Talk Time

I'm seriously having phone issues. No, Caroline didn't flush the cell. The power didn't go out either.
I'm talking about TALK TIME...you know, the time we as women devote to yakking it up with one another.
I'm having major issues with that.
When Caitlin was small, I didn't have anyone to call or chat with for long periods of time--except Mom and Dad. I worked full time and was either bad at making friends in the DFW area or just too lazy to do so. Probably the latter of the two.
When Christian was littler (I still consider him little, ok?), again I had only 1 friend to talk to--thanks Sheridan!--and she was 300 miles away and working full time herself. I was staying at home, and my life revolved around nap time and when I picked up Caitlin from school.
No need for long phone conversations then.
Now, I find myself completely and overwhelmingly blessed with friends and lots of them! Like me, the majority of them stay at home and have 2+ children. The totally understand the need a momma has to step away from it all and just "talk" for a while.
So what are my issues you ask?
Finding the time to talk, and being comfortable talking on the phone while my 2 smaller C's are running around like apes, flushing things down the potty, putting each other in headlocks, and throwing toys/food.
All I want is a decent conversation with another woman that doesn't have to take place while I'm bathing because that's the only free time I have anymore. I want to feel comfortable with talking while the kids are playing, but I also need to give them the attention they deserve.
How does one balance these things??
I had a friend tell me once (while on the phone, mind you) that she wants to teach her small children that Mommy needs her time to talk with friends, even if that means telling the friend on the other end of the line to "hold on a minute" while she disciplines the children and then picking up the conversation where they left off. Great idea and I totally agree, but mine don't really cooperate yet with that. Is there a training period involved with this?
*sigh*
I know "talk time" can wait. I also know that small children can't be allowed to totally run your life as a parent. There has to be a balance--a happy medium.
To all of my friends (and family):
I'm working on finding that balance. If I don't answer the phone or have to get off quickly, please don't assume it's because I don't want to talk. Gosh only knows I DEFINITELY want to talk! After all, what woman wouldn't feel completely blessed by wonderful friends---and by being needed by precious small children? :)

I'm working on it.
Promise.