I've seen a trend lately, and I don't like it. I'm out of the house too much.
Being on the go all the time causes a couple problems in my life. First, I'm less of a domestic goddess ;o) I just can't get all my household tasks/chores done when I'm out and about doing something every single day of the week. I have a few projects around the house that I keep pushing to tomorrow's to-do list... over and over. Not to mention the fact that it's getting tricky staying on top of the normal daily chores like dishes and laundry and such.
Second, and most important, my kids have less of their normal routine. While I want them to experience things (especially playing with other kids!) I also want them to have a normal, predictable home life. They don't get to just play with their toys (or their Momma!) if we're always running from one thing to the next.
Finally, I get stressed. I'm a home-body. I love to just curl up at night with a good book or snuggle with My Love watching a movie. But I also have things I need to get done (around the house, on the computer, etc) that end up getting pushed into the evenings (because I'm out all day) so there's less time to enjoy quiet nights at home with Jesse.
Oh, and I haven't been exercising regularly because of this too-busy schedule, and that's something that I really want to build into daily life... as a way to be strong and healthy and have energy so I can DO all these fun things!
Bottom line, I haven't had the time I need to get the stuff done that I used to have no problem accomplishing. And when I look at my schedule in the past month, I know it's because we've been out of the house at least four of the five weekdays. Something's gotta give.
I have to leave the house at least once a week to go grocery shopping :o) And I'm really enjoying the play group that Amber's got me involved with (I'm hosting at my house tomorrow!) Oh, and I love hanging out with Jen! But that's not all...
Enter my dilemma: I have the opportunity to join two great groups on base. One is the Vogelweh MOPS group (Moms of Preeschoolers) and the other is RESA (Ramstein Spouses Enlisted Club). Both are great groups of ladies to get involved with, both take time to stay involved in, and both have a membership fee.
Will joining one or both of these groups be too much for me and the girls?
It's good to be busy and involved... just not too much so! It's my primary job right now to excel at being a Momma and homemaker. SO... I have to decide this week what a balanced schedule looks like for us.
Stay tuned :o)
In my humble opinion...I meant what I said yesterday. You are a supermom! You amaze me with your capability to juggle not one but two babies and still stay active and do fun stuff for both you and the girls as well as making some kick@ss chili and doing other "domestic goddess" stuff! I totally agree about finding a balance though. At least until Lily's got the potty training down pat. I can understand wanting to join more groups and make more friends as well but since you are already doing things like 4 times a week maybe you should wait a while! Let things organically slow down and THEN slowly join more activities. PS you are not getting out of hanging out with me. Even if that means I am at your house helping you with laundry. :) and I promise we can still go to the bazaar.
ReplyDeletesorry for the long comment. :/ it happens.
Hey! Thanks for honesty with this area. It's something I have been thinking about too. My area of balance that needs attention is different but balance is needed just the same. I'm praying for you as you work through this!
ReplyDeleteLOL thanks Jen! (And thanks for officially "following" me... I feel so popular ;o) ) And I'm glad I can't get out of hanging with ya :o)
ReplyDeleteT, what's your area to work on?
you are right (shout out to dad R.- means you did a good job!) and it's good that you are working on balance while the girls are young. it'll give you lots of time to fine tune and adjust through the years!! seriously though, it seems to be one of those things in life that - just when you think you've 'achieved' it - it's time to reconsider...and it's been helpful to me (tho i don't know if i have EVER done balance well) to keep the main thing the main thing (attr. to cj mahaney) and the other stuff seems to fall in place better. praying for you.
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I think your right MIL... I'm sure once I figure out what works for us right now, it will change next month ;o) But keeping in mind what my priorities are is important.
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