Tuesday 4...I wasn't going to join in on this one today because I couldn't really think of anything very clever or interesting to say...and besides, should we really be sharing with the world our bedtime routine/attire, etc? But, then as I started reading other's responses to the questions I decided it was tame enough for the general population to read. After all, most of us are way past mid-life and our routines are pretty simple, or maybe even a bit dull...but it makes it more fun to see that we are all quite a bit alike after all. So here goes...everything you ever wanted to know about my bedtime routine. LOL.
Night Night!
Welcome back to the "I refuse to auto post" Tuesday 4 by Toni Taddeo, enhanced by complication from Blogger.
Yes folks, it did it yet again. But, better late than never some say so here we go with this week's questions. I hope you enjoy them.
1. Do you have a set bedtime that you stick to?
Pretty much so. I usually start heading to bed around 9:00, but by the time I've done all my little routine things and showered it's getting close to 9:30 or 9:45 before my head really touches the pillow...and hubby usually either precedes me to the shower or follows me, depending upon what he's watching on TV. LOL.
2. What kind of sleep attire do you prefer and why is that?
If you know me well, you know that "a picture is worth a thousand words", but I usually do both the picture AND the thousand words. LOL. This nightgown is getting almost threadbare from all the wearing and washing, but it is still my favorite. I do have others, but I always come back to this one. In winter I've tried to wear pajamas, but I can't find any that really stay down on my legs. They always want to ride up and get twisted and drive me crazy all night, so I go back to this nightgown and layer on an extra blanket and some socks until my feet get warm enough. This particular nightgown has a previous story...
For more about this same nightgown, you can go back in time HERE to a land far away (our previous home). You'll have to read the whole post to get to the nightgown part. But I think you'll enjoy the story.3. Do you have a night time routine before bed? Wash.. brush teeth.. snack?
Yes, the routine starts with me preparing the coffee pot and tea pot for the morning. Our coffee pot has an automatic timer so it can be set to come on at a certain time. When our son was still here it was set to start about 4:00 a.m. so he could get some coffee before he left for work. Now that he has moved out we have set it to about 5:00 a.m. so it is ready when my hubby gets up. Then he turns on the electric tea kettle that is already filled with water so that by the time I come out the water is hot and ready for my cup of tea.
But, back to bedtime...after I do that we have a little routine with a certain little friend that I know I've been neglecting in writing about lately, Miss Lily Grace. I know you probably think I'm crazy, and you would probably be correct. Every night Lily Grace says good night to everyone in the house, and then I tuck her and her doggie Bailey into bed with "Baby Elva" and her little Boo Bear. They sleep very snugly in the baby carriage next to my side of the bed. I sometimes have to remind them to stop talking and get to sleep...
Oh, by the way, in case you think I'm crazy, wait 'til you see what Lily's big brother Scott gave her before he left:
That's one of his prized golf balls that looks like a soccer ball. He thought Lily and Bailey would have fun playing with it. Yes, our family is all just a little bit crazy, but we have fun.
So back to the routine before bedtime...where was I? Oh yes, let's see...I've fixed the coffee pot, etc., tucked Lily Grace into bed, and now it's time for me to get my shower. Then once hubby gets his shower, we are both ready for bed, and we say our prayers together before going to sleep. I love this part of our routine. We didn't always say them out loud together, but at some point in time we started doing that...he says his prayers out loud and then I say mine and we pray for our family, friends, church, world, whatever and whoever we can think of to pray for, and then we are ready to go to sleep. It's the sweetest time of the day.
Oh sometimes there's another little "friend" that shows up unexpectedly when you least expect him:
Meet "Ratty". We've had this little stuffed critter for as long as I can remember. Most of the time he sits quietly on the dresser. But every so often he shows up in all kinds of strange places, usually at bedtime. Sometimes I get surprised by "Ratty", and sometimes hubby gets surprised. But it's always funny.
These are some of the secrets of staying happily married for almost 53 years.
