Nap Time is Mommy Time

Top Ten Tuesday

Well, since I've received dozens of emails asking why I haven't done Top-Ten Tuesday in a while, I thought it was about time I got it going again (ok, fine--nobody emailed me about it, but I miss doing it anyway).

I'm sitting here in a quiet house, which I'm hoping will remain quiet for another 2 hours or so while my little guys sleep. Whenever this time rolls around (on the lucky days when it actually happens), I start dreaming up all the things I could do, and quickly have a list of potential activities that would fill an entire week. The toughest part is deciding which activities will make the cut.

Top Ten: Nap Time Activities
in no particular order

1. Computer Time. You know--check my email, read the news, update the blog(s), spend way too much time reading other blogs and wishing I were as cool as the people who write them.
2. Reading Time. It's really an ideal time to read the scriptures, a good book--or just a frivolous magazine--in peace.
   
3. Cleaning Time. This is when I can actually unlock the cabinet with all the poisonous chemicals and spread them all over the place without needing to re-close the poison cabinet every time I turn my back, and without worrying about footprints on the newly mopped floor.
   
4. Organizing Time. It may not sound exciting at first, but I'm thrilled at a chance to sort toys, game pieces, clothes, mail, and school papers without little hands trying to help me decide where everything should go. ("Mommy, I need that milk cap--don't throw it away!")
   
5. Talking Time. It's always great to call my mom, a friend, or a sister and gab about who-knows-what. I especially like to combine this with Cleaning Time or Organizing Time.
   
6. Bath Time. I love a hot bubble bath. This can be combined with Reading Time, or sometimes I just lie there and drift off to that land in between waking and sleeping
7. Nap Time. This is not the in-between land. This is a nice, serious nap. Sometimes it happens on the couch, but I especially love to get PJs on and get all cozy in bed.
8. TV Time. Gotta catch up on all those Monk episodes that are piling up on the Tivo. Caution: may turn in to Nap Time, so have an alarm clock handy if you're supposed to pick a child up from school in the next little while.
   
9. Snack Time. This is when I dip into the secret stash that the kids don't know about. Goes great with TV Time, or Bath Time, or Reading Time, or... you get the idea.
10. I-Can-Actually-Hear-Myself-Thinking Time. This is one of my favorite parts of this time of day. No matter what I decide to do, I can take a few moments to breathe, ponder, and relax.
    

As much as I love my little guys, there are times when we all need a break. If I use my time well, I'm that much happier when I hear them wake up...