Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Morning Routine

I've been giving a lot of thought to the kind home I want. The type of atmosphere and environment I want to create for my family. I decided it needed to begin with me. I needed to take care of myself in order to take better care of my family. Not sure why it's taken me so long to realize that. Collin has been saying that for years and is always encouraging me to take "time outs". So, this is how I have been starting my days the past four weeks.

I set my alarm and don't push snooze. This has been a huge adjustment. I don't like something, especially a loud buzzing something, interrupting my sleep. However, it's been good.

After spending a few minutes getting dressed and washing up, I unlock my bike


and ride to Starbuck's. It's a beautiful 2 1/2-3 mile ride (one way) gazing at the mountains in the distance,

listening to the birds greeting me, and trying not to get run over by the more "serious" bikers in the bike lanes. It's the perfect way to sneak in some exercise.

Once I am at Starbuck's, I grab my tall, non-fat (a girl's gotta watch her figure!) caffe misto and sit at a corner table. I'm officially a "regular" now. The barrista girl has my drink ready by the time I get to the register. Pretty cool. While I am there I say my morning prayers from the Book of Common Prayer, read an encouraging book/devotional (current one is Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George), journal, and plan out my day.


After I get home, I start setting the stage for the rest of the family's morning. I put on the appropriate uniform...

I love aprons! I feel so feminine wearing them.

I open up the windows to let the cool breeze in,

I turn some chant or classical music on softly, I light a scented candle, and check my email. The internet is a big time waster for me, especially in the morning when I should be doing other things, so I make sure I am ONLY checking email.

As I am preparing breakfast, I start hearing evidence of life. The boys know they are not to come out of their room until I call them for breakfast. This insures a more peaceful and quiet morning which Collin, especially, appreciates. Breakfast was something that was lacking. I don't like cooking or preparing food. The boys would usually fix themselves some toast or cereal. That's changed. Some mornings they'll get eggs, fruit, and OJ or maybe a muffin, fruit, and milk. Regardless of the menu, the table is always set nicely.

After the breakfast mess is picked up, the boys get started on some sort of math game while I get the homeschool materials set out for the day. Then, the school bell rings.

I have really seen and felt the benefits of taking time for myself. I am less grumpy and irritable, my family is less grumpy and irritable, and I feel good about getting some exercise (I have to fit into a bride's maid dress in June!) As Martha Stewart says, "It's a good thing."

15 comments:

Jeano said...

2 things.
1. I am a witness to the fact that you hate to wake up. Between you and Lisa the snooze button would wake every.single.other.person on the hall before you lazy bones would get out of bed. :)
2. I am so stinking proud of you for taking time for yourself. I have been working out like crazy to fight off the oppression I have been feeling since my gma died. It works. I feel better!
adding a third.
3. What a great idea of making the kids stay in their rooms until you call them! I am going to give that a whirl.
adding a fourth! You gave such awesome info!
4. I love the idea of quiet time with just your hubby! Great idea.

Just one question...
what time do you get up and how long does it take you to get to Starbucks?

One observation...
a tall, non-fat (a girl's gotta watch her figure!) caffe misto
is a whole stinking lot cheaper that theraphy!

I love you girl and love the woman that you have become!

Heather @Gluten-Free Cat said...

What an encouraging post! I get a lot of "me" time, but it's not the quiet, contemplative "me" time that I need. I'm usually flitting from one task to the next. (Ha! Perfect example. I'm currently blowdrying my hair with the left hand and typing with the right!) Thanks for sharing your morning with us. You inspire me.

Lori C., Texas said...

Love it! I need more of a calm routine in the morning. I also need to send you a copy of our church choir's cd. It is wonderful. A great mix of songs from hymnal and other anthems they have sung during church. I love to play it in the mornings.

Laura O in AK said...

What a great routine you've started! Have you been visiting Mrs. White at the Legacy of Home? This sounds like something she'd post about (apron, nicely set table, kids awaiting mom's call, etc.) I'd love something like this at home, but between the baby and bears around the neighborhood, I don't see it happening anytime soon.

Welcome to the TOS Crew!

FM Laura

Loretta said...

For waking up, have you tried a radio alarm set to your local classical station? The classical station in my area plays rather rousing selections in the morning, so the music has enough punch to wake me up, but it is still more gentle than an alarm clock buzz or clang.

And one other comment - wait until your children are teenagers. You may have trouble getting them out of their rooms in the morning, even when you do call :-)

Blessings. . .

Kelly said...

I love this idea. I wish I could find a way to implement something similar and soon. This was very encouraging. (PS - I'm from the Crew)

Cassie said...

Totally inspiring! I don't have the option of getting up and leaving the house while everyone is sleeping, but I can get up and spend some time in prayer and get prepared for my day! Thanks for the proverbial kick in the rear :)

Nikki said...

Hey girl! I found your blog through the TOS Blog Walk! I am so thankful I clicked over to your place today! I NEEDED this post today! This very topic has been on my heart for a while now. Through your sharing, I have a lot of new and great ideas now! Thanks!

Tonya @ The Traveling Praters said...

Stopping by from the TOS Crew to check out your blog and follow along. What an incredible way to start your day! I found myself mentally figuring out how far the closest Starbucks would be for me each morning!:) Great blog, I've loved seeing the pictures from the places you've traveled to. I'm so, so sorry to read about your cousins precious baby and will be praying for them.

Tonya @ The Traveling Praters said...

Stopping by from the TOS Crew to check out your blog and follow along. What an incredible way to start your day! I found myself mentally figuring out how far the closest Starbucks would be for me each morning!:) Great blog, I've loved seeing the pictures from the places you've traveled to. I'm so, so sorry to read about your cousins precious baby and will be praying for them.

Jill said...

I just found your blog through the TOS blogwalk and am a new follower of your blog. I love this post. It is so inspiring. I was getting up early during the schoolyear, but I have been a bit lax about that lately since we have been taking a break from school. I have, though, been getting up early enough to exercise before my kiddos wake up, and I find that makes all the difference. I think I need to invest in an apron and some cute kitchen curtains, however (I LOVE yours!). Maybe that would inspire me to more serene domesticity in the mornings. :)

i cant decide said...

I love your morning routine! I'm trying to work out a better one for our family. I really need to use my alarm clock but....

Anyway, I'm enjoying my visit here at your blog. I found you on the blogwalk from the crew site. Nice to meet you!

Bobbi & Noe said...

So encouraging. I need to do the same thing again. Something for myself, makes me feel so much better. Thanks for the inspiration.

Tess said...

I'm stopping by your Blog on my blog walk. I'm from the Review Crew and following you now. I loved reading about your routine, it sounds so refreshing to start each day with a Bike Ride and then Starbucks and a devotion. I was so to read about your cousin's son. I've prayed for all of you.

the Mcclanahan 7 said...

Hi, I am stopping by on the blog walk & this is my first year on the crew. I love your morning routine, I should include excercise into mine.