Living with Steam Rollers

I have four steam rollers. Their names are Abiel, Judah, Asher and Elianna! I'm supposed to be the yard manager, but these steam rollers have minds and wills of their own. If I'm not on top of things, before I know what is hitting me (several times a day), I'm flat on my back being run over by four very powerful little machines.
Heath has hit his first busy season at his new job. In January, the work started picking up to consistent movement. By March, it was non-stop movement in his 9 hour day. At that point he said, "I'm not sure how it can get much busier." Well, now we know how it can get "much busier" and they are telling him it isn't even the worst yet!! :-) He's gone by 6:30 and home by 8 or 9. The amazing part of all of this is that he is LOVING his job AND he's doing a wonderful job at it! The reason I share this bit in my steam roller scenario is that Heath's busyness has affected the state of the yard. Typically, Heath gets home by 5:30 and I'm "off" with the kids. He's the referee, jungle gym, bedtime routine patrol, conversationalist. I'm just the housekeeper after 6.
The first couple weeks of his busyness, we made a few adjustments to the schedule in the yard. But the more tired I got, the less I could manage the yard and the more I found myself flat on my back! By Wednesday of this week, I had a minor blow up (maybe the kids would call it major). I realized what was happening and then we had an hour of reinstating the rules of the yard: what gets dealt with and what gets rewarded. The rest of the week has been so much more pleasant! I'm hearing WAY more "Yes, Mom." "Can I help you with that Mom?" and WAY less arguing, disrespect and disobeying.
It's so necessary to have grace in the transitions and to reinstate the rules now and then! Though there was a moment of Mount Mommy Eruption, I am super excited to say the whole process has been quicker than it used to be, more effective and carried out with more peace. Hopefully, we'll be able to maintain order in the yard during this week of spring break. Pray for me!