Wondering what Mommy Homework is??? Each week you will have an “assignment” here to share in our comments here on this site. You will love this-both sharing AND enjoying answers by others. Some of them, I compile into an ebook (contributors can resell as a product of their own–be sure to submit your email and full name when you register so I can credit you appropriately!).
The result is AWESOME!
We get to know each other…we are encouraged in our journey…and we glean super ideas from other great moms!
Ready for this week’s MH? This is going to be a good one!
I just finished a super weekend with my family in LA. It was a blast! Our family went to the “Cajun Classic Field Target Match” in Baton Rouge, LA. It is always an awesome trip! Not only do we have the best food (not too “off” of my regular diet) and lots of fun as a family, but we also enjoy getting together with some of our dearest friends, who have become “family” over the years. 🙂
I was talking with my sweet mommy pal, Laura, this weekend and she told me about her “ME TIME” this week. She had a whole day away from everyone that was JUST FOR HER! I loved it! It began with a yummy made-to-order breakfast, followed by getting a really good workout at the gym and a swim after the workout. That is not all. She got a nice shower and walked to a local Lebanese/Greek Restaurant for a yummy lunch followed by an afternoon of getting her hair and nails done. As Laura was describing it, I felt the “overflow” that came from her–she was just gushing and it was totally CONTAGIOUS!
I know, I know…some of you are thinking, ” OH! I am SO jealous!” Well, I am too! ha! But, ME TIME does not always look like this. ME-TIME can be as simple as a daily bubble bath–that EVERYONE is forewarned that it MUST NOT BE INTERRUPTED. ME-TIME can be a few moments somewhere in the day to pause and take a few moments to lift up your prayers to the Lord. It can be that time of worship. It can be a firm time for your daily quiet time when everyone knows to give mom her time with God. It can be that 20 minute run–I am now addicted to running! 🙂 However, it IS ME-TIME!
This week, I would like for this to be our topic for our Mommy Homework. Here is what I would like for us to discuss:
1. What fills YOU to overflow? Little AND big things.
2. What are you doing each day to take a few moments to invest in YOU?
3. How do you make it happen with your busy, demanding family?
4. If it is NOT happening, what will you do to make it a priority–you DO know that you have GOT to take good care of yourself if you are going to be “armed and ready” for your daily call as a godly woman, right? 🙂
I am looking forward to all of these! It will be super! Have fun! 
DIG IN!
Love ya!
Cindy
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Deadline–Friday at midnight CST.
My favorite ME time is waking up before my family and being able to read my Bible & devotional while drinking coffee. Depending on how early my girls get up, I might have to switch this ME time to my girls’ nap time and an afternoon tea, but it does make a BIG difference if I don’t connect with my Lord every day.
I DO love bubble baths – and reading my favorite novel or book – right before bedtime. That is just ultimate LUXURY for me. I like to take the time to deeply moisturize my hair and exfoliate my feet and treat them to a really rich foot cream, too. I use a lavendar-scented lotion that completely relaxes me and I think it feels something like a spa treatment. I’m very scent-oriented when it comes to my emotions – so using the lavendar and vanilla scents is comforting and soothing. Plus my hubby likes it. =)
One other little luxury that I like to indulge in, is shopping at my favorite local blueberry patch. They’ve added a beautiful gift shop and tea room – and walking into it is like walking into a soul-spa. I just sigh when I walk in. The riot of colors, the delicious smells, the sounds of soft chimes and water fountains, and all the mommy-goodies I can get my hands on. I don’t even have to buy anything – it’s just like a Mommy Oasis and I love going there to enjoy a new tea or scone and do some writing the old fashioned way: on pen & paper. =)
What fills me to overflow? First of all, being in THE WORD. Secondly, that extra push really seems to happen being around my Christian friends-going to retreats, remembering what I’m on this earth for. To serve my Lord and Savior!
What am I doing each day to take a few moments to invest in me? Well, I am working at getting up earlier to start my day with devotion and prayer. It’s been hard, but it is worth it when I do it. I seem to have a better day and I feel God’s presence more. Not that He gives me, but because I’m obeying and happy. Oh, and every so often I lock my bathroom door with a good book and a bubble bath… 🙂
How do I make it happen with my busy, demanding family? Sometimes I just don’t. Getting up early is the best way for me to start out my day. If I don’t, I can tell the difference.
