Whew! (Part 1)

By far the worst week of the year in the life of a mother of young children is the week after daylight savings.

Those kids just CAN NOT let go and sleep in another hour!

Which wouldn't be so bad, if it didn't make them all incredibly grouchy. I've heard enough whining, crying, yelling and pestering to last a life time.

Thursday was probably the worst day. In the morning I had three kids (and possibly four) crying at the same time over ridiculous things like twisted socks, and not being able to find backpacks that are in plain sight.

It's hard to know what to do because punishment just makes them feel worse, nothing (other than the sleep they're missing) will make them feel better, and I know they'll be normal in a few days.

By Thursday, though, we'd had enough and just started putting them to bed again at the old time. Ruby, Moses and Linus bounced back pretty quick. Herbie is still finding his groove.

Friday Ruby greeted me in the morning with,

I don't ever want to do another bad thing again, Mom!
I want to follow Jesus, and not be cut off from God's presence! 

("Cut off from God's presence" happens to be one of her favorite fall back answers to gospel questions.)

Me (wondering what had brought this on): That's great, Ruby.

She ran in to Woo and said the same thing.

A few minutes later she said that she didn't want to go to school.

Me: You don't have school today, Ruby.
We're going to parent teacher conference.
Aren't you excited?
Ruby: No.

On the way there, she said that there were things we couldn't talk to the teacher about, but would never say what they were. She hid behind me from her teacher, sat on my lap the whole time, and then it finally occurred to us that she was very nervous about what was going to be said about her.

Woo's promise of an ice cream eased her fears (and her repentant attitude, unfortunately).

Herbie told me of a conversation that went on when the kids rode with Grandma and Grandpa.

Herbie: And then Grandma asked if Moses was cold.
He said no, and Grandpa said, "You were supposed to say 'es', Moses."
Herbie: (giggles)
Me: And did you laugh?
Herbie: No.
Nobody laughed. 

(thinks)

But, I was happy a little bit.