Tired Mommy Tales

I’ve had a couple days of glorious alone time while Keith and Brooke took a Daddy/Daughter road trip to Michigan to visit family and go to Brooke’s first Tigers game!!

It was 2 days of doing whatever I wanted…breakfast while watching Saturday morning Food Network, caught up on episodes of Parenthood and Private Practice, spent Sunday morning serving with the church children’s ministry, fpKids. I watched movies that Keith would never want to watch with me!! Sidenote – Being Elmo was AMAZEBALLS! I am totally inspired by him!!

But its Sunday night and while my cuties are enjoying the last night of their trip, I’m giving in to the fact that real life starts again tomorrow. And as I’ve said before, one of the best ways for the workweek to feel less chaotic is to have a menu plan ready.

I wouldn’t be surprised if this one doesn’t completely change as the week goes on but its a starting point.

Monday: Crockpot Chicken & Rice ( a pinterest find)
Tuesday: Panini Night has been a good fit for Gymnastics nights so far
Wednesday: Beans n’ Rice Burritos
Thursday: Taco Night
Friday: Leaving this open
Saturday/Sunday: I think we have a party at Keith’s boss’ house one of these nights, the other night will be Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.

I’m also trying to gain a little more control over my time and not always feel like either a chicken with my head cut off, a failure or both.

So I’ve accepted the Hello Mornings challenge for Fall.

The basic premise for Hello Mornings is that you “wake up FOR your kids, not BY your kids”. Its really just about getting all your ducks in a row and taking care of you before the focus shifts to everyone else. For some, this time will be for bible study, exercise, or planning ahead for their day. While you don’t HAVE to participate, there is a Bible study offered with which everyone can follow along. For this challenge, the study is Kept: Secure in His Hands Whatever I Face (A “Quench” Bible Study)

For me, I plan to use this time to do the group Bible study and when classes start again, I will use this as study time as well.

One important part of this challenge is accountability. So teams are created and we will encourage each other and share what we are experiencing and learning throughout the challenge. We update on Twitter or Facebook and can also use Instagram to connect with other participants using the #hellomornings hashtag.

I’m really looking forward to this and it will be a challenge because getting up an earlier than I HAVE to is not my strong suit. Wish me luck!!!

Do you get up before your family? What kind of things do you try to accomplish before everyone is up?