Well, I’m starting a new series on my blog.
It’s sort of rebellious to start one mid-year, right?
I’m so bad.
It’s probably all of that Game of Thrones I’m watching!
#justkidding #imsucharulefollower
I was thinking the other day about all the “routines” we have in our family. Here’s my little list (please feel free to chime in for me to add!!)…
Packing Routine
Speech/Occupational Therapy Routine
Hospitalization Routine
Driving kids to dance/sports Routine
Meal Planning Routine
Working from Home Routine
Homework Routine
Chores Routine
Going to Church Routine
Packing for a Vacation Routine
Grocery Shopping Routine
Organizing the Kids’ Closets Routine
Bedtime Routine
Exercise Routine
See? I could keep going! I love a good routine. Call me Type A, call me predictable, call me boring, call me any of it…I thrive on a routine (and I bet some of you do too!). So, I’m kicking off this first one with…OUR MORNING ROUTINE. It’s not special or original, but it’s ours, and I’ve learned that this one particular routine is almost always crazy because of things I do and almost always smooth because of things I do. If I get our stuff together the night before, don’t get distracted by work or my phone and stay focused, we have a great morning…if I work just an extra five minutes, go to bed without emptying the dishwasher or making sure their clothes are ready for the next day, it’s chaotic…and that’s all on me. So, here we go, our MORNING ROUTINE…
I reallllllly have to keep tabs on when I wake up because I am SUCH a morning person. I would 100% rather get up early than stay up late. I really try and sleep until 5:00, but many mornings, I find myself up closer to 4:40. There is just something amazing to me about that quiet time in our house before the kids are awake. And the fact that Andrew gets up at 4:00 each morning, only encourages me. By the time my eyes open, the house already smells like coffee and the lamp is on where he’s reading his Bible, checking out the morning news. We’re morning people.
My first stop in the morning is always to get a cup of coffee and then to sit down with my own Bible study and quiet time. I like to do this at the kitchen table.
If I couldn’t have coffee in the morning…I doubt I’d be a morning person. Ha!
I used to take the time in the morning when my kids were still asleep and do some chores, but this last year, I’ve decided that’s not a good use of the time. Instead of doing a load of laundry and emptying the dishwasher, I’ve been trying to do that the night before, so that in the morning, it’s 100% time to focus on work before I get up the kids. That’s about 2 full hours of doing my Bible study and working before anyone wakes up.
My new favorite indulgence is grabbing my MacBook and sitting in bed to work while watching the news instead of sitting at my desk. I don’t know? It just hit me one day…I sit at my desk #alldaylong why am I starting at 5:00 in the morning when a cozy, comfy bed is just waiting there for me to hop in?! I get all cozy under the covers, flip on the news and start to do a little work. This one little thing has totally energized me. It’s actually one of my favorite times of the day!
When it’s time to start thinking about getting the kids ready, I get out of bed and immediately make it. I’m a #mustmakeyourbedeverysingleday kind of gal.
Then, I head to the kitchen and start boiling water for their thermoses. This was YOUR tip and it’s amazing! This year, I’ve been sending the kids to school every day with a hot lunch and so many of you told me to fill their thermoses with boiling water for 10 minutes before putting the hot food inside and that it will stay hot longer. Bam! That’s brilliant and we’ve done it every single day!
While it’s boiling, I get their breakfast stuff together. I ask them the night before what they want the next morning and try and get as much of it out/together as I can before bed.
On this particular morning, Kensington and Ashby each wanted a Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin (K loves to make these all by herself!).
I can whip up my breakfast in just minutes while I’m doing everything else. One egg, one piece of meatless breakfast sausage from Trader Joe’s and also their cinnamon bread toasted up with homemade jam.
Leftover Sloppy Joes were heated up and put in the thermoses after the 10 minutes were up!
Smith and Madeley each requested a Van’s Waffle. M likes her’s with peanut butter and a banana.
Thermoses ready to go!
Right at 6:30, I wake everyone up. Poppy likes to get up with Andrew and me…but Frenchie likes to sleep in with the girls.
Madeley is my favorite here. Isn’t that how you feel first thing in the morning?! Eating breakfast and chatting with mama.
Okay, once everyone is settled with breakfast (and I’ve had to call Smith down at least 10 times), I get into my workout clothes.
The little girls stuff was laid out downstairs. If I get that together the night before, it helps SO MUCH!! After breakfast, everyone quickly gets ready for school so that we can…
…work on homework! This year, we have been doing homework before school and it has helped SO MUCH! My kids fought it at first, but now, they love coming home from school and immediately playing outside or heading to their extracurriculars without any work beforehand! Ashby and I often do it in the dining room and the big kids in the kitchen. We try and sit down for homework right around 7:00.
All dressed and ready for school!!
After they go to school, I try and hop on…
…the Peloton for a quick class!
Erika and I take turns taking the girls to preschool. On this particular day, it was her turn to take, so at 8:45, we were ready to go (I get Madeley dressed with the other kiddos because it’s just easier). While I’m on the Peloton/running/doing yoga or whatnot, she’s playing/hanging out with Andrew/watching Peppa Pig).
She left for school and I hit my desk…with a second cup of coffee.
The clock on my computer says 8:55…back to work for the day!
Work, work, work until lunch, lunch lunch. I need quick and easy for lunch. On this day, I had…
…one of these with some Trader Joe’s hummus.
After that, it was 11:28…
…so, I showered and got dressed for the day. I had things to do that afternoon after school, so I decided to get dressed and then finish working so that I didn’t have to stop later in the day.
That, my friends, is our morning routine.
It varies a little each day, but for the most part, this is it.