4. If it is NOT happening, what will you do to make it a priority–you DO know that you have GOT to take good care of yourself if you are going to be “armed and ready” for your daily call as a godly woman, right? Yes, I know that I have to make it a priority. I’ve started setting my alarm and I JUST GET UP. It’s the only way. I have an unbelieving husband so he doesn’t understand. I do not have someone to hold me accountable, and I’m learning to realize that it’s not anyone else’s job but MINE. Ouch. It hurts, but it’s truthful.
This is something that God has been really working on me! It’s “funny” that the Pastor’s sermon this morning was on this, our Ladies Sunday School lesson was on this, and now here! 🙂 God is good all of the time! He truely knows what we need each and every day! Blessings!
Karilyn Putt
I have several things that are “me time”.
I work out at a gym. My husband puts the kids to bed at least once a week and I go to the gym, get out my iPod with Homeschool Expo talks on it and go for 1/2 hour on the elliptical machine then a few weights.
I read. A lot. I recently found a large Nazarene church near us that has a HUGE public library. God is so good. What a blessing. I can try all of the Christian fiction authors without breaking the bank. I do so much better when my reading is focused on Jesus and not secular. Don’t get me wrong, I still read lots of other stuff, but this has been a great blessing.
My other indulgences are counted cross-stitch and photography. These are things that I love, but don’t get much chance to do since the kids came along. However, once in a while.
Linda Sprague
I bought an mp3 player for myself and load it up with sermons from church, hymns, downloads from Talk-a-Latte, etc. I walk our dog one and a quarter miles each morning and afternoon and listen to my downloads. I’m getting my exercise but always feel more refreshed when I finish.
This is a subject that has been on the front of my mind a lot lately. I don’t get away from the kids, etc. at all really- I even let them take turns going to the grocery store with me. With 7 kids 12 and under someone always seems to be vying for my attention. I do spend a little time on the computer after the kids go to bed. Its not what I should be doing- reading my Bible or doing a hobby would be best, but its mindless effort and when I am tired and don’t feel like doing anything.
My dh is very much wanting me to go do something for myself. I am counting the days till he goes on summer break!
Kate
This is such a good question and it totally looks different for everyone. I have lots of things I consider “me time”. Computer time is one of them. I read a blog or article, look for new recipes or ideas to make things in the home run much smoother. I read books at night, if I can stay awake! I also have the freedom to request a dinner out occasionally so I don’t have to cook or clean up. My sweet hubby has gotten to where he can recognize these times and usually offers this! I like to sew and this does wonders for me to work on a project. Getting organized helps me a lot too. If I can take an area of our home and do something to organize it or help it run smoother, that makes me feel so much better. Sounds backwards to have to work on something to get me time, but it really works for me!
I’ve been homeschooling for about 6 years now and when I first started, I was given the advice to have time each day where everyone has time apart from each other and to read, read, read to your children.
I took both of these tips and put them into action. We call our free time in the afternoon our “room time.” For us this usually last about 1 1/2 hours, but even thirty minutes can be enough. It gives the children time to get school work completed, they need to read 30 minutes, then they are free to draw, play with legos, listen to stories on tape, play quietly, etc. Our kids enjoy this time and so does “Mommy!” Here is what I usually accomplish during my free time:
— have my quiet time if that was not done in the morning
— get my shower if I need to
— exercise
— work on a craft or sewing project that I have going on
— spend 15 minutes decluttering or organizing
— make phone calls, email, or write a personal note to someone
— take a short rest when I need to
— get caught up on reading, Bible Study, etc.
— listen to music, inspirational pep talks like Cindy’s, etc.
— prepare menus/grocery lists
— start preparing supper or make the kids a special snack
— housework
And the list could go on and on.
