As much as it saddens me to admit it, our home as been so peaceful since Mr. Adventure moved into the boys' ranch. I'm certainly not sad that the peace is present, I just hate that it had to come the way it did.
We now have family game nights where everyone has fun, everyone gets to participate, everyone follows the rules, everyone is respectful of one another, everyone likes being together. We go on outings and don't have to ask the other kids to 'stand over here and stay together' while I wait for Mr. Adventure's tantrum to end. I can see our elementary school's number on our caller ID and not have to stop what I'm doing to go pick up an out of control child. My other 4 kids don't have to play louder to drown out the sound of raging coming from his bedroom. I've stopped looking around to see if he is watching when I get a knife out while cooking. I don't worry that when I'm lighting a candle he'll see where I keep the lighter. I haven't been contacted by the police, questioned by CPS, or had to explain why his room is stripped down to the bare walls and floor to friends that come to visit.
To be able to open all of my kids' bedroom doors every morning and be met with nothing but smiles has been so nice. To do laundry and not cringe as I reach into the basket for fear of what I may stick my hand into is wonderful. Being able to redirect my kids without having anyone scream that they hate me is awesome. And it's bizarre that I'm experiencing all of these things for the first time since becoming a mother of 5 kids over three years ago.
I certainly would not have hoped for things to go the way they have, but I'm thankful that we have found a way to create a peaceful home for 4 of our kids. I will continue to pray that Mr. Adventure will find a way to live peacefully in his new environment.
