The kids had a snow day on Friday and another one yesterday, making today a false Monday and putting an end to their four day weekend. Winter has officially hit Long Island.
The day began like any other weekday, some breakfast, packed lunches and snacks, strange outfits and running down the block while the bus patiently sits at the corner with its doors open, ready to swallow up reluctant children. The day is in full swing with lots to get done.
By the time the evening comes, I sit on the couch with a cup of coffee ready to relax, a reward to myself. Sometimes I make a mental list of all the little tasks that I was able to do and I feel accomplished. I sit there all “Carpe Diem” and “Zen-like” feeling proud of myself. You did a good job. There will always be more to do, but you chipped away at the ol’ block today! You owned it today. It’s usually around this time it starts . . .
“Go to bed,” I say slightly above my typical speaking voice. I can hear pattering feet above me. I decide to make my trip to the bathroom a surprise inspection, popping my head into their rooms while they scramble like cockroaches to their beds and fumble under the covers.
It’s only a few minutes later, their little voices are carried throughout the house, usually giggling or arguing and lots of shushing one another.
“Get in bed,” I shout out, with hope that they will instantaneously feel tired and fall asleep.
Skipping over the dreadful details, the evening typically concludes with me explaining to myself, out loud, that I am not being unreasonable by asking them to go to bed. We did everything that had to get done, it was a packed day and now its time for sleep. Simple.
If the phone rings and I decide to have a conversation, not work related, not bill related, just a casual, shoot-the-shit phone call, I find myself every few minutes pulling the phone away to scream like I have a disease. I am forced against my will to frequently get off the couch to sort them all back into their correct rooms and beds.
Just a few of the things that fly out of my mouth almost every night.
- I’m done!
- I’ve punched out!
- So much happened today. How are you not tired?
- That’s it! You’re all going to bed a half hour earlier tomorrow.
- Please just go to bed. Please.
- Now you’re thirsty? Really?
- GO PEE THEN!
- It’s a school night and because I said so, that’s why.
- The kitchen is closed!
- NO! I have already tucked you in twice, now you’re on your own!
- SLEEP!
Not sure what I am doing wrong here, but by the time they all settle down, I can’t even think straight. Any creativity to write or desire to read has been drained and I just sit there in shock.
Right.
Here I am next to a coughing kid and I am drained. No sleep tonight. Sigh. I completely get you.
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Oh no! I hate it when they are sick! Hoping for a speedy recovery for their sake and yours! Thank you for understanding. There are times I feel like I am going crazy and going to lose my mind – thats when someone tells you to cherish every moment LOL Feel better and thank you for taking the time to read!!
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I feel your pain, wish I had an answer for you! Just remember, we get our payback with grandkids…. we can spend time with them and send them back, all sugared up to their parents, to keep THEM up at night 🙂
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LOL so many years of planned revenged!! Yes, I will get them back one day. Thank you for understanding and taking the time to read! We aren’t alone, us parents need to unite!!
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My mother used to tell us, I kid you not, that she turned into a witch after 8 p.m., so we had to be in bed before that. Now that I’m a parent, I soooo get that on levels I never did before.
I keep thinking how sweet it will be when my own kiddos are parents – and when my younger brother (who has yet to procreate but whose eyes I hear rolling every time I try to talk to him on the phone) has children of his own…
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Lol your mother is a genius!! Thank you for understanding.
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My mom also did the “turning into a monster” thing, it’s too bad we don’t get it until we are in their place ourselves. I have an older brother who made comments about how his future kids would be as he watched mine misbehave….. and now that he had kids it’s funny that I hear no judgment from him anymore…. 🙂
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I have no solution but I live this near enough every night, so I sympathise with you!!!
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Thank you! That is really all one could ask for. 😃
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😘😘
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I say almost the same exact things to my kids every single night.
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I am so glad I’m not alone on this one! Thank you for taking the time to read!
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I’m just so glad you are back. Long time , no see. Or should I say Long Island, no see.
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I think you share this crazy world of motherhood with so many others. Those phrases you say each night should probably be printed on a t-shirt so you can just point and save yourself some breath..:) this too shall pass, though not soon enough I’m sure..:)
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That is a great idea! Lol. Now I know what to suggest for Mother’s Day. Matter of fact I should have a poster made and hang it in the hallway. Lol. Thank you for taking the time to read and understanding.
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Love this one, and the end message which applies to life in general.Take it all on and be present. Oooohmmmm…Easier said than done at times. Unfortunately, I can relate to ALL of this post. Anddd, I am often the one on the other end of the phone while you are pulling it away from your ear to scream like you have a disease. I too suffer from this chronic malady. It’s go the F@#% to bed-itis. Good times my friend, good times indeed.
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I am so happy they have named the disease! The question is, Is there a cure? lol Don’t answer that! I know you know all too well the emotional bedtime drama.Thank you for always taking the time to read my friend! 🙂
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Just liked your blog. Here’s mine: http://pocketsfullofloveblog.wordpress.com
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Thank you!! I’ll def check it out! 😀
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