Give a Mom a Minute
By Trish Berg
The job of "Mom" is a rewarding but exhausting, and every woman needs practical ideas for finding rest in the midst of hectic days. Moms also require times of rejuvenation that remind them to re-focus on the blessings of family. Trish Berg takes a second look at a well-known story that is sure to make you smile and leave you feeling refreshed.
It happens like clockwork. After my five-year old son leaves for school, I head upstairs to snuggle on the big bed and read my toddler a book. The fun part is the snuggling; the goal is the long winter's nap that follows. For the past few months, Riley has requested-- no demanded-- the exact same book every time: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff.
It's a cute story full of intrigue, suspense, and yes, cookies and milk. It's about a mouse, who in his selfishness is never quite satisfied with what he is given (kind of like me). It has become a ritual of sorts and adds rhythm to our day. Armed with my hypnotic mouse and cookie book, I have the power to lull Riley to complacency, and eventually, to sleep.
Needless to say, I have the story memorized. Throughout my day, I sometimes find myself not only reciting it in my head, but wondering what would happen if I was given something even sweeter than a cookie……what if I was given a minute?
If you give a mom a minute, she'll probably want a cup of tea. When you get her the tea, she'll probably want a lemon crumb muffin to go with it. When you give her the lemon crumb muffin, she'll want to sit in the big, comfy chair and relax. Sitting in the big, comfy chair will remind her to put her feet up. Once she puts her feet up, she'll notice that her feet are cold. She'll run and get her warm, fuzzy slippers.
Then she'll decide to read a good book. As she opens the book, she'll begin to feel guilty since she hasn't read her devotional for the day, so she'll get out her Bible. As she reads her devotional, she's reminded that her biggest blessings are in the playroom playing all alone, and that the silence could be a warning sign.
So she'll get up off the big, comfy chair, put down her muffin and walk over to the playroom to check on her children. That's when her stomach will begin to grumble as she realizes that it's almost supper time, and she has no idea what to make. So she'll head into the kitchen to make something for supper. Going into the kitchen will remind her that she never did the breakfast or lunch dishes. So she'll take a deep breath and begin to load the dishwasher. Loading the dishwasher will remind her that she left a plate in the family room with her lemon crumb muffin on it. So she'll head out to the family room to get it. As she approaches the big, comfy chair, she'll notice that there are crumbs all over the carpet since her biggest blessings decided to eat her muffin and weren't very neat about it.
The crumbs on the carpet will remind her that she needs to run the sweeper. As she walks to the closet to get the sweeper, she passes by the kitchen and notices that she accidentally left the water running. At full sprint, she'll hit the faucet just before the water runs over the edge of the sink. As she turns the water off, she'll notice the lemon crumb muffins in the Tupperware container on the counter, so she'll decide to eat a lemon crumb muffin. Eating a lemon crumb muffin will make her thirsty for a cup of tea. Chances are, if she gets herself a cup of tea, she'll want a minute to go with it.
Like clockwork, my children will grow up, and my minutes will be my own again. For now, I'll gladly settle for cold tea, stale muffins, and hugs and kisses from four kids who know what truly matters.
5 Simple Ways You Can Give Yourself a Minute Each Day
1. Get up thirty minutes before your kids do. Although it sounds exhausting, it is actually invigorating. You can do your devotional or take a quiet, hot shower in peace before the chaos begins.
2. When your kids demand your time and attention, give it to them. I have found that thirty minutes of snuggling or playing with my preschoolers fills their love tanks. Then, I am able to sneak in a load of laundry or get supper ready without them grabbing at my pant legs.
3. Take solace in a bubble bath when the little ones are napping. Fifteen minutes of warm water and sweet, scented bubbles can rejuvenate the crankiest of moms-- I should know. (If your kids are too old for naps, have quiet time instead. They can read or play quietly in their rooms. There is nothing wrong with thirty minutes of quiet time. Even older kids need a break.)
4. If you have school age children, set aside the first hour they are home from school for them. Talk to them about their day, listen to their stories, and share a light snack. After your shared time, you can ask them to read or play quietly while you get dinner. Again, their love tanks will have been filled, and they will feel better about occupying themselves.
5. Ask for help. Talk to your husband about giving each other some time alone in the evenings. Maybe Daddy could do baths one or two nights a week so you can read a book or go for a walk. Then, return the favor on another night so Dad can get some quiet time as well. Support each other and give each other time outs. It does not have to be long; you'd be amazed at what thirty minutes alone can do for your energy level.
You can reach Trish at trishberg@trishberg.com, or visit www.trishberg.com
Top Ten Things Never to Say to a Single Woman at a Wedding
By Vivian Saavedra
If you've ever attended a wedding as a single woman, some of these comments may sound familiar…
1. You're next.
2. Why aren't you married?
3. Maybe you should lose some weight.
4. What about (insert name here)? He's a nice boy.
5. You're next.
6. Maybe you're called to singleness.
7. Can you baby-sit tonight?
8. Did you ever consider being a missionary?
9. Just don't think about marriage, and it will happen.
10. You're next.
From Carolyn McCulley's book "Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? Trusting God with a Hope Deferred." For further details, or for other resources for single women, please visit www.carolynmcculley.com
Easy Thanksgiving Craft Idea
Here's a simple craft idea that reinforces the meaning of Thanksgiving. It's easy for kids and adults to participate and makes a treasured keepsake for years to come.
Materials:
Wreath made of foam or a grapevine wreath
Fabric, ribbon, and/or silk foliage to decorate wreath
Leaves cut out of colored construction paper, cardstock or fabric
Staples, pins, hot glue or regular glue
How to make your Thanksgiving wreath:
Decorate the wreath with fabric, ribbon, and/or silk foliage ahead of time. Put a leaf at each person's place setting. Use a marker or fabric paint to label each leaf with the guest's name. When all the guests and family have arrived, have each person write something(s) they are thankful on their leaf. After dinner, assemble the wreath by pinning, gluing or stapling the leaves to the pre-decorated wreath. Be sure to write somewhere on the wreath the year it was made.
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