Dear 4pm,

Screw you...Too much? But seriously, am I the only one? 4pm sucks. I am completely convinced that I wake up each morning with a set amount of patience and when it runs out, it's out. Usually occurring somewhere between 3-5pm. I hear myself with my kids and I cringe.  I exhale, I pray, I drink wine (Not everyday, but Happy Hour clearly exists for parents) and I still cannot muster a steady, kind voice. My kids are my favorite people in the whole world...until 4pm. After 4pm it's survival mode until bedtime. Then I put them to bed, do the dishes, wipe the counters, grunt at my husband (because words require too much energy), pick a TV show or book and...miss my kids! Wait, what??

I fear I sound totally mean, or like an alcoholic, so truth be told I usually have a game plan. It's called "sunshine."  The afternoons are meant for playing, fresh air, running and deep breaths. But the IE is offering up 110 degree temps lately and we are on house arrest. I love love love Fall, but I forget that September is the most brutal month of the year where I reside. I'm spent...

Ok. I need a new vibe. Here are 5 things I am grateful for Right Now:

1. Air conditioning

2. Ice cubes

3. Margaritas with ice cubes

4. Disney movies

5. My family

I'm done wine-ing, I mean whining...for now. If 4pm stinks, you are not alone!