Page 171 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

After everyone was served, David said the blessing, and then released them all to dig in.

Tori cut up Isaac’s into bite size pieces and Gid’s into fourths.

She had barely started her sandwich before the two oldest boys were done.

“Daddy, can we please have some more? These are super!”

Before David could answer Tori shook her head. “You know the rules, boys. If you’re still hungry you can have an apple or an orange.”

David gave her a mild look, and then smiled at the boys. “Actually, I made extras just in case you fellows were still hungry. Please, grab me another as well.”

Tori bit her lip, but didn’t say anything.

Fine, you do the budgeting and grocery shopping next time and see how little it stretches. This crew eats us out of house and home as it is, and if you let them fill up on bacon and bagels, we’ll be eating lentils and rice for a week.

She pushed her half-eaten sandwich away.

“After you boys are done eating, please, clear the table, and then come to the school room so we can get started for the day.”

“But, Mama! Daddy’s here! That means it’s like summer!”

“Boys! I don’t want to hear—”

David interjected. “You boys need to listen to your Mama. Me being here doesn’t mean that you don’t show her the respect she deserves. And, we have time for your school work and fun, okay?”

They sighed. “Yes, sir.” Then he finished eating.

Tori set Issac up in the baby corral with some toys and books, Gideon at the arts and crafts table with some playdough, and had the boy’s work books already marked and opened for the day. After everyone was settled, David popped his head into the room.

“Do you have a minute?”

She nodded with a smile. “Yep. This is the more independent part of the morning, so we should have about fifteen. Boys, I’ll be in the living room with Daddy, call me if you need anything, but do not get up, understand?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

They really are such good kids. I should tell them that more often. I wonder what David wants. Whoa. He has his “Dommy eyes” on. I haven’t seen that look in a long time.

She giggled, but her butt clenched at the same time.

He sat in the easy chair and patted his knee. “Come here, babe. Let’s talk.”

She sat down warily.

“I understand that you have to do a lot to hold things together here on the home front while I’m away. And, you do an excellent job of it. But, honey, even when I’m away, I’m still in charge. I’ve been abdicating that spot, and I’ve been failing to take care of you. Would you please forgive me?”

She looked at him, shocked. “Umm, sure, but honey, you’ve got enough on your mind when you’re away. You don’t need to be worrying about me and the kids. We’re fine. I’ve got it.”

“That’s the problem, love. You shouldn’t have to ‘got it’. It’s my job as your husband and their father to take care of you all. So, things are going to change around here. You need to rest more and let go of some of the control you have over everything. No one is going to spontaneously combust if you serve the boys hotdogs and chips for dinner, or let them watch an hour of tv while you take a nap, or buy the premade mac and cheese because it’s easier.”

She started to argue, but he put his finger over her lips. “Shh. I’m not done. Before I leave this time, we will find a mother’s helper together, and she will come three afternoons a week to allow you to rest. Today, we are meeting with the Baxters to get some counsel, and Trish is going to explain to me exactly what your bedrest is supposed to look like. And, you’re going to stick to it religiously, Victoria Anne. Is that clear?”

He did not pause for her to answer.

“If we have to ask some of our friends to take the boys on the days the babysitter can’t be here, then we will. You’re going to accept meals and help from the church. It’s what they are there for, and they want to help. Also, we are going to have daily connection time. Where you actually tell me about your day. What struggles you are having, what things you’re proud of, ways you maybe didn’t obey like you should, and maintenance. Obviously, when I am here that’s easier than when I’m away, but it’s going to be a daily thing from here on out. I want us to stay connected in our roles.”

She listened, wide-eyed. Her stomach clenched more with every word he said. He wasn’t wrong. They really had fallen out of practice with their DD lifestyle. “I guess if being the Head of House makes you feel good and happy, I can try, honey, but I don’t need the helper and all. Trish is just being overly cautious. I’m fine.”

He swatted her leg, not hard, but it caused her to jump. “What was that for?”

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