This week we are finding our groove again with homeschool, fitting in fitness, Mommy finding time for ME and the boys finding time for play. We homeschool, so finding the time to fit everything in requires balance, schedule as well as flexibility. Having only one working car (at the moment) requires additional flexibility and communication. Oh the joy of learning the be flexible.
Three things that work for me to start my morning off on the right foot:
1. As soon as I wake up, I drink a glass of water with lemon. This helps wake up my body, restart my metabolism, and it tastes good too!
2. After I drink my water, I make and start the coffee. While the coffee brews, I do a quick DVD workout. This week I am enjoying doing PiYo. So far the workouts are short and sweet. Not intense, but I totally feel it in my legs and core later on in the day!
3. After my workout, I sit and enjoy my morning coffee and read my devotional. I am really enjoying re-reading the Unglued Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst. She has a book called Unglued that is excellent, but I am just reading the devotional.
I am loving starting my day this way… reading this book. It helps me gain focus, find balance, and get organized and ready to tackle the day.
Once I finished those three things (faith, fitness, and food), we started our daily routine.
My monkeys are now fully awake and full of energy. I make them breakfast (or rather clean up from it). I let them get out their morning wiggles and play while I set up their lessons for the day. Today they decided to go outside and dig for worms! The windows were open this morning and I could hear them pressuring each other, “No! You eat it! You go first!” Sigh
The worm almost eaters came inside and did Bible and journal with me at the table. After another snack, we headed out for a quick run (me) and bike ride (them). This was their P.E. for the day.
My next race is the Rock N Roll San Jose half marathon in October… and I need to get off my bum and start training again. So… 13.1 miles might not be fast… but I will get it done.
I would LOVE to run with you in San Jose! If you are interested in running, use the discount code:
RUNWITHRACHEL for $15 off your registration!
The boys rode their bike while Daisy (dog) and I ran behind them. They held a nice, slow, comfortable and steady pace for me. For this I was grateful. I am usually chasing them down and barking like a mad woman. It was only 2 miles… but it was just right. Not the fastest or slowest. Not the longest or shortest. I ran. I covered miles. I did what I could when I could.
When we arrived home, the boys played again. Yes. I allow a lot of free play. It is a balancing and juggling act. They played. I showered. We all won. No one wants a stinky teacher hovering over them or snuggling them on the couch to read.
We finally got around to finishing our table and computer work for the day. Three different levels of reading, math, science and personalities. We are still learning to be patient with one another. Learning to take turns when Mommy is working with someone else. Finding something to occupy your time when you are waiting. It is all about balance and flexibility.
After lunch and more play, we loaded up on our bikes and headed out to run errands. Because my husband’s car is broken (the engine blew two weeks ago so we are a one car family until we figure something else out), the boys and I have been doing our adventure seeking on foot and on bike. Today we paid bills, explored and even got an afternoon treat.
A little Baskin Robbins ice cream to reward the boys for their great school day and eager (non-complaining) attitudes to allow Mommy fresh air and exercise TWICE today. Yes, I bribe my kids. It works. We all like ice cream. We rode 6.25 miles this afternoon. Winning.
When we arrived back home, we relaxed and watched half of the movie Planes. Then Daddy came home early and we picked up a rental car for him to use tomorrow. Wahoo! I have the car for the day. Oh boy! That means tomorrow I must do all my errands and grocery shopping while I have the van. Not much fun to be had… but a productive day is planned.
We are still trying to find our groove with our back to school routine and schedule. This whole one car thing is a challenge… but we are making it work. The hardest is juggling school work (because we are unable to go to the charter classes twice a week like we signed up). We will make this work. It will require communication and juggling.
Phew! A day in the life of a mama is busy. My is similar depending on the day. But it always starts early just so I can get some me time before the kiddos wake up and the busy begins. I just feel better starting off that way.
I’m impressed you get so much done before the monkeys are awake! My kids are such early birds, it doesn’t happen. But I usually workout before my husband leaves, so I still get it done in the morning. It’s hard to believe it’s time for school again- sounds like you have a fun, busy household!
I can’t wait until my kiddos are big enough to ride bikes with me while I run. 🙂 I’m glad you’re loving PiYo – I am too!
yes!!
I have only ONE and I need to get so so so much done before she launches herself outta bed 🙂
I’m impressed at how much you get done in the morning. No kids and all I do is drink coffee, eat & do blog stuff before a long day at work!
I did the water with lemon for a long time but somehow fell off the wagon with that. Thanks for the reminder!
I am amazed at how you home school and still have you time Rachael. I am looking forward to getting back on track with blogging now that kids are in school and the house is quiet. Running more and always drinking my water {I love using a mason jar}.
Lysa Terkeurest is one of my most fave of devotional reading, love her work 🙂
I love starting my morning off with cucumber water! So good!
My morning routine is usually trying to get out of the house on time with 4 dogs following me for treats. Not very fun or productive 🙂
Good for you on doing a workout while the coffee brews – I can’t bring myself to do anything before coffee other than brush my teeth, lol. 🙂 My morning routine is wake up, start coffee, brush teeth/wash face, and then sit down with my coffee to get to work on email and writing. My brain is at its sharpest earlier in the day, so I find I do better working out at the end of the day when my brain is mush and my body is ready to move around from my desk job. Good for you on the half marathon, that sounds great!
It’s always a challenge to transition from summer to schooling again. I give you so much credit for all of your training. I hope your half marathon goes just as you plan
Love so many things in this post .. lemon water .. unglued (oh I feel so “normal” after reading and rereading) .. coffee .. I’ve cream and PIYO .. and of course that I get to run with you again at SJ RNR
I sort of love your morning routines and I hope I can be as organized and ontop of it as you this school year! It’s my first year (and maybe my last lol) homeschooling.
You have always amazed me with your energy and stamina with those boys!
Wow you get a ton done! I have yet to find my routine, kids just started school this week. I’m hoping next week I can change into more productive days.
I hope I am half as organized (and patient) as you when I have 3!!
wow you are uber busy & still fit in sooooo much–I mean homeschooling seems so challenging to me. glad you are able to fit in the fitness too-that’s motivating to me! thanks for the inspiration
I need a new devotional to start my day.