A New Life

It's 11:10 on a Wednesday night and I am enjoying complete silence, snuggled under a brown furry blanket, on my new leather love seat, searching Pinterest, under the soft glow of the lamp in the corner of the living room. This time is so significant and special because for the first time in over four years, I finally have some time to myself to do whatever I want to do.

Last month I decided the kids needed a new schedule and part of this schedule entailed going to bed at 8 every night. I didn't like the sound of this at first because I really happen to like sleeping in, in the mornings. However, since most mornings we attend preschool, Bible study, or church, anyway, I figured we all might as well learn to get up earlier. It took about a week for the kids to adjust to the new bedtime (which of course effected their wake up time), but now my new plan is working amazingly! I get the kids in bed by 8:30, the kitchen cleaned and the house picked up by 9:00, and then I have a few hours to do my own thing. I've started reading again, sewing, discovering new internet sites (like Pinterest!), and writing letters. I can even go to bed if I want to or watch a movie! If Erik just happens to be at home, we get lots of good talking time or enjoy TV together before bed.

I am so thankful to discover "me" again and find new (and old) interests, too. I'm learning that waking up by 8 every morning isn't so bad, either, and that coffee does wonders in the middle of the afternoon when I'm dragging. This new life is so refreshing and great that I'm starting to wonder if I really want that fourth baby that I've been begging Erik for...