In a house that’s bursting at the seams with children, you can either be a thermostat or a thermometer. You are either intentionally setting the atmosphere of your home, or you are simply reacting to the intensity of your surroundings.
If I wake up to the chorus of four toddlers wailing in unsettling harmony, I’ve already lost the day. Keeping this train of organized chaos from derailing is no small task. How I start my morning each day truly makes all the difference.
Early Morning Rejuvenation (The Soul)
It seems counterintuitive that waking up early could somehow be more restful for the mind, body, and soul. And, don’t get me wrong, when that alarm goes off at 5:00 am, most mornings I want to chuck it against the wall and snuggle deeper into the warm covers. But I know that these precious moments of peace are the only ones I will have that belong solely to me.
I tiptoe down the stairs, make a quiet cup of coffee, and nestle on the couch for spiritual grounding. This is my time for Bible study, prayer, and planning. To set the proper atmosphere, I break out my “sketchbook” and doodle my [Top Three Tasks] for the day. Once my day is intentionally designed, I make my way to the bathroom to get ready.
The Mom Uniform (The Style)
I spend a little time washing my face and waking up. I don’t always do a full face of makeup, but a little curl cream and mascara go a long way in ensuring I don’t look and feel like a zombie all day.
Then it’s time to get dressed. I pretty much always wear a dress or skirt and an apron. If you want to know the why behind the outfit, check out my [Mom Uniform] post here. Once I’ve donned my armor for the day, I head to the battlefield: my kitchen.
The “Pre-Baby” Prep (The System)
By 7:00 am, I am switching gears to “go-mode.” My laundry room is next to the kitchen, so this is a natural time to start my [One Load for the Day]. As the washer fills, I pour a second cup of coffee. This is my cue to check my [4-Week Rotating Meal Plan and Thaw Schedule] to see what’s for breakfast and what meat needs to be pulled for the next 48 hours.
Brain fog is real at this hour, and it is a gift to not have to make hard decisions about food. I prep breakfast, get the long-bake items in the oven, and clear the dishwasher. I make sure to wash my prep dishes now, clearing the way for the impending catastrophe that descends when six ravenous kids start eating.
First Contact (The Storm)
Then I hear it—the first cry. It’s always a fun game to see which baby wakes up first for undistracted “Mommy cuddles.” Because I am well-prepared, these cries are met with cherished moments of affection rather than groggy survival mode.
One by one the babies wake up. The chaos is contained, and peace is usually restored after breakfast when the older kids start school, and the toddlers begin independent play in their [Yes Space].
Post-Breakfast Clean Up (Serenity Restored)
After everyone is fed, I tackle the aftermath. I’m always amazed at how quickly I can take a kitchen that looks like an atom bomb dropped back to a place of spotlessness. It’s not because I’m some “Supermom”—it’s because I’ve intentionally designed a kitchen where everything has a home.
There is an [abundance, but not a surplus]. If you want to know how I created this system, check out my [How to Set Up a Hard-Working Kitchen] post. Cleanup usually takes about 20 minutes, and then I’m able to move on to the day’s tasks.
The Night Before (The Setup)
The early-morning moments set the tone, but I’m only able to stay consistent when I’ve set myself up for success the night before. Spend a little time reading [My Mom-of-Many Evening Routine] to see the essential steps in my process.
Do you have a morning routine? Do you wake up before your children? Are you a thermostat or a thermometer? I’d love to hear how you start your day in the comments below!