Out the Door: 4 Easy Tips for Avoiding the Rush, Rush, Go, Go!

"...‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Acts 20:35

I'm exhausted--is it May yet?  Seriously, I'm not kidding.  How many days of school are left?  Don't get me wrong.  I love that Ben is learning so much:  learning how to spell and write words and draw people and tie his shoes.   

 

 

All that learning is great for Ben, but let me tell you what his mommy has learned about herself since this whole getting-3-kids-out-the-door routine started.
 
#1:  I am not a morning person at all.  I never have been.  I never will be.  I hate it. 

And #2. Getting three kids out the door by myself every morning by 7:35am is incredibly challenging...to say the least! 

Actually, I wish it was just up and out the door, but it's not.  

It's getting up, getting dressed, going potty, washing hands, changing a poopy diaper, feeding everyone breakfast, trying to throw back some food myself, going potty again, washing hands, getting redressed, brushing teeth, changing another poopy diaper (of course, right when we're ready to walk out the door.  And I must confess that already I've knowingly put my youngest in the stroller with a poopy diaper (many times) so we can be on time.  Gasp!  I know.  He's my third and I've learned that he'll be ok). WHEW!  It's quite a sight, I'm sure. 

Growing up, being on time was unheard of in my family.  Being 5 minutes late meant that we were right on time and being early...what?  Well, that never happened. 

Getting ready to go somewhere was chaos, and I am determined to break that habit with my own family. 

Ideally, I would love to have my son leave the house with a healthy breakfast, pleasant conversations and hugs instead of rush, rush, go, go, hurry, hurry! 

Frustratingly enough, I've found how difficult those habits from my childhood are to break. It seems that no matter how hard I try or how early we get up, our morning still ends in that rush, rush, go, go, hurry, hurry!  Plus, "Don't forget this and don't forget that" has come out of my mouth more times than I'd like to admit, so I realized that I can either settle into this same old routine, or I can find ways to do what I can to make improvements in our morning.  And hopefully with just a few easy adjustments, our mornings will go a lot more smoothly.  

Here are a few tips that have helped us be on time (sometimes even early!) every day so far. 

1.  Have everything ready the night before:  Clothes, shoes, socks picked out.  Homework done.  Lunch made.  Back pack packed.  Everything that needs to be signed...signed.  Snack ready if it's snack day.  Everything for school is ready before we go to bed. 

2.  Don't press snooze:  I always negotiate in the morning when the alarm goes off (especially when my youngest gets me up 6 times throughout the night!)  Conversations in my head go like this:  SNOOZE--"I won't do a hot breakfast."  SNOOZE--"I won't get Nathaniel dressed--heck, I don't even have to get dressed."  SNOOZE--"We'll just do breakfast on-the-go."  SNOOZE--"Maybe he just won't go to school today..no wait...I can't do that...I have to get up right now!!!" 

Trust me, it's always so awful hurrying everyone out the door...especially my molasses kids (seriously, they are so sweet but SO SLOW!)  I'm cranky.  The kids are cranky.  And it's not the way I want to start my day.  I've realized that getting those extra 9 minutes of sleep each time has ruined the start of our day. 

Don't do it!  Get up.  Have some quiet time.  Get the day going.  Have more time to eat breakfast and spend time with your kids.  Believe me, I know how hard it is not to push snooze. 

 

I crave that extra 9 minutes, but I always end up wishing I had that 9 or 18 or 36 extra minutes back especially when I'm frantically trying to stuff arms into coats, fingers into glove holes, and heads into hats. 

(I wish I could say I followed my own advice on this one more often, but man, those extra 9 minutes can be just glorious!)

3.  Set a timer:  Figure out the latest you can leave the house in order to still be on time and then set the timer for 30 minutes before that as a reminder to everyone that it's time to start the process.  I don't know about you, but even when I think we have plenty of time, there will always be the inevitable smelly diaper or the "I have to go potty!" or rain or traffic or a train.  I've learned that if I start the process 30 minutes before we absolutely have to leave, then we may just make it!  Not always...but there is at least a little more hope!

And for those of you with snow this morning, I'd make it 40 minutes so you have extra time to scrape the car!

4.  Make a Check list:  Like I need a reason to make a check list!  :-)  Seriously though, having a checklist on our back door has been so helpful.  Before we walk out the door, we can check to make sure we have everything we need.  Plus, I can use it to encourage and empower my son to know what he's responsible for doing before we head out the door.  This way, we can at least shoot for being early and just pray that we are, at the very least, on time!  Impossible, you say?  It has been helpful so far.  We'll see how it goes... 

Here's the link to our morning checklist:   http://www.4realmoms.com/resources.html. 
My 6 year old is learning to read, but the pictures definitely help him know what he needs to do.  You can download it and even edit it to meet your needs.

