Just popped into my head and wanted to be written. Hope you enjoy... I remember the day, back when we were first dating, when I told my husband that he would be relegated to the sofa if he taught our children the art of whining. I thought he had forgotten as the kids seldom whined and were, on the whole, well behaved and happy. One day, however, I discovered he had been busy coaching behind my back. It had been a very long and tiring day. The baby was sick and demanding constant attention. The other two decided now was the time to become little hellions, running under foot, throwing tantrums, refusing to nap. In short, by the time my darling husband came home from work, I was ready to sit down and cry. The kids, of course, immediately returned to their well behaved state making my frazzled day a thing of imagination. I was too tired to notice the mischevious glint in his eye as he gathered the children around him in the living room. Dinner was on the table when I heard the first drawn out "Mooooooommmmmmmmmyyyyyyyy" My evening quickly degenerated from there. Finally, the children were all asleep and my sweetheart discovered I meant what I said about the sofa. I retired to our bed while he bedded down in the livingroom. Hours went by and sleep was far from me. The bed seemed very large and cold without him by my side. I thought of him lost in slumber leaving me to suffer from his exhile. Morning came, waking me with a little voice, "Mommy, why are you and Daddy sleeping on the sofa?"

pmsl..."I thought of him lost in slumber leaving me to suffer from his exhile" Been there, done that. Shanna :-)

Never been there, but I enjoyed the story. The family tales of Shirley Jackson and Erma Bombeck have been long time favorites of mine. Really liked this one. :)

Don't know about those things...It's almost two. my wife is snoring in the next room and I'm up writing. I'll probably get tired and join her around four. This is the only time it's, otherwise, quiet here.

Lovely story! Family is our greatest pleasure and our biggest trial. Remember the good moments and make a funny story out of the rest.