Back in March I was able to go on a great trip to Illinois with one of my best friends. We spent the day in Normal, Illinois at the Hearts at Home Moms Conference. You can read about my experience here. Before the trip Katrina and I had a good plan to each read the same books and then talk about them on the way down there. Well, as you know life gets in the way and neither one of us finished either book before the trip.
I just recently started reading The Mother LOAD by Mary M Byers. (One of the books we were suppose to read together.) Early on in the book she talks about meeting our need for balance. Since the start of the year I have been taking a day of rest, a day off from the usual housecleaning and homemaking that I do. But was introduced to a new concept that I want to try out. To Utilize the "31st day" of the month. To take this day in January, March, May, July, August, October and December, set aside some time and ponder the following questions:
- How is the overall pace of my family's life right now?
- How long has it been since we've enjoyed a family night together?
- Does our schedule allow us to eat dinner together at least four nights a week (or however many you're comfortable with)?
- When was the last time my husband and I had a chance to be alone (and awake!) together?
- Is everyone in my family (including me) getting an adequate amount of sleep?
- Is there something that should be taken off my family's "to do" list at this time?
A few questions I want to add are:
- How are the girls behaving? Is there something I need to change or get back to?
- Is there something in the house that needs my immediate attention?
- How are we eating? Are we eating on time? Are we eating healthy?
- How are Scott and I relating? When was our last date? Are we on the same page?
I think I would really like to make this a regular part of making sure the house is running smoothly. To assess and see if there are changes to be made to the way things are going and come up with a plan if needed.
The 31st of May is coming up soon. I have already written on that day as Reflection Day.