Okay, tell me one thing about your morning routine!! I want to hear something you do every day!!
Erika Slaughter says
EEEEKKKKK!!!! These posts are FUN! Loved getting a look at your morning routine! Something I do EVERY morning? COFFEE WITH cream. 🙂
Dana says
A few thoughts:
-These things are so encouraging!! I just love them. Another favorite was your post where you talked about how you stay active. I would love to know how you are so disciplined, too!
-Your hair looks so cute pulled back like that. How do you make the little bump up top? Hidden bobby pins?
-One of my favorite things about my morning is listening to Revive Our Hearts with Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. I’ve been listening every day for about 3 years and absolutely love it. I think you would especially enjoy the series from a few weeks ago about a couple in NY (he’s part owner of the Yankees- ha!). The couple’s names are Bill and Vicki Rose. Their whole marriage story is really fun to hear how the Lord orchestrated lots of things in their lives. There have been so many good series though, it’s hard to pick a favorite!
-My other favorite thing is drinking 2 different types of tea in the morning. It’s just happy to have a little choice and variety!
Mix and Match Mama says
Dirty hair is the key! Hahaha!
Kelly Sites says
Thank you for sharing about the Revive our Hearts- I just subscribed!!!! I’m a HUGE routine gal- and always always make my bed. The key to a successful morning is always prep the night before. I always prep my breakfast and gym bag and set my devotional stuff out. And clean the house and kitchen so it’s all tidy for the a.m. I can’t go to bed with a messy house, bedroom or bathrooms. 🙂 I also make a list of the things I want to get done the next day and plan when I will work out in that day.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I think having a routine is a great thing, keeps us grounded – and you really do have a lot! So awesome. 🙂
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Lauren says
I love this new series!! Because of you I started waking up earlier and it has changed my life, seriously! I love starting the day peacefully as opposed to always rushing.
One thing in my routine is that the newspaper (USA Today) gets sent to my phone every morning and I read it in bed before my family wakes up, I feel that by reading it every morning I can still be informed but don’t need to be consumed by the news throughout the day.
Can’t wait for the rest if this series, I love a good routine!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ahhhhhhhh!! Yay! I’m so glad you’re enjoying getting up early!!
Sarah Gafford says
I am so excited for this series! I can’t function without a good routine and I love knowing how other families do theirs! Do you and Erika keep extra car seats/booster seats in your cars so you can drive each other’s kids around?
Katherine Gatza says
Love this! My husband makes fun of me because of my love of routines, but I swear by them – and they make me so happy! (I knew we were going to be great BFFs! Ha) Our routine is similar but a little different since I work out of the house. The best part of my day is when I get quiet time from 5:45-6:15am. Now that my girls are older, mornings are much easier because they know the routine to follow and they get themselves ready.
Eileen says
I love the idea of “routines” posts. I’m all about a routine too!
Lindsay says
I get up at 4:50am and have about 1.5 hours of quiet time to read my book, read blogs (like yours, Erika’s, Sheaffer’s, and Andrea’s!– I actually have an order in which I read them) and I sip my coffee in peace before kicking off our work and school day. I shower before my kids get up and we all hit the ground running once they get up. The biggest peace of advice we received this year is to have our kids make their own breakfasts. Even our 4 year old– which makes me super nervous. We help them with any electronics (like the toaster for waffles) but most of the time they eat cereal. I bought rainbow colored plastic bowls from Amazon and we placed the bowls and a stack of plastic cups in a low cabinet for the kids to easily access. It’s working like a charm and really helping our mornings (and even snack times) go smoother. By 7:25a, we are all out of the house and headed towards work and school!
Tara G. says
I usually work out right away…we home school so it’s the best time & I feel like I can sort through/brain dump a lot.
Christy says
Love routines! I can’t wait to see all the different ones. Do your kids get any time on their iPads during the week? And what time do your kids god to bed? Mine are up and ready to go at 5:45!!! So, this interrupts some of my morning time!
Mix and Match Mama says
They typically go to bed around 8:30. After school, sometimes, I’ll let them watch a show on their iPad (especially if we’re waiting for speech or something and they’ve finished their homework).
Lindsey says
But I thought they did their homework in the morning?
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s what I said 🙂 .
Naomi says
Just curious, what time do YOU go to bed, and are you adamant about a specific time? I get up at 5am but I can’t seem to get to bed earlier enough after getting kids down, cleaning, work pieces, etc. to feel rested at all.
Mix and Match Mama says
I really try to go to bed by 10:00…sometimes, I’m up until 10:30 but rarely ever after.
emily @ a little bit of emily says
This is going to be such a fun series – I love hearing about others’ routines!
Sheaffer Sims says
So, you know I’m a morning person too….and I also often hop out of bed before my alarm goes off. But I hit the snooze button 3 times this morning. I NEVER hit the snooze button. And I wish I was still asleep right now!
Fun post!
Elspeth Mizner says
I LOVE ROUTINES!!!! They make my day run smoother and i feel like i can get more done! I always plans my clothes out for the week and lay them out the night before so i save time in the morning. I also journal every morning before my day gets too busy. I can’t wait to read more about your routines!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Savannah says
The yellow sweater is adorable. Can you post a link ? Thanks !!!
P.S. I also love a routine !!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! https://mixandmatchmama.com/2019/02/what-i-wore-wednesday-5/
Lindsey says
I want to say thank you truly truly from the bottom of my heart. A few years ago you inspired me to try getting up early (which was my least favorite time of day) and now I’m completely an early bird!! It 100 percent changed my life. That and always loading the dishwasher bf bed. I am not good with routine so I count on you and your love for routines to keep inspiring me! THANK YOU!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!!!!!!!! I’m so happy to hear this!!!
