Happy Thursday, friends!
Don’t forget, it’s the 22nd of the month which means that it’s BOOK CLUB DAY! If you read this month’s book, make sure you hop on over HERE to discuss Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams.
Okay, I thought I’d do a little “morning lately”. Our mornings are pretty full over here. By 8:30 AM, we’ve had four kids head off to four schools, we’ve worked out, walked dogs, done a few chores, read our Bibles and are on our second cups of coffee. Over the years, I’ve shared and discussed my morning routine many, many, many times as it’s evolved many, many, many times over the last 17 years…and you know what? It’s still my very favorite part of the day 🙂 .
I think one big reason why I love mornings so much is that over the years, I’ve learned to add in as many “happy things” amidst the early hours and crazy chaos. My alarm goes off pretty darn early (don’t worry, I’m going to bed earlier than usual right now!), but I hit the ground running EXCITED every day because I just truly love my morning routine. I’m hoping most of you love your morning routines too…but if for some reason you don’t, I hope this encourages you to add a dash of happiness where you can.
I’m sharing pics spread out between two different mornings as our mornings are a lot the same but sometimes, a little different.
Rise and shine! My alarm is going off right now every weekday at 4:20…but I’ve been *trying* really hard to be asleep by 9:00 or 9:15 the night before.
I get up and…
…grab my coffee, settle into my comfy chair and my quiet time.
After that…
…I change into my workout clothes and then…
…take out whichever dogs are awake. This is Charlie and Poppy. My oldest and youngest pups were up first on this particular day. Frenchie is ALWAYS the last one to wake up.
This is the Yeti with Smith’s lunch inside. If you missed this from last week, make sure you boil water first and place it in the thermos for about 10 minutes. Then right before you add your hot food, pour the hot water out. This keeps food warmer much longer! Andrew does this most mornings while waiting for his coffee to brew/doing his quiet time.
Smith is really good about making his own breakfast buuuuut…
…if my mama heart sees him, I often step in and do it for him/help. Kensington leaves for school super early too, but she goes straight to cheer and doesn’t want to jump and tumble on a full stomach, so she grabs something to eat after practice. Smith on the other hands wants a big breakfast before his early morning football practice. Both kiddos have their sports before school into the first period of the day.
Okay, big kids taken care of, dogs have been let out and now…
…I turn on my favorite radio station via the app so that I can rewind/skip/pause their live morning show. These three are my absolute faves and are on the air 5:35 to 10:00 every morning. I always listen while I workout. I’m currently giving myself about 45 minutes to workout each day. That’s really all the time I can squeeze in and yet, I can still make that effective.
After my workout…
…I turn on the “house” music and meet the little girls downstairs for their breakfast. Erika told me years ago that I needed to encourage my kids to wake up via their own alarms, get dressed and come downstairs as I was spending way too much time upstairs doing all of that for them. I couldn’t agree more! Now, all four kids wake up on their own and come down dressed and ready for the day. One out of four remembers to make her bed. I won’t tell you which one is the one who is compliant and always does that…but I’ll give you a hint that she’s the youngest 😉 .
The littles come downstairs to do their “thing” (feed Charlie, get their lunches and water together, make sure their backpacks are ready to go, and then we get them breakfast too). While they’re eating breakfast, I typically…
…head into my room and…
…make my bed!
Lots of kids, lots of dogs, lots of love.
Time for…
…me to take Mades to school!
When I get back I always…
…take the dogs for a walk. Ashby has been going with me, but on this particular morning, Charlie had a vet appointment, so she and Andrew took him on his way to drop her off at school. She’s the last to get dropped off as her school doesn’t start until 8:45.
Next up, I shower and head into my work day.
I took a couple of alternate photos the following day to show you…
…that while my coffee is brewing, I will stick four pieces of turkey bacon in the air fryer for six minutes so that it’s done when Smith comes down to make his breakfast. It just speeds things up.
One or two mornings a week, Andrew or I drive the carpool to Smith’s high school which is about 30 minutes away. On those mornings, I have to shave minutes off of my quiet time/reading and my workout and then if I take, Andrew helps get the little girls going while I’m driving back.
Tuesday this week, I took, and I always do two things for the ride…
…I always make me a cup of coffee to enjoy on the drive home…
…loading up in the dark with my boy and my coffee. I save my coffee so that after…
…dropping him off at football practice, I can enjoy it with my favorite radio station on my drive back home 🙂 . Simple little luxuries like that make me oh so happy to make the drive.
