March 1 at 5518 105th Ave N.

Today was a really good Monday, the sun was out, I got some things done (paid bills, laundry, etc.). Talked to a few neighbors and had a few kids over, including Lola who convinced Jonah to steal my money and put eyeliner on. I sat in the sun for a few minutes just enjoying the sounds of snow melting- but there is still 2 feet out there to melt! I am not really a winter hater - because in the winter I don't feel guilty for staying in all day and baking! But I am excited for the seasons to change, and to see green grass and to send the kids outside. I love the change, whether it's from winter to spring or summer to fall. I bought some new cushions for the porch that give me a little satisfaction when I drive up and see cheery fabrics on our bench. I am excited to sit on them and watch the kids run around barefoot. Jonah is a little speedy squirt on his scooter. He rode Brooklyn home today, and then back again to take Jake his hat. He is my little happy guy, I am glad he is around with me for another year.

There were a few sad moments tonight when Ethan and Eli got home from school. They have been getting in the bad habit of calling people names, and today they both came home with a little bit of an attitude and called me names. And Eli actually told me he hated me.That is not the first time. I was sad about that. How can you hate someone who loves you so much and takes care of you and kisses your owies. That is a sad thing to hear. But then I started getting mad. That is not ok for a boy to tell his mom. I told them to go to their rooms, that I needed to think of a consequence. I called Curtis who was on his way home, and he came home and thought of one. I thought it was kind of tough but good. So Curtis made Ethan and Eli both a PB sandwich, and that was all. They ate in their room and went to bed. They missed dinner and would have missed Family Night but we will have it Tuesday so they can come. They missed buttermilk pie. It was sad and weird to not have those two around for the night. I went up to check and Eli was asleep already. Ethan was in his bed, and he gave Janie a kiss. I think he is ok. It is hard not knowing what to do, but feeling frustrated that home is not a fun place to be when certain people are there. I hope that consequence will help them learn a few things. And if not, we have tomorrow to do it all over again!