Bedtime Rush

When I was younger, before I had kids,I made a commitment to my future children. I swore I would always look when I was asked "Look,Mom!" and I would listen when my kids would tell a story.

And, for the most part, I've been pretty consistent. Not perfect, but consistent. If I was going to grade myself, I'd give me a "B-". Definitely a passing grade.

It's not easy. Sometimes,the "Look, Mom!" is for something so mundane and ordinary that I honestly can't help but feel I wasted 2 seconds that I will never get back. Like, shoving a straw up a nose. Sometimes, it's something spectacular that is worth more than any dollar amount. Like, dressing the dog in a shirt and tie.

For the most part, I play the part of the attentive, patient mother during the day.

Until bedtime.


For the love of all things holy and pure, that clock hits 8 o'clock and those children cannot move fast enough.
I try giving plenty of warning, plenty of time to get all the brushing, pottying, drinking done so it doesn't feel like a rush.
But, I cannot get rid of my children tuck them in to bed fast enough!!

It's like them being asleep by 8:30 is life or death.

"You can't find the matching top to your Mario p.j.s?  Too bad!! Get in to bed!!!"
"You want to show me how you can do a back flip from your bed to your brother's? No way! Get in to bed!!""
Long gone is the attentive, patient mother of the day.  Now, they are dealing with angry,impatient mother that is slowly going insane all because you are not asleep and leaving her alone to watch Hulu.

Luckily, my husband, who has not spent all day with the children and thus actually has patience stored up, says their prayers with them, prayers that consist of more than "Help Jeven not be a spazz tomorrow. Amen." and helps balance it all out.

But, for the record, if we were to hand out grades for cooking or hair braiding, I would totally get an A.  My husband cannot claim the same thing. Just sayin'....