So, there’s a little “morning lately” for you. Make sure you check out my 25 KEYS TO A PEACEFUL MORNING too because I have some ideas/tips to hopefully help make your mornings a more peaceful/calm/pleasant.
Happy Thursday! xx
Elspeth says
I love a good morning routine! I have started to do my quiet time in a cozy chair with a blanket and candle and it’s such a good way to ease into the day!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Marcie says
Question! What do you use to listen to your music? Always love reading about your morning routine!
Mix and Match Mama says
The Sonos system. It’s an app tied to speakers that you can place around your house or imbed in your ceilings. It’s fabulous! We’ve had it 10+ years and love it!
Kelly S says
I see lots of books on your nightstand 🙂 (book lover here) can you share? I am obsessed with my books and quiet time. Best part of the day.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s a variety of coffee table and health and wellness on both sides 🙂 .
Mary S says
Love these posts. I’ve never thought about putting “house music” on but like that idea! Will add that to the morning routine tomorrow 😊
Erin says
What air fryer do you have? Do you like it? Sorry if you’ve said this before. 🤪
Mix and Match Mama says
We love it! We bought it for Nantucket and loved it so much that we bought it for McKinney too. It’s this one: https://shopstyle.it/l/ceZnR
Kacey says
It’s SO good!! I scoured the blog a few months ago when it was time for a new one because I remembered Shay talking about hers and it does not disappoint!! I also got a matching toaster =)
Lisa N says
And the crockpot by Beautiful is so nice. The lid can stay attached. Just lift back but of course can remove to wash.
~B~ says
Oh how I remember the years of having multiple kids in multiple places! I’m one of your readers who enjoys seeing the stages of your life as it brings back so many memories of those times in our lives!
Thought I’d share one of my simple little luxuries – I have about an hour commute each morning/evening. I’m often asked how I feel about that and I share that while I don’t enjoy that time being taken from my morning (I am such a morning gal and love my morning time!), I do enjoy that time it gives me to listen to podcasts and audiobooks. While I would rather not have to drive so far, while I focus on driving I can appreciate and enjoy the quiet time that gives me to listen! Side note – I so enjoyed you and Erika’s podcast years. I TOTALLY get that fitting that into your lives now would be a heroic feat, because kids in various schools, activities, etc. = The Busiest Mama Years, but did want to let you know I enjoyed the podcasts! Thanks so much for sharing, Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for sharing!! I loved reading about your own simple luxuries on your morning commute. xx
MollyB says
I have kids in daycare and kindergarten and work as a doctor. On the days I’m not heading to work, I do some quiet time or creative work (writing) from 530-6am, then workout and shower and get the kids to school. On my work days, I work out from 5ish-6am, then take THE FASTEST shower ever and I’m out the door by 630 am! It is not exactly slow or relaxing but I still love my morning time; it puts me in a great mood to start the day!
Lisa D says
You are a busy family! I am at the life stage where my mornings are not rushed with getting children to school. I don’t miss it! 😉
But I have fond memories of driving to the high school for soccer practice and then enjoying coffee in the car driving on to work. Sending good thoughts your way for a lovely day!
Sheaffer says
My goodness your mornings are full! This year without football, I’m not waking up until 5:40, and I’m loving it!
Kelli says
I love my early morning routine so much! People think I’m crazy for willingly waking up that early, but if they knew the feeling of productivity, accomplishment, endorphins, joy and a calm(er) start to the day, they’d be on board! (Currently on vacay 2 time zones behind mine so my mornings this week have been suuuuper early thanks to the ol body clock! 😅)
Mix and Match Mama says
YESSSSSS!!
Arika says
I am so intrigued about the lunch routine and have so many questions! This may be silly, but is he able to eat chicken and rice out of that Yeti? Or does he bring a plate or bowl with him to school?
Mix and Match Mama says
He is! He just sticks a fork in there.
Bev says
This just made smile, stick a fork in it! 😂 My grandkids do the same thing! I love the way you communicate! 💕
Shannon in PA says
I love when you share “day in the life” and “routine” posts — they inspire me to be a bit more motivated in certain areas! Just a quick question… I struggle a lot with stress/anxiety, and I’m wondering if that figures into your mornings at all or if it’s not really an area of concern for you. Mornings can often be a struggle for me to get moving, and my stress often affects how I feel physically. Just wondering if you have any tips.
