Kristie

I just wanted to say "thank you" to everyone for being here and sharing your
ideas and encouragement. I know I am an ultra-newbie, but I am already seeing
positive changes in my kids and it is so encouraging.

I don't know if you remember, but I had mentioned my 10 yo and 13 yo boys being
very competitive and mean to each other - well, since I am not enforcing a
bedtime, they have been staying up late together to watch TV. I have heard them
in there laughing, playing and wrestling - having FUN together for the last two
nights!!! That hasn't happened in a really long time.

Today I noticed my 13yo joking and playing with the younger kids. For a while
now he has just treated them as annoyances, so I was really happy about this,
too. I can tell he is a lot less stressed.

Yesterday the 13yo 10 yo and 6 yo decided they needed to exercise, so they spent
time running on the treadmill, doing situps and pushups!

I have been loving that I can say "yes" more often. A lot more often. In the
past, I would not have let them use the treadmill. While making breakfast the
other day, the little ones wanted to hold an egg. In the past I would have said
"no!" but I gave them the carton and let them look all they wanted.

I could go on and on...but I am just really excited, and really happy (instead
of stressed) for the first time in a long time!!!

Thanks again,
Kristie

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