Embracing Naptime

Naptime used to be a stressful time for me. Trying to get 3 kids to simultaneously nap so that I could quick rush and get an hour or two of projects done. The days my kids actually cooperated left me feeling frazzled and overworked because I didn't take a break. The days they didn't nap left me feeling frazzled and crabby with their lack of cooperation. 

I don't know when or how the wind shifted, but sometime over the summer I have learned to change my thinking. I no longer battle naptime, I embrace it.

The older kids want me to lay with them so I do. I put Harriet in her crib then me and the older two gather our blankies and cozy up in my bed. They think it's a treat to lay with me and, go figure, they go right to sleep. 

I then use the time to practice some deep breathing, nap, or if I'm real sneaky slide in my earbuds and watch an episode of "House of Cards."

Occasionally I sneak out after they are asleep to catch up on some housework or cooking but I'm finding more often than not I just like to lay with their sleepy heads cozied right up to mine, trying to synchronize our breathing. It sounds SUPREMELY cheesy but I know that one day these moments might be just fleeting memories. Why not relish in them as opposed to rushing through them??

It's a mantra that I am trying to spread through other areas of my life too. Slow down, enjoy, relax. Who knew it could be so rewarding?? (Probably my mom. She seems to know all of life's good little secrets)

So it anyone needs me between the hours of 1&3 pm...I'm probably resting with some cute kids. Do not disturb!! :)

Ready for school

Update on our homeschooling:

We aren't starting "our official school year" until after Labor Day but boy am I ready to dive into our first year of homeschool!!! Room is mostly set up, curriculum and planner are purchased. August is my prep month then we'll begin!!! I can't wait for our adventure in Pre-Kindergarten!!!

We decided to go with Oak Meadow Kindergarten curriculum. I know I could probably piece together a curriculum myself but wanted to try an all-in-one curriculum to see if it will work for us. (Plus I got it on sale)

I'm still working out a schedule and just how I think I'm going to balance it all. I guess I'm just having faith that we will have fun, learn and be kids!!!

I can't wait!!!

  

First Day-August 2014

Spent our first day camping with family at a state park. It was fun-filled and exhausting but completely wonderful to be with most of my favorite people ever!!!