Thursday, February 19, 2009

Birthday Card and Mean Mom Story


I made this birthday card for my BIL. He's a big outdoorsy-hunting-fishing-camping-kinda guy. Thought this would work for him. ;) Stamps are PTI- Forest Friends. The sentiment is actually a dollar stamp from somewhere. The grass I drew in by hand and I just sponged in the sky. The paper is Cosmo Cricket. It all came together really pretty quick.

Ready for my Mean Mom Story?
So homework and chores are always a bit of a struggle at our house. Seems like no matter what kind of incentives I give or what kind of charts I make, it's still a fight. But... I figured out a way to get BOTH boys to do chores and be nice to each other and do homework.
Ready for it?

You sure?

It's kind of mean...

I took away the TV!
New rule- NO TV ON SCHOOL DAYS!

Seriously. We've been doing it for a week and a half so far and it has made such a huge difference. Of course it also means I have a 4 year old attached to me all day. But he's so much happier. And they both are listening better. Ahhh. We'll see how long it lasts! So, there you go. I'm now the meanest mom on the block. And that's OK. :)

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8 comments:

Courtney said...

Oh... you... are... BRAVE! I've got a "No Nintendo in in the mornings" rule. It takes us 15 hours to get ready for school!

Love the card,and I'm sure he will too. The drawn grass is just lovely!!

Lorie said...

I completely love your card...perfect for a guy! And, you are a genius! Whatever works for your boys is great!

Risa said...

Your card is very beautiful Dani and your BIL will love it!
Sometimes us moms have to do what we gotta do, and unfortunately we aren't always popular with the kids. However, one day you all will look upon these days and laugh!
hugs
Risa:)

Deb said...

Hee, hee! My rule is NO tv or Wii before school, and only 30 minutes in the evening (sometimes if I've had a really long intense day, I'll let it go a little longer). Makes a TON of difference! See - you're not the only mean mom!

Kathy said...

Not mean at all!! Hey, if they are happier, it was the right move. Good for you for being strong enough to do it!
Thanks for the prayers too. :o)

Unknown said...

Such a sweet card, meanie. ;)

Lynn Put said...

Great masculine birthday card! Love the combo of the stamps and paper!
Your not a meanie your just doing whats best for your boys! Some day they'll thank you for it!

Diane said...

NO TV????? !!!!!!! That's what you call tough love,lol!
Sometimes a mom's got a do what a mom's gotta do!
Love the card!