only a few minutes at a time, and one mistake leading to being pulled immediately with little chance of redemption. It was tough to watch as a parent, but we continued to be her biggest fans. We recognized what she was and where she had potential to go if given the right tools and encouragement.

Skip ahead to summer going into Freshmen year. I encouraged her to join an open gym. The first week she missed, blaming it on newly placed acrylic nails she just put on. I told her the following week I really wanted her to go. She begged to quit, at a point screaming at me that I always force her to do things she doesn’t want to do. I asked her to go once; try the new coaching staff, get to know the HS facilities, etc. She fought it tooth and nails up to the point of drop off… 

When I picked her up, she was a new child. Seriously! There was a sparkle in her eyes as she explained which of her old teammates were there and that the HS girls coached her. I asked her if she enjoyed it and she returned my question with a slight upturn of a smile on her face and a nod. “Glad you went?” I asked. She nodded again and started talking about her shoes and ball and the fact she does want to try the school team this year.

I told her I was glad and hope she understood my pushing her was not for my benefit, but for hers, not wanting her to pass up a sport she once enjoyed and hoping the clinic would make a difference in her views.

As I write this blog, I can hear her belting out songs in the shower, happier than she’s been in a while.

Being a teen is hard work. I am thankful the day ended as it did, despite the rollercoaster she’s had over the past few years, it was nice to see the spark return and see her confidence soar.

In addition, helping guide a teen is also an adventure of highs and lows. Sticking to your gut instinct of what will help them, even if it means encouraging them as they dig their heels in the ground, helping them overcome feelings of disappointment brought about by situations beyond their control, and challenging them to power through will hopefully help build resilience, perseverance, and confidence. I am grateful it worked out this time!

Advice from a Young Priest

I went to MS religious Ed class tonight as I teach the 7th graders. Our daughter missed tonight due to having a runny nose and head ache and staying home from school as an extra precaution. It’s been a chaotic time, with many of the members of our household having already been quarantined and tested for COVID multiple times. Truth be told, I was not looking forward to attending tonight’s reconciliation evening and just wanted to come home and relax. Instead, I made supper for my family and bolted out the door before it was finished cooking. 

Let me tell you... I needed the calm tonight! As I sat in the church pew for adoration, I realized how much I truly miss the calm in our life. One of the teachers did such a fabulous job leading the Examination of Conscience that my mind raced with answers to her questions; some responses affirming I was doing well in a given area and other moments making me grimace behind my mask, knowing I missed the mark.

When it came time for confession, I was prepared to open my heart. I admitted my anxiety has caused me to be impulsive and irritable with my family. My frustrations from a long, stressful day at work sometimes get carried over to my interactions at home and I am far from proud to admit this. As much as I try, factors beyond my control heighten my stress levels. I find it difficult to trust things will be okay.  My mind races with the “what ifs”.

Before giving me my penance, Father summed up my confession by acknowledging that many feel lonely during this time, but many of the things I mentioned are similar to that of other confessions he has heard throughout this pandemic.  Regardless of our thoughts that we are alone, that is truly not the case, as Jesus is always with us.  Father’s wise response to my transgressions will be something I will plan on doing daily throughout the season of Advent.  I want to take this moment to challenge others to do the same...

Say “Jesus, be with me” or simply even saying “Jesus” (meaning “God with Us”) to start my day or any moment I am in need of comfort and support. 

Life may not be predictable, but this is one thing that is for sure... God will always be there with us, through thick or thin, and for that I am grateful.

As I sat back in the pew, with my eyes fixed on the monstrance, I realized how blessed I am to have Christ right here, in front of me and there whenever I call upon him.  He is surely the calm in the storm.

COVID-19 Shenanigans

We are back in school, going strong, then, one-by-one, the common cold descends upon my family.  First, it's Lucille, with a slight stomach ache over night and a headache.  She's fine the following day, so heads to school.  Comes home and a headache returns, but nothing a little Tylenol can't cure.  Two days later, Gabriel begins feeling congested with a stuffy nose and a headache.  We take his temp and it is within normal range, so he has a choice to go to school and he does.  At 10am, we get a call from the school... he now has a fever of 100.3 and is heading home to quarantine for 14 days, or 10 days if he tests positive for the coronavirus (anticipating a positive test would mean he likely already had it in his system for 4+ days, so hence the lessened time out of school).  We take him into get tested Friday afternoon and receive results back Saturday morning, via a phone call, that he tested negative for the virus.  

