Time Management is not in my vocabulary

I have been struggling with time management for quite some time now, but even more so now that I have started school. After getting the kids off to school and watching the news with my first cup of coffee, I felt compelled to blog about it. Must have been meant to be, because when I opened up my Google Reader(which, btw, I must tell you about my love for this feature. I was never able to keep up with blogs before hand, check it out!), Meg over at Sew Liberated had posted a blog about finding balance which she had borrowed from Maya at maya*made. Let me share it with you as well...

Motherhood is... finding balance
~ when to hold your child's hand and when to let it go
~ when to listen to others' advice and how to hear your own wisdom
~ how to give to yourself, while you provide so much to everyone else
~ learning how to play and still get work done
~ learning how to get work done and still play
~ figuring out what is too much and what is just enough
~ flexibility vs. structure
~ spontaneity vs. routine

Motherhood is a bit like walking on a tightrope and balance is what keeps us putting one foot in front of the other.

I am definitely on that tight rope, but boy am I walking it wobbly! I need help. I need to find a way to make everything fit and make myself happy again. Maybe happy isn't the right word. I'm not miserable and not really unhappy so much, more like disappointed when I can't accomplish all that needs to be done or that I want to do. My days consist of... chasing kids, doing homework (ok... trying), keeping house (and even that isn't up to par), feeding family, helping kids accomplish homework, showers for kids, and bedtime. Just all that seems to be a full time job, let alone the other things I want and need to do.

The school work is a big thing for me right now. I struggled last week with trying to get work for my classes done. The babies (although they aren't so much babies anymore... almost 4 and 2 1/2 sniffle) absolutely refused to give me time to work. Nap time was a no go, they just refused. I would send them out back to play, they spent every 2 minutes coming to the door or window yelling for mommy. I tried to get work done at night, they woke up, refused to sleep, was extremely cranky and I didn't get the work done and ended up exhausted the next day. Something has to give there!

I walk into what could and should be my most favorite room of the house, the room that we dedicated to my crafting/sewing/scrapbooking/crocheting or whatever other creativity I can conjure up. It is jammed pack with fabrics to be sewn, scrapbook supplies galore to be turned into beautiful layouts and albums for my family, fibers to be crocheted, piles of items that need mending and then the desk that houses the desktop which tends to be the catchall for everything that doesn't have a place or that we don't have time to file away.

I used to spend hours working on my photography, layouts, making clothes... and now NOTHING! That makes me sad. I like being creative. It is quiet time, time for me, time to relax, time to make things for others. I need to find that time again.

Baking is another one. I love to bake.. I love to cook. I find myself doing less and less and making what is the quickest way out. I love being in my kitchen and creating food that makes the people I love happy.

Family time needs to be a bit more creative as well. We usually spend family time together in the living room watching television. Not the best bonding time for us.

Finding time to pick up my Bible and read scripture is another one that I feel very convicted on.

And also, finding time to blog. Obviously by my blog history, anyone can see how much I have slacked on that.

So.... what do I do to find a way to manage my time more efficiently and find time for a little bit of everything? I am on a mission to find ways to make this possible.

What are your time management tips?

C.

Comments

[Sasha]

well, you are a busy lady ... I have half the kids you do and I don't go to school, so I feel silly making suggestions ... also, I'm not a very good time manager - but I've made a discovery: lists! It sounds so simple, but if I make a list (of things to do) and make up my mind to stick to it (which is difficult) I accomplish so much more! Even if I don't get everything done, I still feel good - and it has also helped me not piddle my time away on the internet - lol! (I haven't been doing so well lately!) That's not likely much help, but thought I'd try! God bless

[Stefanie]

I hear you! No suggestions (imagine that) - just hold on tight, enjoy the ride, ah oh, I feel one coming on: write up the lists of things to do, the older boys are old enough to help pick up some slack - they can help organize bath time (with the exception of the baby)they can help you in the kitchen - have one or two watch the little ones (even if it means not going outside to play) have one help you in the kitchen by prep work - One to set the table - TURN OFF THE TV and sit together - have each boy (including the big one) tell everyone One thing that happened that day (and not telling on a brother) - mix it up - one day a week have the boy to the right say something nice about the brother (or parent) on the right - it will go around in a circle. Make sure everyone does homework first before anything else - if that means missing practice, it means missing practice. No outdoor play time until they finish homework. If shower time is one hour to get everyone done have the school age boys go first so they can get finished and ready for bed. Have EVERYONE IN BED by 8:30 that gives you 30 minutes of 'mom I'm thirsty, Mom I can't sleep, Mom blah blah blah. Lives threatened and sleep comes. Designate a time to do your homework and have that wonderful hubby of yours watch the boys while around. He went to school and you made sure he had time to do homework kid free. He needs to return the favor. This is to help BOTH OF YOU so everyone needs to help. Boys, Dads, and most of all give yourself a day each week for you. You have some good friends around.. ask them if they can take a boy or two to help you. Don't be afraid - because if they are your friend, they will be happy to help you out.
Well, for me saying no advice... I just couldn't keep my big mouth shut. I love you girl!

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