Joy Among the Pots and Pans

As of mid-July, I reached my one year anniversary as a SAHM.  After moving from Washington DC to MN due to my husband's job, I resigned from my position as a legislative aide.  I am by no means an expert in this area, as I only have 1 toddler and one on the way.  However, I do feel like i have fallen off the bandwagon a bit at following my own advice, so I thought writing it out and expressing it on my blog would provide motivation to start again. Here are my 6 tips for first surviving, and then thriving, as a SAHM.  (NB: This is long, and likely beneficial for just me, who needed to think through and type out my ideas concretely!) 1. Have a routine 2. Take care of yourself 3. Let go of control 4. Plan ahead 5. Use social media wisely, but don't forget the those IRL. 6. Continue nurturing your interests #1 Routine My first bit of advice is to have a routine (not a schedule).  A routine where you do the same thing in the same order every day. This...

So, this whole blogging idea of mine really didn't take off, did it? :)  I realized this AM that the post about my new year's resolutions wasn't even published (hence today's date) and it's been six months since I've logged on.  However, I need to write and get the mental juices flowing again, so I guess I'm back on the saddle. It's currently summer here in Minnesota, and like most of the year/winter, it is cold and windy!  It seems the whole country has fallen under a chilly spell. Honestly, it is a little refreshing from the hot hot hot days, but it still felt weird to pull on a sweater and jeans before I made my way out the door to run errands yesterday morning.  The sun is out now, though, so I imagine Little M and I will be heading outdoors this afternoon. Since moving in to our current place, I have a bit slow to the decorating/nesting/making it a home thing.  I have had the curtains and curtain rod sitting in my closet for too long  awhil e ,...

While I know we haven't even celebrated Christmas, I am thinking today about New Year's Resolutions.  Yes, yes, most people give up on their resolutions after only a few futile weeks, and I don't think I am some special case that will succeed.  However, you do miss 100% of the shots you don't take! 2014: 1. Prayer . I am to develop a a more consistent morning/night prayer routine. 2. Happy Thoughts: Reading a positive quote/motivating story each day.  This may sound silly, but reading quotes or watching short happy clips can really improve my mood and help me think in a more positive manner. 3. Gratitude Journal.  I've tried this in the past and I want to start it up again.  I really believe life can be as happy or sad as you make it, and so much depends on one's perspective and 4. Reading .  Even if I read 10 min per day, it will be more than what I'm reading now.  I LOVED reading as a child, and somehow the Internet and other distractions ha...

St. Teresa of Avila is often quoted for saying "God can be found among in the pots and pans."  I have always loved this quote, but it has particularly begun to resonate with me now that I am a SAHM.  While I was hesitant to start blogging, I finally decided I need a creative outlet and a place to share my thoughts, dreams, and home projects. I am on a journey to find more joy in everyday things, to laugh more often, and savor this sweet life that I have been blessed with, or in other words, find joy among the pots and pans.   :)