My sister-in-law texts us that her husband isn't feeling good (chills and achy) Saturday evening and will be getting tested.  We find out on Monday that he did test positive for the coronavirus.  We have not seen him for almost two weeks, however, I did go to the Holy Hill Art show with my sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and my niece, my brother-in-law's youngest daughter.  Ironically, her husband has been working remotely (from home) as has my husband since March/April, when the initial Safer at Home mandate began

Sunday, late morning, Noah begins to complain of a headache and felling stuffed up.  We decide to just allow him to stay home on Monday as an extra precaution.  Noah gets a text from a friend, stating his name was called on the loud speaker to come down to to the main office at school... (We already called him in sick anyway, but somehow this was not in the system quite yet?)  Noah anticipates this is likely because he was "exposed", as this is how the school is telling kids, having them quarantine in the office until a parent can pick them up.  Sure enough, we get a call Monday morning, stating he was with 6-feet for 15-minutes+ (current CDC guidelines of potential) of a classmate who tested positive and he needs to stay home for 14 days if negative and 10 days if positive.  We call the testing site and it is recommended he get tested 6 days after exposure (9/18), which would be September 23rd.

In the meantime, Ryan is also starting to get stuffed up over the weekend, feeling absolutely miserable and unable to breath.  Shortness of breath, which he believes is likely his sinuses being full.  His employer, knowing our son was contact-traced, requires my husband to quarantine and get tested himself.  He sets up a test for him and Noah for Wednesday, the soonest they can get in.

I begin getting a running nose on Monday evening/Tuesday morning.  Feeling it is likely this "common cold" Lucy had a few days ago and thinking it will pass as Gabriel, too, is beginning to feel better, I head to work. (In addition to the fact he tested negative.)  By Tuesday evening, I begin sneezing uncontrollably, as Ryan points out he was doing the day prior, and needing to blow my nose non-stop.  My throat is like sandpaper and my temperature fluctuates from the average 97.6 I am to 98 to 99.  I am not sleeping well because of my throat and sinus congestion.  I roll over at 5:30am to check my phone and see a confidential email, stating I may have been exposed and I need to go in for testing as I have been contact-traced to have been exposed within my school district.  I call and tag onto my husband's already made appointment for 3:05pm, a "drive-thru" testing service at the clinic.  I spike a fever later in the evening of 100.3 and head to bed early after filling a basketful of tissues to leave me with a raw nose from blowing it so much. Three cups of tea in hopes to ease the pain in my throat later, and I finally fall asleep, waking up periodically to check my My Chart for test results. 

The sheets from overnight are soaked from my fever eventually breaking, however, I feel about 80% better, with the slight residual soreness my throat, and ready to go back to work.  I check my "My Chart", the electronic charting from Froedtert clinic, and find my long anticipated test results to be negative.  Joyously, I announce to my husband and text my principal, asking if I am able to come back today.  Shortly thereafter, Ryan checks his results and he is positive for COVID.  I re-text my principal and he rescinds his initial invite for me to return to school, letting me know he will get back to me.

Noah's test results came back later in the morning via a phone call.  He, too, is negative.

Due to my husband's positive test, we all are required to continue to quarantine.  Lucy will need to quarantine for 14-24 days; the boys and I for 14 days.  (As stated above, we are told a positive test result means the kids can return to school in 10 days; a negative test result would be 14 days. The fact that Lucille had symptoms without getting tested may be the difference in protocol?)

I spent the morning setting up My Charts for the kids, since children the ages of 12-17 cannot have access to their own medical charts, nor can I access their charts without signing off as a Proxy.  This way, if we need to go through testing again the results will be dropped into their My Charts vs us having to wait for a phone call, a difference between a few hours of getting the results via phone vs. in My Chart.  One of my employers told me I can return to work on October 5th, when my husband's Quarantine is over, another said to take care of myself and just go virtual so I can continue working if I feel up to it.  The third place, the school district, I have yet to hear back from for directive.

