Cabin Fever

Joelle's reason for this: "It is snowy!"

Dad provides entertainment in his own way.

Girls swimming inside

Addie's swimsuit is on under her clothes. She didn't stay out like Joelle.

Joelle proved she could stay out in 30 degree weather with just a swimsuit.

As most of you know, I am not fond of the cold weather. I don't care for the snow and I think being cold should be on the pain scale. Now I have another reason, children. Having children in the house all season long makes them antsy, grumpy and into trouble. In one week alone Joelle and Addie, the dramatic redhead duo, dumped bubble bath on their bedroom carpet (it is nearly impossible to get rid of!) and shoes. Reason: "I wanted to make goo." The next day they were taking a bath. I was in the bedroom with Gabrielle. Found a load of clean clothes (from their dresser) in the bathtub and water on the floor and in their room. Reason: "I wanted to wash my clothes." Next time I was out running, Jeff was home the girls. I came home and to my horror saw Addie's hair in all different lengths, and on the floor. Joelle's hair was also cut. Addie's dress was cut up, the bed sheet, and her hair bow. Reason per Joelle: "I wanted to give Addie a hair cut." Fortunately, I called up a gal in my ward and asked her to help me fix their hair. Addie's hair now looks cuter than before. One day I had to take a shower. Heaven forbid mom has to take a shower. Joelle threw a tantrum and threatened, "If you take a shower I will get into trouble." That child! I told her there would be serious consequences if she did. I went ahead and took my shower and sure enough she got into the hairspray, lotions and the handsoap. It was toxicating. She even said "I told you I would get into trouble." She was certainly under my wrath that day. Today was vicks vapor rub, all over their bedroom. The house now reeks of menthol. Reason per Joelle "My baby was sick." I don't know if they will ever learn their lesson. How much more punishment can I give them? Am I lacking in my parenting skills? Maybe I should have been keeping a closer watch on the dramatic redheaded duo but it is challenging when there is a little baby that needs my attention. I think the girls know that and take advantage of the situation.

A few weeks ago Joelle put her swim suit on and stated she wanted to go swimming. I told her it was way too cold outside. She kept insisting that it wasn't too cold for her. I then said, okay. If you can stay outside for 10 minutes in your suit I will let you go swimming. I didn't think she would be able to stick it out there that long. To my surprise the stubborn girl did. I was able to talk her and Addie into swimming in the bathtub. They thought that was great.