It has not been a smooth morning around here, and sadly, its pretty much all my fault. Its hard to own that kind of thing, but I am definitely FAR from perfect, so may as well admit it.
After such an exciting day yesterday, I had higher hoped for today. But of course, waking the kids from dead sleeps in the morning is always hard. They weren’t in the best shape, and I’m not in great shape on a good day, so we’re quite the family right now. Seriously, if its been a while since you’ve been around us, you’d notice the difference. We are all a bit ragged and grouchy. Christmas break can’t come soon enough. I am SO anticipating not setting my alarm, and on the days that the kids sleep past 8:00, actually being able to let them!!
The kids played fairly well this morning, with little issue. Our trouble came the moment anything was asked of them. And I mean anything. Our usually routine is the kids tidying toys up while I put lunch together. It happens that way every single day, but today, it was the end of the world. Despite all of the warnings (10 minutes, 5 minutes, 3 minutes, 1 more minute!) they seemed to be caught off guard by the time actually coming. Tidying came with weeping and fighting and the dragging of feet and gnashing of teeth. My. Goodness. I was not the example to follow this morning, as I sadly lost my cool and exploded at my children. As a clear headed individual would expect, that solved nothing, and it still took a million years for the toys to be returned to their places and the kids butts to be at the table.
Putting the boys down for naps amidst my quiet, embarrassed apologies is one of the worst things. I HATE doing that, but it would’ve been a great injustice had I not apologized for my behaviour. Solly snuggled into me, no problem, and seemed to feel like the air was clear. Rowan hugged me so tightly, told me he forgave me, and that he loved me. When I joined Laela back in the dining room, I apologized to her as well, and she gave me her token forgiveness face, when she tilts her head to one side, blinks her eyes more than seems natural, and nods. I told her I was sorry for yelling and being so harsh with her, and she forgave me and assured me that she loved me. Praise the Lord for my loving children, who are quick to forgive their ridiculously emotional/hormonal/rude/impulsive mother.
The air is clear, but I am now tired. More than my usual level of tired. Exhausted from how things played out today. Time to put my feet up and watch a movie with the girly. And drink some pop. Because I can’t stomach coffee right now, and we all know how badly I need a boost!