And the Battle Rages On

Yesterday was just one of those days. Thanks to it being the kids night at Grandma's it didn't end as it started, but for heaven's sake!
The morning went well enough, but I had to go to Bible study, so I told Kaeley to go get her shoes on. She kind of turned around in circles for a few seconds and said, "Okay, but can you help me find them?" No, I wasn't going to help her find socks and shoes. She came out a few minutes later wearing sandals. I looked at her and clearly and slowly answered, "Socks... and... shoes... Kaeley." She rolled her eyes as she stomped away, so I made her repeat the scenario with the appropriate response of respect. It took her way longer to find a pair of socks and shoes than was reasonable to respect. I reminder her that I was waiting for her. Oh, and I'll be honest, my voice was rising at this point for sure.
She says she's coming. She comes to sit in the living room. While she's barefoot she at least is holding the offending items of clothing. I finally lost patience and said the shoes better be on her feet on the count of ten or I'm leaving the house with or without her shoes. I begin to count slowly. She screams, "I didn't know you meant today!"
The rest of the morning included children not eating the lunch I presented them, children falling off chairs and getting bruises, and one particular little boy who insisted in sitting in the back of the van with his sister instead of listening to his mother.
I was ready to be an empty-nester before my good long nap and cuddling with my sleeping baby.