The Life of Spaguyswife » Family

#029 Pachena Bay and The Spa Kids

chrystal — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:32:11 +0000

It’s a family friendly episode and the Spa Kids are in the house. What was I thinking? We attempt a vacation recap but for some reason the conversation just keeps going back to the bathroom facilities! Fortunately it’s a short episode and after lots of editing our children “almost” appear well behaved.

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A Fond Farewell

chrystal — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 05:17:54 +0000

We lost our kitty Misty this week to what we believe was a run in with one of the undomesticated critters in our area (that’s Rod’s story and he’s sticking to it). To our dear furry friend you will be greatly missed. Thank you for being a part of our lives for the past two years, for making us laugh as you gave in to your schizoid personality, leaping up walls, chasing lights, bugs or anything else that moved. You were shy, skittish and only cuddled on your terms but we loved you anyway. I’ll miss you most while I’m working in the garden, where you were always nearby, making sure I was doing the job right. May your new home be filled with many lights and a never ending supply of tuna.

MISTY
MAY 2005 to AUGUST 2007

Payment for Peace

chrystal — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 18:05:42 +0000

Concentrate on the picture above. Put yourself in this happy place, feel the tranquility of no cars, no electricity, sounds of lapping water on the beach and the buzz of hummingbirds nearby. Cut to the reality of same place but brother and sister fighting for the umpteenth time over God knows what and Mom (yes, me) completely losing it.

I have been with my children for forty six days straight and though we know the love is still there and strong we’re just not feeling it very much these days. I did not book any summer day camps this year, Dad has been working really long hours and bar a few play dates it has been the three of us 24/7.

I couldn’t stomach a weekend at our beautiful retreat coupled with constant bickering over trivial things so I proposed a challenge to my two charming children. If they could get through three days without fighting I would pay them $10 each. I know it was a bribe, I was desperate and I am not proud of it. We are not big believers of cash rewards as incentives and still struggle with the whole allowance scenario.

Our daughter just had a birthday and has quite the stash of cash. Her comment “Brody, it’s only 10 bucks!” She has also admitted in passing that her favourite thing in the whole world is to fight with her brother. My son on the other hand was an easier sell. He is broke and really wanted to purchase a new video game. They negotiated, agreed and then we all pinkie swore that the challenge was on.

The kids swam together, played together and supported one another. At one point a disagreement started but they shut it down quickly! Bribery tactics or not, three days later we were a happy, intact and calm family. The cash was gladly paid out and a video game and Webkins has been purchased with the “winnings”.

This little challenge wasn’t my best parenting move and will probably haunt me down the road. For the most part though, a week later, they are still getting along and right or wrong this has been the best $20 I have EVER spent.