Soon after the milk-mess is under control, my boys get into a heated argument over who is getting the last ear of corn. My two-year-olds typical reaction to these types of situations is to scream “MINE, MINE, MINE” over and over. A tug of war ensues until my oldest gives up and stomps away from the kitchen table. Meanwhile, it is difficult for me to understand what my friend is saying between her heaves of sadness.

With only one at the table, I attempt to lock myself in the laundry room to finish my conversation. However, no sooner did I shut the door when the banging started. “MOMMY!! MOMMY!! DOG DOG ATE MY TATOS”. I run out to see my dog half way on the table finishing my youngest plate of food. I drag the dog outside while my son starts sobbing.

I finally confess to my friend that my children are out of control and that I would call her back after bedtime. When I hung up the phone, I turned around and there sit my children back at the table happily finishing their meal. Life returns to normal… until the phone rings again.