Show Me the Fever!

Brayden has had a bit of a cough lately - and has been quite tired. I talked to him last night that there might be a chance of staying home if it didn't improve. Big mistake. He woke up tired and cranky and 5 minutes before we were to leave for school he talked me into staying home.

I had some plans for the day, but nothing that had to be changed because he stayed home. So, off we went to meet John to sign something, go to WinCo for gingerbread house candy for Mikayla's upcoming party and Bello to repair the damage Mikayla did this weekend to her hair with scissors. (her face is now "framed" with layers....). I am realizing just how lucky I am to have just Mikayla to run errands with because my experiences with an additonal kid along (Brayden - or cousin Nati yesterday) have sent my blood pressure soaring. (This is a medical fact, as I went to see a doctor immediately following my trip to Target with Nati and Mikayla and it was very high.... it could also have to do with the very painful headache I had at the time...). These are some of the comments that were repeatedly uttered from my mouth at various volume levels that make me so proud of my ability to be a good mom....

"If you had been listening, this wouldn't have happend!"
"It's not all about you!"
"That's enough!"
"I've had it with this behavior"
"Seriously kids, I'm about to cry, please stop."
"You are part of a family, I'd like you to start acting like it."

Needless to say, it wasn't an ideal day. Added to this list were also these phrases:

"I love you guys so much"
"Are we all better now?"
"Thank you so much..."
"You guys are doing a fantastic job together"

The negatives outweighed the positives today, but even after a serious discipline consequence with Brayden, he assured me he was still happy he stayed home. I, on the other hand, will need to see a temperature above 100 degrees the next time he tells me he "has to stay home" - Or, maybe not. Maybe the look in his eyes, the ideal of a happier day together, and the notion that he won't be 6 forever will have me saying "OK" again........