Raising Three Teens in Christ

It's been a while since I last wrote, but I do feel my passion for writing remains lit, however, the time to do so has dwindled.  I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and decided I want to spend some time documenting this current "parenting stage" in our life.  

Raising three teens has been tough and rewarding all at once.  The intellect and conversations had with the kids have presented both moments of blessings and snap-shots of challenges.  Allowing them to have a say in their life choices, yet holding the bar and expectations high enough to continue to guide morals and values are adhered to along the way, with discussions as to the whys and how what we do affects not only ourselves, but others as well.  Allowing them to experience autonomy, while still expressing the fact that we are a family unit and each member must also obtain the connection of dependency on one another, and realize the connection of choices affect other members of the family unit in a positive, negative, or possibly neutral way, is an ongoing message.

Reality of getting the First Day of School Teen picture

                                                          Edited for a nicer "post-worthy" version 

                                                  ***Reality check: Put on masks before entering bus. COVID-19***

Most recently, the discussion on returning to Mass during COVID has come up.  The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is lifting the dispensary and expecting families to return to the physical building.  Sounds like an easy fix to just get up and head back, but we are not only fighting the fear of the pandemic, but the laisse-faire of being used to not going any more.  Kids are back to working Sunday brunches, wanting to sleep in for at least one day after an exhausting week two of in-person school after a 6-month hiatus of virtual learning and summer combined, etc.  We are fighting the mindset of what is necessary to maintain a connection to our faith vs. what is comfortable and convenient.  We all have different ideas of what this truly means.  I have no doubt my children maintain faith for God, but the sacrificial part of giving up "me time" for "God time" is something we continue to navigate as a family.  Push too hard and it will steer them away; fall into a pattern of dismissal to the need for Mass and the importance of attending becomes less and less important; the value and reasoning behind attending Mass diminishing each time we do not put it at the forefront.  

My goal, truly, is to bring our children to the threshold of the "doorstep" of Confirmation and allow them to decide, on their own, at which point, they can follow-through in the finalization of their Catechizes (or not) into the Catholic Church.  I pray they choose the later.

The kids wanted to sleep in... I honored this and woke them up around 8:30am,
letting them know the oven was preheating for breakfast,
which was going in in ten minutes and would be on the table in ~45 minutes.

This morning, I set the stage with food for the body, knowing this is necessary to move onto food for the soul.  We ate breakfast and I utilized the online link recording of Mass with Fr. Patrick my father sent me and we sat down as a family for virtual mass.  It was not perfect, with our oldest in the middle of making hot cocoa prior to sitting down, the dogs needing to be let out midway through, and I being the only one going around to give hugs for peace and responding out loud, but it was what it was.  We were all there. We were all "present."  We all heard the Word of the Lord and listened to the message of forgiveness.  For this, I am thankful.  (It turns out, I found out afterwards, that one of the reasons for lack of response was that the request was made for the common prayers and responses being printed... something to improve the virtual mass experience in the future.)

That's all we can truly do is "set the scene" and let our children know the importance of setting aside time for the Lord.  Today, my husband and I did just that.  Raising teens, as my parents have reiterated to me over and over again, is not an easy feat.  But we try, and we will continue to do so.  We also need to remember that they are not in the same place we are.  They may not find value or importance in the very same things we do, but we can lead by example and reinforce and encourage when they make choices that are in alignment to leading a Christ-driven life.

As I dropped Noah off at work, shortly after our family's attendance at the virtual mass, I simply thanked him for allowing that to happen and for him joining us without rebuke.  I let him know I'd like to get back in the habit of attending Mass because I believe it is important and I am thankful for the rest of the family joining.  Some day, I am hopeful we will return to church in person, but, for now, the two or three (plus two) gathering in His name will serve as initial steps back to the Church.

