Hind sight, again and again

Someone once told me, If at first you don't succeed, stop doing THAT". Not sure how many mid-week dinners out it will take me to actually Learn that lesson. Like going out to dinner on a school night. Sounds like a great idea at first, bis actually a future battle disguised as a "break" Following a stressful meal with BD barks at the girls table manners ( still in progress and clearly not meeting expectations) we arrive home to realize the "I did my homework statement actually mean I wrote Huh? On my paper rather than make an effort and now it's much too late to expect a 7 yr old to concentrate on schoolwork. Duped again, I decide to postpone this battle until morning and focus on getting everyone to bed ( except BD who has already settled in with a good book). After the chorus of " Mommy come here" I flop on the couch too tired to do anything but mutter to myself, " stop doin that!" Just Before my eyes slam shut.