Today mommy failed.........

For any working mother the key to success is constant never ending nagging.  I mean honestly how would a person get anything accomplished without unceasing, mind numbing followup (AKA nagging).  This followup can involve yelling, screaming, hair pulling (your own never someone elses) or throwing your hands up and realizing that to the world you are that person who's always 5 minutes late and never dressed appropriately.  I believe in an even approach and using a little bit of everything to get out my dang door.

Take this morning for example:  We leave the house at 7:30 on the dot with or without clothing, accessories or shoes.

It's 7:37.  I'm yelling.  "Ryan have you got glasses, shoes on; have you brushed your hair? 

Katie, glasses.  Where are your glasses.  You've got to brush all the way through your hair not just the top.  It looks like someone wet on the top of your head and ratted the bottom.  What do you mean you left your glasses in daddy's car.  Oh my gosh, your school must think I am the worst mother EVER.  Why did your glasses come off your face.  You are so grounded. (mind you we have been through 7 pairs of glasses this year and it's only November.)

Noah, NOAH.  NOAH I AM TALKING TO YOU. ANSWER ME.  Oh lord, you are not dressed how can you not be dressed.  I pulled your clothes out for you.  I've yelled at you no less then 10 times.  What do you mean you can't find your shoes?  Where did you take them off?  Why aren't they in your closet?  Fine wear the pink cowboy boots you found in Katie's closet.  Jeez, what's one more teacher thinking I'm the worst mother ever.

Rachel, RACHEL.  No honey, you have to take your shoes off before you put on your pants.  Yes go to the bathroom.  Did you flush?  Why not?  Go FLUSH?  Rachel, I don't have time this morning for you to spend time crying about flushing the toilet.  Please, Please, Please just put your pants on.  At this point I'll beg.  Can someone please just get ready?"

Finally 7:47 we are dressed (more or less) everyone is sort of presentable.  I've got baby, milk, diaper bag, purse.  Head count, yes 5 children.  The dog is locked up and honestly at this point I don't care if the lights are off or not. 

Into the car we go.

Drop off Aiden and Noah. Chat for a minute, kiss & HUG.  I love you's too each of them.

Drop off Rachel.  Chat for a minute, kiss & HUG.  I love you's.

Drop off Katie and Ryan.  Remind Katie that since she can't see a bloody thing she'd better not spend the day talking since she's going to have to listen extra hard.  Realize the futility of that statement.  Yell a hurried, I LOVE YOU Both. 

Finally to work, I'm only 19 minutes late.

The phone is ringing as I walk to my desk.  It's the sitter.  "Ummm Amanda.  I can't find the baby's milk.  Any chance you dropped it off?"