How Did They Do It?

Honestly! How in the WORLD did women raise families of 4,6 & 8 children? If I could travel back in time, I would be very interested to see how they managed to stay sane. Seriously, there weren't "happy pills" like there are now so how did they manage to keep themselves together all the while dealing with a crazy flock of children? I really used to consider myself a strong woman but these days, I feel like the weakest link by the end of the day. All (mostly) due to the screaming and fighting that occurs in my house....no, no. Not between me and the hubs but between the two little DD's that have sprouted horns on their little heads. Below you will see a "Before" shot that was taken at the beginning of one particular day....and this really fits ANY given day in our household....

Awww, aren't they sweet??? HA! Fast forward, oh....maybe an hour and you will find a different picture....

I used to be able to say it was all the older one's actions but these days, it seems pretty split. Little d2 has figured out how to get under d1's skin. The only difference is that a good, stern "NO!" brings d2 to tears. With d1, we are still trying to figure out what makes him tick (and what will deter his behavior). We cannot figure out how to curb his aggressiveness ~ he's not like this with any other child, just his lil' bro. We have tried everything from time-outs (does NOT work with this one), spankin's (we love and believe in THE Dr. Dobson but he needs to meet this "Strong-Willed" child), reward systems, taking things away, etc. Everyone tells me it's the age and at this point, I'm ready to agree because if it's not, then OH MY GOODNESS!!!! At least with that theory, I have a light at the end of the tunnel. To all of you that have successfully raised boys (without having the neighbors calling CPS), GOD BLESS YOU!!! And I'm open to suggestions.....