Good Morning Girls!  My first couple years as a stay at home mom, my kids were my alarm clock.  I got out of bed when they called out to me.  I basically thought my sole purpose was to take care of them and the house.  If I found time during the day to do something for myself, great.  If not, oh well.  Besides, what would I really do for myself anyway. From time to time I had managed to read my bible and pray and exercise.  But I was never able to commit to anything because my life revolved around bedtimes and nap times.  After a couple of years, this no longer worked for me.  I had an identity crisis.  I was now Charley's mom, Thomas' mom and Tom's wife.  I was no longer Jen.  To be honest with you, I don't even know that I was so much Tom's wife.....I was that immersed with my responsibilities as a mom.  I decided I wanted Jen back.  I needed to do something specifically for me.  I decided to do Body for Life.  This was a big commitment.  It required working out first thing in the morning 6 days a week.  The only way to guarantee a morning workout is to get up before the kids.  For the first time in years I started setting the alarm.  It wasn't easy at first, but I discovered how much I loved having the house to myself when it was so quiet and peaceful.  I started my day out energized and ready to go.  I felt excited when the kids woke up, because I had started my day doing something for myself.  The more I started seeing Jen come back, the more things I was able to add to my morning routine, and the earlier I could wake up.  Though the program only lasted 12 weeks, the early morning habit has stayed in place.  Sure, there are still days when I let the kids be my alarm clock.  However, I know I need about 2 hours of Jen only time a day.  If our schedule is full for the day and I cannot guarantee I will get it it, that means I get up early.  There are days when I feel a little tired, but I have discovered that it feels much better to take care of myself and feel a little tired, then to sleep and feel neglected.  More sleep doesn't always mean less irritable! Getting up early isn't the only way to be prepared.  Some of you are night owls.  You may do all of tomorrows preparations the night before.  The important thing is, when your feet hit the floor in the morning you are ready to go.  You are prepared, with a plan to start your day.

We will talk about the second part of todays verse tomorrow......

Proverbs 31:15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls

Love you all-
Jen