Mommy gets mean

The last several weeks I have felt like I am a parenting failure. Blake and Hunter's behavior was getting worse and worse. Hunter has been wild, defiant and pushing every boundary possible. Blake has been getting wild at times but also disrespectful and unappreciative. Most who have been around me know that Ben and I have a little different form of punishing our boys. We are a military house, so we have military type discipline ;) Front leaning rest, invisible chair, jumping jacks, etc. In the past this has worked very well. Lately, not so much!!! I have also tried spanking, time outs and early bedtime. Sunday I finally decided I had dealt with more than enough! Here is why...

As we are driving to the zoo I had to pull over to nurse Parker. I sat in the middle row seat to feed him. I looked back to talk to Blake and saw that he had colored all over the arm rest and side of the van next to his seat! I was mad. All I could think was that I was taking them to the zoo and that's the kind of thanks I get for it. I considered turning around and going home but at this point Hunter was being really good for once so I didn't want to punish him too. I told Blake that I would be thinking about him punishment throughout the day. They were pretty good at the zoo. We had a great time and the weather couldn't have been better. On the way home the boys were laughing and carring on. It was dark so I couldn't see what they were actually doing. Then I felt water on the back of my arm! They were having a water fight in the back of my van! I hit my limit and the punishment...

We got home. I told the boys to go get ready for a bath and I would come in the give them a spanking and start their baths. I had them bend there naked bums over my knee and gave them an old fashion spanking. While they were in the bath tub I packed up every toy in their room. They went straight to bed. They are grounded from toys, TV, movies (in van or anywhere), and any kind of treats for at least a week. Blake also had to write "I will not write in the van." 50 times. After a week we are going to reevaluate their behavior and see if they can have any of their priviledges back. Results so far...

I was amazed at their behavior yesterday. The were both WONDERFUL!!! They played well together, spent a lot of time playing with Parker, built tents in their room quietly, and were really sweet. Maybe they finally realize that mommy means business. I just threatened Hunter with a bare bottom spanking today and he straightened right up :) I'll let you know how the rest of the week goes.

On another subject...I get to take pictures again this afternoon :) Meredith is wanting some pictures of Brock and Ashton. We are going to play around on their family farm. I have some great ideas and can't wait to see if we get some good shots. Should be a great evening. I always enjoy spending time with them.

Few more days and we are off to St. Louis :)