Nap Strike

I'm a little embarrassed to say this, but Naptime is my favorite part of the day. See, I'm not really one of those moms who wants to spend every living, breathing moment with her kids. I just try to act like it in public.

" 'Why do I homeschool', you ask? Well, because I love my children so much, I just can't bear to be away from their smiling, angelic, little faces."

Not.

But there seems to be a standoff developing when it comes to my eagerly anticipated Naptime around here. And though my gun is bigger, I'm not sure I'm quick enough on the draw to win this one. I understand that Brother and Sister (7 and 4, respectively) are really probably too old for naps, although there are definitely days when I KNOW they need it. But I do so love it when all three of my perfect little darlings sleep quietly and peacefully for an hour or two...or three...or...well, let's not get greedy.

Here is how Naptime goes at our house most days:

Me: Okay, kids. We've read 20 books, had a gazillion drinks of water, gone potty three times, washed our hands, had a philosophical discussion about things you suddenly have a keen desire to know, such as, why the sun shines, why rain is wet and why the sky is blue, and we have exhausted pretty much every stalling tactic known to man. Hug, hug. Kiss, kiss. Love to all. Now GO TO BED!!!!!

Brother: I'm not really tired. Can I play quietly in my room?

Me: No. Go to bed.

Sister: Can I play quietly?

Me: No. Go to bed.

Brother and Sister (in unison): WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

Me (to self) : @@#***$##@

End of Act 1

Act 2 begins with me, surrounded by quiet, enjoying a cup of Chai Tea, just sitting down to blog my brains out. Suddenly, I hear a noise. I know it is someone moving around when they are supposed to be sleeping. I peek in to find Sister, with twenty Barbies in her bed, feet on the wall, treating it like a dancefloor, doing a happy little jig.

Me: What do you think you're doing?

Silence.

Me: Be still. Be quiet. Go to sleep.

Sister's bottom lip juts out, trembles a bit, then...

Sister: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!

Me (to self): #$**#**@

Now, imagine this scene playing out every 5-10 minutes for about two hours, alternating with Brother, Sister and sometimes, Baby. What does a girl have to do to get some peace and quiet around here???!!

I have allowed for "quiet time" on their beds before, where they read, or play with something quietly for awhile. But tonight we have soccer practice and I know they need the extra sleep. If they don't get it, coming home tonight will be like a scene from a Stephen King movie. Shudder. Not to mention that "quiet time" is only good for about half an hour. And because I am truly a selfish mortal disguised as Supermom, I relish a good hour of solitude to break up my day.

Hmmmm, I think I have some Benedryl in the medicine cabinet.

Sigh. Blogtime over. I hear Baby waking up now.