Morning Ritual

Once again, the alarm jolts me awake in the morning. From the basement I hear the sound of water in the shower - the boys are up and at 'em. I turn on the radio to hear if school will start late this morning. But no, not today. We've toughened up since last year; an inch or two of snow is nothing. Rolling out of bed, the clothes go on, the dog is let out of his crate, and I shuffle out to the kitchen. Coffee beans whir in the grinder and soon that gorgeous brown elixir is filling my cup.

At least three mornings a week milk and wheat berries are poured into the Bosch blender to begin the process of making whole wheat pancakes. I cut slices of bread for the twins to make their peanut butter sandwiches for school, and one of the boys appears from downstairs, ready for the day. This time of year I particularly enjoy making the pancakes as the extra heat from the griddle is appreciated! Now it's time to awaken the remaining son who just cannot seem to set an alarm clock and get himself out of bed. Slowly he rises and makes his way to the shower.

By 7:00 the boys have eaten (except Brendan who just has no appetite in the morning, but the twins make up for him), taken the dog out for a quick trip to the bushes, and are out the door to catch the school bus. I refill my coffee cup and start another pot.