My daughter has not been taking her afternoon nap for about 3-4 months now, and for some reason it has been the hardest transition that I have had to face as a mother yet. I do not know why it has been so hard for me, but it has totally taken me by suprise. I find her things to do during that time, but they seem to be shorter activities than I want them to be. For example, her attention span for coloring is not as long as I would like it to be, I want it to get me through cleaning a couple of bathrooms, and vacuuming a couple of rooms as well. I do not know if I am setting the bar to high for her as well as me or what is wrong with the whole situation. The other day some neighbor kids came over and they were here playing outside for about 5 hours, YEAH, I thought, but no, it was not that way at all. I could not leave them to play and stay in the backyard by themselves. As a mother I think I have such high expectations on my self, that when I do not meet them I get fraustrated with me. The expectations are for the house to look good as well as Mykala enjoying her afternoon. I do not want Mykala to think that she is in my way, but I do not know how to draw the line of when mom has to get stuff done and when I can play and have some one-on-one time with her, while Landon is sleeping. Yesterday I was still picking up toys and folding laundry at 10:20, because I did not get it done in the afternoon during Landon's naptime. So I am wondering if any of you moms or dads have any ideas? I do not want to leave her to a movie every afternoon either. I was doing devotions today and I read about Job, crying out to God about his life, and it really put things into perspective for me. The laundry and cleaning will be there tomorrow. But on the other hand as a stay-at-home mom, I cannot leave it there for months because I had to play! PLus as a wife I feel that Dave has the right to come home to a well kept house and a meal in the oven or at least something being prepared. call me old fashion, but that is what I want!! I also read this prayer in "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares for Mothers". May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm20:4 Father, You help me put my life in order. But right now it seems so upside-down. There are so many things that are fighting for my time, money and attention not to mention my heart. I need your wisdom to sort them out, to weigh them in light of eternity. Even the little things, Lord. Sometimes those are the ones that pile up high enough to prevent me from doing what's really important, like spending time with my kids, just loving them without an agenda. Amen.