Narci says
I love a good routine, and how neat to see your morning routine. Fun post!!!!
Laura B says
Anyone out there who wants to be a routine person but just…isn’t? Is there any hope for me?!! Haha
I love reading about your routine…because it makes sense that things just go smoother when it’s all ready! I will be trying to get a semblance of routine started! Today!
Mix and Match Mama says
My mom isn’t! I grew up in a non-routine household and it totally worked!
Laura says
And all the “type A” blog readers said “hooray!!” This is my kind of series! I would be interested in reading if you have a “prep for the week” routine, cleaning routine (daily weekly or monthly?), or any routine with Andrew (like, monthly dates? Daily debriefs of schedules? Etc.).
Jenn says
Yes! And I would love added to that a post about your kids responsibilities for keeping their stuff picked up and do they have daily or weekly chores? When do they do them! I really need to get our kids involved in keeping the house clean!
Mix and Match Mama says
I wish I had a big schedule…urg, basically, I’m always telling them to pick up. it’s probably not a good system. ha!
Bonnie Butler says
I even fill water bottles and place them in the fridge overnight to help me. Even something so little saves me time.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!!!!!!
Beth Miller says
I LOVE getting up early! I get up at 5:15am and immediately do a work out video. I then make and drink my coffee while doing my Bible study. My girls’ bus doesn’t pick them up until 8:25am, so they don’t get up until 7:45 which gives me tons of quiet time to work! They have to be completely ready for school before they come downstairs. I teach online classes for nursing students, and I can grade and get so much done! Most people think I’m crazy getting up so early, but it works for me!
Jenny says
I’m just curious what time you go to bed if you’re getting up so early every morning?
Jenn says
I know, right! I would love to see responses from multiple people on this! My husband and I are big time night owls which doesn’t make us very good morning people! But I would love to have a bit more balance thrown in.
Laura says
I loved this post! I didnt want it to end. Im teady for a routine for the rest of the day 🙂 Thanks for inspiring me today to be a little more streamlined in the morning. You sure know how to run your day! 🙂
KimW says
eek! that would stress me out to wait until before school to do homework! we are teaching our kids to take care of school work ahead of time to show that it is a priority and so that they don’t grow up to procrastinate!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s not due that day. I probably should have clarified that. At our school, they’re given their homework for the week on Mondays (sometimes Friday afternoon), and you have the whole week to work on it. So, it’s not due that morning.
Bren says
Ah-ha! That makes sense! My kids had so much homework (they are now 2 in college, one in HS) that we (unfortunately) needed a couple hours each evening to tackle it. I really like the idea of receiving it on Monday, or Friday. That would have worked so well here, being able to plan it out over a week vs. not knowing what each day will bring. Great post! I LOVE a good routine! Doing mine right now – drinking my tea, reading my blogs before diving into my work. Have a great day!
Jenn says
Oh my gosh! I think I am moving to McKinney just for that perk! I would LOVE to have the week’s assignments early on! I am going to talk to our teachers and see if that is a possibility. But I am guessing their concern would be, they often give homework for the lesson they taught that day and that the kids wouldn’t know how to complete the lesson ahead of time. How do they get around that at your school? Is it all due on Friday then? Seriously going to look into this possibility! Thanks Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
Our district lets each school do it their own way. A few schools in our district simply don’t have homework (makes me jealous!). our school is probably in the middle (some homework that’s due once a week, but not a ton).
Ashley Reiss says
I use hot water in the thermoses before I pack lunches. I use the Keurig to heat my water. It’s so fast and works perfectly!
Katie Cherry says
What time does elementary school start and how do your kids get to school?
Our elementary starts at 750, but the bus picks up at 653.
Mix and Match Mama says
We live within walking distance and it starts at 8:00.
Angie M says
I love routines and lists?. I feel so much better when I make my bed so I try to make it every morning. I love reading about your routines and can’t wait for the next one
Jill Koch says
Love this! I like to see other people’s routines and I totally agree that getting off even by 5 minutes in one area can throw the whole day. I’m reminded of that every time I try to sleep in 15 minutes longer. And that picture of Madeley at breakfast is too cute!
http://www.jillcomesclean.com
Melissa Terry says
I am a total routine girl so this post was right up my alley…I feel like I have a routine for almost everything we do so it’s nice to know I’m not the only one-ha! And those quesadillas are going on my TJ’s list right now. Lunch is my least favorite meal of the day so I’m always looking for fun, easy options. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
MINE TOO!!!!!!
Taylor Miller says
Drink my allowed two cups of coffee because I have a bright eyed brushy tailed 6 month old babygirl who loves to wake up at 6:00 every morning ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Ahhhhh! Enjoy your baby!! It goes by so fast!!
Maria Martinez says
I’ve been working on waking up earlier and hitting the gym in the morning. It is hard sometimes but the days I do manage to get up I find myself with so much “free time” after work to do other things I love to do like long walks with the dog. I do have to be at work by 8. I wished I had your schedule!
Mix and Match Mama says
I used to have to be at work at 8 too! I totally get that. Back in the day, I also enjoyed working out in the morning, so I didn’t have to fuss with it after work (I never go if it’s late in the day).
Mclaas says
At the beginning of this school year, i remember your kids were packing their own lunches. Is that still happening?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! After school, they come home and empty out their lunchboxes, put their thermoses in the dishwasher and then re-pack (chips, yogurt, fruit, cheese, etc). Then, I add the thermoses the next morning. Even Madeley can pack her own!
