I Don't Mean To Be Grumpy

This is only the second week of school.  You know how those moments kind of sneak up on you... those ones that come every day ... the grumpy kids.  Last year was tough trying to keep everything organized and make sure everyone was doing what they were supposed to, plus keeping up with the house and my own stuff.  Exit my own stuff and you'd think it would just be easier.

Yesterday morning I dropped my phone in the lasagna pan that was still sitting on the counter, full of water.  It made a bigger mess than you'd think.  So I removed it from it's case and got it into a bowl of rice.  And mopped the floor.  It probably needed it anyway, but I've had better mornings.

I realize I still have things on the go.  It's not entirely different in some ways other than the fact that I can do the majority of my stuff at any time.  So I started the kids on a schedule.  Last night we had it out.  I have a list on the fridge of before school routines, after school and before bed.  The best thing about this is it also reminds me so that I can remind them. 

I've got them doing scheduled homework time and even if they don't have homework, I have things for them to do.  I'm trying to instill a habit, that's all.  Their chore list is easily seen and they have two per night.  Two empty the dishwasher.  The other one tidies their bathroom.  One sets the table and the other two tidy up after dinner.  It's fair.  They switch each day. 

After a brief discussion about video game time (only an hour tops and only before dinner), renaming the "clear table" to "clean up after dinner" (to avoid future issues with the expectations) and reminding everyone that these are their responsibilities to be done every night... Hunter.  He starts with our nightly disagreement about whether he will wear a diaper to bed.  I realize that I knew the arguments would start soon because that's what kids do.  Hunter - well I'm hoping that fight will go away like the other things he did eventually changed with consistency.

I'm certain it's not helping that I think I'm slightly sleep deprived.  Twice this week I have awoken to Geoff's alarm, at 4:30am.  Both times, he didn't need to be up - apparently.  The first time, I made coffee.  This morning, he's lucky I'm not violent.  I'm just hoping Hunter had a great sleep last night and is ready to get up soon.  That way we can nap at the same time.  And I can be somewhat refreshed to go at the schedule again when the kids get home from school.  Oh, and I'm back to square one on the no yelling thing; for the second time since I started last week.  Yep, it's just been one of those weeks.