Confessions from a mama with a 4 year old...girl.

I'll confess...I'm struggling.  I work full time and my hubby works during the day and goes to school at night...so Monday through Thursday...this mama is basically alone with the kiddos.  So...I'm going to start writing...in hopes that I will give me an outlet to relieve some stress.

My day starts at 5:30 when my hubby leaves for work and I get up to get showered.  I get my oldest up at 6:15 to start getting ready for the day and by 7..I'm screaming because I have to leave for work and she is still sitting there while my 17 month old daughter is glued to me drinking her bottle. (I may laugh at this scene one day...but right now..it's not funny)

After work..it's pick the kiddos up get them home, feed them, bathe them, get them to bed and then make lunches, iron clothes, clean up the mess that was created in the 2 hours that we were home for and eventually...around 9 crawl into bed out of exhaustion.  There is time for exercise...but honestly I don't do it because I'm just too blasted tired.  So..on top of everything...I feel fat (even though I am far from it) and lazy.

My 4 year old is a good kid. She is...honestly. BUT...she tries my patience and pushes every single limit that there is. I feel like my brain is going to explode from screaming in the mornings just to get out of the door.  No matter what I do...she just doesn't want to do what I ask.

It's me...I know it is.  Daddy doesn't have these issues when he is around.  (And of course having daddy tell me that it's partially my fault just makes me angry) The mother daughter relationship can be great...and it can be horrible.  She will be fine all day long for other people...I walk in the door and it's instant melt down before I even speak two words.

So my question is how.in.the.heck do you get a 4 year old to obey? Because this mama is going to commit herself to an institution if something doesn't change...fast. (just kidding...but seriously..we do need some adjustments in our home now that daddy isn't around much) How...can I make my life any easier...or more organized.