Ariadna says
Oh I love this idea! If Madeley can pack her own lunch, then so should my 6 year-old, right?! I’ll have to start doing this, thanks!! And please keep posting about your routines, they’re helping me so much! ?
Mclaas says
Wow! That’s awesome that it worked so well! 🙂
Sarah says
We are such not morning people. I get up exactly how many minutes it takes me to get ready before work. I want to be a morning person, but I just can’t do it!
Leiah says
I love a good morning routine! I also thrive on routine for sure. I’d love to hear more about your exercise routine, church routine, and evening routine. Can you explain to me what’s all on your bed as far as blankets? Weird question, but we’ve been looking for some sort of coverlet and it’s looks like you have a couple on there? Where did you get them from? Thabks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Besides the flannel sheets (from lands end), all of the blankets are from Pottery Barn. I think there are five. Andrew keeps the room like a meat locker!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I LOVE THIS SERIES!! I am such a routine person and I thrive on them. Our son is 6 weeks old now and because of stomach issues, I haven’t been able to get him on a routine BUT he’s improving and Momma is about to get him on a schedule haha! It will make both of our lives so much better. Cannot wait for the rest of this series!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Julie says
YASSSSS! I love love love this post. It’s so fun to see how other people manage their daily routines. Here are some random things that are always part of my morning routine:
-Drinking warm water with lemon as soon as I get up
-Doing 10 minutes of meditation
-Saying hi to my backyard chickens! Although we live in a suburb of Boston, we have 8 and they are honestly so fun. I let them out of their coop and they come over and say hi. They’re like little dogs!
-I also spend a few minutes EVERY single day thinking of a friend who passed away suddenly three years ago at the age of 41. She reminds me to be grateful every single day, even if it’s a tough day!, that I have this day to live.
Cannot wait for the rest of these posts! 🙂
Becky says
I love routines! They make so much sense. When do you clean your house,though?
Mix and Match Mama says
When I opened my travel agency, I hired someone to help with the housecleaning. Best decision ever!
Jenn says
Would love to have you explain this a bit more. I assume they do the deeper cleaning and not the day to day clearing the table, picking up the kids messes, kids bedroom cleaning, etc? Would love to know when you fit all of that in because those are the things that leave me the most crazy! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s one lady. She dusts, cleans the bathrooms, mops, vacuums, stuff like that. I wash/change all of the sheets, pick up, and do daily cleaning as we go. She does the other stuff (because I would never find time to dust!). I just do that all throughout the day as we walk around, go from thing to thing.
Sarah says
I find that the most I can to do prep ahead of time the night before, the smoother things go in the morning! I wish I was a morning person, though. Most of the time my alarm clock is my toddler screaming, MAMA! I’d love to be up and ready to go before he gets up!
Kerri says
I love getting up at 4:35 , alarm goes off. I hit the gym for 5AM class, and get back home around 6:00 AM, get showered and get ready for school and work and we are out the door at 8AM, if I don’t go the gym at that time, I won’t go. Evening’s are way too hectic, with sports, car pool, getting home from work, dinner, etc. That is my time! People always ask how I get up that early, but I have always been an early bird. I am way more productive in the AM! The homework in the AM would probably stress me out. I am one that needs to go to bed knowing that stuff is done. But my daughter starts 6th grade (that’s middle school for us in Boston) next year so she needs to start managing her homework load herself! And we are trying to foster that independence!
Mix and Match Mama says
Our homework isn’t due every day (it’s all due on Friday), so we get to spread it out each morning for the week. I’m nervous about the workload for K when she hits middle school!
Stacey says
We have a routine too and it makes life SO much easier! My boys wake up at 6:30 and we have everything layed out/bags packed the night before! Our elementary school has a microwave in the cafeteria so the kiddos can heat up food if they want!
Laci says
I love seeing your routines! It helps me create some of my own!
Cat Benoit says
Did you always wake up so early? As a mama of a 9month old and 1 on the way I have such a hard time getting going in the morning. Any tips?
Mix and Match Mama says
I have always been a morning person (and never a night person). That being said, when I was pregnant with a 9 month old, I felt like s*^% and slept a whole lot more and was a WHOLE LOT less productive. You will love having them close in age!!!
Sarah says
Now i need the “evening route” post so that you can give me all your prep planning secrets 🙂
Amanda Wilson says
I love routines….and I do find them super hard to stick to when my husband is home…..he works away. Its tough….I need to find a better wayto keep routine when he is home but it just throws everything off!!!! I stay up a little later to hang out with him…..or sleep in a bit later to get some extra snuggles.
April Bryan says
I love your morning routine. Ours is a little bit crazy! In the mornings I teach English to Chinese students from 5-6:30am, so I have to get up at 4:00 to get ready for work and then my kids are up at 6:00am and we are out the door by 7:00am. Lunches are packed the night before and so the most constant thing each morning and getting my coffee and making sure my kiddos are moving quickly along so we don’t run late.
Genevieve says
I love posts about routine’s. Every morning I eat a muffin (usually homemade) and coffee. I’m such a muffin girl! I know this is so random, but what color are your kitchen cabinets- are they white or off white? I am designing a new kitchen, and I love your kitchen color palette!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love muffins! That with coffee is perfection!
Jantzen Haley says
I am Madeley at breakfast every. single. day. Haha!
Also, another reader commented, and I agree — any weekly/monthly routines you follow for cleaning, prepping for a new season, date nights, etc?
Allyson says
LOVE this blog post and I’m excited to read about all your routines! I am an OCD, routine, major planning person too! Something I do every morning… Get on my workout clothes (set out the night before, of course) and workout first thing (5 am)! My day doesn’t feel complete without my morning sweat sesh.
