But, But But....

But it's Bedtime.

 It is my most stressful time of the day.  I wake up in the morning already dreading those 5 little  words.

"It's time for bed guys"

Especially since my hubby just left for a month long hitch ( oil field lingo). So I am officially a 'single parent' for the next 30 days.  And it is hard and rewarding all at the same time. We miss him.  I miss him. I miss having the extra set of hands around especially at BEDTIME. Because I know that as soon as those words leave my mouth I will be greeted by the "BUT"s

"But, I'm still hungry"
"But, I'm not tired"
"But, my show isn't over"
"But, But But..."

One person against three "BUT" equipped kids can make for a very stressful hour...but  however, it is one of those things that you can't change...so I take a deep breath and begin...

"What do you want for night snacks?" Nobody knows...they know that they are hungry, I've told them what we have, but nobody knows what they want...so after repeating everything that I see in the fridge and in the cupboards and threatening to send them to bed with no snack they all of a sudden realise they want toast and a fruit plate. ( the first thing I offered to make them)

Then it's off to get washed up for bed(don't even get me started with that process).  I finally get everyone settled in their beds. They are able to read for a bit while I read to the baby, then I do my rounds and bring water, give hugs and kisses and turn out the lights. And I sit down for the first time all day.

Wouldn't it be nice if that was the end of the Bedtime Story...but no. It begins ,the barrage of little feet.  Perfectly timed so they aren't up together.  And before I can even see who is coming around the corner I say "get to bed!" and then that 3 letter word I've come to loathe...BUT

"But mom, I need a drink"(which they already had)
"But mom, you didn't kiss me goodnight" (which I did)
"But mom, I can't sleep"
"But mom, I have sore legs"
"But, But But..."

BREATH....I get up, get everyone settled again and wait...I'm scared to move, scared to make a sound until I know for sure that they are all sleeping...and I don't dare sit down because I know that as soon as I do they will know...and then it happens...SILENCE.

I  very quietly make my way in each room, turn off nightlights, tuck them in, kiss them (again) and for a brief moment I consider waking them up because the house is too quiet and I miss them already...

BUT I don't, because I know that in 24short hours, I will have to do it all over again :)