More Mommy than Monk

I had quite a morning.

I warn you though, that the Monk in Mommymonk has left the building. There will most likely not be any deep spiritual message in this post and I doubt I would even try to meditate upon these words.

Normally, I rise early, take a walk (some days, at least), read my Bible and pray (most days) before the kids wake up and snuggle with me on the couch. Due to an overactive brain problem last night (read: insomnia) I did not sleep well and therefore rose with the kids. This might explain my backwards attitude, but then again it might not.

I slapped some Miracle whip on two slices of bread (I don't know what's so miraculous about that white stuff - it doesn't spread itself or anything!), added salami and cheese and zipped it up all while my eyes were half-closed. I hope I remembered to add some fruit to my husband's lunch.

Then, I fixed oatmeal, Golden grahams, and bran flakes, poured orange juice, combed tangled hair and made up the bag for swimming lessons. Three changes of underwear - check. Three towels - check. Shampoo and brushes - check. I set the bag by the door so I could grab it easily as we walked out the door.

I told the kids to put on their suits and clothes on top before they turned on cartoons. Sometimes I wonder if there is a disconnect from my mouth and their ears.

I took a shower, blow dried my hair, put on makeup, guzzled some coffee and snatched a quick breakfast before I checked in on the kids' progress. In suits, but not in clothes, they ignored my request to finish their morning routines and put on sandals to go.

I rushed out to the van, threw in my stuff, turned it on and ran back to get the kids. Maybe, we could be on time today (for once).

Or maybe not.

The bag that I so carefully packed was no longer by the door where I left it. Why can't they just leave my (their) stuff alone!!?!!

One child began looking while the others finally realized I was serious about getting dressed and ready to go. At the pace of a turtle, they clothed themselves while we tried to track down the missing bag.

Ten (TEN!) minutes later, we came up empty handed. Why, oh why, do I bother with trying to get ready ahead of time? What is the purpose??? Some days it makes me feel like poking my eyes out (thanks to my sister for that great expression).

The next fifteen minutes were agonizing. I ranted about the need to follow the fifth commandment (after I checked with them to make sure I had the right one, seeing as how they have them memorized and all...). I raved about keeping BOTH shoes in the same place so we can find them in the morning. I complained about the need to wear clothing (can you imagine?) when leaving the house. I expressed my displeasure with their lack of hearing and wondered aloud if they needed to see the doctor for a hearing test.

And after that, I cried. THIS is not how I like to start my day. All Mommy, no Monk. All uptight and barking out orders; no peaceful, quiet attitude.

Then I wondered if maybe that was the problem. Me, not them. (Ok, me 50%, them 50%). I'm not saying I have the answers or anything. I'm just saying, "Please Dear God, help us to do this better tomorrow."