Naps and Schedules

I have to admit, before I had my own kids, I did not get the big idea about naps.  So, I totally understand if you tune out right now if you don't have kids.  Just scroll to the bottom for a link to some great planners and organizers.

For the last 5 years, naps and bedtimes have certainly played a big part in dictacting our family schedule.  Here are some of our battles:

• can't go out because we have an infant who takes 2 naps
• need to head home quick to catch someone's afternoon naps
• we're coming late because they napped longer than we thought
• kids can't sleep at night because they're napping too long
• Dah!  They just fell asleep in the car!
• should we drop a nap?
• should we just shorten the nap?
• Lastly... what about MY naps!  :)

Well, in the past 2 weeks, we've had an admittedly small change in our family schedule, but to me, it has been a change of epic proportions.  My #2 has stopped napping in the afternoon, which caused us to change our bedtime routine... long story short... All 3 of my little ones are out by 8:30 and I've found 2 extra hours in the evening that I've been missing for the last 5 years!!  :D 

So, needlesstosay, I've been enjoying my evenings and have been a little lazy.  I can hang out with the hubby, catch a show, even do some work on the computer, tidy up AND be in bed by 12:00!  No more 1 or 2am for me!  Is this the way the rest of you have been doing it all this time? 

Ok... I admit, this is probably revolutionary to only me, but boy, I feel like I've won the lottery and have been given a true gift of time. 

Lastly, I do have something helpful to share.  I came across this site with some great family schedules and checklists that you can download for free.  LOTS of good stuff.  Check it out!