Sleep - Is It Really Necessary?

4:10 am - Son climbs into bed, steals covers and curls knees up into my back, which was already keeping me up hurting.

4:35 am - Random rooster dropped off at our house for butchering begins crowing (loudly), seemingly on our porch.

4:40 am - Husband gets up because rooster is waking him and goes outside (not sure why), then returns complaining of the child in the middle of our bed.

4:55 am - stare at the clock because it is useless to try at this point.

4:59:50 am - stop the alarm before it re-wakes husband and son. Get up and try to have my Bible study and computer time before the kids wake up. Shower, laundry, morning chores and breakfast before school begins...

Does this sound like anyone else's life? This is mine about every single day. If it is not one thing it is another. I never sleep anymore. Is this a typical homeschool mom's life?

It would be ok if I really were Supermom like I pretend to be. But the truth is, I spent yesterday's recess lying flat on the living room floor.

I would encourage you, mama, and myself, to remember the things that we are trying to impart to our children. Wisdom. Patience. Healthy living. Are we being models of this if we are worn out, cranky, lacking energy, and sending them outside at the first sign of a sunny day? I would say "no." And I would also say that I have not always been this way. As the semester wears down into the holiday season, I believe we are all wearing down. So here are some goals to try:

1) Go to bed. I'm not joking. Make sure to go to bed at a decent time, in spite of the fact that this is your only time alone!

2) Eat healthy during the day.

3) Get outside during the day.

4) Choose family holiday activities that involve restfulness - favorite holiday movies, books, coloring Christmas color books

5) Don't push yourself. If I have learned anything over the years it is that I am the only one who cares when things don't get done. Take a break if you need it.

6) Spend time in prayer and study with the one who can truly fill you up with everything you need for this task he has given you.