I know every mom has had this day – the day you want to change your name because if you hear “Mommy” one more time…. I had that day today.

Work has been a little taxing on the brain lately. I worked until the very last minute before I would be late picking up the kids. So I rushed over to pick them up, only to be greeted with “Can we get an Icee?” “I’m staaar-viing!”

Why do my children associate me with food and drink? As soon as they see me, they request either food or drink. What am I doing to create this Pavlovian response? Do I look like a vending machine?

Then we had to swing by the store to pick up my prescriptions – the ones that keep me sane. So that started a discussion about what toys they are owed. Yes owed. Apparently I promised Diva a prize for a good test score. I don’t remember that, but I don’t remember a lot of what I tell the kids. After the 100th question of the day, I just say yes. I’m just too tired.

Also Jumpshot has some birthday money burning a hole in his pocket, and he didn’t get a soccer ball from the store like his brother and sister. Not that he wanted a soccer ball. But he’s very score-minded. He wants his toy.

So at the store, Easter merchandise greeted us at the front door. So it’s a chorus of “Mommy, Mommy, I want this. Oh and this and this and this.” As we’re waiting in line at the pharmacy, all I hear is “Mom, he’s being mean to me,” and “Mom, she’s elbowing me.” Oh. My. God. Stop. It.

So we get home. The first remark out of Diva’s mouth as we cross the threshold is that I’ve forgotten to do something. I think she likes to point out my shortcomings.

Manchild hears us and comes running to see us. “Mommy!” He’s beaming. Finally a child happy to see me for the sake of seeing me. He gives me a hug … and then states, “I’m thirsty!”

As Charlie Brown would say, Good Grief!