Unoccupied Messes May Bring More Power

Matt went back to school today, and the medicine sitting on the table for the past 5 days found its way back to the cupboard until next time. I knew the end of his sickness was approaching because I kept finding unoccupied messes around the house again; a sure sign Matthew's better.

While Matt was sick, Travis earned a "WHAT A GREAT KID" coupon by making Matt toast, setting up a movie for him in his bedroom, and letting him borrow his water bottle.
Thankfully, Grandma took care of Matthew last Thursday, so I could shop with Travis to spend his reward. Apparently, it was burning a hole right through his pocket, which isn't good because he only has 2 pair of pants that he'll wear. And they both happened to be dirty this morning because I had no laundry soap.

Luckily, I was in possession of my mother powers today because I didn't have any money to buy more pants or soap.

My car will be leaving in 10 minutes. You can leave hungry or not hungry.

Travis had other priorities besides eating. He was frozen in his room unable to pick an outfit for school after I vetoed his idea to steal from the dirty pile.

What I did next is exactly why Tom picked me to be the mother of his children and why Travis will someday be well adjusted.

My car will be leaving in 2 minutes. You can wear clothes or you can go naked, unless you want to put on some underwear.

Matthew asked Travis on our way to school, "Why are you naked?", to which Travis replied, "I'm not. I'm wearing underwear."

There are at least 100 ways in which I won today, but mostly, I am celebrating how cool I remained through the whole ordeal; never giving up my power.

And although he didn't earn another "WHAT A GREAT KID" coupon for his behavior, I think I earned credits toward my doctorate in parenting, or maybe I just earned more power.