Positive Motivation

I'm living proof that the reverse psychology mumbo jumbo REALLY works! I'm not sure why every story I share has to have a really pathetic beginning before I can get to the good stuff, but this one is no different.  I mentioned in another post that I've been lacking in the "hot mamma" department. In my defense, it's not that I don't care. I used to be quite prissy, but these 5 munchkins have been wearing me out! On Fridays Shane and I like to have dates and this Friday I decided to not allow myself the usual pony-tail and just slopped on mascera for our date. Unfortunately though, I woke up to one crisis after another and Lilyanna was fussy and clingy ALL day. I ran out the door at noon wearing flannel pajama bottoms, an un-matching shirt, flip-flops, hair not combed.... (you get the idea) with just enough time to get Alivia to the bus. The whole way to the bus I was thinking, "Who is this pathetic haggard woman running down the street?". Even Alivia who's FIVE did her hair! By the time I got back home, I was fed-up with myself, but I couldn't get in the bath until the older kids got home from school. Then with everything they needed, it took Herculian effort to make the time. Finally, I fixed my hair, put on an out-fit I felt great in, and took time to do my make-up the way I like it. I was a bit late to meet Shane, but it was worth it because I felt so great! However, right as I was running out the door,  Lilyanna had a VERY MESSY diaper. I mean the kind men who have changed diapers have nightmares over. Right as I began to change her, another child started yanking my arm to tell me something, the phone rang (Shane wondering where I was), and Lilyanna decided it was a good time to explore the contents of her diaper. Somehow in all of the craziness, what was INSIDE her diaper ended up on my shirt!!!! True story, you can vomit.  I was in tears and thought, "WHY do I even bother!!!!". I let Shane know that I would be REALLY late now and I changed, doing the best I could to still feel like someone's date and not just a mom who gets dumped on. When I got to where Shane was, he made it all worth it.  He told me how amazing I looked. Then he told me again. Then he told me AGAIN (I think he added a WOW that time or something).  I could tell he really meant it and the first time it was so sweet. The second time, I thought, "okay, he has noticed how I've let myself go most of the time". The third time it was like rubbing salt in my wound. Finally I said, "That's it! Don't you dare tell me ONE more time how AMAZING I look!!!! I'm aware that I don't usually look like this!" Thank goodness he's a patient man!   I have to admit though that what he did worked. I've decided to beat the kids at their own game... I get up before they do and get ready before them! I've fixed my hair and make-up for three days in a row.  I know that it was Shane's reaction that finally motivated me to make drastic changes. I love that guy, of course I want him to be happy! Infact,  it worked so well on me, so I've tried this "positve motivation" on my most "strong-willed" child. I tell her non-stop how wonderful she is. I compliment everything she does and guess what? She's been running around helping before I ask and being a really great kid so that I'll keep it up. Shane is an amazing guy for setting the example for me. He never has mentioned that I would look better in something other than flannel pjs or sweats. He still told me I was beautiful on those days, but Friday was different. He could write an article or something about how to motivate an over-whelmed wife, but the crazy thing is, he doesn't even know he's doing it! He would be so embarrassed if he knew I wrote all of this stuff, but I just have to share it. It's so good for me to look at the bright side of some of my crazy times!