I blew it...

Have you ever had one of those moments where you realize something you did or said hours, days, months or years earlier had been a mistake- and the realization hits you like a hammer between the eyes?
Well, I had one today.
The boys were doing well getting ready for school and on time. They woke up happy, didn't have to ride the bus, and even got to enjoy some pudding before I drove them into town. Somewhere along the way, I was intercepted by the Blackberry. Checking my work email brought my happy little morning crashing down. I spent some time updating things, and before I knew it, we were running late.
I barked at the kids to get moving. Connor continued to enjoy his dog tongue bath, and Dylan sat like a lump on his chair in the art room. I barked again. This brought a "just a minute" response from Dylan, and the licking continued on Connor.
So I got a little more forceful. "When I tell you to do something, I mean NOW! No negotiation, no "just a minute", no ignoring me! MOVE!" Crestfallen little faces obediently complied, and to the bathroom we went to wash chocolate pudding off places the dog didn't reach. The drive to school was uneventful, and I apologized for losing patience with them.
Just now, I went into the art room/dining room. This is what Dylan had been working on. This is what he needed "just a minute" to finish.

I hope I learned my lesson.