We finished our first week of almost-normal routine. I say "almost" because two major activities of the week - Friend 2 Friend and MOPS don't start until September. I know things will get busier then, but for now, my brain kind of feels like mush.
With Ben in pre-school 3x a week, I get fantastic one-on-one time with Joey. I can even involve him in chores to an extent, so I can play with him and do things like wash dishes (he stands on a stool by the sink) or straighten up while he plays nearby. When he takes a little chill-out time to watch a movie, I have already done some housework and don't necessarily have a lot to do. When Ben comes home, Joe goes down for his nap. We play games and then he gets his chill-out time to watch a movie or play Wii. Again, my housework is mostly done and I'm again slightly bored. I do chill-out myself, don't get me wrong, but I need something else to do. When they go to bed at 7:00 at night, Andrew usually has school work to do, I'm left to entertain myself.
I've not been a good habitual reader ever since I left AP English my senior year of high school! I decided to print out a list of classic literature and I hope to stretch the old brain cells a bit. I used to feel like I shouldn't read other books if I can't keep up with reading my Bible. But thanks to a 1 year reading plan, that's been great. I also used to think I should read books that will challenge and grow my walk with the Lord before I read for leisure. That leaves me to watching tv for "leisure," and surely I can be spending my time in a more productive way. My next trip to the library will actually include a book for me.
I've also struggled a bit lately feeling like "just" the maid, cook, and laundry lady. Trust me, Andrew treats me like a princess, not like the wait staff! I also pulled out a book I read awhile back called The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. I read it when Ben was a baby and think it's time for the refresher course. I'm in the job I was called to be in, and while I'm completely satisfied with that, I think I just need a little reminder of my calling. :-)
With Ben in pre-school 3x a week, I get fantastic one-on-one time with Joey. I can even involve him in chores to an extent, so I can play with him and do things like wash dishes (he stands on a stool by the sink) or straighten up while he plays nearby. When he takes a little chill-out time to watch a movie, I have already done some housework and don't necessarily have a lot to do. When Ben comes home, Joe goes down for his nap. We play games and then he gets his chill-out time to watch a movie or play Wii. Again, my housework is mostly done and I'm again slightly bored. I do chill-out myself, don't get me wrong, but I need something else to do. When they go to bed at 7:00 at night, Andrew usually has school work to do, I'm left to entertain myself.
I've not been a good habitual reader ever since I left AP English my senior year of high school! I decided to print out a list of classic literature and I hope to stretch the old brain cells a bit. I used to feel like I shouldn't read other books if I can't keep up with reading my Bible. But thanks to a 1 year reading plan, that's been great. I also used to think I should read books that will challenge and grow my walk with the Lord before I read for leisure. That leaves me to watching tv for "leisure," and surely I can be spending my time in a more productive way. My next trip to the library will actually include a book for me.
I've also struggled a bit lately feeling like "just" the maid, cook, and laundry lady. Trust me, Andrew treats me like a princess, not like the wait staff! I also pulled out a book I read awhile back called The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. I read it when Ben was a baby and think it's time for the refresher course. I'm in the job I was called to be in, and while I'm completely satisfied with that, I think I just need a little reminder of my calling. :-)
I'm going to have to see if my local library has that. I always have a book or two that I am reading. Chances are it isn't a classic, but I still enjoy it. I love being able to get lost in a book and being able to forget about my own problems for a while.
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