by Alicia at BalancingMotherhood.com on April 7, 2013
It’s Sunday evening. The sun is just starting to go behind the trees, warning me that I need to fix dinner, bathe the kids, determine if there is any homework that needs to be done, pick up the house, and hopefully watch the season premier of Mad Men tonight — all before bed! To make my week go smoother I’m going to try a few things this week:
Make a list of lunches for the entire week.
This means writing down all the items that need to go inside the lunchbox. It’ll look something like this:Monday:
PB&J sandwich
apple sauce
carrots and hummus
juice box
Tuesday:
Ham and cheese sandwich
cottage cheese
apple slices
juice box
Wednesday
Soup
Goldfish
Cheese sandwich
juice box
This list is looking good! Now, just post it on the fridge and each morning you’ll know exactly what to do. No thinking required.
Set aside outfits for the entire week.
This includes outfits for yourself. Don’t forget shoes, socks and underwear for everyone too! I like to use a hanging outfit sorter that fits perfectly in the kids closet. I put all items the child is to wear for the day in that shelf. No sorting for socks at the last minute. I also put in dance clothes and sports outfits on the shelf for the day when they need those.
Shower at night.
This creeps some adults out, but there are times when this really works for me. When my husband is on a trip and it’s just me and the kids, this saves me tons of time in the morning. And, I may have not gotten to bed at a decent time the night before to warrant getting up before the kids to get my shower in. A nice, long, peaceful shower at night can also de-stress you and help you sleep. Plus, you will rest better knowing you have one less thing to do tomorrow.
Now that I have my list I just remembered that I have to pack the kids’ sports bags and get on with this evening so I can make the Mad Men premiere!
by Alicia at BalancingMotherhood.com on April 3, 2013
It looks like spring is finally here. Last week I was on spring break with the kids, but it was chilly — in FLORIDA! The pool water was too cold most days, but we did manage to get a few swims in. The beach water was way too cold. The beach was full, but no one was in the water! I know it’s still cold up north, but spring is here. And, summer is nearing. I can feel it. I just pinned a great idea on Pinterest for the last day of school — put up a big sign that says “WELCOME TO SUMMER” for your kids to break through as they come home on the last day of the school year. I know that’s a way’s away, but it will really be here before we know it.
For now, let’s enjoy the start of spring and what today brings!
by Alicia at BalancingMotherhood.com on March 29, 2013
This is an update from a post the other day. It warrants its own post.
I went to college with Theo’s parents. If he were my son, I would want all the help I could get to spread the word. His family is asking for help in finding information from doctors to help save their son. Watch the video to learn more about Theo.
From my earlier post: Finally, but most importantly, if you are a praying person please keep Theo Menswar in your prayers. He is the 15-year-old son of two people that I went to college with. He has a rare disease that has kept him in the hospital for many months and his condition has worsened. The disease is the some one that Robin Roberts is recovering from. He needs healing prayers right now so please lift him and his family up.
by Alicia at BalancingMotherhood.com on March 29, 2013
We’re on Spring Break this week and I nearly forgot about making Easter resurrection cookies! I have a great recipe on the blog that is easy to make and memorable for the kids.
And, for Easter day, there is always the bunny cake. Here’s the version that my family always makes. Although, there are a ton of different ways to do this simple cake. You can make the bunny with just the head or you can make it more three dimensional. Take a look at all of these varations.
No matter what you do for Easter, be sure to take a moment to reflect on the reason you are celebrating! Pope Francis washed feet of 12 young detainees yesterday, Maundy Thursday. Afterward he said, “Don’t lose hope,” he said. “Understand? With hope you can always go on.” What a great message for all.
by Alicia at BalancingMotherhood.com on March 19, 2013
I can’t believe how incredibly busy I have been lately. It really is like no other time in my life. In a few months I will be done with grad school and will have more time than I know what to do with. I know, however, that I will miss learning. It’s hard work, but the mental reward has been tremendous. More on that another day. Tonight I want to share a few things I’ve been thinking about lately.
By now I’m sure you’ve heard about Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In” book that debuted last week. Her famous TED talk has become a book telling women to lean in to their careers. There is some controversy surrounding the book, but I’m finding it to be relevant and true to what I see in the workplace today. After I’m done with my MBA I hope to dedicate more space on this blog to working women and how we can advance businesses to aid females.
Jeff Foxworthy has a new children’s book, “Dirt on My Shirt,” and yes, it’s appropriate for kids — and funny too! It’s a book of poetry and is illustrated with wonderful illustrations for each poem. This one is worth checking out.
Finally, but most importantly, if you are a praying person please keep Theo Menswar in your prayers. He is the 15-year-old son of two people that I went to college with. He has a rare disease that has kept him in the hospital for many months and his condition has worsened. The disease is the some one that Robin Roberts is recovering from. He needs healing prayers right now so please lift him and his family up.