o_O  So tired.....*yawn* 



I am typing this as I am sipping on a big cup of warm coffee and trying to get some of the cobwebs out of my eyes.  The big kids have not been sleeping this week well at all.  Baby is sleeping great for a baby, up only twice in 12 hours.  But add those 2 times to the 4-6 times each with the big kids and you've got a mom that feels like she only got in a 20 minute nap all night.  Apparently finding buddies in the dark (x2), finding lost hankies, calming tears after dreams, getting drinks in the dark, calming coughs when they don't feel like doing it themselves, wondering if a teaspoon of honey is in order for said coughs, sharing tips on going BACK to sleep, and reminding that if it's dark it's not time to play yet, is more important than mom functioning today.  LOL!  

(although I will still stick to my story that they are less important than sleep for my growing little munchkins)  And I am reminding myself this morning that someday I will have all the time in the world to sleep a straight 6 hours again.  But for now, my call is to be there to reassure and to guide my littles while they are yet little.  Some day it will be me getting up all night and them sleeping through ;)  Mom's of teenagers?

But this isn't the first time we've gone through a stretch like this.  And for today, it looks like Mom's up early enough to get a nice quiet cup of joe, some bible time, some exercise, and maybe even a shower in all before the kids wake up for the day.....provided that this is the last time they will be up and out of bed before the official wake-up bell is rung.  I'm just remembering that there is peace in the middle of the busyness.  God always seems to give me just what I need if I remember to sit at his feet, ask, and just sit back and listen to Him.  Today will probably lead to a tired mom with a less than regular vat of patience, which could possibly be drained earlier that usually by some whinny and tired but refusing to admit it children. 

But I will take the peace now, enjoy by time alone in the quiet while I watch out the window all the traffic starting to go to work, and the bits of life outside my city window start to come alive like the birds and chipmunks. 

Anyone else running on fumes today?  What's your favorite way to find your energy and keep up with your precious little ones the day after a rough night?   Anyone have a favorite verse to encourage the believing mom when it's a day that needs encouraging?


Be encouraged, moms, for you are the one who shows your children the love and grace and tenderness that comes from God. 



P.S.  After this cup, I am officially out of my flavored creamer until I can get to the store.  If anyone is is the area and just happens to have a cup of starbucks I will gladly pay cash LOL!  Just Kidding....maybe ;)

Oatmeal Pancakes

Ingredients:
1 c. flour or flour alternative*
3/4 c. oats, divided
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar or your sweetener of choice, adjust amount if needed
1 teaspoon baking powder*
1 teaspoon baking soda*
1/2 teaspoon salt*
*Optional: substitute flour, powder, soda, and salt above for 1 c. baking mix such as Bisquick
1 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Optional: 2 tablespoons protein powder
3/4 c. buttermilk, or other acceptable milk alternative
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons melted butter or melted coconut oil or other liquid oil alternative
1 egg or egg substitute alternative
Optional: 1/2 mashed banana, 1/3 c. pumpkin puree, or 1/4 c. plain yogurt

1.) Place flour, powder, soda, salt (or mix), 1/2 c. of the oats, sugar, and spices (also optional protein powder) into food processor.  Process until mixed and oats begin to powder-ize. **Cheater way, purchase oat flour and omit food processor all together. 
2.) Add wet ingredients and pulse to mix.  **If you are using oat flour mix as you would any other pancake batter
3.) Stir in remaining oats, 1/4 cup, just before cooking. 
4.) Cook as a regular pancake.

Top with applesauce, syrup of choice, peanut butter, fruit, or any combination you choose.