You know with homeschooling, we are around each other so much. We have 4 children and they have grown to appreciate this time alone. Three of our children really love to draw and this gives them special time to be creative. I’m so happy that they have this time to work on their God-given talents. We’ve all grown so use to this schedule, that even on the weekends we continue it when it allows and the children never balk or complain. They simply appreciate it.
I need this time. I start out with a lot of energy first thing in the morning and then I slowly start to drag right after lunch. After a recess time, we come in for our room time. I sure need this time to rejuvenate and get ready for the rest of my day/evening. It is really my special time of the day too. I’m just blessed that my children find it special as well.
Nancy Mosley (fletcher6@dishmail.net)
Well, I usually take a long, relaxing bath at night, while daddy is playing with the kiddos. i really like this time. It is when I read or listen to audios!
This is probably the biggest thing i really do for me.
Recently, I have been trying to workout on the elliptical, and I have been listening to Cindy’s Charlotte Mason seminar. I have been liking that.
Another thing that I do actually includes my husband. Every Friday night we go to Chick-Fi-La for dinner and after we eat, the kids play, and we get to talk. This is as much for me as it is for “us” I really look forward to this time.
When there is something I really want to listen to, like the expo, I will take the time to do that, but I will make sure I am doing something productive as well. This is for me also. I will get the kids involved in an activity or something first.
Honestly, the thing I look forward to the most, is our Friday night talks. Even though I am not alone, it is very much for me.
In the past I have not made me time a priority and I was burned out and frazzled and a TOTAL mess! PlLEASE Ladies, don’t neglect yourselves! Take time for you, it is not selfish unless you are totally neglecting your family! But you know on the airplane they say, put your oxygen mask on first? If you have passed out, then you can’t put that mask on your kids! Well if you are exhausted and burnt out and have nothing left for your family, how can you care for them??
I realized in the fall that I was doing Nothing for myself! I decide d that had to change!
Now, the am, early b4 kiddos get up, I keep getting up earlier b/c even though I am NOT a morning person (and this night owl has to be REALLY disciplined!!), I so enjoy the quiet and peace of the morning, Bible study, prayer. Sitting on the porch with a cup of tea and watching the sun come up!
Also, I love to garden and dig in the dirt, most is food for us to eat and often the kids help but I also really like putting on my MP3, listening to something I’ve downloaded form you Cindy and diggin in the dirt! I think it is my Favorite thing about the warmer months!!!
I am so excited about 3 of my latest additions to me time. FIrst I have a friend who is going to Massage school and I am her dummy! So I get to hang with her, and get a massage!
I also have a friend who has started a moms book club. We are reading “Season’s of a Mother’s Heart” By Sally Clarkson and meeting once a month for girl time, discussion and prayer (it is also becoming outreach oriented for non believing moms which is so exciting!)
Lastly, I can’t wait until the last week of April. We are going to visit my parents. My best friend used to live really close to them but now lives 1 1/2 hours away in the middle of nowhere on a farm. DH has to come back home for work and is leaving me out at her place without a car (YEAH!! I HAVE to stay there!). Weather permitting, we will send the kids outside to roam the endless farmland all day – they will have a blast, and she has a teenager to look after them, while she and I get to be together for uninterrupted girl time! I can’t wait YIPPEE!!
And Rodna, Chik-fil-a is one of our favs for date nigh toot!
Okay, I gotta get some stuff done b4 the next seminar starts!
Blessings to all of you!
My favorite ME time is when I put the kids to bed. I get comfy on my bed and RELAX/READ/RESPOND. I do try to take time in the mornings but I’m a die-hard night owl. No matter how hard I try, I just can’t seem to reverse it.
Scheduling isn’t too much of a problem. I dislike very much to feel like I’m living a rat-race.(this is one of the many reasons I LOVE homeschooling!) So I don’t tend to schedule too much. I love being able to change directions without much notice.
