It's the last week of summer break before school starts. We're rushing-- okay, I'm rushing-- around getting school supplies, checking out last year's clothes to see if they fit, getting new ones if they don't. For some reason, I decided to do a big fall cleaning at the same time! Oh, and the kids are having end-of-summer playdates and sleepovers.

All this, on top of all we normally do. Anyway, by yesterday afternoon, I had hit the wall. Daniel asked me to sit with him while he drew, so I did, but within about 10 minutes, my head was on my arms.

"Mom, what's wrong with you?" he said. "I'm just a little tired," I said. "Me, too," he said, because he likes to agree with people. He watched me for a minute, then came over and very gently stroked my back four times. Then, he went and sat down to draw some more.

Sarah came in. She climbed up behind me on the chair, smelling strongly of peanut butter. "Mom," she said sweetly, "do you need a nap?" "Yes, I guess I do," I said. "Come on," she said briskly, and she put me to bed.

They let me sleep for about half an hour. It was bliss. Even Daniel was quiet!