Casey says
Oh I am such a routine girl ha!!! So question you mentioned emptying your dishwasher at night. Do you just run after dinner then empty? I always empty mine while my kids eat breakfast and also start laundry ha! I’m always up for new tips.
Mix and Match Mama says
I run it after dinner and then empty it around 9:30 or so before bed. I emptied it in the morning for yearsssssss, but now, it’s so nice to wake up to it ready to go.
Melissa says
Same! Emptying at night has been an incredible change for me this year. Sounds silly but it’s the best.
Keisha Dawson says
I love this so much! You have finally convinced me that I need to wake up a little earlier. I typically wake up about 5:50, but the alarm is set for 6:00. I’m going to try for 5:30 tomorrow to see how that will change our morning. I have a feeling that having that extra little bit of time will make things run that much smoother.
Becca says
Love this new series! I just said last night I need to set my alarm for 4:45 rather than 5:15. My favorite am thing besides reading my bible is as soon as the sun starts to come up putting our flag out!
Question from yesterday, and is it weird that I am still thinking about your pantry?!? Where do you get your mixing bowls from?
Mix and Match Mama says
Williams-Sonoma! All of them!!
Christina Keller says
Do you iron the kid’s clothes? I do all ironing on Sunday for the week, then hang up each kid’s clothes according to day in their closets in little cubbies labeled with the days of the week. Just wondering if anyone else irons clothes, or am I just wasting time I could be doing something else more valuable?
Mix and Match Mama says
I do not iron anything. Like, I’m the WORST at it.
Megan Johnson says
We git a steamer years ago and it SAVED my life…I can’t stand ironing, but the steamer is SO easy 🙂
Katie Stuen says
Hahaha same, IF I have to iron a shirt for some reason I always put in on a hanger and put it on my shower rack. When I shower the steam will get most of it out.
Tracie Richey says
I like to iron but my boys only wear cotton button up shirts once a week to church. I wouldn’t send them to church in an unironed shirt ? but if other moms hate ironing then let them wear polyester mix polos , right ? I think everyone can have different priorities and use their time in various ways. For example we homeschool and I make my kids a hot breakfast every day which we eat while doing the discussion part of our schoolwork in our pajamas . My priority ? Making that hot breakfast . If my kids went to school I’d invest a lot of thought to what foods are portable.
Christina says
Love this new series!
Alisa says
I use the keurig without a pod to warm up my kiddos thermos. it’s JUST the right amount and a quick wipe with a paper towel – good to go!
Connie says
Since my first born started preschool, I started putting his outfit on the couch for the next morning. Even made sure which shoes and jacket/coat if needed he would wear were out near the door. And I’ve always prepared most of his lunch in his lunch box every night. I do sandwiches or a hot lunch in the morning for freshness. Same with my daughter. I would even put out which hair bow she would wear. Now they get their own clothes out every night before bed themselves. I still make their lunches for them even though they’re both old enough to do it. Sometimes they will make their own though. So it’s not that they can’t do it. (I teach them how to cook/bake a little each week) I like to since they’re my babies. Haha! I’m going to miss doing things for them when they head off to college. I enjoy my quiet time at night after the kids go to bed. I watch a few shows, read, or go online. Although I’m up at 6:30 on school days. And I don’t like coffee. I will usually drink a small glass of banana almond milk or water when I get up. Or an occasional hot chocolate.
Leah R says
I am a routine freak too! My husband thinks I am nuts, but if I don’t wake up at 5 AM to go to my hot yoga class my whole day is in a funk! We don’t have kiddos yet so I still have this luxury 😉
Nicole says
Love sneaking a peak into your routines!! You totally inspire me to use my time intentionally! How many mornings do you work out? Do you still go to a gym too? Do you ever not close your rings, and does that bother you? Asking for a friend. ?
Mix and Match Mama says
I go to the gym two mornings a week and then workout from home another 2-3 (on a good week). Ohhhh…and yes! I probably close all three of them 5 days a week, but not every day.
Kelly Henderson says
I get up early too, NOT quite as early as you though. I used to go to a yoga class at the gym at 545 am twice a week but when my daughter started high school, we needed to leave much earlier and I have to be ready for my office job so I needed a new plan. I wake up at 540 and do a 20 minute home yoga flow pretty much every day, jump in the shower, dry my hair (yep, I wash it every day — I have never mastered skipping a day and believe me, I have tried!) I wake my daughter up at 645, finish getting ready and we leave by 710 every morning. She eats breakfast in the car, we have about 25 minute commute to her high school. I still do classes at the gym but I spread them out to a couple of weeknights and weekends. My husband and son are NOT morning people at all. I wake my hubs up around the same time as my daughter and he wakes up our son. We call our son “Grumpy Grant” or “Granty Bear” in the mornings because he HATES being woken up but if he wakes up on his own, he is in the best mood. He’s 12 now and has been this way his entire life! He sleeps about 10 hours a night which is exactly what his age needs but he just doesn’t do well being woken up. Fun reading how everyone tackles their mornings! I should mention my kids wear uniforms to school so we don’t have to worry about what they wear. Whew.
Leigh says
Kelly, I have tried for years to only wash my hair every other day and it was a total bust – I have really fine straight hair. I tried this dry shampoo at a friend’s house and it has been a game changer! Before I go to bed I put the top up in a clip and spray it with hairspray. Then after I get out of the shower (with a shower cap that I actually think I found out about on here?), I spray it with the dry shampoo and just leave it in while I get ready. At the end I use a vent brush to brush it out and style it. Here’s the link (I don’t know anyone at this company etc.) :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CYDXMSW/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Jamie says
It’s so inspiring how efficient you are with your time! When you get back in your bed to work, do you ever want to just go back to sleep? Haha
Mix and Match Mama says
No. From the living room, Andrew often tells me that he is about to come in there and go back to sleep, but he never once has.