Mix and Match Mama says
That would make mornings much less enjoyable. I don’t have any amazing ideas for you, but I feel certain other people will comment with some advice. Do you sleep well? Are you more of a night person?
Shannon in PA says
My sleep is so all over the place. Some nights are great; others not so much. I’m definitely most productive in the AM once I get up and going! I like an early bedtime.
L says
I had a season where it was hard to get out of bed in the mornings due to anxiety, and having a plan and something can do can help you get moving and think about something other than your anxiety. BUT, it can be stressful to have lots to do before leaving for work in the morning. I think one approach would be to try adding one or two things at a time and see how it goes. In my experience I’ve had to push my wake-up time later and at times go to decaf coffee instead of caffeinated to help my mental health. Reading Psalm 121 over and over again can also help with any fears you may have!
Nades says
My high school sophomore (and I have 2 that graduated before her) always have homework that keeps her up past 9 pm. So do your kids have the same? Do you ho to bed before them?
Mix and Match Mama says
They both have homework, but right now it’s pretty manageable. Kensington is home before 3:00, so she has loads of time to do it and then Smith’s school has a built in study hall class every day where he can do a lot. Kensington goes to bed first (unless she has something) and then Mades and then Ashby…and then, typically me and Andrew and Smith. Since my big kids get up at 5:00, they go to bed pretty early. Evening activities though (football games, church, Young Life, etc) always throw a wrench in our plans and make us stay up later.
Angela says
I love posts like this, thanks for sharing!! On mornings when you aren’t doing the carpool drive, how long do you typically spend doing your quiet time? On days that I don’t have a tight schedule, I can tend to spend too much time as I get so into my Bible reading and journaling (a good thing, but my morning gets away from me). I absolutely love my quiet time w my coffee and I actually start with reading your blog first! Then, I do The Bible Recap & read my Bible, along with whatever Bible study book I’m working on. I have added a Sudoku book to my stack, too! (thanks for the tip!)
And enjoy those football commutes! Our youngest just got his school permit this summer and I miss that time getting to have him and his buddies in the car!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love a solid hour to do my quiet time, my Sudoku and a little reading. When I drive, I have to wrap it up within 40ish minutes. I LOVE that your routine is similar to mine! Isn’t it just LOVELY?! xx
Laci says
How is Smith liking High School? It seems like once my kids started HS these 4 years have FLOWN by.
Mix and Match Mama says
He LOVES IT!!!!
sandi says
My mornings look much different than they did a few years ago. There is only one left at home during the school year (the other three are in college) so mornings are much easier. But I am back in the car pool game since losing my extra drivers; she will be able to drive by herself by the end of the school year so I am leaning in to that one on one time in the car with her for now. She is back doing in person school after taking a year off for us to RV so this entire year will look different than last year.
I was thinking that we have never had kids in four different schools and then remembered years ago when we did foster care we did have another school in the mix. Our foster daughter went to a super small private school but all the schools were within four miles of each other. Surprisingly with the staggered start times, I was able to leave with everyone in the car, drop off oldest to youngest and be back home in about 20 minutes. Not being a morning person on those mornings with a 30 minute commute, I would have to park and enjoy the sunrise while doing quiet time. No way would I be coherent much earlier 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I was JUST thinking about your RV year this morning. I don’t even know why, but I was walking home from drop off and thought about it, Sandi. xx
Lea Ansamaa says
Busy mornings! 😊🩷 My kids are all grown up so I usually get up at 7, take the dog out, eat and start working. If I go to the office I wake up at 6 since I bike to work for 40 minutes.
In Finland nobody ever drives their kids to school, they either walk or usually bike – even in freezing winter. They bike to school from age 7. The city is so safe and bike roads are great.
Sometimes I go to the gym at my lunch hour and eat after that – that is my best tip to share with others! That is, of cource, if it fits to your own work.
Thanks for the tips!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love reading your morning routine too!
Hope says
My kids are grown now. I always thought that when they were not in school I wouldn’t have to wake up so early. Our beagle has a different plan. She wants to eat at 5 am! Sometimes she gets a head start on waking us up and starts at 4 am. This morning she was literally pouncing on my sleeping husband to get up😂. She is so cute that she gets away with it.
I love the extra morning time before work though. Sitting and drinking coffee and either talking to my husband or scrolling Instagram is much better than racing to get ready and out the door.
Thanks for sharing.
Carol says
What type of coffee maker do you have? And what type of beans do you use? I love me a good cup of coffee in the morning to just sit and relish why I plan my day.
