Every Minute Counts

Mornings happen.  Every single day.  Some days we get to sleep in and take mornings slowly.  Most mornings we hit the ground running.

I have been feeling a lot of stress lately.  Back hurting, brain spinning, over the top stress.  Nothing specific, yet everything stresses me out.

I guess it is the 5 kid thing.  It is hard.

My Phoebe has been trying really hard lately to de stress me.  Lots of hugs, kisses and words of affirmation are coming from her.  I am sure it is the calm before the teenage storm, but I’ll take it.

This morning, like every morning.  Everything is happening at once.  In the midst of it, Phoebe comes and says, “Do you have time to braid my hair?”

What!?  No, do you see the chaos abounding.  Her sweet smile.  Of course, we have 7 minutes until we have to pull out.  I can do this!

We are in the bathroom.  I am braiding.  Two minutes in and the yelling starts.  I hear a “stop it”, a “shut up” and crying.  I continue braiding.  I try to tune it out.  I feel the blood pressure rising.  I am going to finish this dang braid if it kills me.  They will not win!

3 minutes later, with 2 more to spare.  I finish the braid (not my best work but completion under pressure is important here).  I go out to address the other stuff happening.  I yell, I remind that no means no, I announce it is time to go.

Wait, where are my shoes?  My leg hurts.  So and so is being mean. 

Get in the car!!

We start driving.  I am practicing my breathing techniques.  I watch the clock.  If I make all the lights green, we might make it.

I watch the clock for the next 20 minutes for each drop off and pick up of children.  I am racing the clock.  Everyday… I race the clock.  Everyday… I lose the race.  Every minute counts in the morning.

Do I lose, or is it ok?  My boss is a saint who extends me so much grace, my daughter’s hair looks cute, my kids are all alive and well and off to learn.  When I calm myself and reflect……It is a good life.  I am blessed.

Just need my people to understand that in the morning things would go smoother if they just understood every minute counts.

It is a journey.  It is a challenge.  It is my life.  At the end of the day I wouldn’t trade it for anything.