Staying Organized & Beating the Winter Blues

I had the opportunity to chat with Lisa Hendey and Rachel Balducci recently for the Faith & Family Podcast. It was a small miracle really that I was able to spend an hour on the phone without any of my kids interrupting (except for the big furry one barking). Sweet Mary Elizabeth has not been herself lately. (I wouldn’t be myself either if I had to limp around in a cumbersome boot because of a fracture.) She’s wanted to spend a lot more time in my arms than what had become the norm, and she’s developed this new habit of screeching when she’s sad or frustrated or maybe when that leg of hers is hurting. We had a follow-up appointment, and they’ve decided to stick with the black boot rather than casting her leg. It’s amazing how quickly she’s predicted to fully heal. The physician’s assistant told me that if I had the same break in my leg, it would take about three months to heal. As for Mary, she should be as good as new in three weeks. Now the kind P.A. did smile and say that he understands that to a busy mom three weeks might feel like an eternity, but we’ll get through it. Our homeschooling schedule hasn’t been seamlessly unfolding lately, but we’re gathering for some reading and learning for at least a few hours almost every day. And that is enough. It has to be for now.

One of the topics we discussed during the podcast was how we stay organized and how we ensure there’s room for flexibility and as Rachel wisely mentioned room for the Holy Spirit to nudge us in the direction God wants us to go. As a mom to little ones, I’ve found that having a rhythm to our day as opposed to a rigid, militant schedule is far more fruitful. For example, over the summer we fell into the good habit of praying the Angelus every day. Did it happen at noon? Nope. We prayed it before lunch, which usually occurred anywhere between 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.  The time wasn’t as important as the habit.  I do share some of the ways I stay organized during the podcast being the anal chart-loving geek that I am, and both Rachel, as a busy mom of six,  and Lisa, a mom with two grown sons who’s been there done that, are always a font of wisdom and inspiration.

We also talked about how to fight against the winter blahs. The irony is Rachel and I both live in Georgia, and Lisa’s a California girl. My Northern friends, don’t laugh, but it’s been a tough winter for me. Now some of you may recall, I’m originally from Illinois, but I’ve firmly planted my roots in the South and after that recent wintry week of being holed in and dealing with an icy driveway, I decided I’m officially a Southern Belle convert.

I’ll stop rambling now. It was such a joy to talk to like-minded moms. I hope you’ll join us in the conversation. Click here to listen.

I hope to pop in here more next week, but I have several good reasons that I’ve been MIA lately.

Have a good weekend!

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