I then made my way to St. Peter's Church to pick up the Catechism materials I will need for this upcoming Wednesday, a way to stay active in the church and reengage our family for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year of religious ed classes.  I had the opportunity to speak with Eileen Belongea, the church's current Director of Youth Ministeries.  She patiently listened to my concerns and frustrations, assuring me that the continuation of guidance and modeling of my walk with Christ to the kids will, some day, pay off.  It was the very conversation I needed to refill my batteries as well, to be truthful.  Though she wasn't expecting me, she set aside time to go over the format of leading the middle school small groups (as I had only subbed at St. Peter's up until now), and for that I am grateful.  She also mentioned living with her sister and her family, witnessing the stages of waxing and waning of teenage engagement and verified I am not alone in the scenarios I described.  When I got home, I apologized for being gone longer than expected and thanked my husband for his patience with me and allowing me to do what I felt I needed to do, explaining how the talk with Eileen truly helped me continue to process my mission as a parent in the Catholic faith.

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A few weeks ago, with the encouragement from my parents to visit an old friend's parents, I brought Lucille with me, our then 12 23/24 year-old. ;)  Though she wasn't thrilled with the fact she was heading home with me and stopping for a visit with people she barely knew, the kindness and hospitality we were given, in addition to the obvious joy our visit was met with, I believe, really reinforced the idea of putting others before ourselves and reaping the reward of seeing the joy overflow in the sparkling eyes of the recipients of our visit.  We talked about it briefly in the car on the remainder of the ride home.  I wasn't sure of the impact it had on her until she wrote up a summary of how her "faith in action" helped her.  Lucille writes, "She showed us her big Mary stature and it was nice for them because they said they don't get out that much and they enjoyed seeing us."  

I reflected on all the visits my mother and father made to old neighbors and how often times I rolled my eyes with a "do we have to?" or "how long?"  However, I also remember the time and energy I spent in connecting personally to a few of those old neighbors of my mother's in the Waukesha area, one, in particular, speaking to in simplistic "alphabet" sign language and learning a song I proudly sang to him in signs... those visits I once despised were stepping stones in showing me the importance of servitude and giving of self to spend quality time with others.  It also reminded me of the time a year or two back when our son, Gabriel, surprisingly announced he was coming with me to visit the neighbor.  What I've learned is to give them the opportunity to feel the value in visiting others who need it and experience the reciprocated joy and elation when we show up via the host, reinforcing the idea of being fully "present" for those who need an extra visit.  The only way we can show them the importance of being Christ's hands and feet is to give them numerous opportunities to do so, so they can experience, for themselves, the importance of connection and giving of self to our fellow brothers and sisters who are in need of our attention.

To all other parents of teenagers... Be patient. Lead by example. And continue "fighting the Good fight."  Some day, we shall see the fruit of our labor.  HANG IN THERE!!!

                                        

PS Shortly before I finished up this Blog entry, Lucille came into the room my husband and I were in and delivered a piece of lemon cake she freshly made, letting us know, when we were done, to just call her for collection of our plates. #CounttheBlessings

                    

I've got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!

This weekend was definitely a joyful event.  Seeing my last child receive her communion on such a beautiful spring day was truly a gift.  Yesterday, she received Christ for the second time, went out for a nice meal with friends, and ended up at the YMCA for a party with classmates.  I ended the afternoon with getting to my job interview 25 minutes early, just enough time to visit the annexing church and say the rosary.  I only had my old pocket "rosary guide" (no luminous mysteries), so I reflected on the joyful mysteries.  I came home Monday night, wanting to write down my thoughts and prayers as I remember them.  I decided to truly reflect on the Joyful Mysteries with each decade of Hail Mary following, as the pamphlet has suggested, and here is an approximation of what I meditated on.  My interview went well and, as I suspected, the choice which may lie ahead will likely not be an easy one.  Regardless if it is even a choice at all, I thank God for the opportunity of having a special time of meditation with Him in church beforehand to calm my heart and do the best I could to prepare for the interview.  I might go back and change a few things, but it's a start. :)  I felt moved by the Spirit to write down as much as I could remember of the intentions and prayers during Monday's  meditation.

Joyful Mystery Rosary Meditations

1st Joyful Mystery - The Annunciation

The angel, Gabriel, visits Mary to give her God's message of carrying the Savior of the World.

Dear Lord, 

Mary so willingly accepted your request to become the Mother of the Savior of the World.  She did not refuse You outright, or question the "whys" as I often do.  Without hesitation, she accepted Your will with a confident joyfulness that only a faithful servant is truly capable of doing.  Please help me accept your tugging on my heart.  Send your Holy Spirit to descend upon me to help me, too, say yes to Your will.  When I feel as if I am in troubled waters, and want to flee in the opposite direction, please help me remain as courageous and trusting in You as Your love is as steadfast and pure towards me. Help me trust in your path for me and follow in our mother, Mary's footsteps of total trust in you.

meditation on each Hail Mary bead- Your will be done. 

