A Difficult Afternoon

A difficult afternoon.

I some how found time to sew at my Mom's house. Why my Mom's? Because, her sewing machine is working and mine happens to be broken and in the shop for 2 weeks. I recently bought this machine because my other one was old and couldn't keep up my the sewing projects- apparently the new one can't either. But, I have other resources in the meantime. Getting out of the house, without the kids, is an act of God that usually includes difficulties leaving the house, getting ready to leave the house or upon my early return prompted by text messages and phone calls begging me to "Please come home!"

I returned home at a prearranged time for a customer to pick up her order and have a play date. She is a friend and her little one seems to be endlessly happy. I love when they come over to play. My oldest, didn't nap even though he had been to a holiday class and usually is exhausted after playing in a class environment. No nap when he is tired equals a chicken with his head cut off. When I got back home my husband looked frazzled, my kids were already beaming with energy and ready to burst.

I was thoroughly embarrassed at my kids behavior. My kids were terrors. Jumping, running, destroying, completely not the kids that I would like a customer to see. Yes, this is a part of life but not a good part of business. It was luck that it was a friend not a new customer.

I tried all day to keep my boys busy, knowing full well that they were going to have a play date in the afternoon and were babysitting in the evening. It didn't matter. I played with the kids, but as usual it wasn't enough. I played withthe kids together and individually, I set up activities but they still created havoc upon my house.

All I need is a day without a difficult afternoon. All I ask is a few days a week without tantrums, screaming, running through the house or specifically waiting until I am on the phone, sewing or otherwise busy to ask for help, to be played with or some other issue just to get my attention.

Why does everyday have to be so difficult? I know, its the same reason I fear returning to the classroom and raising my kids-jealousy and focus. The kids need to be my focus at all times and no matter what the project or who I am helping my kids get jealous. That creates crazy behavior which results in a difficult afternoon. I just wish I could bypass them.