Everything else just falls into place

How do you do it?

Honestly, there are days that I ask myself this very question. To say that our days are full is an understatement. I no longer have a full plate, I have a full platter. Alone time is unattainable in this house, even when you do lock the bathroom door.

Raising five children is an adventure. It is also something that only a few other people we know personally have decided to do. Our days are never boring. There is always something happening that keeps us on our toes. Someone is always in need of something. And the only thing we can count on with 100% certainty is our Love for eachother.

Our My days are long. They begin at 6am and end sometime after 2am. If I'm lucky, I may catch a cat nap but that is usually not the case. Unfortunately, I have an addiction that helps me maintain some sort of sanity with this crazy schedule.

I confess, I'm a caffeine addict. I love my Mt. Dew.

Of course, the kids get up, get ready and head off to school. I fill my day by going to class four days a week. Then it's home for 90 minutes to do homework, grab a snack and chat before we head off to football practice. After football practice we hit the showers. Throw on the PJ's, shovel food into our mouths, get our last drink, brush the teeth, and head off to bed. This is done all at lightening speed, it seems. While I'd love to start the routine about 6:00pm, it's not possible as Football doesn't end until 8pm. Thankfully, we I have the routine down and can successfully execute it in a matter of minutes. Less than fourty five minutes, to be exact. The five younger kids are in bed and usually asleep by 9pm. Last night, 8:30pm. The older two, usually by 9:30pm.

The only way we're able to do this is by multi-tasking. It's an endless assembly line of showering, donning pj's, eating, brushing, and bedtime. Of course, there is also an endless supply of hugs, kisses, and praise for getting everything done at record speed! While I love having the boys in football, I hate the nonstop running from the time they get home from school until they are in bed. I make it a point to talk with each of them about their day, to help with any homework or answer any questions they may have, and to just spend a little one on one time with each of them.

Of course, after they are resting peacefully, all snuggled beneath their warm fuzzy blankets, round two begins for me. Everything that is not cold is packed into their lunch boxes. I am sure to put a juice in the fridge for each child, sure their ice pack was placed back into the freezer. Lunch boxes are placed on the table with the sandwich bags, bread, and a list of "reminders" for the morning rush. Then it's off to check backpacks. Notes are addressed, forms filled out, and upcoming events placed on the planner absolutely gigantic wall calendar. Everything that needs to be taken back to school is placed in their backpacks, which line the wall. Shoes are along the wall, outfits for the following day are placed on the coffee table, complete with socks. (Which used to cause quite a commotion around here, I tell you). Finally, after all of those things are finished, it's time for me to have a bit of quiet time.

I do the most important things first such as update my blog before I get too tired. My classes are usually something that needs to be addressed. Whether it's homework, studying, or just making sure I'm on top of all the deadlines. There is always something to do. I try to get another load of dishes going in the dishwasher, fold any laundry that may be sitting on the couch, and even watch a bit of TV, if I'm lucky. Then when I can't muster up anymore strength to keep my eyes open, I stumble down to the bedroom where I end my day. Of course, a typical day will allow me to get about 4 hours of sleep before I start the vicious cycle all over again.

I long for the weekends. Unfortunately, they are never quite long enough to finish the chores, the endless supply of laundry, and all of the fun stuff we want to do. Someday, I'll look back and ask myself, yet again, "How did I do it?" However, the one question I won't ask is "Why did I do it?" The answer is so clear. As I look around, I see five children looking up to me. They are the reason why.

Everything else just falls into place.