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2nd Joyful Mystery - The Visitation

Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth, whom is also barren with child.

Dear Lord,

The meeting of Mary with her cousin, Elizabeth must have truly been a joyous one!  The fact that Elizabeth was even able to have a child at her mature age is unfathomable.  This was clearly a miracle of your doing.  Your miracles surround us, yet we may be too distracted to truly see your presence in our daily lives.  Please help me to see the small miracles in my life and think of You and Your goodness behind every one of these miracles. 

meditation on each Hail Mary bead- May I notice your miracles.

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3rd Joyful Mystery - The Nativity

The time has come for Mary and Joseph to find a place in which Mary can bring Christ into the world.  By the warmth and humility of a manger, our Brother and Savior is born.

Dear Lord,

Let me always remember to value the gift of life. From conception unto death, you have  granted us a gift that Your son, Jesus, made eternal.  I pray for the unborn children, the frail, the sick, the dying, and those who have served their life here on earth in order to partake in Your promise of eternal life in heaven.  No matter how unworthy of eternal life we are, You have shown us, through your son, that all are welcome, regardless of social status and cultural differences.  Please help me to take joy in life and thank you for the beauty you have bestowed upon us.  

meditation on each Hail Mary bead- Help me value all forms of life.

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4th Joyful Mystery - The Presentation

The infant Jesus is brought to the temple as is Jewish custom, to consecrate Him to God the Father.

Dear Lord,

Without question, Mary and Joseph followed the Law of Moses to offer Christ to You, though it was known in their hearts He was already yours.  Help us, too, draw others to You and Your Son.  Let us not just talk about your goodness, but be your hands and feet with our words and actions.  When the opportunity arises to gather your children to you, please help me have the courage and willingness to help provide that bridge.  Help me be patient with others, offering a morsel at a time to show them Your grace and mercy.  In our willingness to show obedience towards you in times of difficulty,  please accept our earthly offerings as a sign of our love for You.  Help us draw others to You so they, too, may celebrate your abundant love.

meditation on each Hail Mary bead- Help me "present" You to others through my words and actions.

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5th Joyful Mystery - The finding of Jesus in the Temple

The child, Jesus, is found in the temple, preaching to the scholars and priests.  Mary and Joseph are filled with anxiety, finding him three days later in the temple in which they left him.

Dear Lord,

I feel for Mary, unable to find her child after such a long time.  His decision to stay within Your temple was a revelation of just who he truly is.  Christ's presence is alive and with us through the sacrament of communion.  Please help me provide the tabernacle for your body to remain.  Help me keep your home clean and worthy of your presence by casting out impure thoughts and forgiveness for unkind actions.  You are forever welcome in the temple of my heart. Help me pass on your goodness and my faith in You by sharing the stories of the gospel with others as you had done as just a small child.  Draw me close to you, never let me go. 

Please pull me closer to you when I stray. In times of doubt, help me cling to the fact that You are our Father who will provide redemption from the snares of our sinfulness due to your everlasting love for me.  

meditation on each Hail Mary bead-  My heart is a temple for you, help me keep it pure and worthy of your presence. 

A tribute to Aunt Lynn on her first "birthday" in heaven

My smile forever infectious
My laughter now eternal
My hugs go on forever
with every little twirl
I dance with ease
through flowered fields
Whitie by my side
Mama, Daddy, and I united
with Jesus as our guide
All those who have gone before me
met me at the gates
So dry your tears of mourning
And know, some day, your hug from me in heaven
Joyfully awaits

~Auntie Lynnie

Pay It <<FAST>> Forward

Today, I came home early after a rather loooooooooooooooooooooong week and our babysitter was finishing up a craft our children looked to be really enjoying. The plan was to get home early, bring her home, and, since I already had the kids strapped tightly in their seats (so they couldn't bail when they found out we were going grocery shopping), to head to the store for a few items before my husband got home.  They were so engaged with their paint brushes and picking out the "perfect" shades of paint that I didn't have the heart to stop them, so I asked Angela if she could stay just a little bit longer.  This way, I figured, I could make the store run and they could have time to finish up their crafts.  She agreed, so off I went.

