All in the Timing

This evening was a race against the clock--picked up kids from daycare (late), rushed home, baked chicken nuggets in the oven and boiled whole wheat rotini on the stove, chopped up cucumber and filled water glasses. Called them both to the table, reminding them to wash hands on the way over.

We had 30 minutes to scarf dinner, find shoes, and scramble to shul to fulfill our Jewry Duty (pun intended although not mine). It is our week to take Minyan duty and show up for services every evening at 8 p.m. so that if someone has to say Kaddish, there will be a quorum. M and I have split the responsibility; tonight he had a meeting, so I had to take the munchkins with me. And no, they don't count. Not until after Bar/Bat Mitzvah age.

Post-scarfing, we had about 10 minutes before having to depart. I wanted to get through the dishes and wipe the table, knowing I would be even more tired upon our return and would have to deal with bedtime and all its shenanigans. No sooner had the last bite of dessert been consumed, then I was up from the table and at the sink.

Me (to Syd): Bring me your plate and glass, and put away the ketchup please.

Syd: Why do I hafta do everything around here?

Me: I beg your pardon? I believe I just cooked you dinner. All I'm asking you to do is put away the ketchup.

Syd: But I didn't even use it.

Me: Sure you did. On your chicken.

Syd: No I didn't. Daddy must have left it out.

Me: (holding up the plate she has just given me) I'm washing ketchup off your plate right now.

Syd: Fine! I'll put it away! (flounces to fridge and puts ketchup away)

Me: Could you throw away that napkin on the table?

Syd: I need a time out!

Me: (sotto voce) Of course you do.

Sam: I want to help, Mommy.

Me: Thank you, sweetheart. I could use your help. The biggest thing you could do for me right now would be to pick up the noodles you and Syd dropped on the floor.

Sam: Where are they?

Me: On the floor.

Sam: Are there a lot?

Me: Just bend down and pick them up and put them in the bin.

Sam: Actually, Mommy, I think I need a time out too.