Mix and Match Mama says
We have a Jura (from Williams Sonoma) and use Starbucks Pike beans.
Jamie S says
What time do your littles wake up and how did you get them in the habit of waking up on their own? I tried so hard last school year to make my girls more independent and wake up with their own alarms. I would say we were only successful 50% of the time. I was still constantly going in to check on them and make sure they were not still asleep or make sure they were dressed. I hate feeling rushed in the morning and would love any advice you have to get that morning routine to stick for them!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well since they start school at different times, they wake up at different times which is bananas. Mades sets her alarm for 6:36 AM (don’t ask me why, but she ALWAYS does 6:36 and not 6:35 or 6:40) and Ashby sets her alarm for 7:10. It took me YEARS to get on board with this way of doing things, but Erika kept insisting it would make everyone’s mornings better, and she was right. I think part of it is making sure they have plenty of time so that even if they’re slower upstairs on their own, they don’t feel rushed. I would set the alarm for earlier than “normal” to allow a buffer. It took many mornings of hollering up the stairs (are you coming, breakfast is ready, lets go, etc), but they all four got it and do it without any issues now. Press on! I really think you’ll all love the results.
sandi says
This is going to be either a very popular comment or controversial. When kids start setting their alarms give them grace for a few weeks so they can get into the habit of waking up on their own. Depending on their ages they can even have rewards for doing it five days straight. This is where it gets hard… if they are not ready on time and by not being ready they will make the other kids in the family late they get left behind. It is not fair for a high schooler to be late for class because a younger sibling took their time, same with the younger sibling. It is not fair that they are late because an older one did not wake up. As an added incentive, if momma has to come back home to pick you up and then run you back to school, momma gets a $5 Chick-fil-a gift card from you for her troubles. That also works for lunch boxes, homework and sports uniforms that get left at home. I am more than happy to give you ONE grace for an item left at home, but the other times I need to be compensated for my time in bringing you what you forgot. The first time I left a kid at home the ones in the car were actually shocked. They did not think I would actually do it. Trust me when I say it only took a few times and they were all awake when alarms went off. Oh, and the excuse to the school on why they were late? They did not get out of bed on time, I was not going to give some made up excuse on their behalf. Over the last few years all of my college kids have had 8AM classes and they are amazed at how many people do not show up. Getting out of bed on time is a lift skill. Teaching responsibility is so hard!! Okay, I’m stepping off the soap box now and remembering that I don’t have littles at home to train. I feel for all of the moms with littles that are in the trenches!
Bev says
This reminds me of when I was in junior high (that dates me right there, before they started calling it middle school!) I got a call that I had to go home. I ran across the field thinking something terrible happened, and without even looking at me from his place at the head of the kitchen table my dad calmly said “you didn’t make your bed.” That story has been told a million times and, yes, I always made my bed after that!!!
CPR says
I agree:) You only have to do it a few times and they learn quickly. Mom to boys and they learned quickly using techniques like this. All boys in college or out now and they all did well with morning classes and early responsibilities. It’s part of adulting and helping them learn this skill helps them in the long run:)
Emily says
Do your kids go to different high schools? How do you approach those decisions? In TX can you choose between different public schools or is one private?
Mix and Match Mama says
They do go to different high schools. This was a conversation Smith had been having with us for some time, so when the opportunity came up for him to apply as an out of district transfer to the school of his choice, we jumped on it. In Texas, public schools can allow out of district transfers if they have space. So, that’s how it happened!
Sharon says
SHAY! I have a travel agency question for you — basically I don’t know if this is a “normal” occurrence in the travel agency world or if I am justified in my frustration. My husband planned a surprise trip for me to Edinburgh Scotland (we leave on Monday). He used a travel agency (I told him next time he plans a surprise trip he better be using YOUR agency instead!!). At the time that he booked with the travel agent, we were told there would be a ton of perks — complimentary breakfast, room upgrade upon availability, a $100 credit, and more. Yesterday we emailed the travel agent to check in and she told us that the the Hotel switched to a different collection since the time of our booking and because of the switch it will not honor ANY of the perks. We are disappointed because for my husband, the reason he used a travel agent was for the added perks, and also one of the main reasons he picked this hotel. So my question to you is — is this a normal occurrence that sometimes happens or am I justified in my frustration? My husband now knows to always contact your travel agency in the future!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well boo, I do hate to read that. I will say that though it’s not “common” at all, it certainly happens. I think you’re justified in being frustrated, but it’s really not the travel agent’s fault at all, so I would try to show grace. You’re going to Edinburgh! You’re going to have an amazing time!!!!
