8:00 in the Morning

I remember when I was a kid sleeping in was a big deal. I looked forward to summer time because it meant more time snuggled warm in my bed, resting my eye lids. I just loved it!

Getting up around 8:00 was perfect!

Now... 15 years later I have my own kids. It is summer time and sleeping in is a big deal to Megan, Conner, and Stockton. The first day of summer comes along and I head downstairs to wake them up. Feeling like such a great parent for letting them sleep in until 8:00 am, I gently and happily tap my hand on their shoulders and speak ever so softly in a whisper, "Time to get up! Time to start summer!!" With that, I move to the next kid. Once I have tapped each of them, I leave the room and head back upstairs, leaving it up to them to get out of bed and start the day.

About fifteen minutes goes by and I realize I am not hearing the loud noises our house usually makes. There are no breakfast sounds in the kitchen or shower noises from the bathroom. I scratch my head just a little and wonder where everyone is?? I headed back downstairs only to find everyone curled up in the same spots I had left them in several minutes ago.

My voice gets a little louder this time as I announce to the sleeping troops.... "Time to get up everyone. Let's get going!!" I turn on the light in hopes the extra brightness will stir the group. I stand there for a minute.

Nothing!

No movement!!

"Ok! Get up NOW!" With this, I walk over to Conner and shake the couch he is sleeping on.

"Mom! It is summer time. There is no reason why we need to get out of bed."

I walk over to Megan and shake the opposite couch she is sleeping on. "Come on Megs. Rise and shine!"

She rolls over and puts the blanket over her head. "My dad said I could sleep in if I want to."

Ugh! I decide to send in some help.

Little Zander has been awake for over an hour now. He is lively and ready to have someone to play with. I send Zander down to jump on them.

Needless to say, Conner and Megan are not happy that this summer they have to be up by 8:00 am.

Maybe sleeping in means sleeping past 8:00. Maybe everyone else has nicer parents who let their kids sleep in past 8:00. Not me! My kids are SO lucky they get to wake up early!!!