Morning Routine

I now realize my error and yet I have no desire to correct it. I am known by some as lazy and by others as motivated and a hard worker. Let me speak the truth. When it comes to myself and my family, I unfortunately do the minimum amount to keep us happy. Let me explain.
At work I am a volunteer to do whatever needs to be done. I overload my plate so to speak. I am also known as organized and even a little OCD. Ha! At home is a different story.

I have a pretty good sized laundry room that is storing many neat piles of clean laundry each separated by owner. My "laundry room" is currently the nursery because Tyler is still in the bassinet in our room. I also have a milk crate that doubles for a sock bin. I couldn't tell you the last time I matched socks.
My amazing fiance is the best at keeping the dishes done. I have managed to keep the house clean enough after having Tyler to keep Josh from complaining. Bare minimum I tell you!

Now back to my error. I used to wake up my 8 and 5 year old every morning by going into their room, turning the tv on, and nicely telling them that I was getting breakfast started and to come downstairs as they wake up. This method was allowing about an hour to get ready. This method also allowed spare time or at least what they thought was spare time. Spare time leads to fits about shoes that aren't tight enough, pants that don't feel right, sleeves that are too long because he wanted to wear short sleeves even though it was -38 degrees outside, tv shows that made them feel as if they were to look away from them the sun would explode and we would all die, and the computer or phone game that they would sneak and play that apparently destroyed any ability to communicate as a human being and all fear and common sense would become completely numb to any threats.

These never ending battles lead to my snooze button, aka my dread button, being pressed longer and longer until our morning routine is now down to 20 minutes. I know it seems like a monstrosity to expect this age to rise, get dressed, eat,  brush their teeth, and get in the car in 20 minutes. I initially agreed and kicked myself every morning for rushing them and placing such an expectation on them. Initially.

I have realized my error in giving my children unhealthy packaged muffins, cereal in a Ziploc, or a poptart in hand as we walk out the door. I have realized my error with rushing that I occasionally forget to brush ones teeth, wash a face, give vitamins, or brush hair. I realize my error of allowing my children to wear socks that don't match every now and then because I don't have time to rummage the sock bin that morning.

While I'm realizing my error I'm also realizing how much smoother our morning routine is. I start by throwing their clothes at them, turning their light on, and informing them every morning that I slept late again and we have no time to mess around...Get Dressed Now! I then go downstairs, get their breakfast bags ready and sort through backpacks. As they emerge from their caves looking like coma patients, they are completely dressed and I tell them to grab their shoes and brush their teeth. After the shoes have been applied, I proceed to fix their hair while their toothbrushes are still in their mouth. Do you understand they can not scream about a painful brush stroke while the fear of choking is imminent? The only thing left is jackets and backpacks. I may be a genius!

What works for my family may not work for others but for now my dread button will continue to be pressed many times per morning. Now if I can just cure the fights that start the moment the car is in sight. Who will close the garage door? Who will get to sit next to the baby? Who will get their seat belt on first? Who will get to hear the song they want on the radio? WHO WILL MAKE IT OUT ALIVE!!??