Happy Thursday ❤️

Ahhhh, my beautiful Mt. Nebo. May I always appreciate your wonder and beauty.

Today, is an early day for me... which has me already hoping for a nap later.

I have always been an early riser. My kids are also early risers. Getting them ready for school has never been anything but a breeze, even the baby. Ever since the pandemic and school closing I have not been, and I’m okay with that. It is like my body is finally getting in every single bit of rest it has been neglected over time. Before COVID, we were straight up morning people, even on the weekend.

Now, I’m usually making my way to the shower at 9 a.m. The kids might appear before 11 a.m. these days. It is what it is. One day we will soon be back to the hustle and bustle of every day life and moments like these will be rare.

Today, started at 5 a.m.... with the baby waking me up coughing. (She is a two year old toddler but the other 5 of us in this house dare you to let her know that) Snuggled around my head like always, just hacking in my ear. Normally, I could go back to sleep but there is a bird that has found a home right outside my window and it is SO loud 😫

I didn’t even try to fight it. I checked all my notifications, tried to get my stupid back up app to back up pictures, text my husband, turned on the bathroom heater (it may be summer but my bathroom is Antarctica) and then stumbled downstairs to my best friend... the coffee maker. Got my coffee going and back upstairs to shower hoping in the process the baby isn’t awake, because I’m just not ready to do things.

My morning ritual, when I actually have to have one, is to drink my first cup outside. Sometimes, the elusive Luther the cat joins me, but never to closely. I think one of the first things all people should do is go outside for a moment before really starting your day. Listen to the quiet. Smell the dew. Just sit and breathe. A brand new day.

I think mornings are so special because they are new. I love the nighttime. It’s when I get most of my stuff done, have a moment to watch what I want and at a certain point in the night, not have to do anything for anyone because they are asleep!

But, at night is when I doubt. When I over think the day and sometimes end up hurting my own feelings. Was I a good enough Mom, wife, friend, or daughter today? Did I do enough for my family. Do they know I love them? Always a reflection of what has already been. Mornings though, that is when you can think forward and say what you will change. What you will do better.

Mornings should always start on a positive note.

Yesterday is gone and will never be back. You can still improve it though, today by doing better. By being better, being more kind, being happier, you have the choices to make your day a great one. Hopefully, resulting in a night with no regrets or sad thoughts.

Im starting my day off with my favorite coffee cup and my most treasured item... my meal planning notebook. In this book I have 100s of meals, grocery list, recipes, and potential meal ideas. I spent months getting this thing right and add to it almost daily. If our house ever caught on fire (God forbid, please Lord do not let it happen) I would save my kids, dog, and this notebook. It is truly my whole cooking life.

I have several new things to add and need to figure out tonight’s dinner. So,I’ll get to that, while I have the time, and the quiet ❤️

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