Full Metal Jacket

My wife is a pleaser and nurturer. The Lap-Band was a big step and choice for her because it was just about her. She spends a lot of her time trying to please others and make them happy. Especially our kids. They are spoiled by this treatment and take advantage of her desire to make sure that they are fed, clothes washed, and generally ta-ta'd as much as possible. Don't get me wrong, it's been great for my son who loves her to death. And my daughter really has learned to be a lady and what is and isn't appropriate. Her boys have always had it, so it's what they think is normal.  Overall it's healthy I think, the kids trust her and have great relationships with her. I call her Indulge-O........because anything goes.
"Hey Mom, we wanna build a fire on the roof!?"
"Okay boys! But be careful and wear a hat...I don't want anyone getting sick!"
But you gotta have balance right? Enter the Equalizer.....that's me above....Full Metal Jackets' Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (without all the nasty language, and hitting of course) ....at least with the boys. I struggle being the disciplinarian with a girl, it's just not in my nature.
But the boys.....look out. I joined the military at 17 and that was my family for 12 years or so. I can't be fooled, tricked, or bullshitted. I feel obligated to make sure they understand that their Mom can't do it all forever. That it is disrespecting her to leave their chores to be done by her kindness. I think it is who they will become as men. I force them to help, especially when Theresa has a lot on her plate. They know that if I come through the door in the evening and they have trashed the kitchen.....it's on. Full Metal Jacket.
Destroy your room...Full Metal Jacket.
Leave all your stuff all over the place...in the trash can....and Full Metal Jacket.
Give your Mom shit......Full Metal Jacket.
Last night Theresa was feeling sick but they kept bugging her for stuff......you guessed it.....FULL....METAL....JACKET.
I think we have achieved a state of Zen with the kids because of this balance, but they are teenagers...and must be monitored closely. They can smell fear.

I hope everyone has a great weekend....it certainly has been a long week here. I wish upon all of you happiness, no stuck episodes, and the ability to eat your shoe if you want to on Saturday night! But then back to being real tight on Sunday......it's all about balance ladies!

I'm Listening!