A New Schedule = A Happy Momma

After my "Renaissance Man" post, a friend emailed me some really helpful ideas to help a busy mommy with her kid(s).

I made reference in the post about having time-management difficulty and she felt compelled to share of some ways that have helped shaped her days to be much more efficient.

Well.

I had no idea how it would help to shape mine up, too.

These are some of the things that I've tried.
All of which have worked beautifully.

After breakfast,
Bible time (Wyatt and mommy read our bibles for 15 minutes in quiet)
While I really read, Wyatt flips through his picture bible. The really cool thing in addition to his complete silence during that time, is that he's asked questions each day when that time is complete. So it's been neat to talk about the Lord more. Also - it starts our day off correctly, reading from God's word. And to get Wyatt in the pattern of beginning his day reading the Word - hopefully for life.

Room Time (while Walker is napping, Wyatt goes to his room and plays for an hour - with some music playing the whole time. When the cd stops, he is free to come out.) After three days of this, HE LOVES IT! (nice opp for me to get some things done)

Rug Time Wyatt can play with three toys (usually a book, a puzzle and a toy of some kind) for 30 minutes while listening to music or a bible story. He has to be quiet during this time. (the purpose of being quiet is to practice listening only) I've been floored at how he has done this with no problem. The most challenging of all his puzzles, he's been able to do miraculously on his own during this time. (again, this allows me to get some things done)

Walker/Wyatt time - they play with Walker's toys and practice sharing - they can laugh, talk, etc. - usually they listen to some music. - this is usually for 30 minutes

Mommy/Wyatt time - during Walker's naptime - we do something special today - a craft, or learning letters. He's really enjoyed this and learned so many letters in only 3 days!

These are the few that I've tried - which have gone over real well. There are others I'm going to try. I can't even begin to tell you how much I've achieved during this down time - and how much more obedient Wyatt has been. I believe he has needed some quiet time - to not talk. His love tank seems to be full - and his needs seem to be met almost fully - and therefore, he has been a happy, obedient, delightful child!

Count the Stars

Tonight, Wyatt and I were walking outside. I noticed a bright star and pointing in that direction I said, "Wyatt, look at that beautiful star."

He noticed several other stars - pointed them out to me -
And I'll never forget the next words that he said to me. For the rest of my life I'll remember what he said.

His sweet response:
"Mommy, do you remember when God told Abraham to count the stars?"

Sigh.

"Then He brought him outside and said, 'Look now toward heaven and count the stars if you are able to number them.' And He said to him. 'So shall your descendants be.'" - Genesis 15:5

Pretty accurate.

My Renaissance Man

The term Renaissance Man is used to describe a person who is well educated or who excels in a wide variety of subjects or fields. It embodied the basic tenets of Renaissance which considered man empowered, limitless in his capacities for development, and led to the notion that people should embrace all knowledge and develop their capacities as fully as possible.

I often write about my children - what they say or do - because they are so easy to write about. I mean, you look at them and they say something or do a scrunchy nose face and its just obviously blog-worthy.

But for some reason, writing about my hubby doesn't come as easy - it feels more like bragging if I want to share something nice about him - or on other days, complaining. Just teasing - that never happens around here.

But as I've observed Wes over the past few weeks, I've noticed some things that are well, blog-worthy. Even if it does come across as bragging (which is not my intention at all), I just need for him to know and hopefully read, how overwhelmed I am by the person of Wes Andrews.

Sometimes, I get so into myself that it prohibits me from seeing the fullness of my husband. How he loves me, what he does for me, what he gives to me.

Since our little Walker came into this world in April (and the full "sleeping package" that came with him) I've had such time-management issues. Mostly due to sleep deprivation. For nearly 9 months, this cycle has continued and I've been overwhelmed (to say the very least) with household responsibilities balanced with basic survival needs for my children balanced with their emotional, academic and above all, spiritual needs. I've often just sat down on the couch, overwhelmed with what is the most pressing thing and defaulted to spending time with the children as a wise woman once told me "your children won't remember the dust bunnies on your floors, but they certainly will remember the time you spent with them." As glorious as that sounds on a blog, the reality is a messy house, and many household priorities...taking...forever...to accomplish.

I've probably carried on too much already about myself - but I needed to give a little background to set up this next part - that's about to get really good.

My Wesley, (i'm tearing up as I write this) took on full cooking responsibilities 9 months ago - and I mean, the full responsibilities - from planning each meal to every bit of the grocery shopping. He has completely taken over the kitchen responsibilities - leaving me worry-free in that area. Not having to think about dinner, not having to think about breakfast and many lunches in between. He has taken over with diligence and with much attention to detail - making sure, we, his family are fed well. He has does this with peace, with a smile on his face and often times, singing silly songs with Wyatt as he prepares, yet another meal. He has never complained and he's never asked me to take the responsibility back (even since Walker has been sleeping through the night). He has praised me for my other household duties and treasured that which I can/do for him.

And during this cooking season as an inspired chef, Wes has taken on several new hobbies, of which I've gladly been his guinea pig - he's made wine, roasted all sorts of coffee and began MAKING potato chips - sweet potato chips which are delicious. He is aspiring to make mozzarella cheese and some other items in the future.

And recently, as if his cooking responsibilities haven't been enough time-consuming, (again, tearing up) he took it upon himself to make most of Walker's babyfood. Boiling sweet potatoes, carrots, etc. then pureeing them and then filling many, many, MANY little jars. One. by. one. Never asking me to help. Never complaining.

And this morning - Wes had to be at church early. As I've often grunted in my heart at the thought of getting both boys ready all on my own - I stopped and saw clearly, just how much he's been helping even before he leaves - Wyatt's oatmeal had been made, was in the cooling process, Walker's food had been prepared and even my cereal, coffee and juice had been prepared.

Why has it taken me 9 MONTHS to see that I am married to a renaissance man? Why have my eyes failed to see how much he gives of himself for our little family? And who does that remind me of? It reminds me of a Man who gave himself sacrificially. Who modeled servant hood. Wes in many ways has been Jesus to me. "Jesus with skin on." - He has served me and our children selflessly. over. and over again. Oh how thankful I am for a man who seeks to help in any way that he can - and for his desire to excel in all that he does.

Father - may my eyes always see so clearly the gift of my husband. May my lips NEVER hold back the praise that is due to him. May my heart always feel compelled to share the fullness of him.
Thank you for him.
My renaissance man.

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
Ephesians 5:25