Me time…sounds so selfish, and can be, but doesn’t have to be. When I first
heard of “me time” I thought it was “alone time.” But I have discovered that I
can still have “me time” without being selfish or alone. Occasionally I do
enjoy being alone and doing some reading from an inspirational book by a
favorite author. But my favorite, fill-my-cup-up “me time” is the following:
*Reading my Bible and prayer time with the Lord
*Getting a room decluttered and CLEAN
*Redecorating a table or wall arrangement
*My dh getting a big project around the house completed
*One of the children finishing a course in school
*Doing a sewing or craft project with my dd’s
*Listening to my ds share about who he gave a tract to or witnessed to today
As you can see most of my “me time” is really “us time.” I am so thankful
for the family God blessed me with, and it takes God and them for me to be
truly blessed and enjoy all of my time! Carolyn Griggs
Lately, this has really been on my mind.
With 4 kids, an online writing job, caring for my husband’s business and caring for my husband, I’ve almost totally forgotten to take good care of myself. Lately, I find myself becoming easily overwhelmed by even the simplest things. I asked my sister (who happens to be a psychotherapist) why the things that I used to do so well now have become overwhelmingly difficult for me. Her one answer was that I lacked self-care or as Cindy says “Me time”.
Just last Easter weekend, we stayed at the hotel where my husband worked. That time I told myself that I will definitely relax and take time to just play with my children. And wow! How that worked out so well! My kids and I had a blast playing in the pool, playing in our suite’s jacuzzi, and I also had the chance to use the hotel’s sauna – which was totally relaxing. Then after a whole morning’s activity, it was time to put the kids down for a nap. Usually at home, I take their nap time as my work time. This time, though, I laid down with them and took a nap myself. I woke up feeling the most refreshed I have been for a long time.
This got me thinking – I’m always begging my husband to let me go off on my own once in a while. I say just give me a day when there are no little hands pulling on me, or little voices demanding attention. And he would, I’d usually go off on my own, maybe have a pedicure, or take in a movie – then come home to more demands because the kids had been without me for the day. It’s totally exhausting.
I was surprised that the time I spent playing and napping with my kids were more relaxing than going off on my own. It perplexed me, having believed in Me-time for a long time. I took time to pray about it just this morning, asking God to give me wisdom and strength to care for my family and this is what came out of my prayer time – more than going off and getting myself pampered for a day, what I really needed is a daily refreshing time with the Lord. A time to read God’s word, a time for prayer, and also time to exercise my body. The refreshing time with God has eternal values that we cannot even begin to comprehend.
Don’t get me wrong, I still want to go off on my own once in awhile to pamper myself, that’s still a necessity. But that happens only about once every two weeks. What I really needed is the daily refreshing that my soul can have at the feet of Jesus Christ. And rest with my children whenever I feel tired.
Thanks for this opportunity to share my thoughts, Cindy. I would not have been able to really think it over if I wasn’t able to write it down like this.
Michelle Padrelanan
Me -Time. Well I would love to say I get a lot of it. However I don’t. So my personal time just for me is when I first get up. I’m not a morning person anyway. I get up and walk the dog before anyone else is up.. I have a good 15 minutes of reflectiion and prayer, then I come in to make coffee and a bowl of fruit. My day doesn’t seem to go right if I don’t have fruit first thing. I check my mail, touch base with my homeschool networks across the country and go over my planner for the days agenda. Time table for schooling, cooking and tutoriing etc.
Then my day begins by getting my niece up for her breakfast and schooling begins.
Once in a while my husband will steal me away to go to a movie, get ice cream, go to the bookstore (Walden books -BOrders they closed it this past week!! Not a happy woman.) Or just out to shop nothing in particular just out.
Blessings
Lisa
I think I remember we talked about Me Time sometime at the end of last year. It really made me think. I am really trying to take sometime for me now.
I fill like I really need more than the little bits of time that I’m getting. I would love to be able to go somewhere for a few hours, unfortunately that isn’t possible for me.
I wake up earlier so I have sometime to read the Bible in the mornings after DH leaves for work and before the kids wake up. Lately I haven’t been doing much reading……I’ve been doing a lot of talking and thinking. PONDERING….I spend about 30 minutes.