Renee says
I love this series!!! There is something so fascinating about reading what other people do for their routines.
Stacy says
So we just bought a peleton and I have only had it about a week and a half and I am loving it. What is your user name so we can follow you??
Mix and Match Mama says
Ha! It’s obscure! I don’t need people seeing how poorly I do in those classes! Hahaha! They’re so hard!
Jocelynn Ann Webb says
I’m excited about this series! With a newborn joining our family in May, I think all routine might be lost. 🙂 However, I love learning other people’s routines. It’s like a day in the life, my FAVORITE posts!
Elyse says
Shay, I would love to know your routine with how you make your bed! It looks like you have a good formula and I feel inspired to upgrade my bedding for a better nights sleep. You should seriously do a post and link your fave sheets for summer, pottery barn quilts/ blankets/ comforters and pillows/ shams! 🙂
What was your Tempur-Pedic pillow called? I ordered one but it was too firm and pushed my head up uncomfortably high. I love memory foam pillows that are squishy and your head sinks into them!
Mix and Match Mama says
I should do a “making the bed” routine!! I like that!! We use My Pillows 🙂 .
Kathy says
Do you love your My Pillow? I e been wanting to try one but have heard mixed reviews. It seems people either love them or hate them.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yessssssss! I love it so much! Smith has one and loves it too. It really is a game changer for us!
Kathy Floyd says
Good morning! I’m all about structure and routines. So routine that if anything happens outside of it I’m a complete mess. My bed never goes a day without being made. I raised my boys on a very strict routine that they are still on their routine. I made lunches everyday for them and my youngest is a junior at UNT and he packs a lunch.
Your post are so fun, and interesting that it’s a part of my routine now to read them.
Thanks!!
Megan Johnson says
I have really tailored my morning routine this past year and it has helped SO much. My goal this year was to really have purpose in all I do…including this. First thing was that I started waking up an hour earlier. I work FT (4 days a week in the office) and found that if I wake up earlier and do this routine I just naturally have a better day…I wake up, feed the animals, make my turmeric tea w/ ACV, step outside for a minute to feel the cool breeze, read my devotional and do 5-10 minutes of meditation (using Headspace) before heading to the basement to do my workout (1 hour). Once I’m done the kids are up and I help get them breakfast if they haven’t already while making myself & my husband our morning shake and coffee. I get ready while they are eating and then help them finish getting ready (I try to shower at night as this really helps the mornings). Once they are on the bus at 8:36, I head to work drinking my coffee and listening to a podcast during my commute.
I love to get things ready the night before too…kids clothes, breakfast items, coffee items, workout clothes, ect.
I LOVE hearing about other’s morning routines!!!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
I need you to become my morning routine coach! Haha! One of these days I really am going to see if I can flip myself from a night owl to an early bird. Maybe… Ok, we’ll see… ?
That Inspired Chick
MelanieL says
Yay, I love this series!! My morning routine involves a lot of stuff in order to get two teens and myself out the door. I’m at my best when I’ve made my bed, set my washer to run later in the day so someone can transfer to the dryer right after work/school and emptied the dishwasher! If these things are done on top of everything else, I feel like superwoman LOL!
Catherine says
Love this post! Looking forward to the series. I try to follow a morning routine, but I find I am easily distracted from it.
Melissa says
I thought of your love for coffee when I found out that Honeylu’s Coffee (from Prosper) just opened a location in the Craig Ranch Fitness & Spa. The best smoothies, pastries and sandwiches. Fun place to meet your friends. Happy Thursday!
Jan Maier says
I wish they’d had blogs when I was a young mom…HA…they didn’t even have computers. Your routines make so much sense. I’m now a retired, but very active, grandma. I still do better with routines. When I let them slide I’m kind of a blob all day long. For new watching….I do hope you switch news channels from time to time to get a more well rounded version of what’s going on.
Kelly says
I love a routine! I think it’s great for kids as well, they like to know what’s going to happen next. I know that you have a cleaning service but would love to know if you have a routine for pick-up, spot cleaning through the week. And, do you plan out your clothing earlier than the morning of? This is going to be a great series, can’t wait for the next installment:).
Stephanie says
I love your new “routines” series idea! I’m always curious how other parents get things done and manage the chaos! I
loved this post and can’t wait to read the rest! I noticed you boil water on the stove. Have you considered using an electric kettle? It has been a GAME CHANGER for me and i love it! And because I know you’re a Nordy’s gal, this one is super cute with so many fun colors: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/smeg-50s-retro-style-electric-kettle/4848662?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=stainless%20steel
Katie M Stuen says
As silly as it sounds, I didn’t establish a routine until I got a puppy in October. I knew how it was important to get a routine going for the puppy. Now I wake up at 6 , shower and get ready for work. Like clockwork, my puppy will jump off the bed as soon as she hears me getting ready for work. She will hit her leash because she knows we will be going on a walk. She just waits patiently until I get last minute thing together, then we go on a 30 min walk. When we get back she knows I will make her breakfast and I’ll put a movie on for her and walk out the door. I have a husky and not once as she destroyed anything in our house. I leave her plenty of toys and she knows when her daddy will be back from work. I think it is because of the solid routine we have.
Barbara K. says
This might be an odd question, but when you and Erika trade off preschool carpool, how do you deal with the carseat situation? Do you have to put Madeley’s carseat in her car? These are the type of logistical questions I wonder about in our own family routine. Thanks for sharing!