Of course, there are other "secrets" to staying happily married, but they don't need to be discussed in this particular post...LOL.
4. Quilts? Coverlet? Fluffy comforters? Woolen blankets? What do you need to sleep comfortably?
Well, that depends on the season. Right now in summer (and here in Florida that would be the majority of the year), a sheet and a light blanket that can easily be kicked off and pulled back up as needed is all that is necessary. In winter, we usually put a set of flannel sheets on the bed and add extra blankets as needed. Recently we have learned that since we both like different levels of warmth at night, we each have a small blanket that we can use personally to add or remove as needed.
Now, when it comes to pillows...hubby is happy with one plain old ordinary pillow. Me? I have to have several...First there's "My Pillow" under my head. Yes, one of those, and I do love it. Then I have another flat older pillow that I put between my knees because I sleep on my side. I also have a little tiny pillow, like one of those airplane pillows, that I put under my right arm (because I sleep on my left side) and then in the crook of my left arm I snuggle up to this:
Meet "Bear Bear". He was a gift to me from my hubby during one of my more recent hospital visits. As you can tell by his eyes, he's a "Precious Moments" bear, and he is the softest and most cuddly little fella ever created. He fits perfectly in that space and I really can't sleep without him anymore. You can see he looks well loved.
I am not ashamed to tell you that I sleep with a teddy bear, or that we have a stuffed rat that sometimes scares the bejeebers out of me, or that I have to tuck in my little dollies to sleep at night. These are all a part of my nightly bedtime routine, and believe it or not, they bring a sense of joy and comfort and peace. Now, I'm sure if these sweet things were suddenly taken away from me I would adjust and go on with life...but something very sweet and precious would be missing.
I bet there are some of you out there who have some of these kinds of special things that you aren't telling us about because you aren't sure how we'd react. But I'm here to say it's OKAY! If I can do it, so can you. And I am perfectly sane.
Well, sane anyway.
Better leave the perfectly part off of it.
But here's where my true peace comes from:
"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:8
And that, my friend, always makes me have a good night's sleep...just knowing that God is watching over me...always.
Good Night!
Sleep Tight!
Don't let the bed bugs bite!
Now let's go visit our other friends to find out what bedtime routines they've been hiding...or not...LOL
In my church we only sang the psalms. I loved that because it taught them to us so well. So when I had trouble sleeping this verse from Psalm 127 would play over in my head :
ReplyDelete"Unless the Lord shall build the house, The weary builders toil in vain;
Unless the Lord the city shields. The guards maintain a useless watch.
In vain you rise ere morning break, And late your nightly Vigils keep,
And bread of anxious care partake; God gives to His beloved sleep."
I am still using my comforter as the nights have gone down into the 50s but it seems that things will be warming up a bit here soon. I feel weird if I don't stick to my routine of brushing teeth and washing up before bed so its something I most always do unless I am totally exhausted! Thanks for joining in. I was so afraid no one would take part and have been so happy people are doing Toni's meme! And its been a blessing that I have had little trouble coming up with questions and themes too.
I love that Psalm, and especially as a kind of lullaby. I wish I could hear the tune you sang. I love the Psalms most of all and yes, it helps to learn them by singing them. We used to do a lot of what we called "Scripture Songs" back in the 80's, but you don't hear them much anymore. But it's funny how when I am reading the Psalms I often break out into song when I see a familiar one. It's a great way to learn them. And yes, brushing teeth, and for me, a shower, is a necessity before bed. If I can't shower, then a sponge bath, but gotta do something. It's too hot in Florida to go to bed sweaty. I can't sleep if I feel sticky. Thank you for coming up with these ideas. You are doing a great job. Toni would be so pleased.
DeleteI always tried to sleep with a stuffy, but I cannot have anything touching me. It is so weird. I need to look for a pillow for between my knees. I am getting where I am not comfortable at night. Your bedtime routine is so sweet. I love it. Loved your answers! Have a nice week.