Then I get my workout in- about 1-2 hrs- before the kids get up. I’m really starting to love it. I’m starting to notice some difference in my shape and size so that is encouraging me to work out more. Also my energy level has been increasing so I’m sooooooo happy. Last week when I made Hubby Tamales for his birthday. I was able to do the whole process without needing to sit down and have a break or needing a soda for the energy boost. YAY! And I didn’t hurt that night…
Then at night I take a shower and shave. It’s nice to be able to shave my legs and be relaxed and slow doing it. Not having kids knocking on the door every few minutes wanting me to do something or know what I’m doing. After my shower I have started to take the time to put lotion or oil on. Something I’ve never done before. I think that is filling me the most. I feel so feminine and womanly being all soft and silky and smelling good. I’m also taking more care of my hair.
My oldest DD helps out with the toddler when I do my Night routine.
I’ve finally learned after being a mom for almost 12 yrs now that I need to take care of myself because no one else can. Every one else benefits from it too.
MariaR
I too wish I could say I get more me time, but there are times when just checking things off my list makes me feel just as good. There are times when the mess in the kitchen/schoolroom means a hot bubble bath, and there are times when it means crank up the volume and dance my way through the mess with some serious elbow grease.
I am getting away this weekend, I have some training in Tulsa for my Wilton Cake Decorating classes, and I reserved a room with a kitchen and am taking hubby with me. So during the day is me time, learning more about something I love with others who love it too, and quality time in the evening with hubby!!!! Maybe I will luck out and the hotel will have a treadmill so I can get up early and hit that for a bit too!!!
This has been a tricky one for me to figure out. I have 3 under 7, and little ones are SO needy!
What I’ve figured out is that I need to spend my youngest nurslings nap-time reading the Bible daily. Sure, I have a baby attached, but I’ve never been so consistent with my Bible reading!
I also read a novel at bed time (or non-fiction) if I’m not totally wiped and I fall asleep first!
That’s really what fills me up – I LOVE reading, it’s totally my thing.
As a family we often spend some down time watching a documentary or family film together in the evenings throughout the week :).
Different things each day. today we went to the library. I read whilst the boys read books, and listened to stories given by the librarian.
I usually have time when the toddler is napping and school is done for the big guy. I sit on the couch with a book, which usually leads to getting “40 winks” and then more reading when the timer is off.
When I am ill or depressed I head off to bed and snuggle down for a nap. My husband rarely has a day off so activities for the boys are organized before I nap.
Bubble baths are out. Sitting out in the sun on a blanket or in a chair are good for my body and my spirit. Taking a walk on my own which has to be a priority once a week now is something I love to do – no walkman, no phone, just me and the Lord.
One of my favorite pastimes when I get a babysitter to stay home with the boys is to visit Panera , get a BIG cup of coffee, a bagel or egg quiche and sit down and write notes, read the Word or a good book. this is probably my best one for Me time. I don’t like using that phrase though – more like Renewal time……
Lastly looking at picture albums and through video files of my 3 boys when they were all together!
Thats all I can think of today
Julie Knight
I like to read fiction-detective novels. Listen to audio books, listen to ipod, either praise music or Joyce Meyer, or Homeschooling Expo messages. I like to sit in the back yard ( weather permitting) alone with either Bible, a Bible study book, prayer journal. Bubble baths are good too, especially with a book. I like to hang out at libraries when I don’t have to rush.
Books are a great comfort to me, it is my way to escape.
I do enjoy making lesson plans and coordinating books for studies so even though it isn’t just for me, I feel good doing it. Dh had to talk me out of taking my school planning stuff to the beach one year!
~Marni
Something that I have found a big help to me when the day is really stressful is to have a shopping trip that night as a family and Daddy stays in the van with the 4 little ones while I go in and do the shopping by myself or some times I will take one of the little ones with me. I also love taking a long bath or sit and read a book by myself. A cup of hot chocolate is what I have been wanting to drink and I went ahead and indulged myself last week. But I don’t want to do that too often. 🙂 I need to start doing some exercise on a regular basis. We have tried to keep all the little ones on the same nap schedule so that I can get a nap or do something on my own and we have just started to put them all to bed 2 hours before our bed time so we have some alone time as a couple each evening. I consider these two as must do items for any mom with several little ones in the home. I was feeling overwhelmed the other day and I picked up my copy of the HSEW book and flipped through it and saw the advice to do something for yourself each day. I want to start planning something each day to do and write it down in my planner. It will be a goal to start on next week.
