Why don't they listen the first time???

I will never understand why exactly children have to be told something a million times. I honestly think I've given birth to two of the worlds most hard headed children.

Chance has to be told 35 times to brush his teeth. He has to be told 33 times to pick up his clothes out of the bathroom floor. Do I really have to tell him to lift the toilet seat? Well, the answer to that question...YES! Turn off the game, Chance...lets see I can't even begin to count how many times that's said. Wouldn't it just be easier to listen the first time. Lots of this stuff has to be done everyday so it looks like at six years old he'd figure it out. Oh well....I guess I'll just continue to tell him and tell him again. I do love that little guy and he doesn't have to really be told to keep his room clean. That's his space and it drives him crazy for it to be a mess. Just a little more time I guess and he'll get everything else!
Layla, well lets see here. She has to be told clean your room at least 72 times before she will even begin. Pick your shoes up out of the middle of the floor. Layla did you hear me ask you to pick up your shoes....Layla....can you hear me. Finally a response from her, although it's a growl under her breath and she's finally moving. She does however, brush her teeth anytime anyone's in the bathroom, and she doesn't leave her clothes laying in the bathroom floor.
I ask my children all the time why they don't listen. Chance's response is I didn't have my listening ears on. Call me crazy, but isn't that something you are supposed to have on at all times. I mean isn't it mandatory? Layla's response is I will listen, mommy. I guess they have all intention of listening when we tell them to do things, but they are much better at ignoring us.

Here are a list of excuses we hear all the time:
Chance - I want to finish this level
Layla- I don't want to
Chance - My legs hurt
Layla - My legs are broke
Chance - I gave that to Layla, its not mine
Layla - Chance did it
Chance - I don't feel good
Layla - I'm coughing

I love them both with all my heart and regardless of what this all sounds like, I do look forward to the new excuses that they come up with. Until next time, God Bless!