I've long been amazed at how my fiance's kids do exactly the opposite of what they are told to do. I even went so far as to look at the two boys Monday morning and say "You must honestly be stupid, because the same behavior keeps repeating itself and you have the nerve to get upset when you are punished."

So, I've decided that my "I've had enough but am going to hold back" is now turning into "I've had enough and if you step one foot out of line, get ready, here it comes."

Last night, the direction was "go to bed and go to sleep". Read this as "be quiet" as well. FW told the youngest "one peep, one giggle and you're in your own bed". The FSD and youngest FSS complied (kinda) and were going to bed in her room. The older FSS decided, despite "go to your bed", that he would go to his sister's room and talk it up. They were having a jolly old time until I walked in. Oldest FSS lost his Xbox priviledges for his last day of winter break and youngest FSS was sent to his bed.

FW got out of her shower and youngest FSS complained about the punishment. He tried to bargain his way out (another tactic I enjoy listening to, cuz my answer doesn't change from NO!).

The sweet, sweet music? I'm paraphrasing but it went something like "If you are given a punishment, then you will need to deal with it. I am not going to change a punishment handed out by _____."

A side note - the little genius didn't think he was punished enough so he decided he was gonna laugh it up some more with his brother. He subsequently lost his Xbox privledges too.

The law in the house is now this - There will be compliance or there will be pain and it will be swift. I ain't getting pissed anymore. I'm just going to hand out punishment like I am reporting the news. No passion or prejudice...as much as I can muster that is...

Something I once said to my kids that I have yet to utter to the FSKids which I stole from a movie (can't remember which) - "Your mother and I are the most powerful forces in your universe right now, so you better pay attention."

Another movie quote - "You ain't seen bad yet...but it's comin'."