Deep Rest

Today I was so tired I could hardly function. I pulled myself through as far as a could 9:30am. Then I didn't know what to do. I have three little ones at home who need me to care for them. So I prayed. We took naps right then. I thought there would be no way the kids would fall asleep. But they all were out. I went into a deep, wonderful sleep. I have a hard time sleeping well during the last part of pregnancy, but I was out cold. I woke up 3 hours later. I was shocked! It felt so good! Tank was still asleep. Hyrum and Ella had woke up a bit before but just quietly colored Halloween pictures. I am so blessed! Heavenly Father knew my need and helped me get the rest I needed. I'm so grateful!

A Bit Worn Out

Yesterday we went on a 10-mile bike ride. Usually not a big deal. However, I was pulling almost an hundred pounds in the bike trailer against a strong wind. It was all I could do to just keep going. Most of the time I don't sunburn and no one else did, but my arms are toasted. Pregnancy makes my skin more sensitive.

This morning we played a barefoot game in the park and worked in the garden for a couple of hours. It's 3:40 pm and I'm struggling to get the basics done. I'm dragging myself through the motions of grooming and fixing dinner. I know I'm going to make a healthy, cherry cobbler and a green shake, but after that? Maybe I'll steam some veggies and have Moroni bake some bread. That should work. Maybe I just need a multivitamin to put the pep back in my step. Who am I fooling, every pregnancy has days where you are so tired you can hardly function. It's just part of it. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father blesses me with plenty of energy most days. I'm so grateful for naps as well.

The Morning Challenge

Our mornings are pretty awesome. We get up at 6:00. The kids clean their rooms and get themselves ready for the day. Then they do a couple of simple chores that rotate monthly. Jaremy showers and does laundry. I say my quick prayers and immediately go down to start breakfast (or assist or train the child in charge of breakfast preparations), keep kids on task, and do a few chores myself. Tank (2) usually wakes up slowly. He wants me to cuddle with him while he warms up for the day. If I don't sit and hold him until he is go and ready to get going on his morning he becomes very grumpy and demanding. He throws a fit if I ask someone else to cuddle him. So one of my main jobs each morning is to help Tank feel secure and loved. If I do he is off to a great start! Sometimes it is difficult to remember how important this simple bonding is. It shows him I love him more than attacking my to-do list. I'm so grateful my family is so understanding. They all realize he still needs this time with Mom. They also know that they received the same attention when they were little.
At about 7:00 we have family scripture study. Breakfast is at about 7:30. Then the kids gather up their lunches and book bags. They have us sign last minute papers and then they kiss us good-bye. Jaremy gives me a long kiss then he drives the kids to school. Their school is by his work. Both are about 10 minutes from our home by the Logan Temple.
After they leave the little kids and I finish tidying the house. I then help Ella and Tank with their teeth and hair. Finally, I shower while they play in the bedroom next to the bathroom so I can hear them. After I shower one of the kids combs my wet hair while I read stories to them on the sofa. Next we do school and other various jobs until lunch and naps. The little kids go down to bed. About once a week I take a short nap too. As I've mentioned before this increases my optimism and energy. Hyrum (6) and Natalie (8) do some homework until Jaremy comes home for lunch. Half the time I can greet Jaremy at lunch time with my make-up and hair done. The other half of the time he has to wait until dinner . Today is one of those days.
I love mornings! I just need to be able to accomplish a few more things. First, I want to be able to really pray in the morning. This takes quiet, alone time for at least 15 minutes. Second, I want to be able to get myself completely ready for the day before breakfast. Third, I want to be able to get Tank and Ella ready before breakfast. Fourth, it would be really nice to work out with Jaremy in the morning.
In order to accomplish these things I need to arise at 4:30am. That means I would have to be in bed at 8:30pm. That is not realistic. I usually go to be between 9:30 and 10:00. If I don't get 8 hours of sleep I don't function very well. So what do I do?
Maybe I can skip getting the little ones ready before breakfast. Maybe I can learn to get ready in 15 minutes instead of 30 minutes. That would mean I would have to go to be at 9:00, but maybe that could work. I will try it for a week and see what happens!

Beautiful Naps

Yesterday we shopped all day! This year I'm trying to only go grocery shopping once a month. It seems to free up a lot of time. It feels great to have a year's supply of essentials like wheat and beans. It feels terrific to have at least a month's supply of vegetables, fruits, meats, salsa, household supplies, and such. It was a big day! I'm so grateful we have our finances set up so we can shop in one big day. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with enough money for food, clothes, and supplies. It costs a lot to raise these little ones, but I feel Heavenly Father helping us. I'm grateful for the blessings of paying our tithes and fast offerings. The windows of heaven have truly opened for us.
This morning I washed windows and walls, put away laundry, cleaned, and baked. I'm ready for a nap. I believe a nap gives you the power of two mornings. It keeps me going strong into the evening. I'm a nicer mom when I take a nap. Of course, now that I'm not expecting or nursing I don't need a nap everyday or more than 20 minutes, but I still like to freshen up. I used to feel guilty for napping, but now I realize it actually increases my productivity, energy, and emotional stability. Your best self might be eluding you on the other side of a nap.