Knowing I have absolutely no self control when it comes to shopping, keeping the goal in mind that I wanted to be in and out of Aldi's, I decided to not grab a cart.  With two gallons of milk in one hand and two dozen eggs, a bag of tortilla chips, two bags of baby carrots, one package of regular carrots, a bunch of bananas, a can of Pringles, and a cantaloupe all in a box in a hip-hold with my other hand, I was set to check out.  Now I was three people in and holding all this in my hands, waiting patiently, trying not to grimace over the chill the two gallons of milk were initiating through my arm.  Just then, the lady in front of me turned around to glance behind her, noticing me and she asked if I wanted to place my cartons of milk in the front of her cart while we waited.  Beyond grateful, I told her thank you and explained I was in a rush to get home to relieve my babysitter and knew, if I got a cart, my shopping trip would have been extended and I just wanted to get home. 

As I unloaded my cart, and this lady who offered me her cart began checking out, another lady in an electric scooter came up and began unpacking.  I asked for her permission (keeping in mind that some people find it offensive if you help them) and began helping her.  She gratefully accepted as she continued pulling more and more items from the bags that were tied onto her cart.  Laughing that she almost had forgotten, she reached under her scooter to grab two more gallons of milk, dropping things as she attempted to reach the conveyor belt.  She had four bags tied to the front of her cart and two attached to the back of her seat. Truly amazing!  At this point, I decided to stay and assist her in packing everything back into her bags.  A few minutes wouldn't matter if I also helped her pack up her car...  As we unloaded the last of her bags, it was almost my turn to check out.  At this point, the lady behind the one in the scooter asked the lady if she could cut in front of her, since all she had was a rose to check out.  The one in the scooter agreed as the woman with the rose navigated, with some obvious difficulty, around the bag-filled scooter.  I stopped the clerk and told the lady with the rose she could go ahead of me.  When the clerk checked me out, I quickly packed all my items back in the box and told her I would be setting my items on the shelf behind us so I could help the lady behind me pack up her things. 

Wouldn't you know it?  As I was reaching for my two gallons of milk and sharing my plans with the cashier, the lady who was in front of me, who I had been pretty much paid no attention to after I turned around to see the lady behind me needing assistance, was there.  She told me to go ahead and go home to my children and she would assist since she didn't have little ones at home and it was clear this lady needed help.  Long story short (oops... too late for that!), I was almost in tears thanking her for her kindness as I planned on staying to assist more and she, in turn, noticed this was my intentions and decided to take it upon herself to assist.  It really was a humbling experience to see someone else picking up on paying it forward and taking the opportunity to assist the one trying to pay it forward.  I would have stayed and continued to assist, but I decided to take her up on it, realizing I may have started a chain reaction.  Pay it FAST forward! :)

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"Cast thy bread upon the waters:

for thou shalt find it after many days."

(Ecclesiastes 11:1)

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New story.  Now I am home and enter the bathroom.  Being a teacher, I realized I had not used the bathroom, since I left the house this morning...true story, ugh!  I enter the bathroom and am not at all satisfied.  Hmm... Strategize.... Strategize...Okay, this will be worth it.

I call all three kids into the bathroom.  Gabriel is the first to arrive.  I ask him what three things are clearly wrong in the bathroom and he points out the towel on the floor, the toilet not being flushed, and the toilet paper roll being empty (4.5 seconds).  After two more calls, Noah comes trotting in.  Same question for him with the same answers in a new record time of 3 seconds.  Three more calls (surreal, I know), Lucy comes in.  Same question and her response was "Well, the towel's on the floor.  I'll pick it up." (identification of the problem and within a second is reaching down to pick up the towel)  BAM!  This springs the boys into action.  Noah reaches over Lucy to flush the toilet and Gabe announces he will change the roll of toilet paper and goes about following through. Pay it FAST forward! :)

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Lesson: We can talk all we want, but our actions are more meaningful and powerful than anything we put to words alone, thus starting a chain reaction of others. Following by example.

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