Lord, You teach us that it is better to give than to receive.  Help our mommy hearts to be giving to our kids no matter what they need.  Lord, help us to find balance in teaching them what they can do for themselves and what we should be doing for them.  And help us to do those things with joyful hearts.  

Lord, You call us to be good stewards of our time.  Help us to find balance in work, school, and spending time with our kids.  As our alarm sounds each day, help us to get up and praise You for the day.  Be with our attitudes and our outlooks as we serve our kids and do all of the other "jobs" that moms have to do.  Give us joy as we continue through this school year, and give us wisdom to be on time, if not early, everyday.  More importantly, be with us and our children wherever we may be going!  In Jesus' name.  Amen.


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Do you have any Being On Time Tips?  Please share in the comments!

Rare Supermom Morning

"This is the day that the Lord has made. 

Let us rejoice and be glad in it." 

Psalm 118:24

Welcome to my morning!!

Crap!  Really?  The big kids are already up?  My alarm hasn't even gone off yet!

Why are you guys up so early?

"I want to be able to run laps this morning."  (My 6 year old, Ben, loves to get to school early because they have convinced him that it's fun to run laps before school in the morning--well done, school, well done!)

I didn't even get a chance to get dressed.  Oh well, I can just get dressed while the kids are eating breakfast. 

Oh no.  What about my littlest, Nathaniel?  I still have to nurse him.  I can do that, too, while the big kids are eating breakfast.  At least he's sleeping in though--high five to myself--like I have any control over that.  Oh well, high five anyway!

Ben wants me to play chess--I have no idea what I'm doing, but I have loved learning that the queen has complete control over the board.  Nice!  I'm good at pretending and acting interested though (seriously, why does anyone play chess?) 

My 3 year old daughter, Abby, wants me to read her a book.  I can read this book to her while Ben is setting up the chess pieces.  Awww. Sweet little book. 

Ok chess pieces are set up.  

Will Abby transition nicely from reading to helping me play chess with Ben?  We'll see...

"Hey, Abby!  Will you help me play chess with Ben?" 

Walking on eggshells...walking on eggshells...walking on eggshells. 

"Ok, Mommy."

Yes!! She bought it.  And we're playing chess.  Again, I have no idea what I'm doing.  Just smile and encourage him.

It's time to get Abby dressed now.  Will Abby transition from playing chess to going potty and getting dressed?  We'll see...

"Abby, it's time to go pee pee and get dressed." 

Walking on eggshells...walking on eggshells...walking on eggshells. 

"Ok Mommy."

Yes!  She bought it again!  And we're going pee pee, washing hands and getting Abby dressed. 

Oh good, Ben is already dressed.  Oh now, Nathaniel's up.  "Morning, Nathaniel." 

Ok let's all go downstairs and get you big kids breakfast.  What time is it?  Ok, too late for anything hot.  Cereal it is!  Pour cereal.  Pour milk.  Bib on.  Ok both the big kids are eating.

Now, Nathaniel.  Let's go nurse, buddy.  Nurse...nurse...nurse.  Snuggling.  Sweet.  Laughing at the big kids being silly at the breakfast table.

Done nursing.  Oh, no?  Not done?  Ok.  Nurse...nurse...nurse.  Snuggling.  Big kids still silly.

Ok, now I have to get dressed.  Time's a tickin'.

Get dressed.  Mommy clothes today.  Nowhere to go.  No one to see.  Who am I kidding--Like that would make a difference.  Laugh at myself.

Ok I'm dressed.  Big kids should be done.  Time's a tickin'. 

"Ben, if you want to run laps, we need to get moving so you can be early."

Ben takes his plate to the sink, brushes his teeth, gets his shoes on, coat on, and grabs his backpack--I'm loving the independence of 6 year olds!

Will Abby transition from breakfast to getting in the stroller?  We'll see...

"Abby, it's time to get your shoes and coat on.  Would you like to snuggle with your pink blankie too?" 

Walking on eggshells...walking on eggshells...walking on eggshells. 

"Ok, Mommy.  Yes, Mommy."

Yes!  She bought it!  I'm 3 for 3 today!  This never happens.  Don't spend too much time thinking about it, just go with it!

Ok if we leave now, you'll be early enough to run lots of laps, buddy.  Let's get moving. 

What's that smell?  Ahh man...Nathaniel has a huge poop!  Oh this isn't too bad.

"AAAACHOOO!" 

"Mommy, Abby has a boogie."

That's not a boogie, that's a snot rocket!  Abandon diaper changing.  Kleenex fast...Kleenex fast!  Whew!  Got it!

Where's Nathaniel?  Come here little naked butt.  Ok diaper on.  Clothes on.

