I've been reading several other people's blogs and have been grabbing ideas to implement in our household from everyone. I recently adopted the acronym family meaning. (Each letter of your last name represents a character that you want to work toward as a family. e.g. O= Orderly) That has changed our whole house's attitude toward everything. The kids, my DH and I have really taken this to heart.

With their dad working 2 jobs to keep our heads somewhat floating above water right now, it's been stressful on me to be a mom and a dad from 9 AM til 10 PM. It's the way things work right now. And though it could be quite stressful and hair-pulling, this Name Acronym has been an amazing reminder to me, maybe more than my kids.  One of the words we've chosen to use in our acronym is "united." Instead of, "That's not my job this week!" or "But I didn't make this mess!" I have been asking the kids if their last name is DuBose. If they answer in the affirmative, they must realize that being united means working together as a team and doing what they need to do to help us out for our event for the night.

I was flustered the other evening when after taking the baby upstairs to get our night clothes on, I returned downstairs to popcorn scattered throughout the floor and clothes that I had just folded strewn out unfolded everywhere. "But Mom!"

I was at my wits end. A half an hour after their bed time, they were still up finishing our movie night. I shut the movie off wanting to scream and yell. My response, however, surprised the kids (and me) I simply asked them if they were DuBose's. They looked at me as if they wanted to say, "Not tonight!" I gengly affirmed them that I do not eat off their dishes, I do not dirty up their underwear, I am not the only person to use the toilet, yet I clean all these things. And though I may ask for help, many times I do them after they have gone to bed, for I am a DuBose and I love my family. Therefore, I do my part as mother and wife, tto be a DuBose. There was no argument. Everyone pitched in like it was the ninth inning and the second out. (Cuz at 8:30 at night, it was!)

They worked like angels. They worked peacefully and diligently and what harmony we had right before bed. It was so peaceful.

Tonight is date night, and although its too cold to go outside and leave the house with two sick babies, we will be taking the time to spend with each one of them. I have to run an errand, however, before date night commences, so I'm leaving behind a list of TEAM ACTIVITIES...things that need to get done before I return. I'm sure that after a long day of school and play, they'll work well together.  Dad will be here tonight coaching us and encouraging us (Encourage is another of the DuBose words) as he leads the team to a victory so we can celebrate tonight.

I can't wait. I'm so thankful that God has been speaking to our family about our attitudes and how we treat each other. Our house has been full of such peace lately. I'm so thankful for that. So, go Team!!!!

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