Pants on by 8:00

A friend and I were comparing notes about our daily schedules recently. My friend has a young son and a day job, so weekday mornings start early.  I told her that when preschool mom friends ask if I can watch their kids for a few minutes before school I tell them, "I have to go out to the bus stop with Sam and Jude, so I always have my pants on by 8:00 a.m."

This morning is like a recipe for a good day:

6:00 Wake up 30 minutes before alarm. Discuss with self the relative merits of staying in bed or going for a walk.

6:15 Go for a walk.

7:00 Get home to a screaming child in the kitchen and a sleepy child on the steps. Dad is dealing with screamer, so I get the sleeper for a cuddle.

8:00 Put two boys on the bus. Play tickle with boy #3.

8:30 Watch Owen play Northwestern vs. Baylor basketball in the hallway while I shower. (He was reliving an exciting game he saw on Sunday.)

9:00 Deliver Owen for his first time at drop-in playtime program at Bethel. Wrap Christmas gifts ALL ALONE with the music of my choice at the volume of my choice.

Merry Christmas to me!