Things That Need To Happen Every Morning

Most mornings are the same at my house.  We get up (usually way earlier than I'd prefer), and have a semi-routine.  I've tried to be more militant about our routine, because despite my best efforts, every morning looks different and I cannot seem to get out the door without feel like I've fought (and lost) a war.  


Here is a list of all the things that MUST happen so I can get out the door with the kids in the morning:

Mandatory

• Wake up
• Change a diaper
• Swap a Pull-Up for panties
• Feed kids
• Engage in a battle over the lack of awesome breakfast choices with the almost 4 year old
• Clean up the remnants of breakfast the 15 month old chooses not to eat but rather throw on the floor
• Pick out clothes for both girls
• Engage in a battle over how awful I am at picking out clothes for the almost 4 year old
• Convince 4 year old she MUST try using the potty before we leave the house
• Endure the tantrum because the 4 year old does not WANT to use the potty
• Attempt to get the almost 4 year old to brush her teeth
• Endure the tantrum because the almost 4 year old does not WANT to brush her teeth
• Brush the almost 4 year old's hair despite her wiggling in protest
• Rescue 15 month old from climbing up the stairs at LEAST 3 times
• Break up a skirmish between the sisters
• Find shoes that match for each of us
• Put on the 15 month old's shoes
• Entice the almost 4 year old to put on her own shoes
• End up putting the almost 4 year old's shoes on for her because she insists she does not know how
• Make both girls lunches while trying to comfort the 15 month old who is wailing from lack of attention
• Clean coffee pot because I never remember to do it the night before
• Make coffee
• Clean my ONE and ONLY travel mug
• Make mental note to buy more travel mugs
• Lament at my home's lack of tidiness 
• Pack up my purse
• Pack up my laptop
• Walk out the door
• Unlock car
• Chase 15 month old down the driveway because she is running toward the street
• Politely ask the almost 4 year old to get in her seat and buckle in
• Put 15 month old in her seat
• Run after almost 4 year old who has chosen to ignore my request and is playing in the yard
• Get almost 4 year old in her seat
• Run inside because I've forgotten to pack diapers
• Leave house and lock door
• Get in the car and put the key in the ignition
• Turn off car 
• Open door
• Grab the coffee from the roof of the car where I first placed it 
• Start car
• Drive
• Endure this kind of car ride most days

Optional/Impossible

• Shower (HA)
• Clothe myself in a reasonable manner
• Clothe myself at all
• Brush my teeth
• Find socks for the girls that match
• Feed myself
• Keep my sanity
• Leave the house with no one in tears

I hope your mornings go more smoothly than mine!