Babies, laundry, and oh yah - husband?

Hi ladies,

I am just back from a “Mom’s & Tots” group at a local church.  They provide babysitting, and it is just awesome to sit around with other Moms and drink coffee.  There are ladies whose children are already grown who volunteer to sit for our toddlers, and infants.  That is something that I have a bug up my rear about - Why, at church, would you put a worn out Mom in the Nursery, when there are grandmothers galore just waiting to be asked for such an opportunity?  Ok, crawling off my soapbox… wonderful volunteers there today.  I felt/feel a little withdrawn and quiet, but it was still good to have the kids away for a few minutes, and to think. 

I had a wise woman once tell me to write out the things that I do that are good for me, whether I like doing them or not.

For me, a few minutes to be Cathy instead of Mommy are essential.  And sometimes, I quite frankly don’t feel like I have the energy to arrange it.  So twice a month, I look forward to this Moms and Tots group where it is looked after for me! 

We are currently reading and discussing, “Breaking the Good Mom Myth” by Alyson Schafer.   What an interesting book - it hits directly to the heart of the matter.  This chapter was spent addressing the myth that the marriage can wait.  Which, I have to admit is exactly what goes through my mind, when Mike wants to spend time with me, and a baby is sick.  There are those times when my heart just wants to be with my babies.  And yes, of course a sick baby needs attention.  And yes, they need to be wiped up, cleaned up, fed, etc but when do you get time for the marriage?  I think it is a very interesting question, and not one that I have an easy answer for.  The author goes on to tell of the benefits of a great marriage that can weather the young family years, stick through the teen years, make it through trials and sickness together.  I think we all know that yes, we would like the storybook marriage, but man alive!  Finding time with young children is… well… just yucky. 

So, two things to think about today, as you plan your week:

1. What were the things you loved to do as a couple before the kids?
2. What are the things that are good for you to do? 

Number 2, I read a book about, I think.  You know those bits of information that you have in your head, but haven’t the foggiest idea where it came from?  They’re the bits that we reference by “I heard that…” or “They say….”.  Well, this is one of those bits - haven’t the foggiest! :)  They said to write two lists, each with 10 things.  10 things that you love to do, that are good for you.  And 10 things that you feel good about when you’re finished.  For example, my list begins this way:

10 things that are good for me, and I enjoy doing them:

1. Writing on my blog.
2. working in my flower garden alone
3. Using my water colour pencils
4. Being alone for some time each day
5. ….

10 things that are good for me (and not necessarily enjoyable):

1. exercise
2. healthy eating
3. making up the weekly menu
4. arranging to be by myself each day
5. ….

I think you get the idea?

On the printables page is a cute fall stationary paper you can print out to use, if you like.

Have a great week, Mommies,

Love,

Cathy