Cathy
My special “me time” is to sit outside and soak in the warmth of the sun or if I can’t sit outside, curling up with a warm drink. I enjoy sitting and reading God’s Word or a good book. It is refreshing to have those moments to be uplifted.
I have found it’s important to get your rest and take care of your physical body. When we wear our bodies out we cannot care for others. It’s easy to get frustrated and get upset with others when we are not rested or don’t feel well.
When my children were younger, I would often rest or doing something to help take care of myself when they rested. The responsibility and demands of caring for young children can wear you out.
I love listening to Cindy’s audios or messages from God’s word. It’s inspiring and motivating and helps me to grow and be built up.
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31(NIV)
Lois Graham
I just let my hubby decide when I need some time. He seems to always know. I can just keep going until I start to get too frazzled! I don’t seem to know when to quit! Then he usually sends me to my room :), let’s me read a good book, and he takes over!
Robin
Me time? Yikes, I need some and I want some. It’s so hard being a mom, wife and homschooling. I go 24/7 like every other mom and I just never make time for ME. I know I need to because there are days when I am running on empty but I still keep going. I’m tired but I know I need to start fitting some time for ME into my life. Will I do it? It’s not a question anymore, I HAVE to, I MUST. Thanks for the reminder, Cindy that Me time is important and necessary.
Meredith Lorenz
My “Me time” is difficult to fulfill most of the time. On the other hand, I think at difficult times in our lives we need to enjoy those special times even if these times are not planned out and scheduled. Some days my “me time” is a shower! Other days it is the snippet of time I can get on the computer or read and even those very special days when dad teaches a class and I can take a power nap! Regardless I have tried to spend at least a half hour to an hour a day to relax alone. This is per my doctor when I started having migraines and my blood pressure would go up under stress.
I have enjoyed reading these entries!
Cindy you are correct, we must take care of ourselves!
Tina K
I’m at a difficult stage in life where its constantly chaotic (7 kiddos, including 8 month old twins) and i’ve found that “me” time is NOT a luxury, its a necessity. I find it WAY too hard to be sweet and kind and focused unless i get creative time. I’m a scrapbooker, and i really like to get in there and use paints, inks etc and it really inspires me and helps me to be a better mom. I know many women just need daily alone time but for me it needs to be creative time specifically!
Rebecca Kvenvolden
Ironically, our homeschool study is going through Seasons of a Mother’s Life. Oh what a fine line we must walk…time for refreshment can so easily turn into selfishness or worldliness, but we need it.
I haven’t had alot, and can testify that being left w/ dregs is not a good way to serve the Lord.
Scrapbooking..creative, the tactile nature, my dy likes the results (have’t in 2+ years)
time w/ others in the WOrd
at least an hour at a time in the Word/journaling
writing (letters, devotionals-well they are ALL rough drafts-but so am I !)
walk int he woods w/ a stream nearby
cuddle time w/ dh
Monique
I know this is past the “due date” but I wanted to add anyway since I just joined in on this Mommy Homework 🙂 My ME TIME: I get up in the mornings and fix my wonderful husband’s breakfast and pack his lunch while he dresses. When I send him off to work in the mornings (about 7:45) I have from then til 9:00 as me time. I had started exercising for part of that time this spring, I also wind down from that with water and check emails, maybe FB, check a couple of blogs that are great for a mini scripture study (I read while on the exercise bike). Then I shower. After I shower I tell the kids they can “get up” (most are awake but they aren’t allowed to leave their rooms til I say…it is their quiet reading time too). Then after breakfast I homeschool 10 kids. I have about 20 mins of ME TIME at lunch. I eat lunch in the family room and check email, etc while the kids eat and visit in the dining room. After their school is done for the afternoon, they are off and playing, and now that spring is peeking thru, they’ll spend more time outside. Although the youngest is nearly 4, I’ll rarely see them. IMO, the more kids around, the more ME TIME I get in the long run. There are enough kids around that there is always someone to play with. My wonderful husband tries to kick me out of the house without the kids, but I’m lost without tag alongs =)