Kerry Beck's Blog

I am flying on Southwest and blogging from 38,000 feet.  Pretty cool, huh!  Steve & I attended a seminar yesterday to help grow one of our businesses.  It was a wonderful weekend away, a chance for us to reconnect before the holidays.  I am thankful for times alone with Steve that help us recharge and refresh so we can be a help to those around us.

Last week was quite busy for me.  I had 2 days of business appointments, an ortho appt with Hunter, and all day with Ashley & my mom getting ready for the wedding.  It was great to have my mom in town to show her the church and reception site.  We spent the afternoon working…Ashley folded invitations that arrived this week while my mom & I sewed beads on her cathedral veil.  She has a beautiful short veil, so we’re making a long veil to go with it.  Can’t wait to see it all finished.  We’ll be working on the veil and invitations over the Thanksgiving holiday.  It will be nice to get help from our family.

In closing I heard some good comments at our Mom-to-Mom party this past week that I want to share with you.

1.  Creative Clutter & Creative Chaos – Both of these are true if you still have young children at home.  My friend, Susan, said they often had creative clutter in their house (lego castles, pots & pans parade through their home, etc).  If you struggle with this in your home, realize this is a season of life that will not last forever!  Discuss with your husband how much you can each tolerate and then make a plan.  You might have the 10 minute clean up contest around 5pm before you husband gets home.  Grab a few baskets and tidy up a bit.

2.  Time Alone with Your Husband – I’ve already alluded to this, but I was reminded by other seasoned moms the importance of being on the same page as your hubby.  Getting away for awhile can do wonders for your marriage and your family.  If you don’t think you can afford it, trade time with another family.

3.  Peace & Quiet – Is there such a thing when your kids are still at home?  Find a time each day to grab 10 minutes for yourself.  This may sound selfish, but it will help you be a better mom, able to take care of your family with a fresh perspective.  I took power naps when my kids had quiet time after lunch.  A power nap lasts about 10-15 minutes.  When I got up, I was a new person, ready for the second half of my day.  You might need to lock yourself in the bathroom and eat some chocolate, or hide in your closet, or go outside & weed to get some peace & quiet.  I’m serious about weeding.  My friend, Susan, said she likes to garden so she would weed her gardens.  None of the kids wanted to help weed, so it was always quiet out there

Any other suggestions???