It's All In The Timing

It happens every time. And every time I loose my patience. I don't know why, because if it happens every time shouldn't I be use to it by now, or be more proactive so it doesn't happen ... every time?

Tonight, everyone was settled down to dinner, the kids and My Man were in front of the TV watching the race (hey, it is Sunday.) I was enjoying a peaceful meal at the table, planning September's menus and enjoying the peace. ED comes in asking for lemonade. I'm not sure which annoyed me more, the fact that he waited until after we all sat down or that he was asking for something he knew he probably would not receive. Most of the time we drink water in our house (OK, I drink coffee most of the time, but that is another posting) but our children, being kids, will first ask for the most sugary drink in the house.

Now our kids are reaching the age where they can complete certain tasks themselves, like getting themselves water (as long as they already have a cup or water bottle.) However, this little bit of independence has yet to sink into their brain, "hey, I can get myself some water." Probably because the independence is more on my end then theirs, they now have to do something for themselves.

Naturally, he would ask for a drink AFTER everyone has settled down to drink. The same happened yesterday when we visited the New Market Battlefield. We entered the Visitor's Center, where the restrooms are clearly marked, paid for our admission, left the building and walked across the field to the farm house, stood in line for cake and ice cream (they were celebrating something), and settled ourselves under a tree when ED said "I have to go to the bathroom." Ugh!

Maybe it is poor planning on our end? When we hand out the food we need to remember the drink. Then again, by dinner time the kids already have an assortment of cups and water bottles around the house. And this time was no different. ED returns to the living room with his water. Then EM walks in, asking for something to drink. And, sure enough there is a water bottle with her name sitting on the table.

Then JT walks in, this time asking for lemonade because he thinks everyone else received some.

Guess what kid, you have a cup already out and you know how to push the water dispenser, so if you want fed in September leave me alone because I'm about to give up on menu planning and take our food budget to the nearest spa.