Quiet at Layla!

Okay...I am convinced that the decibel level at Layla House (our kids orphanage) went down by about 60 percent when they left. There are about 140 kids at Layla but with the removal of our 3 children I am sure there is a HUSH over the compound there. Prior to going to get them we had some serious conversations with our three kids at home. We warned them that they needed to learn to not shout, be calm, not scream because our new children might be traumatized by it. ALL I can say is that I think the only one in this house traumatized is ME...I of course am kidding but I keep saying SHHHHH, BE QUIET (in full shouting voice)...My house is truly ALIVE and LOUD...And these kids fit right in....but we are teaching them the word CALM....

School was again great for the kids and we had a great day with the exception of my having to put the girls to sleep early again because they insist on not looking at me and laughing while gabbing on and on in AMHARIC laughing while I am trying to tell them serious stuff. Remember....the sat night live skit at the nail salon where the Korean manicurists are saying awful things in Korean about the girls nails and laughing...SAME CONCEPT...

But I am also learning. Here are my advanced parenting tips to myself now that the kids have been home a week and I am getting to know them.

If you want to decrease the volume...take the loudest of the pack and place them in a quiet separate place in the house.
ASSIGN chores---These Ethiopian children actually appreciate and thrive on something to do.
Don't allow the two youngest (Jared and Ella) to sit next to eachother ever.
When Jared sulks distract him with keys or some manly responsibility..."Do you want to open the door of the car? Do you want to press the button on the trash compactor? Can you get the remote control for mommy?
Sometimes ignore the innocent hitting that just is in play...(ie pick your battles)...only reprimand the angry dangerous hitting...
Don't let the girls shower together...they still have not figured out that there is NOT a drain in the middle of the bathroom floor.
Always make sure Ella is wearing a belt. Her little behind likes to stick out of her jeans and she thinks it is really funny.....and wants to wear little heels at the same time..not a good look for a 6 year old.
Remove any lotion from the house that you do not want to be used generously. The children LOVE LOTION.....but hate anything Lavender (buy lavender for yourself and you too will have lotion).

And a little sign of financial hope today....been praying about the house. Still haven't sold it but found out that we may have to come up with 7k less for down payment on the house which is really a blessing and will help a lot. So keep the prayers coming.

Deanna