Mix and Match Mama says
We each keep one in our car for the other kiddo. We do it so often, that it just makes it easier to always have one for the other kiddo.
Courtney Bozeman says
Major goal to have my counters look as clean as yours! 🙂
Amy Calderon says
1.) Morning homework would be the death of me!
2.) I must try the TJ quesadillas – wasn’t sure about them.
3.) I have a love/hate relationship with my Peloton.
Courtney says
I absolutely love this post!!
Thank you for sharing a little look inside your mornings.
XO
Courtney
Ann Marie Tennison says
I’ma bed maker too! When I get dressed for the day- the bed gets made! Something about a put together bed makes me feel put together! I place out clothes the night before too!!! Right after dinner our routine is to hope in the tub/shower (the girls :)) This gives me a quiet kitchen to clean up after and pack lunches for the next day!
Jen says
I am 100% a morning person too! In fact, you have inspired me to do a similar post 😉
I’m always up at 4:45 so I can shower and make lunches before the crazy drop off begins. We have 4 kids, 3 are in school full time and they go to 3 different schools. First drop is around 6am and last drop off at 8am and then I get to work by 8:30.
Ahna @ Hammers N Hugs says
Oooh fun series! To encourage the non-morning folks, I am NOT a morning person or a routine person for that matter, which is a running joke among my friends because I am as Type A as it gets in every other way. About a year ago when I was finally done breast feeding and my last baby was sleeping through the night I was determined to get up early and enjoy the peace and quiet of the morning hours. I invested in a new clock for our bedroom (link here https://amzn.to/2G5za4L) called a sunrise clock, and a white light starts glowing 30 minutes prior to the alarm and then at 545a when it goes off it is super bright. It sits on my dresser on the other side of the room, so I have to get out of bed to turn it off which means I sprint to it every morning because the alarm is really loud. The other feature I love is that you can actually turn the face of the clock off which means if I wake up in the middle of the night there is no clock to look at (it’s amazing how much faster you fall back asleep when you don’t know the time) but the alarm feature still functions. I also keep my phone in the kitchen over night so that if I want to look at it then I have to get out of bed! Simple stuff, but hey, it gets this Mama up early, and it is my favorite time of day!! Loved reading all these morning routines and tips!
Tammy says
To heat the thermoses, I just use the hottest water from the sink. Food is still hot at lunch. Saves time.
Erin says
Mornings are such a rush! I do make the kids put away their laundry and unload the dishwasher in the mornings, which they hate, of course 😉
Mireya says
Something that has totally saved my mornings – each Sunday my daughter picks out her clothes for the week! Bought one of those small office drawers (ours has 6 small drawers) and labelled them Mon-Fri with 1 “extra” day. This has helped so much! If she happens not to like an outfit, she still has a few other days outfits to choose from.
Valerie says
Love this new series!
I must have missed something along the way. I remembered reading about how you made all the lunches for the week on Sunday -which helped us decide to start packing two days at a time (because we only have 6 planetboxes and 3 kids) and it’s been a game changer to not have to do it every night!
Then I remember you had the big kids packing their own lunches. But what did I miss… is there a post somewhere about deciding to pack hot lunches?
Also, did I miss any updates on your friend who had adopted? I still pray for her and totally understand if it’s just private but wanted to check.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, this school year, I stopped and decided they should be making it. now, they make it and I add the hot portion.
Patty says
My husband and I get up early every morning and have coffee together. Around 5 am. We chat, I work on my blog Goodbetterbestfood.blogspot.com and we have whitty banter. It’s just a good way to spend quiet time together. He sets up the coffee before bed every night. He is a keeper.
Vicky T says
Love your morning routine! I struggle to work in exercise at some point in the day. I wake up at 4:30 am and the kids and I are on the road by 6:00 am to commute to work and school which doesn’t leave much time. Anyways, what stuck out the most on this post for me is that Andrew gets up at 4 am everyday and you find him studying his bible. That is so wonderful and sets the tone for the household. You are so blessed.
Pat says
Love your sneakers! Mind telling me the brand and where you got it from? Btw, I enjoy your blog. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
https://mixandmatchmama.com/2019/02/what-i-wore-wednesday-5/
Bethany Skobel says
I LOVE this series!!! Can’t wait for more ?
Kasie Miller says
I love posts like this–thanks for sharing! I, too love my mornings and getting up a couple hours before the kids has been life-changing! You have inspired me to start doing some chores (dishwasher/laundry) in the evenings now as like you mentioned, I’m also finding myself rushing to get all of my work done after quiet time & housework.
Sarah Benson says
I love a routine. My kids are 17 and 19 now so they get themselves ready but my oldest was such a pill in the morning when she was a baby/toddler (she still is….it’s funny how even as babies you can tell) we used to dress her in her clothes for the next day at night! She would throw such a fit to get dressed. We just decided it wasn’t worth it in the morning. Now as an almost “empty nester” I get up at 4:38a and go to Crossfit at 5 and get home around 6:15. Just in time to walk my daughter to her car and wave to her as she leaves the driveway everyday. In the winter, i scrape her car windows and start her car for her. She barely talks as she is leaving but she sent me a text once that thanked me for all i do for her in the morning.
Lea Culp says
I am a morning person as well and always have been. I thought once the kids were grown and gone that I might not be, but nothing ever changed. I am so much more productive in the mornings and my routine is much like yours. First to the coffee pot and then my quiet time. I do think folks with a routine are much more productive than those that go by “the seat of their pants.” :o))
Jess says
When you had little babies did you still wake up early?