Ok, if we leave right now, you might be early enough to run at least a few laps.  Let's go!  Let's go!

Everyone is dressed and ready to go!  Yay!  We're actually going to be early today.

Ok, Abby, coat on.  Shoes on.  I'm running upstairs to grab pink blankie for her.

Oh man.  It's raining.  Why do we not own any umbrellas?  Ok--hoods up everyone!  Let's go.  Let's go! 

The littles are in the stroller.  Ben is already walking.  We're going to make it!

I think you might still be able to run one lap, buddy.  But let's walk fast.

"Mommy, I have to go pee pee."  SIGH!  Not quietly either.  Very loudly! 

So close...so close!

Debate...do I risk the huge gigantic fit Abby might throw if I ask her to wait the 3 minute walk and back so we can get Ben to school early?  After all, why should this bother her, she holds it in for hours every day until she does the pee pee dance and even still claims she doesn't have to go. 

It doesn't hurt to ask.  We'll see...

"Abby, let's hurry up and run Ben over to school and then you can go pee pee when we get back." 

Walking on eggshells...walking on eggshells...walking on eggshells. 

"Ok, mommy." 

No way!  It worked again.  4 in a row!  Rare moment in history everyone...rare moment in history!!! 

How come no one is around to witness this??  And yet everyone in the neighborhood sees her when she's melting down?

Oh well, stop talking to yourself and get going before she changes her mind. 

 

Off we go...in the rain...hoods up.  Pray for Ben.  Save some worms from a stroller crushing.  We all give hugs and off he runs into the school...early!  With just enough time to run a lap or maybe even two!

I did it!!!  I can't believe it!  Ben is at school early so he can run laps.  Everyone was up, dressed, fed, happy, played with, read to, diapers changed, noses blown, and other than Abby having to wait just a few minutes to go pee pee, this morning went off without a hitch.  The best morning we've had yet!  And it's not even 8am!  What a morning!

I am Supermom this morning!  Seriously, how did I pull this off? 

Gurgle...gurgle.  Why is my stomach growling?  Oh, I forgot to eat breakfast!


This was seriously my morning!  I love it when everything falls into place, but this was a rare morning for me, and that's why I had to document it immediately!  I couldn't believe with all the obstacles in my way, I was still able to pull it off.  But as you saw at the end, I was so busy caring for everyone else's needs that I didn't even think of my own.  Isn't that what happens sometimes as moms?  We put ourselves last day in and day out?  I want to pray today that despite the chaos that motherhood sometimes brings, that you find time for yourself...to be quiet...to read...to shut your eyes...to be by yourself even for a minute.  I also pray that you will rejoice and be glad in this day simply because the Lord made it.  I pray that you find joy with your kids and be grateful for those supermom moments, those not-so-supermom moments, and everything in between!

Protect Him, Lord: A Prayer for My Child on His First Day of Kindergarten

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14

 

Lord, bless Ben as he starts school today.  Be near my son.  Help him to feel Your presence.   Help him to be brave and strong and courageous.  Help him to make new friends.  Help him to feel confident as he starts to learn new things.  Protect him, God, against discouragement, frustration and negativity. 

Guide him in all he says and does, and give him a very strong conscience to help him make the right choices.  Show him how to stand alone and do the right thing even when it’s not easy or even when others choose to do the wrong thing.  Put positive friends in his path, but also allow him to show love to those who need You in their lives.  Give him a heart to include others and encourage them.  Give him a heart to love, to be helpful, to be kind.  Allow him to be a positive influence on others. 

Guard his heart and his mind against the bad things that are in this world.  Protect him each and every day while he’s in that school building or anytime that he is away from me.  I know that You love Ben even more than I do, so God I give Ben to you.  Put him in Your loving, protective care. 

In Jesus’ name…Amen!
 

**For a printable copy of a prayer to pray over your girl or boy, visit my website at:  http://www.4realmoms.com/resources.html

To Ben, My Almost Kindergartener

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Numbers 6: 24-26

 

Dear Ben-

In a couple of weeks, you will be going to kindergarten.  I’m sure that it will be harder on mommy than it will be on you because even as I’m typing this, I’m getting tears in my eyes.  Why, you ask?  It’s truly hard for you to understand until you become a parent.  It’s so true.  I love you so much!  It’s a love that is so big that I can’t even begin to describe it to you.  It’s a love that is so pure that it can only come from God Himself.  It’s a love that is so real that I know it will never leave…it will only grow as you grow. 

I waited for nearly 5 years to be a mom, so when you finally came along, I was in awe of you, and I still am.  You were my precious miracle, and you still are, and so I have to admit that it will be hard to let you go. 