ReplyDeletehttps://lorisbusylife.blogspot.com/
Sometimes my little bear bear gets too warm for me and he has to sleep on the floor, but then I get cold and I am groping for him in the dark. Crazy... And yes, the pillow between the knees is almost a must have as we get older. Don't get one too thick, however. I mostly need it to line up my hips and knees right, and to keep my knees from rubbing on each other since I sleep on my side. I started that after having major back surgery. It really helps. Thank you for your kind words. This was fun.
DeleteWhat a pretty nightie! Is it a Vanity Fair, by chance? That's what my mother always gifted me; I still have a well-loved one hanging in my closet that must be 20 years old. (I haven't followed the link, but will do so a little later.) I seriously love your bedtime ritual with Lily Grace -- and Ratty, too. I'm imagining your giggles; and as Ann Lamott says, Laugher is just carbonated holiness. Bless his heart, Tom still sleeps in his recliner; but Macie Ann's become my chief cuddle buddy. I, too, keep several pillows in rotation under my head and between my knees. How do you like your "My Pillow"? I still have some birthday money and think that's what I want. Simple pleasures!
ReplyDeleteI do love "My Pillow". Be sure to order it according to their specifications, which they ask your height and weight and if you are a side or back sleeper. That seems to make a difference in the amount of filling, etc., whereas if you just buy one in a store you don't have that advantage. Re: the nightie, I don't recall what brand name it is as I removed the label long ago. It was irritating my neck. My MIL gave the nightgown many years ago, and it was calf length and long sleeved. If you read the link that I posted, you will see where I altered it to what it is today. But yes, it probably is at least 20 years old. It sat in the bottom drawer of my dresser for years because I didn't like the sleeves, etc., so that is why I finally altered it and now I love it the most. Thank you for appreciating my little routines with Lily Grace, etc. Yes, there are giggles and silliness. Daddy also has to tell her good night and Elva too and Bailey too. They will certainly remind him if he misses anyone. We don't have any real live pets, so I guess these are our pets. They aren't warm and cuddly, but they are fun in their own special way. I like that "laughter is carbonated holiness"... it's joy bubbling up from deep inside. Yep, that's true. Thank you for writing. You always cheer me up.
DeleteAw, Pam, your post reminded me of last fall when those beautiful so very life like baby dolls were so popular and we would receive fliers about them often in the mail. I wanted one so badly, but hubs and daughter thought they were so life like they seemed scary, so alas, I didn’t get one, but I would have loved one! Speaking of his and her blankets, in winter I have my velvet plush blue throw and Lynn has a purple one. All to ourselves. …It was one of the best things we ever did! Hee hee hee!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know we aren't the only ones with "his and her blankets". We may be starting a new trend! As for the life like baby dolls, I understand your family's reluctance and your desire to have one. Some people just cannot enjoy the beauty and wonder of a sweet baby doll. We have a few relatives who refuse to be in the same room with our wonderful Baby Elva. But "Elva" was a gift to me from a very special friend, and I've written about her story many times. You may not have known me when I first shared her story. Here is a link to her story if you'd like to read it: https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2010/06/speaking-for-silent-ones.html Our "Baby Elva" has become a sweet little member of our family, and when certain relatives come to visit she respectfully stays out of the way, but sometimes she has to make a "surprise appearance" just to keep certain people aware of her existence. It can be hilarious...but I know when enough is enough. LOL. Thank you for visiting today. This was a fun one.
DeleteI love that Lily Grace sleeps next to you!!
ReplyDeleteYes, she and Baby Elva are all comfy cozy in the baby carriage. But Lily Grace gets up in the morning and comes out to the kitchen to spend the day with her other friends. They have tea parties and sing songs, etc. I just haven't been very good at keeping up with them lately. LOL.
