Morning Ramble

I can not remember where I got this picture.
If it is yours please let me know.

Autumn burst forth in all her glory several weeks ago, but this morning I awoke to winter nipping at her heels.  It is cold!  Of course, I can hear my northern friends laughing hardily, but with temperatures moving along in the steady upper 70's, you get complacent.

This morning I awoke to a decidedly chilly morning, sending us all into a mad search for warmer jackets and 'real' shoes.  Yes, my daughter had to pack away her Toms!  I must admit to it being a happy day for me...I don't like Toms.  I thinking the company's intentions are wonderful, "With every pair you purchase, Toms will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for one."  Great idea!  The problem?  I don't find them attractive or well-made.  I would rather buy attractive, well-made shoes and write a check for charity.  I know, I know, lots of people disagree with me... Before you ask, no, I did not buy my daughters shoes;  she bought them with babysitting money.  Okay, back to this morning... The sudden change in weather caught me unawares and put more stress on our already stressful mornings.

Without fail my alarm clock sounds at 5:30 every week day.  Quickly dressing, I make my way downstairs to prepare my morning coffee and to feed Miss Kitty.  I have 30 minutes of quiet to meet with God  before the day starts racing forth.  I cherish this peaceful time for I know that it is short lived.

By 6 o'clock the whirlwind morning routine has started.  My youngest, Hayden, is my first to awaken; his bus arrives at 7 a.m. and he is not a morning person :) A warm breakfast of cranberry-walnut oatmeal is ate, while I busily pack lunches, sign school planners, and find the missing permission slip.  I vow an oath beneath my breath to be more organized, but all too soon the big yellow bus is at the corner and out the front door he runs.  I always stand at the window and say a little prayer as he leaves...the same prayer I say as each of my children leave in the morning.

My oldest, Paine, is the next up, followed by Madeline, and the routine with each varies greatly... Paine doesn't like breakfast, can never find his 'A' day backpack, buys his lunch at school, and catches a ride with friends.  Madeline will only have toast for breakfast, is incredibly organized, will never buy lunch at school, and , begrudgingly, rides the bus. Yet, not a one leaves my home without hearing "I love you, have a great day!"  But, more importantly, they get their morning prayer as they walk away.

"Watch over thy child, O Lord, 

as his days increase,

may he increase in wisdom, stature, and in favor with both God and man.  

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen."