When Your Bodies At Home But Your Mind Isn't part 2

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A week or so ago I posted part 1 of this two part series.  Take a quick peek back if you missed it.  I hope you were able to use an idea or two in your own everyday walk.  I have just a few more things to add....I can be long winded like that.

5)  I think all moms are guilty of this at one time or another, but we need to stop taking ourselves so seriously.  We forget and put away those things that our husbands found so appealing in the first place; the things that made us...us!  Obviously some things can't be the same, but sneak back in one at a time those things that made you unique (Do it slowly so you don't frighten the kids).  Put some fun, flashy polish on those toes, put away the flip flops and buy yourself some cute sandals and ask your husband on a date! Lighten up. Go for it, whatever "it" is for you.

6)  Reevaluate your daily schedule.  It seems that the added responsibilities and activities have a way of sneaking in and robbing our homes of peace.  After the kids are down for the night take out your calendar and a red pen.  What could you remove?  Could you combine some of the running on the same day?  Is there a relative that might run your child here or there a week or two out of the month.  Look for solutions that work for the whole family.  Remember that you are queen of your castle and the royal carriage only rolls where you decree :)

7)  Set a bedtime for your children.  You and your husband need the time to unwind and reconnect.  If your children aren't small, then set some parameters.  Our children don't have a TV in their room, but they read, play games or draw.  This gives Andy and I a chance to catch our breath.  Dig out a favorite game you used to play, for us it was Scrabble.  Put on some soothing music, grab a favorite drink and relax!

One of our special treats is chocolate fondue.  Head to the baking aisle at the grocery store and head to the baking section.  There you will find a little container of chocolate that you put in the microwave.  Next, think of what sounds good with melted chocolate.  Strawberries, bananas, cherries, marshmallows, pound cake cut into cubes....

Display your goodies on a pretty plate, grab some napkins (You will need them) and enjoy!

I hope these ideas have been a help to you.  What kind of things do you do to unwind?  What are some things you and your spouse haven't done in a while?  What better time than now?

When Your Bodies At Home But Your Mind Isn't part 1

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Motherhood is a funny thing. Complex and demanding one day, simple and peaceful the next.  With all the ups and downs, curves and flips, there are times when our days become cloudy and foggy.  When I go through these foggy times, I find myself disconnecting and daydreaming more.  Mediating on all the things that we as mothers feel we have lost...quiet times with our spouse, a clean house, elegant meals, adult food, a house without stepping on Legos!


I tend to go through my days not really looking at the faces of my children.  I become task oriented, just getting things done.  I find that I become irritated more easily, overwhelmed and forgetful.  Am I the only one that feels this way? (Even if I am, don't tell me)  The basic hum of our sweet home gets trampled by a momma whose brain has 'left the building.'

So, what do we do?  How do we clear the fog and get back to the tasks that really bring us such joy?  Here are a few things that I try to remember and put back into my day.

1) Remember that God created me for the exact thing I am doing.  If He allowed me to be in this home with these responsibilities, then He will provide a way for me to get through it.

2) I don't have to be like anybody else.  Not the people at church, not the people on the blogs and Internet, not the perfect mom down the street that seems to have it all together.  I am not a shy person, but I generally am not a big talker.  Well, unless I have too much coffee, or you live in my house.  They seem to think I have plenty to say.  I also tend to find myself liking the strange, quirky things that most people just raise an eyebrow to.  I march to the beat of my own drum, and I have to remember that it's a good thing.  What quirky things make you happy?

3) Don't lay aside your passions or dreams.  We may not be able to do it all right now, but we can grab a piece here and there.  Maybe your dream is to visit the French countryside, but it's just not a possibility right now.  Capture the things you can.  Maybe some fresh lavender made into sachets, a picture for your wall, a special book or recipe that reminds you of that country.  God knows our hearts desires.  Pray to Him to show you ways to incorporate pieces of your dream into the everyday.

4) Stop trying to be Superwoman in your home.  If you are running around frantically trying to get it all done, and be everything to everybody....your going to fail.  It's not possible to carry that load alone!  Look around your home. What are your children doing?  If your home is like ours, then not a lot sometimes.  Hand over that mop, share the vacuum, don't hog the dishwasher!  There are so many things that children are capable of.  When you have a family, you are in it together.  Whether it's working or playing.  Your children are a needed, wonderful part of your home, don't forget them. (Some whining might occur, but charge on anyway )

I hope that these few tips will help brighten your day, and help you see through the fog.  What  ways do you combat the 'foggy brain' syndrome?  I would love to hear from you.


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