Say that again Say that again

I don't know exactly when it started but lately I feel like all I do is repeat myself. And not just the typical "It's time for bed" stuff. Everything from "Let's go outside and play" to "Time for dinner". I am making myself crazy repeating everything. So yesterday I decided enough is enough. I'll say what I need to say once. I had asked the kids to put toys away. No one responded. So I put all of the toys into a giant hamper and brought them into the basement. (I was wanting to take A LOT of toys out anyway, that just seemed like the right opportunity.... they don't need to know that thought) Joseph today was sitting and relaxing (it was as close to a timeout as you can get without actually being a timeout) while I was feeding Hannah. After a few minutes I told him that he could get up and look as some books. He didn't hear me... so he wound up sitting for like 10-15 minutes. Worked for me, the house was quiet! :)
How do you train your kids to hear your voice above all others? When I was teaching children's church a few years ago we had a guest speaker. He did a game with the kids. He taped a line on the floor in a zig zag pattern, then he blindfolded the first "contestant" The rules were this: follow my voice. Everyone else could be loud, shouting, calling directions... whatever. His voice would lead him down the zig zag path and to the end and the prize. It was a great game. The lesson was that we need to listen to God's voice. There will be noises and people trying to get us going the wrong way. If you are still, and listen, there will always be that familiar voice calling to you, telling you which way to go. Cool. Hmmm... maybe I answered my own question. Maybe we should go play that game. Where's the tape?