DeleteYour post sure made me smile. Your scripture, LilyGrace and all the fun bear and rat made me smile too. Your your routine and your story. Once Roger, our son-in-law gets more info on his cancer battle we will probsbly be more calm. I hoep youw ill pray. He has brain surgery tomorrow at 7:30 A.M. I know the neurosurgeon doing this complicated surgery. He took care of me after my neurosurgeon moved to California back in the 1980's. He is a wonderful man, a great doctor and he is humble and gives all the glory to God. I feel comfortable knowing this but Roger is in for the fight of his life. One step at a time. Thank you for praying. God Bless, Sweet dreams.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne. I will be praying for your son in law Roger. Right now as we speak I guess he is being prepped and ready for brain surgery. We went through that with our son Matthew, and I know the anxiety that is going on in your whole family right now. Praying in Jesus' Name for his healing. Miracles do still happen, and God is able. Amen.
DeleteMy mother gifted her mother with a sweet little teddy bear, which she promptly placed on the back of the sofa. My grandfather, ordinarily an extremely mild-mannered man, told her in no uncertain terms that he would not tolerate the teddy bear. Thus ended teddy's time on the sofa. I have him now. He sits in the chair in my bedroom with all his other teddy bear friends and an ancient doll or two.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed week!
That is so sad, but I am happy that at least the Teddy was saved for future generations to enjoy! I don't understand why some people cannot tolerate stuffed animals or sweet dollies. But we are all different and that's what makes the world go round! I would love to see a picture of your teddy bear friends and "an ancient doll or two". I love hearing stories about special treasures like those. Thank you for writing. I hope you are enjoying your summer days! Has it warmed up yet?
Deletenot yet... ☺️
DeleteThis is a fun post. And I absolutely get preferring the threadbare gown!
ReplyDeleteI have pajamas but can only wear the tops to sleep in because of the legs getting bunched up.
Yeah, what is it about PJ legs getting bunched up or twisted around our legs? When that happens I CANNOT sleep and ma constantly tugging at them trying to make them right, so I finally just take them off and say forget it! Someone needs to invent untwistable, unbunchable PJ bottoms. LOL. Thank you for visiting. I am a creature of habit when it comes to comfy nighties...
DeleteWe all have our special comforts and reading about yours was enjoyable, Pamela. Years ago we were known to have a lot of stuffed penguins and frogs (no surprise) as many we bought and others were gifted to us. Teddy bears were also favorites and we have a couple of Vermont Teddy bears in our bedroom and also a couple of Boyds Bears. We bought a VT as an anniversary present to ourselves. The other was went to me by a dear friend as a birthday gift.
ReplyDeleteI love that you have so many bears, etc., and I hope you will share pictures of them someday. Please be sure to let me know when you do so I won't miss it! I bet they are all really cute and special! But, do you sleep with any of them? Maybe they are too nice to get messed up. But I know you enjoy them all the same. Thank you for sharing that with us! I hope to see them soon!
DeleteI am late getting here, I guess, but sure enjoyed learning about your routines!! I always love my visits here and don't think any of you are crazy!! I love the fun you all have!! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Terri, for not thinking we are crazy. I appreciate that immensely. You might change your mind if you spent any time with me for long...LOL. I'm glad you came by today. You are never too late.
DeleteSounds like you have a good routine going on. Enjoyed reading your answers. Enjoy the rest of your week.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debby! I guess it works for us so no sense in changing! LOL. Have a good rest of your week as well.
DeleteLove your answers today, I have a routine for bedtime as my kids (the kitties and dog) wake me early wanting food. I sleep in a night shirt, like your pjs are too constricting.
ReplyDeletehope you have a great week
Good Morning Gina! Hope you are doing well. Thank you for visiting. I can imagine your kitties and dog do keep you hopping!! Please take care. When is your surgery? I think it must be coming soon. Praying...
DeleteAwww I loved your answers. I don't like when pajamas ride up either. I've to find the perfect thing to sleep in. Uggh!
ReplyDelete