Bedtime stall tactics

I need a drink.

I forgot to brush my teeth.

I forgot to give mommy a kiss.

I need to make sure the door is locked.

I want to find ____(insert name of one of the gazillion special "stuffed-y" animals around here)

I'm hot, can I change into shorts?

I'm cold, could I please have another blanket?

I need to go potty.

These and several other variations of the above play out here at times. The "staller" doesn't usually get far, before all is quiet for the night.

There is one child in particular though...the charmer, the future politician, the one that's really never met a stranger. He has quietly observed these stall tactics play out for years. He has long since figured out that his older siblings are not skilled in the art of negotiating bedtime. He knows asking for a drink, a blanket or even a quick kiss won't cut it.

Nope, this boy means business. He wants to stay up as long as possible and he is fully prepared to turn up the sweetness to get his way. Tonight, he pulled out all the stops.

I love you, mommy.

You are beautiful. More beautiful than Mag's pink bedroom.

I like you lots. I like you more than I like my Thomas (the tank engine) jammies.

I love you even more than I love candyland.

Do you know how much I love you?

I love you more than you ever love me and more than all the planets.

How much do you love me?

I love you firteen more times than that.

It didn't work.

Well, it only sort of worked.

I didn't let him stay up.

I did however, let him get in my bed, in my spot and I cuddled with him until he fell asleep.

I often get asked things like "how do you do it?" Sometimes they are referring to homeschooling, sometimes to simply having "so many kids" (which by the way, I don't think we have *that* many). Oftentimes, it's in relation to dealing with the kids health issues, the lack of sleep etc.

I'd be lying if I said it was easy or that it was just the way things roll around here. The truth is, I often don't know how I do it, except that I do.

God's grace is always sufficient. His mercies are new every morning. He strengthens me when I'm weak. (I know that all sounds cliche...but really, it's the truth that carries me. That doesn't mean I'm always joyful or that I never have a bad attitude in the midst of my circumstances)

I have moments where I'm less than wonderful in my behavior towards my husband and my children. I'm human and I'm exhausted most of the time...not a good combination. There are days where I'm discouraged and think "I cannot do this anymore."

However, it is moments like the above that bring it all back to perspective to me. It makes it all worth it. Health issues or not, lack of sleep or not, perfect obedient children or NOT. I am their mama and I would give my life for any one of them in an instant.

Today was not one of my most stellar parenting days. Yet, when the day is done, I am loved...not because I'm superwoman, simply because I'm mommy. (well, and because I'm a sucker for the sweet bedtime stall tactics)