Slow down!

About a month ago my mom made the comment out of the blue that I should slow down and not rush so much and see if it had any impact on the children.

Well, I haven't noticed any huge change with them, but man alive (should I say woman alive?!?) Huge changes with me.

Our society glorifys busy. Really it does. If we are constantly rushing about doing busy things then it is assumed that what you are doing is important and that you are an important person. But really - really - I don't think that is always true.

In order to slow down in life you have to do two things. Prioritize. Waste less time. That simple. So do I get enough done? the old me would be throwing a hissy fit around about now- you know the kind, the screaming thrashing about on the floor, kicking kinda fit.

So is the house spotless - ha no. Well it never was but I used to spend so much time on it. Purge the junk. Prioritize (in other words - bathrooms and kitchen!) and voila.

Are we eating gourmet meals - ha no. (again). Prioritize (healthy, heavy on the veggies). Waste less time (stick with what you know how to cook during the school week - also cook enough meat to use for two meals at once)

Am I looking like a stylish model. HA NO. (yet again). Prioritize (reading the book to the kids - yes) waste less time (purge the closet makes getting ready so much faster)

A few more things we've found helpful...

-Allow an hour per errand. Even if it is just "running" out for a stamp - with a 1 & 4 & 7 & 9 yr olds this could actually take an hour!
-Less "keeping everyone busy" outings. Library once a week - perfect, feeling like inorder to be "mom of the year" you have to have fun stuff planned for every second of every day - nah!
-Weekly Meal Plan
-less wired time
-more reading to the kids less reading for yourself (okay how about nearly none)

the result-a much calmer mom (I was going to write calm but that would be stretching it a wee bit thin) and hence a much calmer and well run home enviroment :-)
Hugs

Count your blessings, Name them one by one, count your many blessings see what God has done!

Well the oldest blessing is a diligent hard worker. Willing to spend hours on math and spelling homework. He has a tender heart that is easily bruised - but most often is bruised in the concern for others. A protective big brother who doesn't mind playing Strawberry shortcake when wee sisters ask. His love for the Truth and God's word is seen through out the day.

The next down the line is a little lady. Kind hearted yet prim and proper is this blessing. Reading to her sisters brings her joy, making tea parties and including her younger sister when baking with her easy bake oven puts a smile on her face. Her love of God's way shows in her tears when she or another goes astray....and her trust in God is above all - chasing away any fears at all

Monkey follows close behind her older sister....she loves her so much and wants to be big just like her, yet 2 different sisters one could never find. However what binds these two together is the Word of Light and the working out of God's commands in daily life. She has embraced the responsibility of now being a BIG sister, looking out for Baby and playing with her. Stickers, Sparkles, Play dough and l-o-n-g cuddles with good books paint a smile on her face.

Baby is no longer a babe, over a year old already! Scrunchy noses, tea parties with a singing tea pot, books and following the monkeys makes her laugh all day long. Sausage (as she is lovingly called) simply adores to colour, and colour she would all day long....so far on paper but Mummy knows that the wall is calling for some decoration in the near future, whenever eyes are not focused on her she will no doubt try it out. Giggles, laughing, cuddles and fun.

Such marvelous blessings we have been blessed with!