rise and shine

This last month I participated in an instagram swap. It was so fun- I am sending my package off tomorrow and am SO excited to get my package any day  now! I've enjoyed getting to know my swap partner (Alicia) and love that I've made a new friend. The theme of the swap was rise and shine.We had to put together a package full of things that had to do with that theme. Let me tell you a little about that phrase... It's not my favorite phrase. Ha. I am not a morning person. Having children has forced me to be a morning person, but I still dread the sound of my alarm (my kids crying or telling me to wake up). I can rise just fine but shining is a little harder ;) 

The things that help me rise and shine are: smiling faces on my kids, a bowl of cereal, a kiss from my husband, and time to get ready for the day without interruptions. It's nearly impossible to wake up to a stress free morning it seems- getting everyone fed, diapers changed, people dressed, keeping kids happy, (and quiet while my husband sleeps since he works grave yard shifts...) BUT- this theme has really been on my mind lately and I'm trying to go with the flow. Everything doesn't have to be perfect. Kids dont have to be out of their pajamas at a certain time, I dont have to always wear makeup, having a bowl of cereal and not something like eggs or french toast every day isn't the end of the world, it's okay if I feel like I need a diet coke to get through my day... I can go with the flow! Yes it's good to have routines but with this theme on my mind I have been able to focus on just rising and SHINING (meaning being happy in my mind) with life. 

So, I made this printable to print out 8x10 or 11x14 for a frame in my bedroom. Hopefully it will be a reminder of why I wakeup every day- and why it's important to wake up happy for my kids. (and me, lets be honest). The way my morning goes usually sets the tone of how the day goes. So- this is my morning mantra! Go ahead and right click and save- print out, and use if you would like! (please just give credit if you share it). 

How do you rise and shine?