Getting Ready for life!

We're finally settled in a bit at Ft. Sill.  The furniture won't be here for a few more weeks but we picked up some air mattresses and other odds and ends that make "camping out" more comfortable. We live on post (thank God) but the house is tiny which does have the benefit of making it easier to keep clean and track the kids.  Fortunately it's very close to everything and I found a great daycare provider.  I can't believe how expensive that is.  I'm paying over $750 a month for full time for the baby and before/after care for my 1st grader.  My oldest has really stepped up to help too.  We did a dry run (rehearsal) for next week this morning.  (You know us Army guys, we rehearse everything) I ran through the entire routine starting at 0520 and even drove to the babysitter's house.  We all got up, brushed our teeth, got dressed, did our hair (mine and the boys are easy, the baby - not so much), and left on time.  Now all I have to do is back off my time about 20 minutes and the timing will be perfect. Of course, this was just a rehearsal and I'm sure when the pressure is on, all hell will break loose!

I did learn several key lessons this morning.
1. I must get out of bed when the alarm goes off. The snooze button is your enemy when you have small children to get ready.
2. The baby is the last one to wake up. If she gets up before the boys, I end up carrying her the whole morning and that just slows down the process. Cuddle time is great, but when you are rushed, it just doesn't seem that special.
3. I must go to bed when it's time. Staying up past 11pm is a really bad idea, no matter how good the movie, TV show, or song is - turn it off and go to sleep. Hey, there's always the option to use the DVR and watch it later.
4. Prior planning, prior planning, prior planning. Get as much done the night before as possible. It's hard to match clothes, find socks or shoes, and pack lunches at 0530 in the morning. Especially when your eyes are stil half closed and a 2.5 year old girl is yelling in your ear.
5. Finally - I'm good enough, smart enough, and dog gone it - people like me. Self affirmation is critical. Your kids will never tell you that you are doing a good job. The only feed back they seem capable of at this point in their lives (or in the early morning at least) is negative. They may not tell you that they appreciate your help in the morning but you can bet your butt they will tell you what you did wrong, forgot, or overlooked.

Kids are great, aren't they?