The Diary of My Day

6:20 a.m. – Alarm number one goes off.  The bed is warm and I discover that I have gained lots of new room as Chris is already off to the gym.  Man he is motivated.  Time to snooze.

6:35 a.m. – Coffee poured.  My inner monologue thanks my husband for being reliable and making the coffee the night before.

6:40 a.m. – Shower is interrupted by a conversation with one of my boys.  “Mommy?  Is today a school day or a Mommy day?  Dude, it is Tuesday, so that means it’s a school day.”  Both of us are slightly bummed for a moment.

7:15 a.m. – I’m wondering why I don’t make my son pick out his clothes the night before.  He’s upset with me because all of his favorite clothes are in the laundry.  I promise to do a load of wash later that night.

7:40 a.m. – Hustle, hustle, hustle.  Put your shoes on.  Put your jacket on.  Where are your hat and mittens?  Mommy needs to get to work!

7:50 a.m. – A silent car and a sigh of relief.  Guilt sets in for yelling and rushing my kids.  Why can’t I remain calm in the chaos?!  I will be nicer tomorrow.  I will be more patient.  I will be more grateful.

7:52 a.m. – Driving.  I flash my backseat passengers a smile.  I ask them if we should do a prayer together asking God to protect and bless our day.  Quiet car no longer.

7:55 a.m. – Settled in at school, a few hellos with the other families and big hugs and kisses exchanged.  I love the energy and excitement that is in the air in each of their separate classrooms.

8:15 a.m. – Arrive at my desk and take a breath.  It feels like I’ve just lived a lifetime in that short two hours.  I look forward to seeing the familiar faces at the office and enjoy a moment of silence.  And now my day “officially” begins.

9:00 a.m. – I glance at the family pictures surrounding me and I wonder how their day is starting.  I commit to celebrate and savor these days as they are getting too big too fast.

11:30 a.m. – What’s for hot lunch at school today?  I really should think about packing them something special for lunch tomorrow.  I hope they ate well.

12:15 p.m. – My turn for lunch.  I get to eat it in one sitting without interruption (unless you count an email or two).  And it’s hot.

1:00 p.m. – It’s rest time at school.  I wonder if they have been good to their friends and teachers.  Remembering their manners.  Being good helpers.

3:30 p.m. – How is it already 3:30?!  I have so much work I want to get done.  My day is flying and I’m feeling good about what I’ve accomplished.

4:00 p.m. – Recess time.  The boys get to be together and I wonder if they are excited to see one another.  Have they thought about each other when apart in their separate classes?

4:25 p.m. – I think of my husband and wonder, does he think of the boys as often as I do during his day.  I hope he is finishing up his day soon and hurries to pick up the boys.

4:45 p.m. – My day is almost done.  I give myself a pep talk.  I have energy.  Look at all you accomplished at work today.  Surely you can do one measly load of laundry tonight.  You did promise your son…

5:10 p.m. – I love my hands-free connection in my car.  I quickly catch up with my mom, sister and a good friend as I drive home for the day.  I can’t wait to see my family.

5:30 p.m. – It’s like I’m a rock star.  The Welcome Wagon showers me with hugs and kisses.  Even our dog who I tend to give less and less attention to, welcomes my arrival with excitement and a friendly tail wag.  I’m dying to hear every detail of their day.  Who did they play with, what did they learn, how was lunch?

5:40 p.m. – No plans to do laundry.  A pre-planned, made-ahead meal is on the table.  I feel like I’ve done my part and let myself off of the hook as I have no energy, motivation or desire to do any bit of housework.  I should cook in advance more often.

7:35 p.m. – Snuggle time is over and good nights are exchanged.  As I tuck them into bed I miss them already.

8:00 p.m. – Husband time.  Logistics review.  After all, in this house, “teamwork makes the dream work”.

9:35 p.m. – Upstairs I wake one of the boys to use the toilet in an effort to prevent bedwetting.  I steer him towards my room on the way back from the bathroom.  I want some extra snuggle time so we cozy up in my bed.

10 p.m. or beyond – Chris arrives upstairs to see that his spot is occupied.  He carries him off to his own bed.  I’m sure he thinks I’m spoiling them.  If I were awake I would remind him that I probably have only 5 – 7 more years where I am still considered cool, the best, most loved person in their lives.

I share my daily routine with you to fufill one of my New Year’s resolutions – to live more in the moment.  What’s your regular routine like around your house?  This daily review and reflection reminded me to reflect on the simple, daily joys of mothering.  I encourage you to do the same.