It was as if the admission of guilt of frustration for the kids was all I needed to gain some patience and perspective. Yesterday was a great day spent bonding with our 'new' kids, playing outside, reading, joking, and getting to know each other. I scored 119 (I'm pretty sure illegal) runs playing cricket with the boys (hey Dad, The Slugger is back!) and Nina and I have earned quite the rapport with the kids for our skills and voices during the dramatic telling of the Three Little Pigs (she as the Pigs and I as the Big Bad Wolf.)
We ended the night by giving out Tootsie Pops in celebration of Nina's birthday, which would come to back to bite us later on. After a delicious birthday celebration at George's we returned at almost midnight to find the lights on and the kids crawling about like animals. After a stern warning to 'Get in bed, now' the lights finally went out and things quieted down. But at 1am, a wired Thomas stumbled into our room asking about bracelet making, and another hour later I awoke to arguing, the lights on once again and everybody awake. By this time I had adopted my middle-of-the-night-evil-mother-voice and warned them that if they didn't get in bed RIGHT NOW, they would be sorry. Somewhat of an empty threat seeing as, what do you take away from children who have nothing? (Which leads me to understand more why physical reprimand is the norm around here.) That was the trouble in the beginning, but now that crafts and games have been sent from the USA, we have a bit more leverage. So this morning the balls, crayons, puzzles, and games are jailed in our room in hopes to make a statement and ensure a good night sleep tonight.
Lesson learned: Don't give candy to a bunch of rowdy kids before bed unless you too want to be up all night.
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