Good Mama has left the room

Some days I'm not all sweetness and light (dh would say most days!). As one friend would say, Good Mama is no longer here. Bad Mama is, so watch out! Usually I only feel this kind of grumpy exhaustion at the end of the day when I've picked up for the 1000th time and there is clutter everywhere. Again.

Today, I've felt like Bad Mama all day.

Doodle is in an uncooperative, back-talking groove. Lulu, while making the transition to one nap a day has now decided that no naps would be better. And is she ever grumpy! When this one's grumpy, she doesn't want to be held, but she doesn't want to be put down, either. She smacks. She whines. She frets. But doesn't sleep.

And they're all so loud. All the time!

When I wake up, I'd like just 15 minutes of quiet to get my day going. There are lunches to prepare and breakfasts to set out, but after that bit of work, I really just want to sit, knit and say my morning prayers. This is not to be. Somewhere (under all this grump) I know that I shouldn't expect it. Mothers don't get "quiet time" or "free time." Someone always needs something, and it always has to be me meeting that need. I know I should pray for patience, and see them as blessings and gifts.

But the Bad Mama in me is stubborn and demanding, just like they are. I want my 15 minutes, and I'm not saying please.