A few things that get me through each day

These days as a full time mom are long. Much longer than I anticipated when I switched careers from high school math teacher to mom. No bell here to signal the end of the day. Only hopes that Darling Daddy's blue car will pull up at a reasonable time. [And we are all SO glad when he comes home as you can see below] But if that doesn't happen, it's a couple more hours to make it until bedtime. Here are a few things that get me through each day in this mom life.

1. God. And His grace. Seriously. I have never prayed for so much patience as I have in the past 3.5 years. He gets me through the tough days and helps me from feeling completely alone. I know that I'm not alone in this mom life because I do always have someone to rely on for help.

2. The bunny alarm clock. This magical machine ensures that my children will stay quiet, well Curly Girl is at least quiet, and in their shared room until the set time each morning. As I said before, Darling Daddy is out the door between 5:30 and 6:00 every morning to go to the YMCA. This bunny clock means that I have set time in the morning to run on the treadmill, shower, or just be alone and quiet until 7:15. Or whatever time I set it for. Do they sometimes wake up earlier? Yes. Do they sometimes wake up later? Yes. So we're at a good spot. And we're all in a better mood to start the day. Go get one! 

Kid'Sleep Classic, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VVIHPS/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_PPP-tb1QHQ726

3. Coffee. This glorious and delicious drink. Which I only started drinking regularly about 6 months ago. Which was about the time Ginger Boy started walking. Two toddlers on the move in opposite directions? Why yes, yes I'll drink more of that caffeinated goodness! 

4. My jogging stroller(s). I have both the BOB single and dualie Revolution. Awesome strollers and even awesomer is how much they get us out of the house. We get out for at least an hour for a run or walk a few times a week. I get to exercise, the kids get to see the outdoor sights and relax and we are all happy. (Except for that time a few weeks ago when I let Ginger Boy hold the iPod touch - which was playing, as always, the Frozen soundtrack - for the last mile of a 6 mile run. And he broke it. Took it to Apple and they said its dead. Forever. So, Curly Girl and I were a bit sad about that.)  Oh, and don't worry, my kids never nap in the stroller, or car for that matter. Unless they are really, really tired. Or under 6 months of age. So I never get a nap break with the stroller. But we do get to see our horse friends, Toby & Sammy.

5. Nap time. We look forward to this time every afternoon! My kids will only nap at home. Anywhere else poses quite a challenge. And they both need their nap time desperately, so you can imagine the anxiety and sweat that comes over me if we're approaching the nap window and not at home. When we miss that window, we can almost guarantee an afternoon of whining, crying & screaming until bed time. Not fun for any of us. Or the neighbors for that matter. So every afternoon, we have at least 2 hours of nap time. Curly Girl doesn't always nap these days, but she's in there and quiet, thanks again to the bunny clock! And I can exercise, clean, do laundry, make dinner or just relax. A win win for all.

6. Our small house. Two adults, two kids, two cats all living in under 1,000 square feet. In a townhouse. As difficult as it may be at times, for the most part, it's great. Less space to clean, less space to collect toys, less space to childproof, less space to keep track of children. It gets a little tight come those cold February days when we're all cooped up together, but that is what the YMCA is for! 

7. Neighbors and other stay at home mom friends. Being at home can be very lonely at times. Adult interaction is something that you don't realize you miss until you don't have it consistently. Having neighbors and friends close by makes getting through those days much easier. And getting the kids socialized and sharing is always a plus! 

These are just a few of the things that get me through each day as a full time mom. I'm still learning and navigating each day in this wonderful job that I've been called to. And I am so thankful for this incredible job!