Even though I would love to have my little miracle stay at home with me and never go out into this big and sometimes scary world, I know that I have to trust that God will protect you because He loves you even more than I do.  But it’s so hard!  I want to be there for your every need.  I want to be a part of everything you do and see and learn.  I want to get your snacks for you and eat lunch with you and answer your questions for you and play silly games with you and laugh with you and go to the park with you.  I want to be near you all the time!

I want to protect you like when you were a baby.  I don't want you to get hurt.  I don't want you to be bullied or teased or ignored.  I don't want others to treat you unkindly or break your spirit.  I don't want your precious love for nature or your sensitive heart be made fun of.  I don't want you to learn bad habits or mean behaviors.  I don't want you to be exposed to the evil that's in this world.  I want you to stay inside our little protective bubble here at home.  (Ok, Here come the tears!)

Here's the truth:  I can't even begin to protect you from those painful and hurtful moments in life.  I wish I could, but it's impossible.  Sadly, those things are just a part of life...for all of us.  So here is where my prayers and my faith have to come in.  I have to trust God to protect your spirit and give you guidance and wisdom to make good choices.  I have to trust that God will give me wisdom to know how to teach you, guide you and love you as a parent as you do go through those difficult times.  I have to trust that God will use your experiences to build your character so He can use you in His Kingdom.  I have to trust that you are God’s Light, and He’s going to use you to shine His love on others.  And as much as you’ve blessed our family, He’s going to use you to bless everyone you meet especially your classmates and your teachers.  Let your Light shine, my little man!

 

 

Being at home with you over these six years has been a huge blessing to me.  I’ve seen you learn and grow so much.  In the blink of an eye, you’ve changed from a tiny infant into this amazing, loving, problem-solving, creative and inquisitive little boy.  I know that as you go to Kindergarten, I will watch you learn and grow even more.  I will learn to treasure the time I do have with you.  I will love look forward to seeing your smiling face when I pick you up from school.  I will value our time together in the afternoons and evenings and weekends.  I will appreciate you even more than I already do! 

As a kindergartener, you will experience new things.  You will make your own choices.   You will find out more about who you are and who God created you to be.  As you learn your ABCs in your new classroom, I want you to always remember the ABCs you've learned at home!

I love you, Ben!

Love,
Mommy

A	Attitude	Always have a good attitude.  Smile.
B	Brave	Be brave and be willing to try new things.
C	Caring	Be caring toward others.  Don’t leave someone out.  Try to include others.
D	Determination	Show determination by not giving up too easily.  Learning can be hard sometimes, but don’t get frustrated.  Keep trying!
E	Empathetic	Be empathetic towards others.  Try to be understanding towards their feelings.
F	Forgiving	Everyone makes mistakes.  Be forgiving towards yourself and towards others.
G	Giving	Share.  Give others a turn.
H	Honesty	Don’t lie.  Always tell the truth even if you have consequences.
I	Integrity	Have integrity.  Do the right thing even when no one is watching.
J	Joy	Find joy!  Be happy and have fun.  Always make the best out of your circumstances.
K	Kindness	Be kind with your words and with your actions.
L	Loving	Be loving.  Remember the Golden Rule:  Do to others what you would want them to do to you.
M	Manners	Use your manners.  Always say “Please” and “Thank you”.
N	Nice	Be nice.  And remember what Grandma says, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
O	Opinion	Don’t be afraid to share your opinion.  Don’t just follow the crowd.  Respect that others’ opinions may be different than yours.
P	Patience	Be patient.  When you ask for something…wait patiently.  When you need something…wait patiently.
Q	Quiet	Be quiet.  Take time to listen to others.
R	Respect	Show respect to others.  Respect their differences.  Show respect to yourself.  Respect your differences.
S	Self-Control	Have self-control.  Don’t just do something because someone else is doing it.  Follow directions.  Do what you’re supposed to be doing.
T	Thoughtful	Be thoughtful.  Look around and help get done what needs to be done without being asked.
U	Understanding	Be understanding.  Know that not everything is going to go how you want it to go.  And not everyone is going to do what you want them to do.
V	Very Helpful	Be helpful.  Help clean up.  Help someone pick up something they dropped.  Open doors.
W	Wonder	Be full of wonder.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
X	X-tra Encouraging	Be encouraging.  Uplift others.  Help them see the good in themselves.
Y	Your Choices	Make good choices.  You will be presented with opportunities to make good choices and bad choices.  Sometimes making the right choice isn’t always the easy choice.  Make the right choice anyway!
Z	Zest for Learning	Have the desire to learn.  The world is a fascinating place.  Seek knowledge.  And be humble.  There is always someone that knows more than you do.  Be open and willing to learn from them.

Remembering your ABCs is great for all of us!  To get a printable copy of "Remember Your ABCs go to:  http://www.4realmoms.com/resources.html