Addy Robinson says
Two new candles I have loved…
1 – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D8XJ279/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 (this was allegedly a scent inspiration for Blake Lively’s new “Blake Brown” haircare line)
2- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GVTEGDU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU!!!!!
Lizzie says
Air fryer question…I have the Phillips air fryer, like the one you previously had. Do you like the new one better than the Phillips? I love the look of your new. The Phillips works great, but not very appealing sitting on the counter. Plus, it’s so big. I have the XL. Thanks, Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this one more. I think it cleans easier, it has more settings and it’s prettier 🙂
Ellen says
This is interesting … are all sports practices held before school in Texas? Is it because of the heat? Is it the same for winter and spring sports?
We live in the northeast, and practices are generally right after school. Sometimes there will be lifting sessions in the morning, or an optional extra practice.
Mix and Match Mama says
It varies school by school, but I would say right now, most outdoor sports are held in the AM because of the extreme heat. Cheer is in the AM because the basketball and volleyball teams use the gyms at the end of the day.
Vivi says
This is interesting to me as well because my kids’ practices have always been after school. Do they come back home to get ready or get ready at school? I think my daughters would not love having to lug their stuff to school and get ready there after a hard practice. But I actually love the idea of getting it out of the way in the morning. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
They both have to lug their stuff. They can shower and change in the locker rooms before their 2nd period classes. It’s not ideal, but they make it work.
Julianna says
My husband and I have started playing some of the NYT games in the morning (connections, wordle, strands and the mini crossword). We compare results and get a little competitive. And just like your post the other day, it made me realize I’m turning into my Grandmother! She and my grandfather would sit at their kitchen table every morning doing the newspaper crossword puzzle (“racing” to see would finish first!)
Jeanette says
I thrive in the early morning! I can hop out of bed very easily. I wake up at 3:00 to be at work at 4:00. I remember a post when you mentioned your parents calling you and Andrew “middle of the night people” and now I say that 😊
Claire says
I’ve been doing the thermos heating trick ever since I learned it from you! A “hack” for anyone who is interested—you can get piping hot water by making a K-cup without the pod inside! It’ll just come out as the perfect amount of hot water, no boiling needed! 🙂
Christine Hicks says
Hi! I love your blog! I get so many ideas from you, thank you! I am wondering what brand of coffee machine is that? We are in the market for a quality coffee machine ever since our trip to Germany. Such good coffee there!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s a Jura from Williams-Sonoma 🙂 .
Mollyp says
Had no idea you were a P1, I consider myself one because my husband has The Ticket playing all day long in our house!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yley Allen says
For a second I thought you had embossed a Boston Red Sox “B” on your airfryer 🤔 I quickly realized it was the brands logo! Thought maybe you and Andrew had battling airfryers!
Mix and Match Mama says
I will never look at it the same again.
Nicole says
Curious if you’re running early too? Or after the kids go off to school?
Mix and Match Mama says
Early!
Nicole says
Do you run in the dark then?! Just curious because I’m not sure how to get my early morning runs in now!! Haha!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yeah, sometimes, I have to (which isn’t my favorite thing!).
Katie Ty says
Random question! 🙂 What kind of turkey bacon do you buy? Does it spill grease all over your air fryer??
Mix and Match Mama says
I almost always buy Butterball and nope. My air fryer wipes clean with just a damp paper towel after each use
Lindsey says
Love reading your early mornings. We recently PCSed (military) from Guam to Virginia Beach. The middle schools start at 9:25 here. My daughter just started high school and the bus comes at 6:45 (starts at 7:15) – it has been an adjustment!! We are used to going to bed late and now working hard to be in bed by 10. This is the first week of school, but I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to “do” my mornings when I have two more hours after my daughter leaves before my son leaves (8:50). I want to be around, but my kids are really self-sufficient. They’ve been making their beds every morning since they had their first big-kid bed. They pack their own lunches and make their own breakfasts, but I still want to be around (as opposed to out of the house exercising). But then it’s 9:00 and I’ve been awake for over 3 hours and feel unproductive. Ahh. I have accomplished 2-3 cups of coffee and my Bible Recap at least! Ha. Thanks for sharing your mornings! When do your high schoolers get home? Right now both my kids are playing club soccer which practices in the evenings – before school is EARLY but then it’s done!