The Spring Break that needed fixing

I was grateful to have a week off from the normal routine (whatever that is) and try to do some fun things with the kids. I had a few things planned, but wasn't quite sure how to fill up more time, not spend a ton of money and not fall into the watching TV all day slump. WHY? Because I knew the weather wasn't going to exactly cooperate, spring has been elusive in these parts up to this point, so outdoor activities were pretty much not an option.

Let me just say that Emilie and Ada have the ultimate love/dislike (I don't like to use the word hate when it comes to people) relationship. I know most siblings have this relationship, but I think it is different because they are twins. Last week (the whole week) was Spring Break for us and their relationship during the week seemed to favor the dislike side all week.

Now, may I give a bit of an explaination of my two oldest children. They are homebodies. Really no other way to say it. They have been clingy to me most of their life. They don't like change, they don't like new situations, they don't like the unknown. Now I know that these things can be normal for most kids. But, on a scale from 1-10 and 5 being normal - my kids are a 9 and sometimes a 10. And quite frankly I struggle with it - a lot. There is no worry at the moment for overscheduling kids at our house. If any thing we are underscheduled. They refuse to participate in any extracurriclar (sp?) activities unless I am participating with them. Even then it can be a very frustrating experience because they are extremely clingy and shy, and there are usually tears involved. I have suggested swimming lessons, gymnastics class, art class, sports class, dance class etc, etc. All to get an answer of "NO! Not unless you stay with us." Let me just say I am grateful that they go to school and love it! But, that being said - our current battle is getting them to the dentist. They have to go to the dentist by May 15th or no first grade. Every time I bring up going to the dentist and explain to them that they can't go to first grade unless they go, I get tears and screaming "I don't want to go to the dentist. Why can't we stay home with you next year." Yah - not a option.

Without turning this into too much of a vent session (probably too late), by the weekend I was truly at the end of my rope with frustration. Without going into all the details (it would take way too long!) let me sum up the week by saying between the twins there was way too much TV (we are entering TVAA - TVaholics anonymous) lots of fighting, whining, complaining, crying. And lots of yelling, yes by yours truly. I felt so defeated, like I was a horrible mother, that I could do nothing right. If I may use the same comparison as a friend of mine (hope you don't mind Chelle) I am the captain of this ship and we were way off course! But after a good weekend of reality checks (thanks to Genereal Conference) an attitude adjustment (by me and we're working on the kids) and a new week, we are going to get this ship back on course.