Routine

With Ali gone I've settled into a routine, which suits me just fine as anyone who knows me will tell you. I like order, a schedule of sorts with some fun thrown in.

Mornings start with getting kids off to school, dressing them, feeding them, pottying them and the like. Then we take the less-than-five-minute walk to school, where they stay from 8:30-11:30.

While they're away I keep myself busy. Besides doing a happy dance every five minutes, (kids in school will have that effect!), I have my morning soup, which is similar to milk-heavy grits, and my coffee. Then it's up to my room to make the bed and change into my workout clothes. Then it's on to the best part of my morning schedule-my workout. I love it! Not only do I feel great, but it reminds me of being at home, where I always exercized in the a.m. Then it's a shower and dress in time to go pick up the kids.

Once home we sit down to what's called "second breakfast" in Morocco, which usually consists of homemade bread (a daily staple) which we dip in olive oil. This is accompanied by the famous Moroccan mint tea. The whole meal is delish, and I and Drea love it. Eli usually munches on fruits and nuts while he watches cartoons or plays with his cousin. Good enough for me.

By 2 it's back to school for the kiddos until 5. I do a second happy dance of the day once they're dropped off, and then it's home for lunch. That is awesome, as usual, and then the rest of the day is free for walks around my neighborhood or a nap or whatever. I even did some cleaning and laundry today so I felt very productive.

Once the kids are home at five, I am quick to let them play a little, watch some TV and then it's dinner for them, bathroom needs and bed at 7 for Eli. I usually let Drea stay awake a little longer, maybe 7:30.

Tell me moms and dads, is is terrible that I can't wait for those kids to go to bed considering the six hours a day they spend at school?

No. I didn't think so.

A highlight of my day? I Skyped with Ali twice, once after I dropped off kids for afternoon school session and again when they got home. Nice!