Mix and Match Mama says
I did. Maybe not 4:40, but early.
Merideth says
Love this post! Can you please remind me where the kids’ placemats in your breakfast pic came from?
Mix and Match Mama says
Amazon!!!
Heather Green says
I love your blog and always look forward to the content! I do the thermos thing this year after reading on your blog. I use an instant hot water dispenser installed next to my sink faucet and quickly fill and let it set for 10 min!
Michelle Kalustian says
How are you liking game of thrones!?
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t decided yet. Hahaha! I’m almost to season 3 though!
Carrie says
I get up around 5:15 to go work out, I get home around 6:45. My husband gets up around the same time as me and I am not sure exactly what he does but he does put our smoothie on and I know he plays his guitar. I jump in the shower and get dressed. My husband starts opening their doors around 7 and gives my daughter her reflux pill (needs it 20 min before she eats). Sometimes my oldest is already up by that time. My husband leaves shortly after he wakes them up. My youngest takes care of our gerbils in the morning. The girls and I get breakfast, my oldest makes her breakfast and my youngest does most of it. The girls get their lunches ( I pack them a few days at a time, we use the EZ lunchboxes and the PACKIT lunch boxes so no freezer packs needed). Usually my oldest lingers at breakfast but my youngest is pretty straightforward with the routine. After breakfast it’s usually brush teeth, hair done, and head out for work and school (around 8:15). I do try to always have laundry in the washer before I leave or sometimes even done and put away. My girls do their own laundry so it is just the towels, etc and the adult wash. In our house at age 7 you are expected to completely take over laundry.
Loren says
Keep these posts coming! They are so motivating.
Debbie says
Our morning routine is not very exciting. But I’m dying to hear what your bedtime routine is like with three kids!
Taylor R says
Each night I try to make sure our main living areas are picked up and ready to go for the next day. I also try to have my lunch packed for work and the instructions written out for our nanny the night beforehand. Otherwise the mornings are too crazy trying not to forget everything; and I really do enjoy myself a quiet time in the morning as well. I love love love routines, so thank you for sharing yours! <3
Lindsey Whitley says
I seriously envy your morning energy! Can I be like you when I grow up? Haha!. My mornings start at 6:00, I shower and get myself ready, then wake up our 3 little munchkins, get them dressed, teeth, hair. Feed the baby and take the kiddos to daycare. I stop to get a Diet Mt. Dew every morning. #badhabit And then head to work and I always like to arrive about 15 minutes early so I have time to read your blog before starting my work day!
Brady W. says
The most life changing thing for me this school year was renovating a closet! We had an empty closet in our room and I had my husband hang as many racks as possible. I put all of our kids’ clothes in there (we have two bio kids and almost always have an additional foster kiddo). They each have one “wall” where their stuff is hung up and then the 4th wall holds a rack where I have outfits put together for each of them. I put pants/shorts with a top and slip a pair of undies over the hanger so they even have that. Each of them have SEVERAL outfits that are already matched and ready to go but they still get to “choose” what they’re wearing. Our mornings used to be filled with them trying to find things and asking me if it matches and then having to go change because something didn’t fit right or wasn’t weather appropriate. It has LITERALLY changed our mornings! I also have them do their own breakfast–they can make toast, pop a waffle in the microwave, eat a granola bar. Easy things–I work outside the home, so I have to get myself ready to go and them doing their own breakfast allows me to have more time for that! Thanks for all the tips!
Mix and Match Mama says
Brilliant!!!
grace says
This is the best idea!!! Can’t wait to hear about all the other routines!!
What types of food/recipes do you put in the kids thermoses? Would you do a post on that?
I remember you loving candles. Do you light a candle in the morning? In what room/rooms?
Do you ever play music in the morning?
Do your kids watch any TV shows before school?
Do your kids have any morning chores?
What are your kids favorite breakfast foods besides waffles? Would love some ideas!
Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I typically light a candle after everyone goes to school. I’ll make sure the kitchen is cleaned up, grab that second cup of coffee and then light the one in the kitchen (because it’s centrally located). I ALWAYS play my music as soon as I get up. My French Cafe Radio on Pandora. This year, we’re doing homework in lieu of TV time. On Tuesdays, they make their beds. I should probably make them make their bed every morning, but right now, I just have them do it once a week. They put up their laundry after school/in the evenings and then do other stuff (pick up, take out the trash, etc) as needed. K, of course, feeds her dog. Sometimes, they’ll ask for a scrambled egg, a bowl of cereal, oatmeal…the typical stuff. Nothing fancy!
Nicole DiDonato says
Great post! I have 4 month old twins and a 3.5 year old so our morning routine right now is purely survival mode haha. Thankfully my father in law drops off my oldest to nursery Monday through Friday so i can sleep with the twins during their morning nap. Then, I pick her up at 11 and take any variation of the kids with me on a walk to Starbucks. Sometimes just one but never all 3. I’m not that brave yet!
Mix and Match Mama says
Girl! Four month old twins?! it sounds like you’re doing fantastic!! That is so much on your plate!
Lindsey says
What will you do if/when they have more homework?? Wake them up earlier? Like what if it’s not done when it’s time to leave for school?
Mix and Match Mama says
We’ll change the plan. It’s not set in stone. It has worked out really well this year, but of course, we’re flexible and will adapt as homework changes.
Erin E Port says
I don’t get up quite as early but I like to get up about an hour before my kids, have a cup of coffee, read my bible and then watch a quick recap of the daily news and weather! I make my bed everyday too!!!
Courtney says
These are my favorite kind of posts (: Keep them coming! I also love to get up before anyone else. It’s an awesome, soul filling way to start the day!