Balance

I like this cartoon. Lately, balance has been on my mind. I remember, as a kid, every blessing my dad gave me included something about balancing my time. I always thought it was odd. I was like, hey I'm a kid, I have to balance like birthday parties and homework. Big deal. But now, at this time in my life, I see that all those blessings were to prepare me for TODAY.

Work vs. family.

This week, I did a few projects with my class. They loved it. We made fossils with plaster o' paris, and made an imprint fossil with plastic dinosaurs and a leaf imprint. We also made a shell mold. The only thing is, it meant that I had lots of errands and came home later to set it up. I felt bad because it meant less time with Nolan. I am trying to figure out how to be a good teacher and a good mom, and give adequate time to both.

Baby vs. Spouse

This is a hard one! When I finally get time with Nolan on the weekend without having to worry about work, I worry about neglecting Josh. And it is great when we can do things as a whole family! But on Friday night, we were supposed to go on a date but I didn't want him to have ANOTHER babysitter so I turned it down. Josh was disappointed. So he went to a concert with some friends without me and I stayed home with Nolan. After Nolan was asleep, around 8, I called my sister and asked her to come over and babysit and surprised Josh with an impromptu date to frozen yogurt. It was much needed quality time!  

Church calling vs. Baby

Well, this is an easier one. Nolan skipped a nap yesterday  because I took him to the play so I could go to my student's play (another family vs. work scenario), and it made him cranky and he didn't go to sleep  until 9:30 (IN BED at 7:30) and had a hard time going to sleep after feeding during the night. So we woke up at 9:30 am today to him crying, and looked at each other and said, "We're not going to church today!" We called and got subs for our Primary class. This baby is NOT skipping any naps today.

House chores vs. Baby

Well, this is an easier one too. Baby comes first. But I do love a clean house, it helps my anxiety and I feel very peaceful with a clean house. So when the baby is napping, or with the baby in the carrier, I can do my house chores.

I have always felt like a big part of this life is finding balance with all the things required of us. I know if we put the Lord first, spouse second, baby third, and other things in their respective places, we will be able to accomplish all things. Maybe not all in one day, ....but eventually.