of a working mom of three

I told Caeden what my ideal morning would look like. And what did he say? “That’s a lot.”

Causing me to think: Maybe I do expect too much from myself. (Kids are so wise!)

This morning was too crazy. I had a plan. And when it was foiled, I was not very patient. It made me feel even worse. So I cried.

No, it’s not hard to have kids. But it is not easy to do things while you have kids. And especially when the husband is out of town.

A Perfect Morning

If I could have the perfect morning it would start before anyone else was stirring. I’d get a great workout in, take a shower, read my Bible, and have brekky waiting for everyone to wake up.

A lot, right? Ha. But oh, so ideal.

What actually happened this morning (and variations of it most mornings), I could hear the Greyman angry crying for me over the shower water. I quickly toweled off and threw clothes on (in what felt like slow motion because of haste and dampness, ugh). My oldest was terrified. Babe’s cries were so sad and potentially scary to a poor kiddo who was most likely fast asleep. Princess slept through it all. Hilarious.

So baby was fed but I still had to, you know, lotion, do make-up, smooth out my hair, prepare breakfast. The whole nine yards.

All that eventually got done and I made sure to apologize to my son who was watching the whole thing. He tried to help, bless his heart, he sure does love his baby brother. And he is just such a big helper.

Life hack (which for whatever reason I so often forget about): strap on that baby and get all the things done. Yes, it’s added weight, but you get mom stuff done and baby gets held.

No one was late to camp or to class or to the office. Because everything always works out. But silly mommy couldn’t get a grip.

A Perfect Afternoon

What does a perfect afternoon look like?

Well, on the weekends a nap (for all) when we’re all home would be nice but I like to keep everyone busy so bedtime comes early. That doesn’t always happen. But one can hope, right?

I get off work mid-afternoon. This is an incredible blessing after I had my daughter. I knew I could not deal with leaving one full-time job to another with no time to breathe a little and do some laundry and the dishwasher before worrying about dinner.

I’ve got it pretty good, yes, I do. Two hours does make a difference. Afternoons are swell.

A Perfect Evening

Ah, what I would love is for dinner to put itself away while I take the kiddos out for a nice, relaxing stroll around the neighborhood. It's practically summertime now so the lighting is fantastic, and the bird choir has regular rehearsals. 

The reality is each kid has their own expectations on how the walk should go (I should do it anyway) and as each day of the week goes by there's an activity here, and event there. So, not always possible.

But it's a nice thought, eh?

A favorite moment of the day is when I’m surrounded by all my sleepy babies and I’m reading to them. Then they fall asleep and I slip out … everyone is quiet, still, and oh so sweet. 

The Midnight Oil

Late nights are my time these days. And I kind of love it.

I get so much done when the house is asleep. Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse!

When all the babies are asleep I get to do a ten-minute workout (stay tuned for this!!)–which is absolutely amazing–and I read until I can’t read no more. Honestly, it’s a dream. Until I’m actually dreaming.

Sometimes I am just so tired I cannot keep my eyelids up, but I do what I can. Some days don’t allow me to do any of my reading and it drives me crazy! I think reading calms the beast in me.

Although I dislike admitting it, Mommy does need time for herself. And for now, I’ve found it!

I’ll be unlocking a whole new level once I’m able to figure out how to start running again.

By no means am I comparing myself to her, but these late nights bring to mind the Proverbs 31 wife/mom who stays up late, who “girdeth her loins and arms with strength,” and in whose tongue is kindness.

One can emulate though.

Each day comes and goes. In its very own perfect way.

What routine have you found works for you?